City of Signal Hill E-Newsletter | Issue 20, February 2020
Mary Lamo-Putnam, winner of the Ashleigh-Williams Pearce Spirit Award, holds up her award at the Volunteers & Sponsors Recognition Banquet on January 29.
Hello Neighbor! Keep reading to learn about the upcoming primary election, Astronomy Night, Black History Month, and more.
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Upcoming Events 

Monday, February 17: Presidents' Day, City Hall, Library and City Yard Closed
Saturday, February 22: African-American History Month Celebration, 11:00 a.m. @ Library
Tuesday, February 25: Last Tuesday of the Month Film Series: Downton Abbey, 5:30 p.m. @ Library
Tuesday, February 25: City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. @ City Hall
Thursday, February 27: Astronomy Night, 6:30 p.m. @ Hilltop Park
Tuesday, March 3: Presidential Primary Election @ Library
Saturday, March 7: Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss, 2:00 p.m. @ Library
Tuesday, March 10: City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. @ City Hall

February is Black History Month
The NAACP commemorates Black History Month, celebrated annually every February. Black History Month celebrates the history and achievements of African-Americans. It also pays tribute to the generations of African-Americans who struggled with adversity throughout American history. The City of Signal Hill is proud to join the NAACP in recognizing Black History Month. Learn more about Black History Month here .
African-American History Celebration at the Library
Join us on Saturday, February 22 as we celebrate African-American History Month at the Signal Hill Public Library! Fun and educational activities and events will start at 11:00 a.m., including art, special story times, and an interactive African Drum Circle. We’ll also help you discover the Library’s rich resources to learn more about African-American history and culture. For a complete event schedule, please visit our website or call the Library at 562-989-7323.
Astronomy Night is Now Thursday, February 27
at Hilltop Park
Astronomy Night is rescheduled for Thursday, February 27, to ensure optimal night sky conditions. The event will now be held at Hilltop Park, 2351 Dawson Avenue, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Astronomers will be on hand to give you an up-close, educational experience with the night sky. Registration is required. Please call 562-989-7323 to register for this exciting event.
The Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, March 3
The Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, March 3. This is the first election to use LA County's new Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP) system. The Signal Hill Public Library's Community Room will be a designated Vote Center. It will be open for public voting from Saturday, February 29 - Monday, March 2 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday, March 3 from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Please take some time before the election to learn about VSAP. We've posted information on our website.

If you prefer to Vote by Mail, Signal Hill City Hall is designated as a Vote by Mail drop-off location for this upcoming election. The drop-off box will be located on the main floor lobby through March 3. If you have questions, please contact the City Clerk's office at 562-989-7305.
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday on Saturday, March 7
Celebrate reading and the inspiring characters and creativity of author/illustrator Dr. Seuss with story time, crafts, and birthday cake. This free event is Saturday, March 7. Come dressed as your favorite Dr. Seuss character! This event is limited to 50 children, and pre-registration is required. You can register online , in-person at the Library, or by calling 562-989-7323.
Volunteers & Sponsors Honored at Annual Banquet
Volunteers and community sponsors are crucial to the success of City events, programs, and amenities. The Community Services Department honored its valued volunteers and sponsors at a recognition banquet on January 29. Congratulations to the following award winners:

  • Ashleigh-Williams Pearce Spirit Award: Mary Lamo-Putnam
  • Exceptional Project Partner Award: Lyn Hutchison
  • Valued Volunteer Organization of the Year: Signal Hill Police Department Volunteers
  • Community Volunteer of the Year: Rose Richárd
  • Celebrated Business Sponsor of the Year: Starbucks

The City of Signal Hill is grateful for each and every volunteer and sponsor. To get involved, visit our website and/or contact Community Services at 562-989-7330.
The Census is Almost Here. Make Sure You're Counted.
It's almost time to complete the U.S. Census! Starting in March, Census invitation forms will be mailed directly to your home. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Those who don't respond by April 1 will receive an in-person visit from a Census worker.

Completing the Census matters to all of us, as the results have a big impact in our community. Census data directs federal money to projects big and small, including highway repairs, local health care, school lunch programs, senior assistance programs, emergency preparedness and more. The more people who respond, the more resources that are allocated towards our community. The results also determine who represents you in Congress. Learn more about the impact the Census has on the community here .
Novel Coronavirus: Stay Informed and Healthy
We encourage all residents to learn the facts about the novel coronavirus. We are working closely with L.A. County Public Health to monitor the situation. Currently, the risk of transmission is LOW in our area. Masks are not necessary when going out in public if you are not sick.

Health officials stress that everyone should be practicing good health hygiene, as usual during flu season. Washing your hands with soap and water frequently is very effective in preventing you from contracting this and other viruses, including influenza. Avoid touching your face and nose. If you are feeling ill, especially with respiratory symptoms, please stay home from work and/or school. We encourage everyone to get a flu shot, if they are able.

Please visit our website for information and resources about the novel coronavirus. You can also dial 2-1-1 for information directly from the L.A. County Public Health Department.
Water Rate Adjustments Take Effect in March
Reminder: The City’s new 2020 water rates will go into effect on March 1, and will appear on your water bill starting in April. You can view the Water Rates Study online and/or at City Hall. 
Mandatory Commercial Recycling Reminders
A friendly reminder that commercial recycling is now state law. Under AB 341 and AB 1826, multi-family buildings with 5 or more units and businesses that generate 4 or more cubic yards of solid waste must have both a recycling program and an organic waste recycling program in place. Recycling isn't just the right thing to do, it can help promote your community or business as environmentally friendly. To get started with compliant organic and non-organic recycling programs, call EDCO at 562-597-0608. Learn more about these laws at CalRecycle.gov .
Spotlight on Small Business:
Los Amigos Strength and Fitness
Los Amigos Strength and Fitness is a local gym that offers both personal training and group classes. Programs include CrossFit, weightlifting, powerlifting, strength and conditioning training, Strongman training, Epic Series Training, and more. Los Amigos is a smaller gym which means patrons receive personalized attention and enjoy a family-like atmosphere. Los Amigos is located at 3299 E. Hill Street, Suite 306. For more information, visit their website or call 562-260-4455.

Question of the Month: How do I recognize a neighbor for making positive improvements to their property?

The City of Signal Hill recognizes environmentally sustainable and/or aesthetic improvements with multiple award programs. The Sustainability Award recognizes a business or resident for environmentally-friendly changes such as installing solar panels, starting a compost program, and more. The Beautification Award recognizes a business or resident for aesthetic improvements to the exterior of their property. The Kickin' Grass Award recognizes residents who have recently overhauled their landscaping to become drought-tolerant and/or use less water. To submit a nomination and/or learn more, please visit our Award Programs page or call Community Development at 562-989-7340.
Signal Hill City Hall
2175 Cherry Avenue
Signal Hill, CA 90755
Hours
Mon.-Thurs.: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
562-989-7300
Signal Hill City Council
Mayor:
Lori Y. Woods

Vice Mayor:
Robert D. Copeland

Council Members:
Tina L. Hansen
Keir Jones
Edward H.J. Wilson