The city of Los Alamitos heard concern from one of its major nonprofit organizations that high potential exists for a head-on collision near its location on Cerritos Ave. and they expressed concern that they had not heard from the city for nearly a year.
Anne Mallari, the Chief Executive Officer of WeCare, one of the city’s major nonprofit organizations that striping changes made by the city left open the possibility that oncoming traffic seeking to turn left on a nearby street put drivers in a vector that could prompt a head-on collision with vehicles attempting to turn into their site.
“This could lead to a head-on collision,” Mallari told the Council, noting that several of their partners have registered concern after turning in.
Wendy Seeley, who owns the location where the nonprofit is located, said she notified the city via email approximately a year ago about the problematic situation.
Seeley said she did get a response from the city and, for about eight months, the email correspondence continued, until it just stopped without the problem being addressed.
She said the striping that prompted the dangerous traffic situation remains, although the city did attempt to mitigate the problem by scraping off one of the stripes.
The work “didn’t change the overall striping” that is causing the problem, she said.
Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink directed City Manager Chet Simmons to have the proper staff reach out to them and see what can be done.
Mallari also thanked the Council for their continued support of the nonprofit, especially the summer help provided by the Recreation and Parks Department.
Simmons said the city has made remarkable progress in the past five years.
“There was a lot that the city council wanted us to accomplish,” said Simmons, “including improving our infrastructure, bring our police department to full staffing, and ensuring that we were continuing to increase the quality of life for the residents and for the businesses here in Los Al,” said Simmons.
“Like anything, one person cannot take all of those goals and make them come to reality,” said Simmons, noting that most of the major items have been accomplished, including quadrupling the amount of improvements we’re doing out in the public, he said.
In addition, he said they have “new buildings going up and achieved what I think is a monumental task of doubling our general reserve (fund).
“There are a number of people who have helped make this happen,” he said, but “one person in particular … has been with us during the entire transition, who has been steadfast in everything he’s done and been a sounding board and has really helped the city to grow,” said Simmons.
He was referring to Ron Noda, the Deputy City Manager and Director of Developmental Services, who has been with the city for 25 years.
“I appointed Mr. Noda Deputy City Manager not too long ago when the idea was that this was a temporary thing. Since that time, I have come to realize the invaluable nature of having someone like him within the organization.”
“Effective immediately, I am promoting him to Assistant City Manager,” said Simmons to applause from the Council.
Noda spoke briefly to say he has enjoyed his service since becoming an employee in 2000.
In other action, the Los Alamitos Council:
- Watched Chief of Police Michael Claborn promote DeAngelo Gosset to the rank of Corporal, as the Los Angeles native welcomed his entire family. Chief Claborn allowed Gosset’s wife to pin on his new badge.
- Heard Cheryl Wong accept a Legacy Business Award from the city, as she explained how she became involved with the business in 1992, being hired by Dale and Sharon Williamson after moving here. Wong was so dedicated that the Williamsons gifted her “sweat equity” to become owner/manager and she said Rise Up Athletics gym (formerly Kidnastics) will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2027. Mayor Hasselbrink said legacy businesses like this one in Los Al “make a lasting impact on the cultural, social and economic life force our community. They are truly part of the fabric of our community,” she said.