La Paz wastewater permit up for debate
The Los Angeles County Regional Water Quality Control Board on Thursday and Friday of this week will hold a public hearing to consider approval of a permit to allow the La Paz shopping and office center to implement a wastewater treatment facility.
The shopping center, proposed to be constructed in the Civic Center south of Malibu Public Library, has the approval of the City of Malibu and the California Coastal Commission.
The regional board last year voted to implement a ban on the use of septic systems in the broader Civic Center area. The La Paz plan includes a development agreement that would donate 2.3 acres to the City of Malibu, which could be used for municipal purposes, including the implementation of a sewer.
The Regional Water Quality Control Board has in the past refused to issue the wastewater permit because, among other reasons, it says the La Paz application is incomplete.
The Chicago developers of the La Paz project have struggled for more than a decade to get the approval process completed for their project at the corner of Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Road.
They reached a milestone in November 2008 when the City Council approved both an 112,000-square-foot and a 99,000-square-foot version of the development.
New traffic information service available
A new traffic information service is now available in Southern California. Commuters can call 511 for up-to-date travel information including traffic and travel times, public transportation, train schedules and carpool partner pairing, among others. The new service provides real-time traffic information, with updates every minute. More information can be obtained online at www.Go511.com.
Funding approved for restoration of Trancas Creek and Lagoon
The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission last month approved funding for the acquisition and restoration of property at Trancas Creek and Lagoon in Malibu. The grant, which was close to $1 million, was awarded to the National Park Service and local restoration partners to purchase a seven-acre parcel adjacent to Howe’s Trancas Market that contains portions of Trancas Creek and Lagoon. The grant will also support the initial phase of native plant restoration. More information can be obtained by e-mailing jtopel@waterboards.ca.gov.
County map updates available on Twitter
A new Twitter account recently opened by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department will enable residents of Los Angeles County to receive daily updates on tract map and parcel map recordings throughout Los Angeles County. Followers of LACoSurveyor will also have access to land surveying and development-related tweets covering a variety of industry topics, including proposed legislation or policy changes and updated subdivision guidelines. The new Twitter account is expected to further cut department operating costs by expanding the existing online content and reducing the need for customers to visit the public works facilities in person for survey-related records. More information can be obtained by calling 626.458.4094.
Free flood insurance workshops offered
The National Flood Insurance Program is offering two free workshops, which will provide an overview of NFIP for insurance agents, lenders, Realtors, local community officials, engineers, contractors and developers. Certified Floodplain Managers and licensed California Property and Casualty Insurance Agents who attend can earn three hours of continuing education credit. Topics will include how the NFIP works, flood maps, flood zone disputes, mandatory purchase requirements, and recent and upcoming changes to the program. The workshops with take place July 13 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Department of Public Works in Alhambra. More information can be obtained by calling 917.782.7275.
By Leslie Wade