President’s Corner 3/18/2025

Greetings Neighbors:

President’s Corner 3/18/2025

Greetings Neighbors:

For those of you who attended the SSCA Annual Business Meeting, Thank You!  For those who have not renewed membership for 2025 and therefore, did not attend, you missed a GREAT meeting and opportunity to share thoughts, questions with some amazing presenters.

A new slate of officers for 2025 were nominated and approved.  LAFD Captain Carlos Calvillo and LAPD SLD Melody Shortle discussed key elements regarding public safety, awareness and neighborhood interaction.   LA Supervisor Janice Hahn and Councilman Tim McOsker well within their element as they described some achievements and goals.  Supervisor Hahns goals within her terms were enumerated.

1. To eliminate homelessness of veteran in her district before retiring,
2. Continuing to support mental illness services,
3. Focus on public transportation safety.

The Councilman equally elegant in his presentation regarding the recent fires in the Nature preserve, hiring Black Knight security service to lock Bogdanovich Park amongst other problematic area in the 1-5, the planning of the South Shores Ocean View Plaza, and the 16-month closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge.  In addition, an advisory council has been established to monitor the construction of the Starbucks project on 25^th & Western.  This group is made up of volunteer residents most impacted by this project.    

In recognition for his 27-years of serving South Shores Vern Hall received several awards presented by Supervisor Hahn, Councilman McOsker, and your SSCA.  In addition, Vern Hall, lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.   

Presentations by Maria Rosales Ramirez; technical issues aside, described the progress for the Clearwater project.  Bob Genest presented several examples of the importance of being diligent to safety issues in our neighborhood.  Last but not least, Richard Welsh emphasized the importance of increasing our membership as we plan for the “SSCA Members Only Reception” Sunday September 14.      

Although Mark Merz a.k.a. Michael (Mark) Herzmark was not present at the meeting, his efforts in soliciting candidates to sign up for the CERT certification must be recognized.  Marks’ contact information:  mique32h@gmail.com cell 818-730-6976.

Last month I enumerated several ideas, potential new opportunities that await a “champion” to initiate these socially interactive groups.  Please step up, join up, be a leader, set an example for our members and South Shores youth.

• Expand social interaction, educational service time, by sponsoring:
  • Tutoring                         Babysitting contact
  • Dog sitting or walking    House sitting
  • Walk & Chat groups       Needle Point
  • Gardening Club              Book Reading Club
  • Business Advertising Etc., etc.

Let your imagination, creativity, or interest spur you into volunteering to host, or begin one of the above ideas, or one not mentioned.