ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

By Randy Scott Leslie

RANDY SCOTT LESLIE responds to questions from SIERRA CLUB and LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS

If elected, I will work with community organizations, Culver City and it's citizens to utilize the public land owned by the city in an environmental friendly way. I would also seek to improve the quality of current parks and ensure the important upkeep and upgrades are not overlooked.

• Increase open green spaces and parks
• Promote pedestrian oriented developments
• Foster eco-friendly public-private partnerships
• Integrate bicycle planning with all future transportation projects
• Research alternative energy uses such as solar power

LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS: Why are you running for office?

RSL: I am running for office because I know I can truly make a difference in the quality of life of local and regional residents by advocating and supporting environment friendly regulations. By taking positive action and leading the region regarding green sustainable ideas and resolutions, I believe we can make an impact on the national front and show the world that we still do care. I would like to provide a strong voice for affordable housing, mixed-use development and an increase in the city park land.

SIERRA CLUB: How important do you view environmental issues as related to other issues: economic, crime, taxes, and so on? What do you anticipate will be the three most important environmental issues that you will face if elected and what actions do you propose to take to resolve them?

RSL: Environmental issues are very important. To say that they are more important then any issue would be a mistake. Environmental issues are inherently complex and directly connected to a Communities Quality of Life. Every issue - economic livelihood, crime prevention, schools, taxes, traffic, etc - is part of an overall equation that affects our daily lives as well as each other. If we were to ignore taxes over the environment, we might find ourselves without timely resources or the public's support to properly guard our most valuable resource - Mother Earth. Lack of proper school funds might cause our children to receive inadequate education and possibly be deficient in environmental awareness and concern. If we were to ignore crime, we could find an apathetic public regarding alternative energy, bio-fuels, global warming, greenhouse gases, and recycling. Our long term sustainability on this planet relies on people being interested and becoming involved. We need to ensure we are taking care of today while planning for our children's future. We need to ensure we have a balanced smart growth with a perspective that takes the communities concerns and issues into account so that we make decisions that last precious lifetimes.

I believe that the Exposition Light Rail project captures the top three environmental issues that Culver City faces today and in the future. Land use, Redevelopment and Traffic Congestion. There are so many opportunities to take a lead environmentally that could make a long term impact on our daily lives. Unfortunately, there are so many chances to fail as well, unless we use the principles of Smart Sustainable Growth and Development. We have to make sure traffic congestion, public safety at crossings and stations, noise, vibration and aesthetics are taken into consideration. We need to design a station that provides opportunities for mixed use zoning, affordable housing, and alternative forms of transportation while also protecting our citizens and the environment. We need to consider the impact parking areas will have in the immediate and outside area. We need to design a dense walkable urban community that works and that people will desire and support. The course we chose today may determine many future successes and failures environmentally, economically, and fundamentally.

SIERRA: Progress on the light rail line along Exposition continues to face funding and community uncertainties. What actions could you take or support that would result in a timely completion of the line? What other transit projects would you suggest in Culver City?

RSL: In Nov 2007, the Metro Board approved an increase to the Expo Light Rail Project budget of $145 million, increasing the budget from $663.3 million to $808.3 million to meet a 2010 completion. Unfortunately, if we don't think and act smartly we will reach $1 billion and 2012 before all is said and done. We must continue to hold public meetings and get all sides to compromise and tailor their own interests for the greater common good. Easier said then done.

We need a motivated and driven leader, a point person per say that will create a synergy and push local, state, and federal entities to collectively work together with communities, business, and corporate leaders to generate funds. From what I understand there numerous groups and organizations that are each pulling and tugging in their own direction.

We need to incorporate Green concepts and ideas alongside all transit projects. We can help prioritize Green projects by streamlining city approval process, encouraging pedestrian activity by designing attractive sidewalks, mandating a target of 40% tree canopy coverage, and requiring Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans. We need to encourage companies to offer employee telecommuting options and discounted annual transit passes. We need to push for a city-wide improvement of mass transit areas. The general public finds it inconvenient or is afraid to take mass transportation. Every bus stop, bench, and transportation waiting area should be clean, safe, and secure. We need to educate the public that we will not tolerate crime. We need to fight graffiti, install security cameras, and pass strict laws with stiff penalties for any criminal activity that takes place in this environment.

I would like to explore the option of a free ride program for our public bus system. A starting point would be to offer a free-ride month or a prepaid card sent out to residents to notify them of its availability. At the very least, I believe we could offer a month free-ride program to seniors possibly via vouchers or reduce the senior citizen fares.

LEAGUE: What are three to five specific tasks (e.g. specific legislation, policies, enforcement actions) you intend to accomplish if you are elected?

RSL: I would like to provide free public transportation to senior citizens, I would like to explore the option of a free ride program for our public bus system. A starting point would be to offer a free-ride month possibly with a prepaid card or voucher sent out to residents to notify them of its availability.  At the very least, I believe we could offer a month free-ride program to seniors possibly via vouchers or reduce the senior citizen fares.

RSL: We need to incorporate Green concepts and ideas alongside all transit projects.  We can help prioritize Green projects by streamlining city approval process, encouraging pedestrian activity by designing attractive sidewalks, mandating a target of 40% tree canopy coverage, and requiring Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans.  We need to encourage companies to offer employee telecommuting options and discounted annual transit passes.  We need to push for a city wide improvement of mass transit areas.  The general public finds it inconvenient or is afraid to take mass transportation.  Every bus stop, bench, and transportation waiting area should be clean, safe, and secure.  We need to educate the public that we will not tolerate crime.  We need to fight graffiti, install security cameras, and pass strict laws with stiff penalties for any criminal activity.

RSL: As a full service city, I want the council to provide the residents of Culver City the fundamental services provided by an Animal Control Officer. I believe we should explore the possibility of having parking enforcement, police and reserve officers given the basic animal control training so they can assist if needed to safely protect and serve in these matters as well.

I think we should attempt to cancel the contract with Carson Animal Shelter due to the unfortunate events that have been brought to the public's attention and pursue an option with West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. It just makes sense to actively pursue a contract with a shelter that is in close proximity to the city.

LEAGUE: What steps would you take to increase affordable work-force housing so that people can live near where they work in the City of Culver City?

RSL: We must reconsider the Culver City Council resolution that allowed the city to defer spending money on low income housing as required by the state that 20% of a city redevelopment funds be allocated towards affordable housing. The current tally of dollars that should be spent on affordable housing and is not being directed to the state mandated targets goal of 20% is up to 30 millions dollars. We need to create affordable housing now not in the future.

I am one of the few candidates that understands how important supporting mixed-use and dense developments that follow the principles of sustainable growth and living. As a leader, I would be one of the few voices that would stand up and state that we must plan for the future and set current generations on a greener path of sustainable living.

In the end, my position is to support the citizens and follow what they desire for the community but I believe it is my responsibility to lead using all my resources and my critical thinking skills to show the community that green living ideas must be incorporated into our current plans.

SIERRA: Land use patterns in our city and surrounding areas are creating an increasing problem of traffic congestion. High vehicle miles traveled are also a problem. What kind of land use policies and developments in our district would you promote which could help to alleviate these problems?

RSL: The principles of Smart Growth provide many ideas that we should implement. We need to seriously consider and promote mixed land use that will alleviate traffic, promote walking and alternative modes of transportation. A variety of transportation options combined with mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, open space, and institutional is critical for any vibrant community. Residents can walk from the house to the store, grab a cup of coffee, rent a movie, or walk to a local restaurant or park. This easy access to several distinct yet interrelated businesses and public places is the key to success in a mixed-use community.

We need to remove barriers, especially zoning regulations, so that residential, commercial, and institutional buildings can legally exist within a single community. If we adjust zoning controls, we can create opportunities that will connect diverse users and provide more affordable housing.

We should encourage clustering, denser developments, and grant incentives for projects that provide day-care, innovative low cost housing, and activity centers. If we take advantage of compact building design, we can create a range of housing designs, types and opportunities in walkable communities that will foster a strong sense of pride and will preserve more open space and critical environmental areas.

With all concepts, we must always be fair and encourage and seek community collaboration in the development decisions.

SIERRA: What are the environmental issues in our City that you feel have not yet been addressed to the satisfaction of the constituents? How will you address these issues?

RSL: In 2007, Culver City only had 92 acres of Park Land which included 8 Community Parks, 6 Neighborhood Parks, and 4 Mini-parks. The city has set a standard of 3 acres per 1000 residents. That is just not enough. Culver City is roughly about 5 square mile in size. Over 40% of city land falls into Redevelopment Project areas. I would take advantage of this opportunity and be a vocal voice to steer each project towards a Greener Open Space outcome. I would improve our Green Park Land Standard by 20%, with a goal to reach 4 acres per 1000 residents within 5 years by doubling our Mini-Parks, increasing Neighborhood Parks, and adding additional Dog Parks. In the future, we should aspire to offer 8 to 12 acres per 1000 residents, as are some cities already.

I believe that Solar Power Initiatives need to be brought to the forefront. We need to partner with public and private entities to provide funding and technical assistance to develop a city-wide solar implementation plan. We need to integrate solar technology into city energy planning, facilities, and schools. Streamline permits, inspections, local codes, regulations, and practices that affect solar adoption by businesses and residents. Promoting solar technology with outreach, development, implementation, and incentive programs will increase the public awareness and knowledge of solar benefits.

We have many other pressing problems such as air and water quality health issues, polluted storm-water runoff, global warming, greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe exhaust that are equally important. Communities must have the resources, courage and capacity needed to create innovation and change. We must all actively become involved and try to make a difference. We must honestly appraise ourselves as well as the city and acknowledge what we are and aren't doing to save the environment. We must chip away at the old policies and seek safe solutions that save lives now and in the future despite the potential imminent cost today. We must act globally as well as locally. We can not allow government policies to override and dismiss scholarly and legal experts that are trying to safeguard our environment such as the harmful effect of sonar on whales and the destruction of our forests.

I believe we must speak up and step up our efforts to conserve our animal and natural resources. We must protect our world and all that live in it.

SIERRA: There has been a lot of emphasis on developing standards for "green building" and "low impact development" in Culver City. What elements would you want the City to prioritize in setting these standards? How would you apply the standards to development standards, including private construction?

RSL: I would encourage focused higher density by accelerated permit processing and reconsidering zoning regulations that would allow increased residential, retail, and employment in central areas around transit. Also we should consider adjusting development impact fee structures, granting incentives, and tax breaks to encourage Green building and Low Impact development near activity centers.

We should attempt to inject LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and standards into every project developed to promote a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in human and environmental health, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

SIERRA: The redevelopment and beautification and environmental concerns have been very slow to go forward in the Ballona Creek Area. What kind of policies and action items would you promote so that the Creek can become used and appreciated by the citizens of Culver City and nearby communities?

RSL: In 1996, the Ballona Creek and Trail Focused Special Study (BCTFSS) was established to measure the areas potential as a recreation resource while recognizing its function as a flood protection channel. A usable document was created with realistic guidelines, concepts, and demonstration projects to enhance the scenic and environmental quality of the creek corridor and improve the public?s use of the trail and bicycle path. In 2001, a grant was awarded to forward the study. In 2002, a focused study and environmental analysis was initiated.

Now, twelve years later in 2008, the completion of this project still pends. I feel that we must maintain oversight while allowing the research and hard work of those who have come before us to come to completion. We must be smart enough to acknowledge their wise choices and strong enough to alter course if deemed necessary. I would ensure a timeline was set in stone with clear concise attainable goals.

This question presents the opportunity to discuss another idea I believe in strongly. Objectively performing a self evaluation and inspecting our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats and Challenges. I am sure the city monitors future and past plans. Examining projects and goals as they are progressing. I would advocate that the city has an Annual Safety Stand Down Day that takes an open honest look at past and current challenges, lessons learned and how they can be applied or efforts could be refocused to ensure we are on track and progressing in a timely manner. Let's make sure we are using all governmental agencies and civilian technical expert resources properly.

SIERRA: What plans would you put forward to option and/or purchase the parkland adjacent to Ken Hahn Recreation Area so that the eventual Baldwin Hills Park would become a significant urban park for use by residents of Culver City and adjacent areas?

RSL: The Baldwin Park Conservancy was created in 2000 and given till Jan 2008 to acquire and preserve lands within the Baldwin Hills region of Culver City. Recently, it was decided that we should offer ten more years to complete its mission to acquire over 620 acres that are currently under private ownership.

With that said, the Baldwin Hills Park is on the path to become a significant urban park, although not expeditiously. Obviously, the park has not lived up to its potential as "One Big Park". It is a big task at hand. It is going to be expensive and take time. Nevertheless, we need to instill a sense of urgency. We need to empower people and organizations so we can get the job done.

Over one million people live within five miles of the Baldwin Hills, and, with barely one acre of Park Land per 1,000 people, this is one of the most park-poor regions in California. Parks are one of the most effective ways to build a sense of community and improve quality of life. Most residents are not aware of what the park offers or if they do, they do not utilize all that it available.

I would request that the BPC try to meet every month and have a semi-annual large forum that would encompass all groups and concerned to address past progress and future direction. Every year we should have an in-park event that creates a buzz to market and teach potential visitors and sponsors the park can offer public access, recreation, education, habitat preservation, as well as company events and picnics. I would hope we could offer opportunities for sponsors to fund different areas of the park i.e. a bicycle velodrome, a basketball court, and a soccer field. We need to look for funding opportunities every day at the park, even on the weekends. We need to impress upon businesses and corporations how important it is to provide an environment that protects our natural resources and enables the community to share and enjoy the green parkland and open spaces.

SIERRA: What programs could you suggest for implementation to improve recycling efforts, especially when it comes to recycling in condominium clusters?

RSL: Mandate waste reduction program availability and participation by requiring haulers provide recycling services to multi-family dwellings (MFDs). Be flexible in program design. Fit the system to each building. Provide program oversight and assistance. Educate people on what needs to be done and why. Have schools give students hands-on type of education about the environment and recycling. Provide waste reduction education and information to new residents when they first move into units using simple graphics and in multiple languages.

Involve residents in program planning and implementation. Show the benefits and the cost savings with clear and easy instructions and materials. Keep it simple and convenient. Follow-up within a short period before any bad habits or lack of concern can set in or develop.

Provide feedback. Encourage and reward resident participation. Use multiple means of getting the message out including tenant meetings, newsletters, volunteers, lease clauses, and posters celebrating achievements.