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Dear Hawthorne Good Neighbors:

A MESSAGE FROM Councilman HAIDAR AWAD

This is the second edition of the Haidar Hawthorne News, and with it comes the end of my first year as your city councilman. I’m amazed at how quickly the year passed, and excited to see significant change and movement at city hall and across our city.

I was overwhelmed with the response to the first edition—you can read many of the messages I received on page 3—from Hawthorne residents, businesses, and even from outside the city. The majority of respondents thanked me for providing information about our city, but I really want to thank you for taking your time to read and be involved citizens—being good neighbors.

NEW OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WATCHDOGS CITY FINANCES

Haidar Awad Named 2017 Mayor Pro Tem

Fall/Winter 2017

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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AHawthorne improves its financial outlook with new developments and a real balanced

budget, the City Council approved a new financial “watchdog” committee at the request of Councilman Haidar Awad.

“I made a promise to the voters of Hawthorne during my campaign that I would establish this committee and protect their tax dollars. I’m eager to move Hawthorne towards economic stability, repair our finances, and rebuild our reputation,” said Mayor Pro Tem Awad.

The Finance Oversight Committee’s purpose is to “[monitor] the finances of the City of Hawthorne in order to ensure economic stability and consistency in goals,” as stated in the council resolution.

“With this committee, we will have added

security for taxpayer’s money with additional oversight and constant review of accounts. This much needed protection for our city would have helped to prevent the misleading financial picture perpetrated by a few lone individuals who put their interests ahead of the well being of Hawthorne,” added Awad.

Chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Awad, the committee includes members from the Hawthorne Municipal Employees’ Association, Hawthorne Executive Group, the Hawthorne Police Officers’ Association, and the Police Management Supervisory Group.

The Committee began in November last year and will continue monthly to review records, meet with city department managers, and develop recommendations for the city council.

Last month, Councilman Haidar Awad received

the unanimous support of the City Council when they named him Mayor Pro Tem for 2017.

“I am honored by my colleagues who have entrusted me with such an important role in our city government,” said Haidar Awad, “I look forward to continuing the good work our council has completed this past year, and thank outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Angie Reyes English for her diligent work.”

Angie Reyes English has held the post of Mayor Pro Tem during 2016, acting in the absence of the Mayor—representing the city.

“I’m excited because Hawthorne is beginning to take center stage. I see it in the many places and events I’ve attended [as Mayor Pro Tem]. Hawthorne is being recognized and that’s exciting for our community…it’s long overdue,” said Angie Reyes English.

Haidar Awad is in his second year of his first 4-year term on the Hawthorne City Council. In that short time he’s worked with the council to bring about financial stability and new development to Hawthorne.

California State Treasure John Chiang

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LOOK WHO’S READING THE HAIDAR HAWTHORNE NEWS

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As we close out 2016, I reflect on the many different

opportunities, challenges and growing points it provided us, individually and professionally. It reaffirmed commitments to our

this [program] is one of the very few I have seen that is taking hold and making a real difference in policing.”

This past October, the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) partnered with our Hawthorne Police Department to declare Friday, October 7, 2016 as National Coffee with a Cop Day as part of National Community Policing Week. As a result, Coffee with a Cop was held throughout the United States on the same day, marking yet another milestone in the pursuit of community policing.

Hawthorne celebrated the occasion by holding its Coffee with a Cop event at the Rosecrans Avenue McDonalds where it began just 5 years ago.

“It was the vision of our very own Hawthorne Police Department that began this historic program in community policing,” said Councilman Haidar Awad.

“I’m proud to be here where it all

It started as a simple idea—connect local residents with their police

officers to talk about community issues in an informal setting while building trust, solving problems, and maybe enjoy a cup of coffee together—and in five short years Coffee with a Cop is now a national phenomenon.

Hawthorne’s Community Affairs Unit held the first Coffee with a Cop in March of 2011. Instantly they knew they had something special and by 2013 a national training program was established by Hawthorne PD and the University of of Illinois’ Center for Public Safety and Justice. As a result, police departments in 36 states embraced the concept. In 2014 Montreal, Canada held the first international Coffee with a Cop and by 2016, Coffee with a Cop was in all 50 states.

Commenting about the impact of the Coffee with a Cop workshops, Hawthorne Captain Keith Kaufman stated, “In my short 20 years in law enforcement, I can honestly say that

started,” added Mayor Pro Tem Awad, “today across America, local residents are having their very own Coffee with a Cop, working together towards the common good of their community.

The Department of Justice says, “The importance of trust between officers and residents certainly has not changed. What has dramatically

changed, however, is the character and composition of our nation’s communities. Shifting demographics, greater mobility with longer commutes to and from work, instantaneous communications, and the advent of web-based social networking have forever altered the very concept of community. With this redefinition, community policing itself must gain a contemporary perspective.”

One of the keys to Coffee with a Cop’s success is that it removes the physical barriers between officers and residents, instead taking place in a relaxed atmosphere with informal one-on-one interactions instead of in “crisis situations” that typically define most interactions between law enforcement and community members.

Follow Coffee with a Cop on social media: @coffeewithcop and on the website: coffeewithacop.com

To participate in Hawthorne’s Coffee with a Cop, call the Community Affairs Office at (310) 349-2888 or email at [email protected].

HAWTHORNE’S COFFEE WITH A COP GOES NATIONAL

A MESSAGE FROM HAWTHORNE POLICE CHIEF FAGERprofession, it asked us to better our communications, and it renewed our appreciation in so many relationships we possess. Matters on national and state tables, now more than ever, have direct impacts on our local issues.

Preeminent on my professional mind are the horrific impacts that touched the law enforcement community. As I write this, 138 Line-of-Duty losses were suffered nationally, 11 in California, this year. Courageous response by two of our own Hawthorne Officers was shown on November 19th during a gun-battle assault upon them. This touched squarely home, our most recent reality-check of the danger our men and women face daily. Thankfully, each of our own survived, and despite a serious wounding to one, both will be entering the New Year at our sides.

Despite those hardships, I cannot tell you how many refreshing and warm encounters our Department staff has experienced throughout the year. Citizens from all corners, saying hello, offering words or even

gifts in support. True reminders that our community at-large values our work, and that only a few skew the line.

2017 is staged to be a very encouraging year! Organizationally, we are entering it wearing new branding, a revised Police Department badge. It now places the Department as the focal point. It serves as our newest marker for expansion in services, goals and pride. In 2017, we will prioritize sustaining and growing the Department in complement, in internal opportunities and in our neighborhood offerings. Equally, we will eagerly watch critical City growth, via key developments scheduled for groundbreaking. We will advocate new partnerships and long-term vision, our City Hall and PD enjoining to advance the City and all its potential.

Now is also a time that I value in looking back with appreciation as well. I thank each Department employee for continually stepping up and helping to form what is, ‘pound

for pound’, one of the top Police Departments in the United States. Words we now use as an Agency, ‘pioneer’ - ‘innovate’ - ‘serve’, are no longer goals. They are now our resume. Best part is, they are done proactively and willingly by Police employees. That’s what sets us apart, and is what is pushing others to emulate.

In closing, I thank our Community. You are the power behind our ability to provide public safety. You understand that the service demands within Hawthorne are among the most demanding found anywhere. Yet through this, you provide for us to meet that challenge, support us when we do right or could have done better, and endorse the many positive outreaches we create and foster. We are fortunate to have you as our Community, and to have our Elected Leaders, our City Manager and City Staff, as our capable leadership and partners in service and betterment.

To all, my wishes for a safe, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. God Bless -

Goodbye 2016…Welcome 2017!

Robert Fager Chief of Police

employee for continually stepping up

with a Cop, call the Community

•• •• •• % �- .. ,

Haidar HaWtHorne neWs™ 3

Haidar Hawthorne Newsis published quarterly by Hawthorne City Councilman Haidar Awad for the purpose of communicating with his constituents.

Haidar [email protected]

Chris [email protected]

Jerry LeveyContributing [email protected]

This publication was produced by Haidar Awad in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of other Council members, the City of Hawthorne or its employees.

This is an independent publication and is not connected nor affiliated with the City of Hawthorne, it is privately funded and not paid for with public funds.

Some photographs were furnished by the City of Hawthorne and others were taken by this publication or provided with permission.

Haidar Hawthorne News™11604 Prairie Ave. Hawthorne, CA 90250

[email protected]

Phone: (424) 675-4338

© 2017 Haidar Awad

would agree that this is a rather unique way to do it.

Regarding the “Good Neighbor’s Day” event held on July 16th and appearing on the back page of the Summer edition of the Haidar Hawthorne News, I could not find mention of credit given to the city. Although the City did provide police protection, staff, equipment, and facilities for the event as well as closing off 126th Street, you are very correct that the Hawthorne Historical Society and it’s members organized the event for the benefit of the “Good Neighbors” of Hawthorne. I thank you and everyone involved for being Good Neighbors, and I’ll make sure to mention it in the next edition.

Thank you for the new Hawthorne News! I enjoyed reading it and look forward to future editions.

I do have a question though. I live on W. 138th Street between Hawthorne Blvd and Inglewood Ave. It seems that the traffic on our street has increased quite a bit over the last year or so. Many cars speed between the main street and the stop sign on Ramona, especially between 7 - 9 am and 4 -6 pm. I believe that this traffic has increased due to the addition of speed bumps on many of the streets north of us. We have been fortunate so far that there have not been any accidents in awhile.

I would like to know how we (my neighbors and myself) can go about requesting speed bumps to be added to 138th Street. Would you be able to provide direction?

Thank you in advance, CS [Hawthorne Resident]

I am very please at your news addition, I have been living in Hawthorne since the 70s and very please to have a council member deliver a message to the Hawthorne community telling us and inviting us to respond to issues in and around our community. I have tried to send a message to council and the mayor since Larry Guidi was in office. Never have I seen a city collapse in front of my eyes to see major stores, restaurants, industry, and the most important the many dedicated and professional caliber of people who all lived here. Now, this community has been abandoned and the door is wide open to gangs, murders, rape, stealing, and just about everything else and our police have no control. They even have their own helicopter flying day and night, and still have no control. Our community goes to other cities in the neighbor to shop for all their goods, leaving us with only five and dime cent stores to do our shopping. The city police have failed in keeping this city safe which ranks our city with the highest crime rate in the state, which ranks us next to Carson/Harbor area in crime according to the latest crime reporting by the LA Times.

In every State of the Hawthorne City address, all we hear is re-building the “Old Mall” which every ex-Hawthorne Firemen said, “the Hawthorne mall is nothing but a big fire hazard which the building should be condemned”! of course all these men are either gone elsewhere or retired. Every new Mayor that comes into office promises these new ideas but in time nothing, I mean nothing happens. The focus today is building around the surrounding areas because that’s where the people

LETTERS TO THE EDITORLetters were received via U.S. Mail

and email. Their content has not been altered but edited for spelling and grammar only. Names appear as initials to protect privacy.

Dear Councilman Awad,I was delighted to receive your

small newspaper and find out that you were now amongst the leaders of my beloved town. For many years, I did not even know the name of the Mayor because the newspaper we once had, went out of business.

Should you decide to make your paper a regular event, I would like the opportunity to apply for a job.

As a 47 year resident of Hawthorne, I need to ask a question about rents. What percentage are owners allowed to raise rents in this city? I know that in Los Angeles it is 3% per year. I attempted to find this answer eons ago and had no luck so perhaps you could tell me.

Best of luck in your upcoming years on the Hawthorne City Council.

EA [Hawthorne Resident]

RESPONSE: Thank you EA. I’m so pleased that you found the Haidar Hawthorne News informative. Although I am planning to print quarterly editions, there are no formal positions available. Maybe someday it will grow large enough to hire staff. Regarding rent increases: Hawthorne has no city ordinance setting rent increases like Los Angeles or Santa Monica. The vast majority of cities our size do not.

Thank youI want to compliment you on an

outstanding job by using a newspaper to deliver facts about Hawthorne.

My family really enjoyed the newspaper that was all about Hawthorne. We thank you

DJS [Hawthorne Resident]

PS. An idea do you think it will ever go digital format???

RESPONSE: Thank you DJS for your kind comments. I’m so very happy that your family enjuoyed the Haidar Hawthorne News. There is a digital version at www.HaidarHawthorneNews.com and every edition will be available on line.

In the mail today, I received a copy of the Haidar Hawthorne News, which by the way is all old news and then was appalled when going to the last page and see where you had given the City credit for having “Good Neighbors Day” when it was the Hawthorne Historical Society that worked endless hours organizing the whole day. Needless to say you owe the Historical Society a GIANT apology and personally need to apologize to the Board of Directors.

Mrs.AH, Historical Society Member [Hawthorne Resident]

RESPONSE: Mrs. AH, thank you so much for your email. You are correct that most of the news was (and will be) “old,” but since this is a quarterly newspaper and not a daily or weekly, it’s impossible to avoid. My goal is to inform residents about our community and city government, and I think you

from the other areas which includes Manhattan, Redondo, and Lawndale all come to eat besides there’s nothing in Hawthorne only auto shops, medical clinics, salons, and a thru fare to other cities, oh, I forgot there is a Denny’s, loyal Denny’s.

So, thank you Mr Haidar, I sure hope your newspaper can bring new changes and congratulations as our new City Councilman.

EM [Hawthorne Resident]

RESPONSE: Thank you Mr. EM. I’m very pleased to announce that the “Mall” is well on its way to becoming a state-of-the-art shopping and entertainment center. Please check out the story and renderings on page 7 as well as page 6 which talks about our new Marriott hotels and restaurant.

I can understand your fear of crime, but I can assure you that Hawthorne has a nationally recognized police department. While more must be done to keep our residents safe, after riding along on several patrols I will say I’m proud of the protection we have and the professionalism of our police department. If there are specific safety issues you need addressed, please contact me and I will do my best to address them.

Hello Councilman Haidar,

My name is SW, I am a resident of Hawthorne. In your publication you invited readers to write you with story ideas. First I would like to say I read your publication cover to cover and found it well written, informative as well as entertaining. I did not vote for you but you obviously were the best candidate and am glad you won. You seem to have hit the ground running enthusiastically. I like and appreciate what you have done in your position already. Keep up the good work.

The library on Grevillea Ave has some of the best librarians I have ever met. I have been a patron of city and college libraries since I was twelve (I am now 55 years young). Let me tell you all research cannot be done on the internet. I grew up in a time when research had to be done by starting at the local library. Scott A. Willis, Librarian, Enoch Frison, Library Assistant II and Judy Neeb, Children’s Librarian are a treasure to the city by the service they provide the library patrons. They help me navigate the myriad of fascinating subjects that can be discovered at the library. And they do it intellectually and professionally. They deserve recognition because they assist children, seniors, homeless people who hang out in the library, groups of developmentally disabled individuals, people who don’t have internet service at home and the average Joe with their special knowledge. Each one of them has assisted me at one time or another by helping me find a book in the vast county library catalog to even suggesting other media forms of information that the library offers. They will even share what they have recently read.

I visit the library once a week and miss it not being open every day and weekends anymore. I do understand budget cuts though.

HHN.HaidarHawthorne.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Haidar Hawthorne News


Hawthorne Addresses Homelessness

Homelessness is a national issue and a crisis countywide. Every community is impacted

and Hawthorne is no exception.

While there are county and non-profit programs available to help homeless persons, every community must handle homeless issues within their own city. For most cities like Hawthorne, it’s the Police Department that first responds.

For Hawthorne PD, it’s Sergeant Grajeda and his METRO Unit of two detectives that handle 90% of Hawthorne’s homeless issue, fitting it into an already tight schedule of crime investigation duties.

“It’s not a crime to be homeless, but it’s become a large portion of our law enforcement workload,” said Grajeda, indicating residents call them first when they encounter a homeless-related matter. He acknowledged that the issue takes focus away from addressing crime, but nonetheless, it’s a quality of life

issue for the community and important to address.

Due to this growing workload, the state and counties are now increasing funding sources to help public safety contend with this demand. Dealing with homeless-based complaints account for 40 to 45% of the METRO Unit’s time. Joining them in this effort is Hawthorne’s city maintenance crew and CalTrans—cleaning up encampments associated with homeless persons. Grajeda emphasized that what residents often see as “trash” are deemed personal belongings and must be respected in accordance with the law.

While the Hawthorne PD is searching for grants to help with the growing issue, Hawthorne’s METRO Unit has a good working relationship with PATH (‘Persons Assisting the Homeless’), a county-based, non-profit organization best known for the annual “homeless count.” They provide shelter services.

A local service provider who’s helped Hawthorne

greatly is St. Margaret’s Center, based in Lennox. They provide emergency assistance for over 12,000 individuals living in the cities or streets of Inglewood, Hawthorne and Lennox in the Los Angeles/LAX area. Their services include a food pantry, utility assistance, immigration processing, adult English classes, Citizenship and computer literacy classes, food stamp and health insurance application assistance, counseling and periodic medical services.

“Homeless Veterans are a high priority”, says Grajeda, but a big part of the problem, one often not realized by the public, is that about 80% of homeless persons decline assistance, remaining content and comfortable with their living status and way of life. “There’s a yo-yo effect as well. Most often, a homeless person who receives assistance will return over time.” Grajeda sees the issue growing due in part to the lack of shelters in LA County.

Although it’s not a factor with the majority of homeless, mental illnesses does affect a large part of the population. Grajeda advocated Hawthorne Police Department’s ‘Mental Health Team’, created to address mental health on the streets. It is a team partnered by a Gardena and Hawthorne police officer along with a full time LA County clinician, designed to specifically handle mentally unstable persons.

Grajeda said that help is welcomed, and recalled how local High School students recently handed out hygiene products to Hawthorne’s homeless. If you would like to help, please contact the Hawthorne Police Department’s ‘Community Affairs Unit’ at (310) 349-2888.

The Haidar Hawthorne News would like to thank Sergeant Grajeda for his dedication and hard work on this issue, and for his time to answer our questions.

CITY OF HAWTHORNE

HawthorneEconomic

DevelopmentCouncil

HAWTHORNE MEMORIAL CENTER3901 W EL SEGUNDO BLVD, HAWTHORNE

THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE'S

Business Expo 2017 is for you!--if you are a business owner, starting a new business, customer, or just want to check out what is happening in our City! Here you can connect with area businesses, community members, and service providers. Events include two dynamic keynote speakers, a wide variety of exhibitors and seminars throughout the day. There will be food and beverage samples and plenty of chances to win prizes!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

MORE INFORMAT ION & T ICKETS CALL (310) 676-1163OR VISI T FACEBOOK.COM/HAWTHORNEBUSINESSEXPO

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS; GROWTH FOR THE FUTUREWEDNESDAY MARCH 22, 2017 FROM 3PM - 7PM

SEMINARS:Social media tips for your business • Emma Vaughn - mainstreethub.com

How cyber liability insurance can protect your business against a data breach • Raymond A. Vergara -

Business services • Robert Chaves - sbwib.org

The proper care and feeding of your website • Adam Silver - conciergewp.com

Street stories - Facade improvement • Nina Choe & Michael Wacht - streetstoriesla.com

Living & doing business in a sustainable south bay • Marilyn Lyon - southbaycities.org

Small business & permit assistance for new & existing businesses • Lillian Conroe - business.ca.gov

Planning for the success of your business • Starleen Van Buren - southbaysbdc.org

agents.farmers.com/ca/hawthorne/raymond-vergara

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Levi StocktonPresident, Advanced Air Charter & The Jet Center

Paul FrederickCo-Founder & Chief Discovery Officer, Eureka!


City of Hawthorne Recreation and Community Services Invites you to a:

Hawthorne Memorial Center3901 W. El Segundo Blvd.(Just East of Prairie Ave.)

(310) 349-1640An equal opportunity service provider

Back to your paper, I hadn’t noticed that the tennis courts on Prairie had been turned into soccer courts– nice. Also I like how you listed all the city parks on page 10 (I go for a walk 5 days a week early in the morning and wish I could walk in a park, but the homeless have taken to sleeping in the park where I live so it does not seem safe) and finally the story on Scottie the police dog, I hope to meet him one day.

Sincerely, SW [Hawthorne Resident]

RESPONSE:

Thank you SW for your comments. I too share your enthusiasm for our Hawthorne Library. You may find it interesting that the library is not run by the city but by the Los Angeles County. Please read the story on page 8 about my experience at our library. Thank you.

LETTER TO THE EDITORCONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

business


will assure funding of Measure A.

MEASURE M: Transportation

Good news for commuters and all of us who travel in LA County is the passage

of Measure M, the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan. Passed by over 71%, Measure M funding will come from a 0.5 cent County sales tax. These funds will benefit Hawthorne in numerous ways with funds for local streets and infrastructures, as well as creating thousands of jobs for working families.

With county population expected to expand over 2 million in coming years, public transportation projects needed vital expansion and improvement. A Cambridge Systematics study on Metro’s plan found that by 2057, communtes for county residents would be 15 percent shorter with Measure M than without.

In a September LA Times Op-Ed, Manhattan Beach City Council member Amy Howorth and South Gate City Council member Jorge Morales said, “Measure M [will] invest $6.34 billion in major South Bay and Gateway Cities transportation projects. Additionally, Measure M would directly deposit funds into the budgets of each city in Los Angeles County, too, so they could fund their own localized road repairs, intersection improvements, traffic signal upgrades and other municipal projects.”

Hawthorne is estimated to benefit with $500,000 in local funding from 2018-2019, and with the new NFL Football Stadium just a mile away from our Northern border, public transportation will alleviate impacted streets and freeways.

Some of the regional projects benefiting from

MEASURE A: Parks

Park and open space in Los Angeles County just got a boost by voters this past November

with the passage of the Los Angeles County’s MEASURE A, the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure.

Passed by the voters by a whopping 73%, Measure A will provide Hawthorne an estimated $7.1 Million in new funding for improvements and projects over 22 years beginning in 2018.

“Only half of Los Angeles County residents have a park within walking distance, and less than half of those parks are in good condition. Eighty percent of them experience overcrowding from users,” said John Christensen and Samantha Ong in an Op-Ed article appearing in the October 12, 2016 Los Angeles Times. Provisions of Measure A can provide additional funds for “park poor, very high need cities” like Hawthorne.

Measure A funding is based on an annual parcel tax of 1.5 cents per square-foot of building floor area throughout the County. Hawthorne’s growth and development will help expand revenues that

FOR GOOD MEASURE Our Parks and Transportation System will get a whole lot better

ANNUAL BOOK SALE

Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad and Council Member Angie Reyes English along with Hawthorne Historical Society President Thierry Lubenec came to support the Friends of the Hawthorne Library’s annual book sale on Saturday, October 15, 2016. All proceeds of the sale went towards supporting our library. For more information about the Friends, contact the library at (310) 679-8193.

Voters Say YES To Modern, Safer Schools

Credit

Measure M are: connecting the Metro rail system to LAX; creating an underground transit corridor through the Sepulveda Pass; connecting the Orange Line in the San Fernando Valley to the future Purple Line stop Westside expansion, and eventually to the LAX Airport Metro Connector. In addition to rail and bus projects, Measure M would also fund improvements on I-5, I-405, I-605, I-710, I-110, and other freeways and invest in bike paths, bike lanes and projects designed to make it safer and easier for people to walk to their destinations.


modernization of more than 130 classrooms at Hawthorne, Lawndale and Leuzinger High Schools including infrastructure for 21st century technology, and gives our students the opportunity for academic and career success with modern classrooms for “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics” (STEAM).

Other projects involve safe schools by removing seismic hazards, asbestos, lead paint and other hazardous materials, installing modern fire safety systems, and replacing aging school electrical, heating, and plumbing systems. Additionally, security cameras and modern integrated lock systems will be installed to better protect our students. And, finally, all classrooms will have air conditioning.

Measure LP protects taxpayers by requiring an Independent citizens’ oversight committee to assure that funds are spent as specified, and annual independent audits will be publicly available.

More than 6,000 students and 350 teachers in

Hawthorne, Lawndale and Lennox will now learn and teach in modern classrooms that meet high safety standards thanks to voters who overwhelmingly passed Measure LP this past November.

Measure LP, the school bond initiative earned a whopping 81% approval from voters which experts say was due in large part to the wide coalition of teachers, parents, students, community leaders, and elected officials who knew it was important to our children’s future.

Plans for Measure LP funds involve the construction or

Photo taken by Hawthorne City cable photographer Erick Chavez.

Photo taken by Hawthorne City cable photographer Erick Chavez.

Next Book Sale April 1, 2017contact (310) 679-8193 e

[


Hawthorne Readies for

New Marriott Hotels

1

Proposed 300 Key Hotel DevelopmentHawthorne, CA

Project ConceptCourtyard Design Concepts

20

Public Space Concepts

Courtyard by Marriott includes a fast casual restaurant chain in the lobby called “the Bistro”

Developer Overview

Development Partners

Project Concept

Courtyard Townplace Suites Site Layout

Project Performance

Project ConceptCourtyard Design Concepts

22

Guestroom Concepts

Developer Overview


Project Concept


Project Performance

Project ConceptTowneplace Suites Design Concepts

24

Exterior Concept Developer Overview


Project Concept


Project Performance

Marriott is the leading hotel brand in the world with over 5,500 hotels and 80 million reward members with the pending Starwood merger. Courtyard by Marriott is the 8th largest lodging brand in the world seen as an upper-tier business class hotel attracting business travelers worldwide while Marriott’s TownePlace Suites is a mid-tier extended-stay hotel that attracts business and leisure travelers seeking value and comfort.

The hotel project will feature a 4,000 square foot full-service restaurant bringing new dining opportunities to the Hawthorne workforce, residents, and hotel guests, including 45 parking spaces that can be used by Hawthorne Public Library patrons during business hours.

A new hotel complex near City Hall is slated to begin construction in coming months.

The City Council overwhelmingly supported the proposal from Mogul Capital to bring two top Marriott brands to Hawthorne via a dual-branded hotel. The current design includes a 200 room Courtyard by Marriott and a 100 room TownePlace Suites by Marriott. The site includes the old police station and adjacent parking lot.

“We are excited that Marriott has chosen to pursue a hotel development of such high caliber in Hawthorne…There is no question that great synergy is growing in our city from this and upcoming projects. The economic benefit that this promises will help bring our city back on track,” said Mayor Alex Vargas to the Daily Breeze.

• MOGUL CAPITAL

COURTYARD Marolf

4s Towne Place

SUITES Marriott


R&AMAY 11, 2016 | NTS

R&AMAY 11, 2016 | NTS

doWntoWn HaWtHorne UPdate:

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MAY 11, 2016 | NTS

Council Approves Agreement with Developer. Mall Site Moves Forward.

What was talk for over 10 years has finally become reality November 22, 2016 with the signing of an agreement between the City of Hawthorne and developer Arman Gabay of the Charles Company, owner of the Hawthorne Mall.

“The curse is over...this is a tremendous day,” said Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad, “look what can be done in just a year…a year ago the city was on the brink of bankruptcy, but through vision and cooperation coupled with dedicated staff we have a real development plan with a real start date. The passion has returned to Hawthorne.”

The $500 million dollar project will include more than 1 million square feet of commercial space including restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley and other entertainment choices. What will make the project unique and highly appealing to potential occupants will be the state-of-the-art office space and the 600 housing units. This mega project is expected to attract high tech companies similar to SpaceX and Tesla.

“We have never had such a huge investment in our city,” said City Manager Arnie Shadbehr who received accolades from the council members as well as the developer for his relentless pursuit for downtown renewal. “Mr. Shadbehr gave me such confidence in Hawthorne as did the council,” said Gabay.

Relocation of the County offices currently occupying space at the old mall will be the first step before demolition of the existing structure. Groundbreaking on the project is slated for early this year.

As Sandy Mazza of the Daily Breeze reported: “The new development wouldn’t be a mall, but would include a large “power center,” or outdoor mini-mall, an office complex and walkable outdoor retail strips with upper-level homes. Courtyards and parklets are scattered throughout the plans and even included on the rooftop.” The concept will be similar to the Grove in Los Angeles.

For Councilwoman Olivia Valentine, this project “…has been a long time coming…it’s a very happy day for us. We’ve long looked forward to seeing this come to fruition so we can begin the process to make Hawthorne a destination city.”

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Hawthorne Presidents Council Holds Annual Community BBQ Event

Helping our community for more than 37 years, the Hawthorne Presidents Council is composed of all the non-profit organizations in the City of Hawthorne, and participates in many activities including fundraising for the Hawthorne Police Department’s K-9 Unit, providing scholarships for local high schools, holiday assistance programs, and Pride Day projects in collaboration with the city.

The mission of the Hawthorne Presidents Council is to develop and maintain a healthy, well-rounded community through advocacy, support of general welfare, and relationship-building.

If you would like to get involved or make a contribution, please call (310) 978-4357.

The Hawthorne Presidents Council hosted a Community BBQ

Dinner in October to raise funds and collect toys for the Hawthorne Holiday Assistance Program. The annual BBQ held at the Hawthorne Memorial Center directly benefited local families during the holiday season, and those who attended helped to provide food baskets, grocery certificates, and toys to over 200 financially challenged families and 500 children.

“One of the best things about Hawthorne is how we come out to support our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad, “we really are the City of Good Neighbors.”

LA County Fire Fighters were also on hand to share safety tips about protecting homes over the holidays.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO-DATE

Most politicians will spend 4 years in office, then try to convince you that they’ve kept their promises.

I’m breaking that tradition by giving you my scorecard on a regular basis so that I can be accountable.

During the 2015 campaign I promised to “strengthen the local economy by bringing much needed shopping and dining options to Hawthorne.” I’m so proud to announce that Hawthorne is well on its way to meet this goal. Turn to pages 7 and 8 of this paper, and you will see that two new Marriott hotels with a restaurant were approved by the council, and yes, the Hawthorne Mall property will finally be transformed into a modern shopping, dining, and entertainment complex

CA State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

HAIDAR MESSAGECONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

You are cordially invited to The City of Hawthorne’s

Keynote Speaker Mayor Alex VargasWednesday, March 29 , 2017 at 12 p.m.Registration & VIP Reception 11a.m. - 12p.m.The Hawthorne Memorial Center3901 West El Segundo Boulevard Hawthorne, CA 90250

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Hepling to build business since 1920

HAWTHORNECHAMBER OFCOMMERCE

Councilwoman Olivia Valentine, Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad, Hawthorne School Board Member and CEO/President of Moneta

Gardens Improvement, Inc. and Mayor Alex Vargas at the Hawthorne Presidents Council Community Barbeque Dinner.

for more Information call (310) 676-1163



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Hawthorne Honors Veterans

The Hawthorne Veterans Affairs Commission

held their second Veterans Day recognition ceremony, with over 160 attending the annual event held at the Hawthorne Memorial Center. Federal, State and City officials were present to help celebrate our her…oes and honor them for serving our Country.

“Veterans Day celebrates the service of all military veterans,” said Neil Gafney, Chair of the Veterans Affairs Commission.

Veterans in attendance were treated to refreshments, prizes and giveaways as well as a formal ceremony to honor them.

During the ceremony

Congresswoman Maxine Waters also recognized Vietnam veterans, “and on behalf of a grateful nation I’m proud to thank you for your service your Valor and your sacrifice,” she said.

The event culminated a year of successful initiatives and community involvement by the Commission which emphasizes an “outward facing, proactive” approach.

To highlight 2016’s accomplishments, the Commission initiated the “Veteran of the Quarter” (VOTQ) program and recognized 3 distinguished veterans from WWII and Vietnam—two of whom were recognized as American

heroes, and one who was selected as Veteran of the Year for the 62nd Assembly District, sponsored by Assemblywoman Autumn Burke.

Increasing the Commissions regional and state profile will bring resources to Hawthorne’s own veterans, so the Commissioners became an integral member of the USC-sponsored LA Veterans Collaborative and the WLA Medical Center Veterans Patient Advisory Council (VPAC) also taking on

a critical role in the planning for the new master plan at West LA Veterans Complex.

Established relations with the leadership to include the Secretary of the VA and participated in monthly meetings related to land use and homelessness challenges at WLA.

To learn more about the Hawthorne Veterans Affairs Commission visit: www.cityofhawthorne.org/veterans-charter

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UPSCALE PORSCHE DEALERSHIP OPENS IN HAWTHORNE

Porsche South Bay held a grand opening ceremony this past December to celebrate

its new state-of-the-art facility featuring a 17 car showroom, 34 service bays, free hybrid charging stations and only 20 minutes away from the new Los Angeles Porsche Experience Center in Carson.

“There’s no Porsche store like this on the western United States so it’s the biggest newest, it’s got everything that Porsche would ask for, from digital signage to deliver bays, to environmentally friendly that I always do at all my stores,” said Mike Sullivan owner of Porsche South Bay.

Proximity to the freeway is an advantage allowing Porsche owners across Southern California from Malibu to Northern Orange County to come to Hawthorne for their automotive needs.

“We’re just delighted to have [Porsche South Bay] here, it is a gorgeous facility and as you can see from the crowd everybody is very excited about Porsche coming to Hawthorne.” said Councilwoman Olivia Valentine, “With a facility like this it also attracts other kinds of facilities as

well, so we hope this is the genesis of economic vibrancy in this area.”

Owner Mike Sullivan owns a total of nine dealerships in the South Bay and he wants customers to feel so comfortable when they do business here that they won’t want to leave.

“Just really pleased it’s been a lifetime dream of mine to build something like this my kids are all my partners …my dad was my partner for 25 years and it’s been much more than a business operation, much more than another dealership…this is what I grew up doing,” said Sullivan.

Porsche South Bay has been serving the South Bay since 1999 and is proud to be one of only two Premier Dealers in Metro Los Angeles and one of only 25 in the entire United States.

As part of the LAcarGUY family of dealerships, they are very involved in community, charities, and fun local events including Heal the Bay, Grades of Green, Boys and Girls Club, Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Races and the Hermosa Beach concert series to name just a few.

You can find more information at https://porschesouthbay.com/ or call at (424) 488-0743.

Porsche South Bay is located at 14610 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250. Sales Hours are

Monday - Friday : 9:00AM - 8:00PM, Saturday : 9:00AM - 7:00PM, and Sunday : 10:00AM - 6:00PM. Service Hours are Monday - Friday : 7:30AM - 5:30PM and Saturday : 9:00AM - 2:00PM. The Parts department is open Monday - Friday : 8:00AM - 5:30PM and Saturday : 9:00AM - 2:00PM.

Video from Hawthorne Community TV 22 was used for this story.

that will include state-of-the-art office space. This transformative project is the centerpiece of a new vision for Hawthorne, one where the prosperity of our city is a priority.

On page 10 you will find a story about the new Micro Brewery that’s put Hawthorne on the foodie map and on this page a story about our luxury Porsche dealership that’s turning heads. Both of these businesses are attracting positive attention to Hawthorne and bringing residents of surrounding cities into Hawthorne to spend money.

Another promise I made was

to “ensure our city finances are transparent and open to public scrutiny, stabilize Hawthorne’s finances and balance the city budget, and make city hall resident friendly.”

On page 1 is a story about the new Financial Oversight Committee I initiated and won approval by the council. This five member committee meets monthly to not just review our accounts, but to ask questions of the staff, make recommendations, and to come up with ideas on how to save money and improve services. We just held our second meeting by the time you receive this newspaper, and I will keep you informed on our progress.

Remember that you can find a complete copy of our city budget and a link to OpenGov at www.cityofhawthorne.org/city-budget-documents. I strongly encourage all residents to review our city budget.

HAWTHORNE ADVOCATE

Over the past year, I’ve met with numerous Federal and State elected officials to build relationships and awareness for Hawthorne. Our

city has taken hits in past years and unfairly received a negative reputation. I’m glad to report that it’s rapidly changing to a positive reputation.

I’ve met with U.S. Congress members Nanette Barrigan, Maxine Waters, Ted Lieu, Judy Chu, Grace Napolitano, Karen Bass, and Lucille Roybal-Allard discussing transportation, aviation, and infrastructure issues as well as grant opportunities for Hawthorne.

I’ve also sat down with numerous state representatives to bring their attention to Hawthorne’s needs in education, transportation, and boosting the local economy. I’ve had productive meetings with Senate Pro Tem Kevin De Leon and State Senators Ben Allen, Isadore Hall, and Steve Bradford. On the Assembly side, I’ve met with Speaker Anthony Rendon as well as Assembly members Sebastian Ridley Thomas, Richard Bloom, Autumn Burke, Cristina Garcia, and Mike Gipson.

California’s State Treasurer John Chiang continues to be a good friend


Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin, District 11

to Hawthorne, and Controller Betty Yee and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones also showed their support.

In Los Angeles County, I’ve met with Assessor Jeffrey Prang to discuss Hawthorne’s growth and kept Supervisors Mark Ridley Thomas, Janice Hahn, Shelia Keuhel, and Hilda Solis fully briefed about Hawthorne’s needs and our new projects.

I’ve continued to meet with Inglewood Mayor Jim Butts to discuss how our two cities can work together now and into the future regarding the new NFL Stadium—there will need to be significant coordination between our two cities. Included in that coordination must be the City of Los Angeles which borders both Hawthorne and Inglewood. To that end, I’ve discussed issues with LA Council members Paul Koretz, Curren Price, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Mike Bonin, Bob Blumenfield, and LA Controller Ron Galperin.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10


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Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad takes a tour of the Hawthorne-based Los Angeles Ale Works micro brewery given by Andrew Fowler, managing partner.

MICRO BREWERY OPENS IN HAWTHORNE AMIDST MUCH FANFARE

The team successfully raised capital, secured a new home in Hawthorne, California and prepared for its brick and mortar grand opening at the start of 2017.

LA Ale Works is currently on tap at these establishments:

Eureka! Tasting Kitchen, Hawthorne Airport, CA

“Today was a momentous day for the LAAW team. After months of prep and permitting, we’re finally breaking ground. Strangely enough, we’re already approved

Los Angeles Ale Works was a dream project founded

in 2010 by Kristofor “Kip” Barnes. In 2013, Los Angeles Ale Works launched its first beers into the marketplace following a successful Kickstarter fundraiser. Working with Ohana Brewing Co., Los Angeles Ale Works tenant-brewed proof of concept beers to gather valuable feedback from customers. In 2015, Barnes teamed up with Andrew Fowler and Jeff Szafarski to strengthen the business side of the organization.

for TTB and at the final stages of ABC approval. These things usually follow ground breaking and construction wrap-up. It’s progress!

If you’re in or near Hawthorne, you may hear the faint song of jack hammers tearing up concrete and, if you listen closely, you may even hear us bell-kicking in celebration.

We’re extremely excited to be moving forward and are still hopefull that we’ll be sharing beers with everyone later this year!

http://www.laaleworks.com/team/

Los Angeles Ale Works12918 Cerise Ave., Hawthorne,

CA 90250

TASTING ROOM HOURS

Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Thursday 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Friday Noon - 11:00 pm Saturday Noon - 11:00 pm Sunday Noon - 8:00 pm


The “big takeaway” from these meetings is that people are becoming aware of the positive direction our council has taken, and there’s a growing excitement about what’s happening in Hawthorne.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The 2017 Business Expo will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd from 3pm to 7pm at the Hawthorne Memorial Center. Call (310) 676-1163 for tickets and info.

Hawthorne families can enjoy the “Bunny Breakfast” on Saturday, April 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Center hosted by our Recreation and Community Services department. It’s $3.00 per child and $5.00 per adult (kids must be accompanied by an adult), and you should register early starting March 6th at the Memorial Center.

The Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce will host the STATE OF THE CITY by Mayor Alex Vargas on Wednesday, March 29 at 12 Noon. Call the Chamber at (310) 676-1163 for more information.

And lastly, the Hawthorne Parks & Recreation Foundation Golf Tournament will be held on

Monday, April 10th beginning 12 Noon at Coyote Hills Golf Course in Fullerton. Contact Recreation and Community Services for more information at (310) 349-1640.

For the latest events, go to the City’s website: http://www.cityofhawthorne.org/latest-news/

LET ME HEAR FROM YOU

The next issue of Haidar Hawthorne News™ will come out this Spring. Again, I’m looking for story ideas. If you have any interesting stories about Hawthorne, ideas for this paper, or comments, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call my home number at (424) 675-4338.

Have a great President’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day!


NEW ORDINANCE WILL “CLEAN UP” BILLBOARD BLIGHT

The Daily Breeze reported, “City Planning Director John Ramirez said that the city has been looking at this as an option going on four or five years — to relocate the structures into an area that provides higher visibility on the 105 and 405 freeways to highlight local businesses along these major corridors, and move older structures out of city neighborhoods.”

Before this ordinance, Hawthorne had imposed a city-wide ban on new billboards and prevented upgrading of existing signs.

The City Council took positive action a few months ago to

encourage billboard owners to move their signs away from the city’s interior to freeway facing locations in an attempt to clear away blight from Hawthorne neighborhoods.

This inventive policy has raised interest from other cities interested in the incentive based program that allows existing billboard owners to negotiate new agreements with the city for digital signs in better locations while eliminating older signs from less desirable locations.

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HAWTHORNE’S BEST KEPT SECRETSThis will be an occasional feature, highlighting Hawthorne special events, businesses, or locations you might not know about. Do you have a favorite place in Hawthorne that you would like to share? Send us an email at [email protected]

Not Just Books, Hawthorne Library is So Much MoreThe solution to these and more

are at our local library.The County of Los Angeles

Public Library was established in 1912 under authority of the County Free Library Act. The Library is a special fund department operating under the authority of the County Board of Supervisors. Today it is one of the major libraries of our nation, and provides library service to over 3.5 million residents living in unincorporated areas and to residents of 49 of the 88 incorporated cities of Los Angeles County. The service area extends over 3,000 square miles. Supplementing the 7.5 million volume book collection, the Library also offers magazines, newspapers, government publications and many specialized materials including online databases.

The old days of being shushed in the library are long gone.

In its place is a warm, inviting gathering spot to do homework, use a computer, hear a story, welcome to learn in more ways that reading.

The key to it all is your library card which is free and available to any permanent or temporary resident of California.

What if you want to buy a new washer/dryer and want to know the highest rated manufacturer? Want to learn a language or take a class from home—free? Love music and want to try something before you buy it? Remember that favorite tv show or movie from your childhood, but can’t find it anywhere? Heard about a great magazine, but don’t want to pay a year’s subscription to get it? Or love to hear books read by the author while driving?

Resolve to Rise is Raising Hope for Women in Hawthorne

Sexual assault prevention was the focus of several workshops held

this past year by the local non-profit, Resolve To Rise. This past October, a very special Teen Edition was held at the Hawthorne Teen Center in partnership with the Hawthorne Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

“I was sexually assaulted by my father and my second eldest

brother…it wasn’t until later in my twenties when I first spoke of the abuse, said Resolve To Rise founder, Yolanda Dun, “[then] in 2010 I learned that my daughter was raped by her half-brothers. The agony that it cost me emotionally, psychologically from the assault that I experienced myself but then watching my daughter go through her journey of healing..it was something that I do not want anyone else to experience. Today, I stand as a survivor and advocate for other survivors.”

Resolve to Rise was born out of Yolanda’s experience, and today is helping hundreds of women and teens protect themselves from assault.

The focus of this workshop was to help educate our teens on sexual assault—to help them respect the word “No.” “Our goal was to ensure we helped our teens lower the risk of sexual assault on themselves as well as preventing a child from committing a sexual crime that would forever changing his/her life,” said Dun.

Teens and their parents listened intently to the information provided by Lt. Robert Williams from the Hawthorne Police Department and Deputy District Attorney Simone Shay.

My daughter was raped by her half-brother (her dad’s son) while in her dad’s care and while he was home. When I learned of my daughter’s rape in April of 2010, it devastated me. As her mom, my

intuition told me something was wrong and I had suspicions she might have been abused because she was exhibiting a lot of emotional outburst and some physical pain. I had taken her to many doctor’s visits but doctors were not able to give me a solid answers. The answer came on an April, Wednesday morning of 2010. Once I learned of her rape, I quickly reported it and she was placed in trauma therapy.

October of 2010, I overdosed on prescription medication. At that time I was going through a very rough time at work and news of my daughter’s rape made the year even more difficult. While she started and continued her trauma therapy, I started my therapy as well. The next few years were very challenging on many levels for both my child and I.

Resolve To Rise will hold several events in 2017, including a March Spring Cleaning Sale to benefit Resolve to Rise, the first Annual Symposium on Saturday, April 1st where participants can engage with leaders in the area of sexual assault trauma. Coming in June, a Picnic in the Park – fundraiser to benefit Resolve to Rise then Right Touch workshop in July.

Resolve to Rise is a 501(c)3 Hawthorne based non-profit organization dependent on the support of our community to continue to provide free workshops. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, help or to join us in this fight, visit their website at resolvetorise.org.


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Assemblywoman Burke’s 2nd Annual Operation Gobble

Assemblywoman Autumn Burke held her 2nd Annual Operation Gobble turkey giveaway to support residents of the 62nd Assembly District who could use a little help during the Thanksgiving holiday. Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad lent a hand at the November event held in conjunction with 101 Enterprises Foundation and the Lennox Coordinating Council.

Holiday Season of Giving to Hawthorne Families in Need

Councilwoman Angie Reyes English Holds Gobble Giveaway

2nd Annual Turkey Giveaway Held at Finance Auto Sales

Hawthorne Chamber and Finance Auto Sales teamed

up this holiday season to give away 350 turkeys and 350 bags of groceries to local families in need at Thanksgiving, and another 400 turkeys and 400 bags of groceries during the Christmas holiday. The Hawthorne Chamber also provided

1,000 toys to children. “We at Finance Auto Sales are proud to be part of the Hawthorne community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Haidar Awad who is also Vice President of Finance Auto Sales, “and we believe it is our duty and privilege to give back to Hawthorne.”

Hawthorne City Hall was the site of Councilwoman Angie Reyes English’s annual Operation Gobble turkey giveaway to support Hawthorne families with groceries and a turkey for

Thanksgiving. Hundreds of turkeys were given away by volunteers in bags provided by Republic services.

The company currently provides these services to innovators and universities interested in high-speed transportation technology and solutions. The Hyperloop system built by SpaceX at its headquarters in Hawthorne is approximately one mile in length with a six foot outer diameter.


SpaceX is revolutionizing terrestrial transportation through its Hyperloop transportation services

Chamber of Commerce Gof Tournament

The Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce held their 2nd annual Golf Tournament which was a success.

Haidar Hawthorne News

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