COMMANDER’S MESSAGE
District teammates:
Our sustained operations rely on a critical practice that
I think is perfect to highlight during the holiday season:
partnerships. Whether they consist of relationships we have
forged with military customers, government agencies, civic organizations
or members of the public, our partnerships are absolutely vital to everything
we do.
For example, in November, the
District and the South Pacific Division
partnered with the City of Los Angeles to host Environmental Protection
Agency administrator Gina McCarthy
on a tour of a segment of the Los
Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration
Feasibility Study area. Although the
weather resulted in a change of plans
for the event, I think we still managed
to not only highlight the magnitude of
our work with the river and the study
we have drafted, but also the complexity and significance of the partnerships
we were able to manage throughout the
process between the City of Los Angeles, the EPA, non-government organizations and the myriad of other stakeholders.
Another example of great partnerships occurred right
here in the District headquarters during our Thanksgiving
potluck. It was great to see so many members of our team
(Above) South Pacific Division Regional
Business Director Traci Clever, EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy and Los
Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tour the Los
Angeles River via a bike path adjacent to
Marsh Park Nov. 21. The EPA chief was
in Los Angeles to view river revitalization
and ongoing cleanup efforts. (Right) EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy discusses
Los Angeles River revitalization efforts
during a site visit with Corps officials Nov.
21. The EPA chief was in Los Angeles for
a first-hand view of the river and planned
restoration and ongoing cleanup efforts.
(Photos by Jay Field)
- EPA CHIEF, from Page 1 Corps officials said they are reviewing the comments and plan to release a
final report next spring.
When asked why he is advocating
Alternative 20, while the Corps’ tentatively selected plan is the less costly
Alternative 13, Garcetti said the river
team is lined up with more in common
than in difference.
“It’s a wonderful place to be to
2 NewsCastle
District Commander: Col. Kimberly Colloton, PMP
Public Affairs Officer: Jay Field
Editor: David A. Salazar
Staff: Daniel J. Calderón, Greg Fuderer,
Brooks O. Hubbard IV, Beverly Patterson,
Kristen Skopeck and Mario Zepeda
where we’re all discussing how much
money, not whether to invest in this
project,” said Garcetti. “The city and the
state have already made huge commitments and spent that money to revitalize the river.”
Clever said Corps officials are
reviewing agency and public comments.
She said the Corps will work with the
city to prepare a final report to be released next spring.
“Without the support of the city, in
partnership with the Corps of Engineers
and so many more organizations that
work in the LA River basin, none of this
would be possible,” Clever said. “I’m
proud the administrator is here and
able to witness the strong partnership
that we have here and where we’re going
forward to advance restoration of this
important resource and move ourselves
towards a congressionally authorized
project and realizing some of the benefits.”
Tel: (213) 452-3922 or Fax: (213) 452-4209.
come together to put together a tremendous event, but also
to sit together in fellowship over a fantastic meal. It was a
sight to behold and even more inspiring to watch as many
of us reconnected or connected with co-workers for the first
time there. Creating and maintaining partnerships among
staff sections and divisions is as important as maintaining those outside of our
organization.
Partnerships are the bridges to
more fruitful communication, increased effectiveness and more meaningful mission accomplishment.
I want to thank each of you for your
hard work and dedication in 2013. Your
efforts have helped make this District
what it is today.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Holidays and Happy
New Year to everyone. Please be safe
during your travels to spend the holidays with loved ones. It’s these partnerships with family and friends we must
take the time to cultivate, nurture and
hold in the highest regard. They are
the partnerships that give us the energy
and drive to come to work every day to keep BUILDING
STRONG!
Essayons!
COL C
The NewsCastle is published monthly under the provisions of AR 3601 for the employees and extended Engineer Family of the Los Angeles
District, USACE.
Views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the
District or of the Department of Defense.
Address mail to the Los Angeles District Public Affairs Office, ATTN:
NewsCastle Editor
P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2325
E-mail the Public Affairs staff at: [email protected]
NewsCastle
3