The positive response to my last editorial was overwhelming !!! Neighbors I had not seen in weeks came by just to bring agreeable comments. For those others that called and wrote – Thank-you - but please be aware; to improve our schools and our neighborhood, it takes an effort by all involved. We live in a great place, and we can make it even better thorough your involvement.

I have been involved with a lot of "firsts" during the past term. We have worked very hard to make the RHA a meaningful organization that adds value to the Riviera by doing new things like polling residents regarding view impairment by trees so we can gather a consensus for further action, aggressively following proposed developments and moderating discussions between developers and residents, increased number of annual newsletters, a higher quality newsletter in both terms of content and production, and better more meaningful programs. So I am pleased to announce another first: "The First Annual Riviera Homeowners Association Concert-In-The-Park" scheduled for Saturday June 13, 1998 from 5 – 7 PM. So plan now to bring a blanket, food, beverage, and the family for this first-time free concert. I hope this idea will take off and we can begin to sponsor a concert series consisting of several events of varying styles over the coming summer evenings.

Secondly, another thing I am proud of is that the RHA has recently attracted a lot of new, dynamic people to the board. Among these people are Johnny Tai and Morgan Tookey. Johnny has agreed to jump head-long into the Transportation issues of the Riviera. Morgan, has agreed to become a Director to monitor the increasing encrochment of development into the area. His first project is acting as a liaison between residents and the Begonia Farm developers. I encourage you to read the articles written for this newsletter by both of these folks, and if you would like to assist them or join their committees, give them a call soon.

Thirdly, there will be an upcoming election for Riviera School Site Council. This committee assists in planning priorities for school improvements. I have placed ‘my hat in the ring’ and would appreciate your vote when your child brings home an election ballot.

One final thing that I would like feed back from you all on … As you know, in 1998 electricity has been deregulated and opportunities exist for business, groups, and individuals to purchase power from private suppliers. Around the country, many homeowners groups are banding together and buying bulk power at a much lower rate than small groups or individuals. Questions of the month are: Would you be interested in forming a Riviera Homeowners members group for buying power at a reduced rate ? Would you be interested in expanding the Homeowners as a group that also offers member rates for insurance, telephones, etc ? Would this be a ‘value-added’ that interests you ? Please write or call me with your feed-back.

Glenn Tanner

 

 

RIVIERA TRAFFIC ISSUES

The most common traffic complaints on residential streets today are 1) Increased speeds and 2) Heavier volume of traffic. Due to modern society's heavy emphasis towards efficiency, people are driving at higher speeds and finding short-cuts that are not designed to take on heavier traffic flow. The City of Torrance has recently decided to respond to these complaints by supporting a new effort entitled "Traffic Calming". Helene Buchman, Senior Traffic Planner of the City of Torrance, recently made a presentation on "Traffic Calming" at our last General Meeting. At the end of her presentation, Helene was asking the residents to aid in this effort.

This is where my volunteer effort kicks in. For our Traffic Calming Program to become a success, I will need your help in defining areas of serious traffic concerns. I am currently setting up sub-committees to address concerns that have already been brought to my attention (Newton Street, Calle Mayor, Calle Miramar). If you are interested in participating in a sub-committee or would like to address a particular concern, please contact me. Also, please keep in mind that we can all contribute to Traffic Calming by abiding by the posted speed limits and driving safely through our neighborhood.

Johnny Tai