Established in 1918, the city of Marina, Calif., encompasses an area of more than 9,000 acres. The city offers affordable housing, schools, fine dining and entertainment facilities, parks, art galleries and historical museums. The city operates several departments that include administration, development services, finance, community development, police and public safety. It also has a public works department that administers construction-related businesses, including issuing permits, conducting building inspections, granting senior citizen garbage discounts, and performing street and road maintenance. In addition, it operates a recreational and cultural services department that conducts daily drop-in programs for people of all ages. The division offers special activities, including ballroom dancing, flower making, bingo, and travel days for shopping and sightseeing throughout the Central Coast.