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FEBRUARY 2012
AROUND
ALHAMBRA
PUBLISHED BY THE ALHAMBRA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SECTION B
life
community
seniors / health
dining / entertainment
auto / real estate
SENIOR
Living,
adjusting
to aging’s
challenges
PAGE 2B
DR. DENNIS E. MCFADDEN,
ATHERTON CEO
HEALTH
Technology
opens door
to color
blindness
Fine wine, great food, now served at Vino at Trio’s
Vino at Trio’s, 10 N. First St., is a new place for Alhambra couples to spend date
night in style. In addition to the heated outdoor patio, customers are invited to dine at
the bar at Vino at Trio’s.
EE AGE
S P
11B
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Valentine’s Day is your chance
Lots of ways to say ‘you’re my sweetie’
SEE PAGE 10B
DR. KAREN CHAO, O.D.
SEE PAGE 8B
AUTO NEWS
Before buying a car,
find out the cost to
insure it
PAGE 17B
REAL ESTATE
Going Green makes
homes appealing
SEE PAGE 22B
James Stewart, Shenandoah and your home
B Y GARY FRUEHOLZ , D ILBECK R EALTORS
Doug McClure: “I want to ask for your
daughter’s hand,”
Jimmy Stewart: “Why do you want to marry
her?”
Gary Frueholz
Doug McClure: “Well, I love her,”
D ILBECK R EALTORS GMAC
Jimmy Stewart: “I know you love her … but do
626-318-9436
you like her?”
A realtor with Dilbeck Realtors and a
SHENANDOAH, UNIVERSAL’S 1965 MOTION PICTURE
member of the Alhambra Planning
STARING JIMMY S TEWART AND DOUG MCCLURE.
Commission, Gar y Frueholz is a
One of Jimmy Stewart’s most beloved and
certified Senior Real Estate Specialist.
tear jerking motion pictures was the Universal Studios film, Shenandoah.
house buyers need to keep firmly in mind as they
And what Jimmy Stewart said about choosing a
balance the curb appeal of a potential home with
wife can readily be applied to picking the home
functional basics which need to be met?
you live in. Buyers fall in love with a home from its
Research shows that “livability” is a
curb appeal and various enticing cosmetic aspects
homeowner’s
top priority. In other words, the floor
that catch their immediate attention. But just like
plan
and
the
house’s
design need to fit the owner’s
a marriage relationship, over the long haul if basic
lifestyle.
Key
features
affecting livability are adnecessities are not met, the love fades and the relaequate
storage
space,
walk-in
closets, and flexibiltionship will not endure.
ity
of
design.
Livability
includes
the construction
What are some of the basic, core elements that
Understanding
Real Estate
materials and techniques which support comfortable living and economic objectives of the
new owners.
Some of the most stylish homes incorporate what is called a mid-century design with
walls of glass that provide magnificent views
from the home. But as one looks out a window, they must be prepared to understand
that those on the outside can look back in.
For some people this is no problem, but for
others it can be a very disconcerting reality
once this fact sinks in on them and greatly
reduces the livability of a home.
Flexibility of a home’s design is another important consideration. Floor plan flexibility creates
what is called “flex-space.” This idea allows a family to use a space for a purpose most needed at a
specific time. The room’s function may change over
time. Home study rooms, children’s play rooms,
and storage rooms can easily be adapted to meet
changing family needs. Another example is havContinued. Please turn to Page 23B
SENIOR NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
PAGE 2B
2/2012
Seniors / Retirees News|Activities, Projects, Features
Planning our golden olden age —
While we age, we keep on living, adjusting
BY D ENNIS M C F ADDEN , CEO
ATHERTON B APTIST H OMES
It is said the two inevitabilities in life
are death and taxes. After taxes and before death, however, comes aging. Statistics show that the fastest growing segment of the population is in the senior
category. And, the unprecedented extension of aging presents seniors and those
who love them with a host of issues regarding where and how they age.
Here are some of the options:
Aging in place. Most of us would like
to live in our own homes or apartments
until death overtakes us. For some, such
an option is realistic. For instance, this
may work best for you if you have a solid
network of family and friends who live
nearby and are willing to assist you. You
might also find this workable if transportation options (including alternatives
to driving yourself) are readily available;
if your home is senior-friendly or can
be modified easily; and if you do not
have lots of physical or medical needs.
Also to be considered are the questions
as to whether you can take care of your
home and lawn maintenance issues (either by yourself or by hiring it to be done
for you); if you naturally like reaching
out to others for social support; and, if
your neighborhood is safe.
If these issues cannot be answered
affirmatively, aging in place may be a less
Dr. Dennis E. McFadden
Understanding
the Senior
Experience
Dennis E. McFadden, is President
and CEO of Atherton Baptist
Homes, 214 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Alhambra. Phone him at 626-2894178.
than ideal option for you or your loved
one. An alternative may be the growing
trend toward the “village” or NORC
(Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). More than 50 of these communities exist in the United States
which allow seniors to remain in their
own homes while drawing upon the specialized services available.
Assisted Living. A number of providers offer specialized assisted living services for seniors. Most of these are based
on month-to-month arrangements.
They serve up minor assistance with activities of daily living issues such as
medication passes, grooming, or bathing help.
If you are in need of more personal
care than is available in an independent
setting, yet you do not require 24/7
medical supervision, then Assisted Living may be a good choice. However,
once your money runs out, you cannot
expect to remain in the facility and may
be left with very unattractive options.
And, if you progress to the place where
a nursing home setting is needed, a lack
of funds may drastically limit your
choices.
Nursing Home. Despite the “expose” programs and sensational news
articles, a good nursing home can be an
excellent option, particularly if you or
your loved one needs round-the-clock
medical care requiring the services of
physicians and licensed nurses. Since it
can be extremely expensive (often $200
to $275 per day), one should do their
“due diligence” in checking ratings on
the Internet, talking to physicians and
friends, and making a personal visit to
the prospective facility. If it does not pass
the “sniff ” test, it probably is not right
for your loved one.
Continuing Care Retirement Community. The CCRC combines multiple
levels of living on a single campus, typically requiring an entrance fee and
monthly fees pegged to the specific level
of care. Good ones, such as Atherton
Homes where I work, never put anyone
out because they have exhausted their
funds. By having all levels of care on a
single campus, you have the advantage
of social activities, professional specialists in various fields, maintenance free
living, and a wide array of optional services (e.g., meals, transportation, off
campus trips, assistance with activities
of daily living, etc.) as well as residential
living, fully functioning assisted living,
companion care, and licensed skilled
nursing. This can be particularly useful
when one spouse breaks a hip and needs
skilled nursing and the other has limited transportation options.
In addition to these options, a number of ideas are being tested each year to
provide even greater freedom for seniors.
The best plan is to begin your planning
long before you think that you will need
it.
Around Alhambra
For advertising rates and other information, contact
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
104 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801
Tel: 626-282-8481 Fax: 626-282-5596
www.alhambrachamber.org
submit press releases to: [email protected]
2/2012
SENIOR NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
PAGE 3B
Joslyn Adult Center
Joslyn Center to host Valentine’s Day luncheon
While most Alhambra seniors will
want to attend the Valentine’s Day Special Luncheon at Joslyn Center, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 14, there are a host
of other events — luncheons, seminars,
classes, club meetings, etc. — that are
scheduled in February and merit a place
on the calendar.
Here are just a few of the activities
scheduled:
AARP Tax Services, Wednesday and
Thursday, Feb. 1 and 2 and on every
Wednesday and Thursday through April
12, at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., or 3 p.m. Appointments are required. Phone 570-5056;
walk-ins will not be accepted.
Happy Birthday Luncheon Celebration, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1
and on the first Wednesday of every
month. Those celebrating birthdays will
be honored with much attention, many
greetings and a token gift.
Valentine’s Day Craft, 9 a.m. Friday,
Feb.3. Fee: $3. Participants will create
Valentine’s Day crafts for significant others. Registration was required by Jan. 25,
but phone 626-570-5056 to determine
if space is available.
Edison’s Energy Assistance Program
Seminar, 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Presented by Southern California Edison.
Valentine’s Day Special Luncheon,
11 a.m.Tuesday, Feb. 14. Fee: $4. Bring
a sweetheart and satisfy that sweet tooth
at this heartfelt celebration. The luncheon will be capped off with a selection of pies — all ala mode — and special guests and entertainment that will,
according to Joslyn representatives,
“send your heart aflutter.” Registration
is required by Monday, Feb. 6.
Mental Wellness Seminar, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 21. Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Mental
Health.
Healthy
Eating
Lifestyle
Program,Wednesday, Feb. 22 and on
each Wednesday through March 14,
from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required. Phone
626-570-5056 for registration details. If
one is overweight, has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or is not
physically active, take this program.
Learn steps to help in adopting a
healthier lifestyle and reducing risk of
heart disease. A different topic will be
covered each week.
Managing Trusts Pre and Post
Death Seminar, a part of the “Managing Elder Care, Trusts & Medi-Cal” series presented by Elder Law Attorney
Carlos A. Arcos. 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb.
ve
o
l
I ou
y
23. Following this seminar, Mr. Arcos
will offer a free 15-minute legal consultation on Elder Care and Medi-Cal Benefits. Appointments must be made prior
to the seminar/consultation date. Phone
626-570-5056 to make an appointment.
Making the Most of Your Doctor
Visits Seminar, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb.
28. Presented by SCAN.
Additional events are frequently
added to the Joslyn schedule; check the
calendar at the entrance to the center,
or check with office staff or volunteers
for new additions.
Classes and seminars are free, unless
otherwise noted, but a reservation phone
call to 626-570-5056 will ensure that
space is available.
Senior lunches, including special
Luncheon Celebrations, require a reservation two days in advance. Phone 626458-4455 weekdays between 9:30 a.m.
and 12:30 p.m. The suggested donation
is $2.
Senior Outings to tour Hollywood
Bowl, Universal City Walk, March 9
Emeritus at Alhambra celebrated the New Lunar Year to welcome a prosperous and good
year for its residents, family, and friends.
Emeritus at Alhambra residents to
celebrate New Year with families
Emeritus at Alhambra, a senior living and assisted living community, celebrated the New Lunar Year to welcome
a prosperous and good year for its residents, family, and friends. The community is home to more than 95 senior men
and women, mostly of Chinese descent.
“It was a wonderful gift for the staff
and families to provide such an exciting
and exuberant dinner and show for the
residents, whom they care for each and
every day,” said Peggy Wong, Life Enrichment director.
Residents were encouraged to invite
their families and friends to help celebrate the New Year with specialty Chi-
nese cuisines; New Year candies, such as
winter melon and lotus seeds; and a
Lion Dance presented by local performers.
The celebration took place in the
community’s main lobby.
Emeritus at Alhambra is committed
to making a difference in people’s lives
by providing service of the highest quality and value in a supportive environment, promoting health, independence
and social interactions of seniors.
Emeritus at Alhambra is located at 1
E. Commonwealth Ave. Stop by for a
free tour, or phone 626-289-3871. Visit
the Web site at www.emeritus.com.
“When we needed help,
we discovered Vista Cove at San Gabriel”
Quality
• Assisted Living
• Memory Care
• Respite Care
Lic. #197606796
AT SAN GABRIEL
For more information or to schedule a tour, please phone
(626) 289-8889
901 W. Santa Anita St., San Gabriel, CA 91776
Most people have been to the Hollywood Bowl at one time or another, but
how many have actually toured the
Hollywood Bowl Museum?
That is what Alhambra seniors, after
a short ride in a luxury coach, will be
doing on March 9 as they participate in
the city of Alhambra Senior Outings
Program.
They will also experience a walking
tour of the Bowl, and to top off the day,
spend the afternoon at Universal City
Walk where they will have an extensive
choice of lunch venues (lunch not included) and the fun of exploring the
shops of Universal City Walk.
Leaving Alhambra at 9 a.m. and returning by 5 p.m.— all for the miniscule
fee of $12 — participants will have
many experiences to share with their
friends.
Seniors wishing to participate will
register for the outing at Joslyn Center
on Tuesday, Feb. 7 (registration details
are in the city of Alhambra Leisure Activities
guide,
available
at
www.cityofalhambra.org) and additionally
have the opportunity to register for a
March 23 Senior Outing to Downtown
Ventura and its art galleries, book stores,
coffee houses, boutiques, restaurants,
and entertainment venues. The day starts
in Alhambra at 8:30 a.m., ends in
Alhambra at 4:30 p.m., and the fee is
just $12 (lunch not included).
Future Senior Outings include trips
to:
• Ojai on April 12 – register on March
6.
• San Manuel Casino on April 27 –
register on March 6.
• Gardens of the World and the
Lakes on May 17 – register on April 3.
• Shoreline Village on May 25 – register on April 3.
• Santa Monica on Farmer’s Market Day on June 13 – register on May
1.
• Huntington Beach on June 22 –
register on May 1.
Phone 570-5056, and there might be
a chance to participate in the February
Senior Outings (registration was last
month) to Downtown Riverside on
Thursday, Feb. 9 and/or Cabazon Outlets and Morongo Casino on Friday,
Feb.24.
Social Security online
Claimants can check
the status of their pending Social Security applications on Social
Security’s Web site.
By logging on to
www.socialsecurity.gov and
selecting the “check the
status of your application” link on the upper,
left-hand side, one can
then enter the Social Security number and
the confirmation
number given at the
time of the application.
PAGE 4B
HEALTH NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
2/2012
Health & Medical News|Hospitals, Physicians, Dentists, Facilities
Metro Home Healthcare staff, from left: Kimberly Morales, Nayomi Ekanayaka, Cesar
Garcia, Denzel Ratnasoma, Raul Yanez, Patrick Lam, Daniel Lopez, and Lulu Gonzalez.
Look for Metro Home Healthcare vans in Alhambra transporting medical equipment
directly to patients’ homes.
Metro Home Healthcare provides quality patient services
After working for more than 30 years as a respiratory therapist at Garfield Hospital, Denzel Ratnasoma
felt he was ready to retire and take on a new profession
in the medical field.
“I held all the positions at Garfield Hospital,” said
Mr. Ratnasoma. “I started there as a student and then
transitioned from staff therapist to assistant director. I
know how to manage a staff, and I have the medical
knowledge to take care of patients.”
Wanting to cater to a need for multilingual quality
patient care in the community, Mr. Ratnasoma opened
Metro Home Healthcare Equipment and Supply Inc.
in Alhambra 12 years ago.
“When a patient makes the transition from hospital to home, we provide the services they need,” said
Mr. Ratnasoma. “If the patient needs a hospital bed,
portable oxygen system, or wheelchair, we will give
them whatever they require.”
Due to a growing need in the community, Mr.
Ratnasoma moved his business from a small one-story
facility on Fremont Avenue to its current two-story
space on Valley Boulevard four years ago.
In addition to selling medical equipment, Metro
Home Healthcare offers patient education services.
“We fill a void in the community that other pharmacies simply cannot provide,” said Mr. Ratnasoma.
“We provide a service of medical equipment and supplies combined with the home care services. We go to
the patients’ homes and evaluate them and see what
products they need.”
Metro Home Healthcare works with a majority of
hospitals in the San Gabriel Valley, including Alhambra
Hospital, San Gabriel Hospital, Arcadia Methodist,
Huntington Memorial Hospital, and Garfield Hospital to ensure that their parents’ homes will be safe and
ready to go when they are discharged.
“The doctors in this community trust me,” said Mr.
Ratnasoma. “When they discharge someone, the paContinued on next page
2/2012
Alhambra-based small business excels in
efficient service, taking interest in patientd
‘Our customers
know us by
name ...’
Continued from previous page
tient is going to need different
medical supplies. If they are
having breathing problems and
require oxygen, we will set up
oxygen. Any medical equipment they need to use at home,
from feeding pumps to scooters, we will set it up.”
With a staff of 12 full-time
state-licensed employees, Mr.
Ratnasoma relies on his managerial background to guide his
staff. Lulu Gonzalez has been
with Metro Home Healthcare
for the past 12 years as a medical biller and office manager
and credits the business’s personal touch for its success.
“Our customers know us by
name,” said Mrs. Gonzalez.
“They want to keep a relationship with us because they feel
confident in our services. Not
only can we sell them a product, but we can tell them how
to use it to make their life
easier.”’
Mr. Ratnasoma promises he
will match the price for any
medical equipment found
online.
“Our products are afford-
PAGE 5B
State, health providers to increase flu
vaccination rates among healthcare workers
SACRAMENTO ––Highlighting the importance of flu vaccinations in reducing the risks of illness and infections among
patients, state public health officials have joined with statewide
health care providers to urge all health care workers to get their
annual flu shots.
Influenza is a contagious disease that can be spread before
symptoms appear, and is responsible for 200,000 hospital admissions and 36,000 deaths nationwide every year. The federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that
all health care workers — even those who are not directly involved in patient care (e.g. clerical, housekeeping, administrative,
volunteers, etc.) — be vaccinated annually.
Fremont Optometry Center
A respiratory breathing device used to combat snoring is available for
purchase at Metro Home Healthcare.
able,” said Mr. Ratnasoma.
“We want to ensure that we can
help anyone on any budget.”
Metro Home Healthcare services patients on Medicare and
Medical. Most HMO’s are ac-
cepted.
For more information about
Metro Home Healthcare, visit
www.metro4mediequip.com, or
phone 626-282-2200.
Se Habla Español
2447 W. Valley Blvd. • Alhambra, CA 91803 • (626) 300-9251
PAGE 6B
2/2012
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Shoulder can suffer from several types of pain
S HOULDER H EALTH
B Y S HEILA Y ONEMOTO , P.T.
Some of my patients tell me, “All I
did was turn to get my purse from the
back seat of the car, and then I felt an
aching in my shoulder.” The pain seemingly comes from nowhere, and movement is markedly limited in all directions, hence the term “frozen shoulder.”
The ligament surrounding the shoulder joint gets very tight and sticks to itself making overhead movements particularly difficult. A portion of this ligament in the armpit region has enough
“material” to allow the arm to go overhead, similar to the underarm region of
a jacket sleeve. It may help to understand the construction of the shoulder
joint to see how this “frozen shoulder”
condition might be prevented.
The shoulder consists of a system of
four joints: the breastbone, the collarbone, the shoulder blade, and the upper arm bone, which attaches onto a
fairly flat socket on the shoulder blade
and is suspended and supported by ligaments and muscles.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, the part of the muscle attached to
the bone. Inflammation is the body’s
way of healing an injured area and usually warns of an injury caused by overuse or strain. To treat tendonitis, you
The shoulder consists of a system
of four joints: the breastbone, the
collarbone, the shoulder blade,
and the upper arm bone
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T., has been a
physical therapist for more than 30 years,
specializing in Integrative Manual
Therapy using a holistic approach. She
can be reached at Yonemoto Physical
Therapy, 55 S. Raymond Ave, Suite 100,
Alhambra. Phone 626-576-0591 for a
free consultation, or visit Web site
www.yonemoto.com for more information.
need to rest from activities triggering the
pain and swelling. The body cannot heal
an injured area if you continue to use it.
Ice often helps decrease swelling. The
swelling puts pressure on nerves and
causes pain. Reducing any scar tissue
with special massage techniques helps by
reducing tension occurring from these
tight structures pulling on the bones.
Finally, the muscles need to be retrained
to move in a balanced fashion so the
strain does not recur.
A bursa is a fluid filled sac covering
adjacent areas reducing friction over the
two surfaces and allowing better gliding. Sometimes, due to abnormal stress,
an inflamed condition, bursitis, occurs.
Shoulder pain may increase at night
due to your arm position causing more
pressure on the injured structures.
The body uses pain as a means of
communicating potential injury, warning you to change positions.
I also believe the body heals more
during sleep, so the inflammatory pro-
cess may be greatest at night.
Use extra pillows to support the arm
and shoulder. A cold pack decreases pressure and may slow down pain impulses.
Drinking chamomile tea, which is an
herbal anti-inflammatory, practicing
deep breathing, and doing relaxation
exercises may also help.
Since the shoulder relies on the balance between the muscles surrounding
the joint, influenced by posture and activity, it is important to maintain a balanced length, strength, and proper coordination of muscle activity. Hopefully,
by doing this you will get a peaceful
night’s sleep.
Get more energy, lessen stress, and rid
yourself of aches and pains. Try a noimpact “Chinese Energy” exercise class
Your first class, a $30 value, is free. Phone
or visit our Web site for more information.
Try an introductory Qigong class for free
Qigong, a 5,000-year-old method of exercising for health and longevity from
China, was a closely guarded secret in families and monasteries. This exercise
uses gentle movement and is thought to balance qi, or energy, within the body
for maximum health and happiness.
Pick any Saturday morning to try a level I Qigong class for free.
The classes take place at Yonemoto Physical Therapy, gym side, 25 S Raymond
Ave., Suite 100, Alhambra 91801.
Level I: Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18
Level II: Saturdays 9-10:30 a.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18
Phone for more information and to make reservations: 626-576-0591.
2/2012
PAGE 7B
Cosmetic Surgery
Move over Botox, Xeomin is a new kid in town
B Y D R . S TEWART W ANG
For years Botox has been the
primary injectable medicine for
wrinkle reduction, especially
around the eyes area. A new
product, Xeomin, just recently
received FDA approval for
wrinkle reduction. It is entering the market to compete with
Botox in this highly popular
beauty treatment arena.
Xeomin offers similar benefits as Botox. Recently we
treated several patients with
Xeomin in the same areas that
they normally would have been
injected with Botox. The early
subjective reaction is that it
took a little longer for the
Xeomin to work but that the
action of Xeomin appeared to
be a little stronger. At the
present time, the patients have
only been injected for about
eight weeks. We will follow
their progress in the next few
months to see how long the
Xeomin lasts compared to
Botox.
Botox is the brand name for
botulinum toxin. It has been
used extensively for the medical treatment of muscle spasms
and spasticity. Botox Cosmetic
was introduced in the late
1980s and has been used by
millions of patients worldwide
for the cosmetic treatment of
wrinkle reduction. In recent
studies, 2.8 million people have
received Botox on a yearly basis. Statistics show that men are
increasingly following their female counterparts’ footsteps
and getting Botox treatment.
The injection process is
quite simple, and quick, aiding
the rise in Botox’s popularity as
people seek safe and simple solutions to minimize wrinkles
without significant risks or
downtime.
Typically, Botox takes about
two to three days to start working and the full effect may not
be seen until one to two weeks
after injection. The duration of
the effect can vary depending
on the dose used, size, activity
of the muscles treated, and individual sensitivity to the medication. In general, we expect
each injection session to last
several months. Side effects are
uncommon but not rare. Typically, minor bruising or tempo-
Dr. Stewart Wang is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has
been in private practice since 2002. His primary focus is on aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. For more information, please contact his office in Alhambra at 626-282-6680 or
in Upland at 909-985-6030. Follow the practice on Facebook,
or visit the Web site at WangPlasticSurgery.com.
pleased to be able to offer this
to our patients.
Since Botox has had a
longstanding history of safe and
successful use, it remains to be
seen whether Xeomin can be
just as effective if not better.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
call and speak to one of my
staff.
We will be happy to review
the benefits and limitations of
each treatment as well as any
other suitable alternatives. This
can be done not only in English
but in Spanish and Mandarin
as well. Our office offers comprehensive treatment options to
assist you in your pursuit of
everlasting beauty.
rary drooping of the affected
area may be encountered.
Xeomin is presently offered
in a few selected offices. The
manufacturer is offering an incentive program for patients
who are willing to try the product, with a mail-in refund of
$50 per treatment. We are
February
Special
LUSCIOUS LIPS EVENT
at Upland office Feb. 8, 2-7 p.m.
Live demo of injectable
fillers that can plump,
fill and define your lips.
Phone to reserve space.
We now have
XEOMIN
Phone for details.
PAGE 8B
2/2012
Karen H. Chao, O.D.
Color Blind? Technology opens door to seeing color
B Y K AREN H. C HAO , O.D.
People who are not color blind usually have no idea what people who are
color blind see. Yet, there are a number
of careers that depend on excellent color
vision. For example, if you can’t distinguish the difference between the colors
of wires or lines, you would never be
approved to be an electrician, telephone
repair person, pilot, or for certain positions in the armed services.
But now, thanks to technology, innovative lens technology opens the door
to seeing color! Thanks to Chromagen
Lenses, there is now an optical corrective solution for color blindness. The
clinical trials for this first FDA approved
solution of its kind, found that more
than 97% of color-blind people reported
a significant enhancement to their color
vision and their everyday lives when
wearing the Chromagen lenses.
Approximately 3.5 million people are
afflicted with color blindness in the
United States. However, the condition
really is a case of color deficiency not
blindness. Through the use of special
filters that work by changing the wavelength of each color going into one or
both eyes, it enhances the color perception and color discrimination.
One out of 10 men and approximately one out of 200 women are color
The ChromaGen™ System makes it possible for color
deficient people to fully experience the beauty of a
dramatic sunset or to see for the first time, the complete
range of colors on a beautiful fall day.
Dr. Karen Chao, O.D. is an Optometrist
trained in the ChromaGen System. She has
been in private practice for more than 17
years. In addition to general optometric
care, her services include Vision Therapy,
Neuro-Optometric Evaluation for Traumatic Brain Injury, Corneal Refractive
Therapy, and Low Vision Services. She can
be reached at 121 S. Del Mar Ave., Suite
A, San Gabriel 91776; or phone her at
626- 287-0401.
deficient. Defective color vision can
range from near-normal ability to distinguish colors, where typically the
chemical for seeing red or green is slightly
altered, to a high degree of confusion,
where the chemical balance is considerably altered.
The ChromaGen™ System makes it
possible for color deficient people to fully
experience the beauty of a dramatic sunset or to see for the first time, the complete range of colors on a beautiful fall
day. The system also makes it possible
for people who have been held back in
their careers due to color deficiency to
pursue their dreams.
Here is what a couple of people had
to share after wearing the
ChromaGen™ lenses:
“I realized that some cars I thought
were black were navy blue or dark green.
As I looked around, it was as if colors
popped out at me, especially orange,
pink, and fuchsia. I will be able to see
colors I was lacking.” – Nick A., New
York.
“I used to think I had a genetic defect that just couldn’t be helped. Now I
see everything in a new light. Flowers
are just so astonishingly beautiful they
take your breath away.” – A. Bristol, GP
To determine if ChromaGen lenses
can help, a full evaluation would be performed by an optometrist who is specifically trained in the ChromaGen™
System. The evaluation would determine which spectrums cause confusion
and which lenses would aid you in seeing the necessary colors.
The exciting news is that the
ChromaGen lenses are also available in
contact lenses, so you don’t need to wear
glasses. Visit www.ireadbetternow.com/colorblindness for more information.
CDPH: reports no whooping cough
deaths in California during 2011
First time in 20 years thanks to statewide vaccination efforts
WWW . CDPH . CA . GOV
SACRAMENTO – California recorded no deaths from pertussis
(whooping cough) during 2011, a first
since 1991, announced Dr. Ron
Chapman, director of the California
Department of Public Health (CDPH)
and the state public health officer.
“Greater awareness of the disease,
more rapid diagnosis and treatment, and
increased vaccination rates contributed
to saving the lives of infants,” said Dr.
Chapman. “I thank our public health
and medical communities for working
together and being especially vigilant
following the 2010 epidemic.”
In 2010, 9,000 Californians were diagnosed with pertussis and ten infants
died from the disease. In response,
CDPH partnered with local health departments and health care providers
across the state implementing disease
control strategies and informational
alerts. The state also offered free vaccines
to hospitals, allowing convenient vaccination for new parents to prevent transmission of the disease to newborns. Last
fall, a new state law required students in
Grades seven through 12 for the first
time to get a Tdap booster shot. The new
school law will apply to all students enContinued on next page
2/2012
PAGE 9B
Smile Talk
Xylitol: may mean conquering tooth decay with sugar
B Y J OHN C. C HAO ,
D.D.S., M.A.G.D.
Yes. A new kind of sugar, called xylitol, when incorporated into chewing
gum, can not only prevent tooth decay,
but may also help “re-mineralize” or heal
small cavities that have not penetrated
the enamel, according to an article published in the Journal of the American
Dental Association (JADA). This article
stated, “The evidence is strong enough
to support the regular use of xylitolsweetened gum as a way to prevent caries, and it can be promoted as a publichealth preventive measure.”
To understand how xylitol can prevent tooth decay, it is important to understand how cavities are formed. Sugar
does not directly cause cavities. Rather,
sugar introduced into the mouth is converted into acid by bacteria (e.g., streptococcus mutans) in dental plaque. The
increased acidity of the plaque causes
“demineralization” of the enamel, which
is the highly mineralized, hard covering
layer of the crown of the tooth. The reason xylitol is effective in preventing cavities is that its chemical properties do not
allow microorganisms to convert it into
acid. Furthermore, unlike common sugars, xylitol does not decrease the pH (increase acidity) in dental plaque that
would result in more acid formation. In
fact, chewing xylitol gum has been
shown in some studies to lower plaque
formation. Other studies seem to indicate that regular use of xylitol gum can
“re-mineralize” enamel undergoing the
initial stages of chemical breakdown.
Xylitol tastes almost the same as sorbitol-sweetened gum (sugar free gum).
Xylitol, according to the JADA article,
is more beneficial “in terms of reducing
caries risk than sorbitol-sweetened
gum.” Sorbitol-sweetened gum is a “low
cariogenic sweetener” rather than a
“non-cariogenic sweetener,” such as xylitol.
Xylitol contains only two grams of
sugar in two sticks of gum. Substituting
some xylitol products in the diet can significantly reduce caloric intake. Consider the fact that the average consump-
State reports no
whooping cough
deaths in 2011
tering seventh grade in 2012 and beyond.
While whooping cough remained
high at more than 3,000 cases in 2011,
there have been no deaths since October 13th, 2010. The last time California had 3,000 cases of whooping cough
was 2005. That year, eight infants died.
In 1991, there were only 249 reported
pertussis cases in California.
Young infants are the most vulnerable to serious whooping cough complications. Of 575 whooping cough
cases among infants 3 months of age or
younger reported during 2011, 244
(42%) were hospitalized. That’s a significant drop since 2010 when 59 % of
infected infants in that age group were
hospitalized.
regimen of chewing xylitol-sweetened
gum three to five times a day for a minimum of five minutes to inhibit plaque
accumulation and chemical breakdown
of enamel. In combination with regu-
lar home care and visits to the dentist,
xylitol can be a beneficial adjunct to
maintaining your smile for a lifetime.
Check with your dentist as to whether
xylitol may be right for you.
For more information, contact Dr.
John Chao at 626-308-9104. Visit Dr.
Chao’s Web site at cowardswelcome.com
tion of all sugar is 141.5 pounds per
capita in the U.S. in 2003. Much of the
sugar intake has come in the form of
sodas and juices, both of which have replaced milk and formula in the diets of
infants and young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly
opposed the practice of manufacturers
of sodas and juices in contracting with
school districts for the sole right to stock
vending machines in the schools, known
as “pouring rights.”
Another interesting discovery is that
the regular use of xylitol may interrupt
the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from mother to child, according to
a study from Finland. It was reported
that there was a “significant reduction
in the colonization of mutans streptococci” in the saliva of the infants in this
study which involved 195 mother-infant
pairs. The cavity rate of the children in
the xylitol group was 70% lower than
the other groups.
It is recommended by some dental
experts that it is beneficial to include a
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PAGE 10B
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
2/2012
Dining & Entertainment | What’s Happening for Food & Fun
Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14 —
Do something special, make someone happy
The pressure is on — Valentine’s Day is just a few
days away — to do something special for loved ones.
A traditional way to do this is to take them out for a
meal. Many Alhambra restaurants are planning special
Valentine treats that would make anyone feel memorable.
Here is a select list of local restaurants that are anxious to please:
38º Ale House and Grill – 100 W. Main St., 626282-2038. Special Valentine’s Day dinner specials.
The Barkley – 1400 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena, 626-799-0758. Choice of appetizers (including
shrimp cocktail, fried zucchini, and an appetizer platter), full dinner choices (including prime rib au jus, New
York steak, swordfish kabob, steak and scampi and more),
and live entertainment (Bobby Z. Band from 8 p.m. to
12:30 a.m.) and dancing.
Boteco Restaurant Bar & Lounge – 28 W. Main
St., 626-281-1777. Lovingly priced three-course meal
for couples; includes champagne.
Charlie’s Trio – 47 W. Main St., 626-284-4943. Dinner-for-two specials, including sparkling wine.
Crazy Sushi – 201 E. Bay State St., 626-282-3557.
Two special combo dinners for Valentine’s Day diners.
Fronteras Mexican Grill & Cantina – 118 W. Main
St., 626-308-0169. Dinner specials, DJ dancing, and
entertainment.
Rick’s Main Street Café – 132 W. Main St., 626576-8519. Something Special! Call for details.
Vino at Trios – 10 N. First St., 626-284-4943. Special surprise desserts and sparkling wine galore.
Wahib’s Middle East Restaurant – 910 E. Main St.,
626-281-1006. A special, delicious surprise.
P HOTO
BY
J ERRY J AMBAZIAN
LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART
L YRICS BY B ETH S LATER W HITSON , MUSIC BY L EO F RIEDMAN ,1910
Longing for you all the while, More and
I am dreaming Dear of you, day by day
more;
Dreaming when the skies are blue,
Longing for the sunny smile, I adore;
When they’re gray;
When the silv’ry moonlight gleams, Birds are singing far and near, Roses
blooming ev’rywhere
Still I wander on in dreams,
In a land of love, it seems, Just with You, alone, my heart can cheer; You,
just you.
you.
Let me call you Sweetheart, I’m in love
with you.
with you.
Let me hear you whisper that you love
Let me hear you whisper that you love
me too.
me too.
Keep the love-light glowing in your
Keep the love-light glowing in your
eyes so true.
eyes so true.
with you.
with you.
www.thebarkleyrestaurant.com
Great service
and simply great food.
Planning a Party?
Check out our
Special Banquet menu.
Feel like dancing?
We have a new and improved large
dance floor.
HAPPY HOUR: Sunday - Wednesday 4 - 9 p.m.
Thursday - Friday 4 - 8 p.m.
Well Drinks $3 • Domestic Beer $3
Free Appetizers
Live Entertainment
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
No cover.
Gift certificates available.
All menu items are available for take out.
In addition to treating a significant other to a special
meal on Valentine’s Day, there are several other activities that are required on this day:
Giving Flowers – The Daily Blossom Florist, 617
W. Main St. (626-943-7766) is up to the challenge. It’s
best to place an order at least a week in advance, to
ensure just what is wanted, but if ordering late, they
will try to assist. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
and weekends by appointment.
Giving Candy – The Candy Chef, 17 W. Main St.,
“Sweet” C ( 626-789-5678) has pre-made candy arrangements, but with at least a two-day lead, they’ll make
up a special candy arrangement that is sure to please.
Open Tuesday through Thursday noon – 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon – 9 p.m., Sunday noon – 8 p.m.
Closed on Monday.
Giving Sweets – Perfectly Sweet, 126 W. Main St.
(626-280-5189) has something for every taste. Many
items are available daily, including heart-shaped cookies, Tuxedo Strawberries, and hand-dipped truffles, but
to ensure not to disappoint a loved one, order a week in
advance (if possible) for a variety of heart-shaped cakes,
including Belgian chocolate mousse, mixed berry cheesecake, white chocolate mousse with raspberries, and Black
& White Mousse. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a
week.
Giving Perfume– The Perfume Station, 9 W. Main
St. (626-576-1240) has not only a full-range of perfumes, but also bath and body products, unique gifts,
and, actually, something for everybody. Open 10 a.m.
to 7 p .m. Monday through Saturday – closed on Sunday.
2/2012
Vino at Trio’s brings fine
wine, food to Alhambra
B Y J ENNIFER S MITH
There’s a new addition to the Fata
Family of restaurants in Alhambra,
which already includes 38 Degrees and
Charlie’s Trio. Owners Mike and Chuck
Fata recently unveiled Vino at Trio’s —
a younger and more intimate addition
to the local restaurant chain.
After opening in December and celebrating its grand opening on Jan. 29,
Vino at Trio’s,10 N. First St., located behind its brother restaurant, Charlie’s
Trio, is already satisfying a need for fine
wine and dining in the community.
“There have been a lot of people who
have come in and said, ‘This is exactly
what Alhambra needed,’” said Eric
Katanian, the lounge’s manager. “Customers are coming in and saying how
happy they are that they no longer have
to drive to Hollywood to go to a nice
wine bar on the weekend.”
With a menu by the chef behind 38º,
James Boyle, Vino offers a fine array of
artisan pizzas and small plates. Popular
dishes include mac and cheese filled with
fontina, bleu and sharp white cheddar
cheeses, and pancetta bits for $12. Another crowd favorite is the cheese and
charcuterie plate, complete with two
gourmet meats, cranberry jam, and
“Our wine list also offers a lot more variety,”
said Mr. Katanian. “We
have a wider array on
wines, both still Californian and Italian, and they
are definitely a step-up in
both quality and price.”
house made rosemary bread, for $15.
“As far as the food, everything is completely different from Charlie’s Trio,”
said Mr. Katanian. “For example, we put
rosemary and Chardonnay in our pizza
dough, which makes our recipe different from what’s next door. Our pizza
sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes; it’s a little sweeter than the sauce
Charlie’s uses. ”
Happy hour, or Felice Ora as the restaurant prefers, runs from 3 p.m. to 6
p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Appetizers range
from $6 to $7 and include meatball sliders paired with an arugala salad and
parmesean cheese, or fritti ortaggi, a
fried zuchinni, eggplant, and portobello
mushroom dish served with garlic aioli.
As the name Vinos implies, customers have plenty of wine, beer, and champagne cocktails to choose from. The
lounge sells more than 90 brands of red
and white wines. While a glass ranges
from $7 to $13, a bottle will run from
$19 to $34. One of the restaurant’s most
popular choices is the Italian Adami
Proseco for $7 a glass or $20 for the
bottle.
“Our wine list also offers a lot more
variety,” said Mr. Katanian. “We have a
wider array on wines, both still Californian and Italian, and they are definitely
a step-up in both quality and price.”
In addition to the bar and casual seating inside, Vino at Trio’s allows guests
to wine and dine outside on its heated
patio.
“This is a little more trendy, a little
more modern than Charlie’s Trio,” said
Mr. Katanian. “We place a big emphasis on the presentation, as well as taste.”
Guests are encouraged to host private
events and wine tastings at Vinos at
Trio’s.
The restaurant will host a special
Valentine’s Day event. (See Valentine’s
Day article on Page 10)
For more information about Vino at
Trio’s, visit www.vinotrios.com, or phone 626284-4674.
Vino at Trio’s can also be found on
social networking sites including
Facebook (Vino at Trio’s).
Delightful
The handcrafted chorizo
and clams pizza at Vino
at Trio’s is made with San
Marzano tomatoes, a
white wine sauce, and
manchego cheese. Nightly
specials are featured on a
chalkboard.
PAGE 11B
PAGE 12B
2/2012
Blue Rose Duo to appear at Performing Arts Center
The Center for the Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) will present A New
World — the Blue Rose Duo plays
Music of the Americas at 7 p.m. Sat. Feb
11 at Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church, 1850 W. Hellman Ave.,
Alhambra.
Traveling from Brazil and Argentina
to Mexico and the United States, pianist Rose Chen and cellist Lars Hoefs
present a program of pan-American delights. Samba rhythms reinvigorate
Bach, Stravinsky joins a mariachi band,
and the once-illicit tango takes the stage.
Music by Villa-Lobos, Ginastera,
Piazzolla, Chavez, Revueltas, Barber and
Bolcom draw expression and life’s essence from the new world, crossing over
one hemisphere in order to bridge another.
In 2003, Ms. Chen, Miss Alaska violinist Audrey Solomon, and Mr. Hoefs
founded the Blue Rose Trio in the chamber music program of the University of
Southern California, studying with
Chamber Music America founder Pe-
ter Marsh.
The Blue Rose Trio went on to capture top prizes at the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, the Music
Teachers National Association Chamber
Music Competition (MTNA), the Peninsula International Chamber Music
Competition, and the Beverly Hills
Young Artist Auditions.
As recipients of Protegé Program
grants from USC, the Blue Rose Trio
commissioned works from emergent
composers, performed in Israel as part
of an exchange between USC and Hebrew University and recorded the album
Black Swan, Yellow Beach on Flora
Records, featuring the world premiere
recording of Philip Glass’s Head On.
They spent a half-dozen summers under the midnight sun in Alaska as guest
artists at the Fairbanks Summer Arts
Festival and teaching at their own Anchorage Chamber Intensive.
In Los Angeles they helped found the
L.A. Musical Salon Series, performing
as artists-in-residence for the inaugural
season. In 2006, the Blue Rose Trio
embarked on a whirlwind tour, performing at the Shanghai Conservatory of
Music and in Hong Kong as musical
ambassadors for the USC Board of
Trustees on their Asian tour, at the Rio
International Cello Encounters in Brazil, at the Jerusalem Academy of Music
and Dance, and with their mentor Peter Marsh at the 7th Rencontres FrancoAmericain Musique de Chambre in
Missilac, France.
Suggested donation is $15. Seniors
and students are $5.
For more information, e-mail CVPA
Executive Director Bill Yee at
[email protected], or phone 626-2305435. Visit the center’s Web site at
www.cvpaministry.com.
CVPA has been a non-profit community outreach program of Sage Granada
Park United Methodist Church since
2006 and is a member of the Alhambra
Chamber of Commerce and the Consortium of Southern California Chamber Music Presenters.
Boot camp fitness program
offered at Alhambra Park
Join local boot camp challengers at
8 a.m. Sundays at Alhambra Park, 500
N. Palm Ave., as they fight the bulge
and compete to win cash and prizes for
the biggest body transformation in 90
days.
A team of professional fitness coaches
and personal trainers will lead this group
weekly through a series of different boot
camp fitness routines with games of volleyball, flag football, 5k walk/runs, and
a group Mud Run to shed those unwanted pounds. Fitness professionals
Joanna Vargas of Jayvee Dance Center
and Marcos Sayon of Sayon Fitness
(both located on Main Street in
Alhambra) will coach.
“This weekly camp will assist with the
group’s weight loss goals and fitness accountability. It will build camaraderie
and allow team members to rock their
90-day challenge,” said Ms. Vargas.
The camp is complementary to all 90
Body By Vi Challengers. Body By Vi is
a 90-day health transformation challenge
by
ViSalus
Sciences,
www.visalus.com. “The Body By Vi is
the fastest growing challenge in North
America, and Alhambra will be rocking
the challenge,” said Ms. Vargas.
To sign up for the boot camp, attend
the session on a Sunday morning at the
north side of the park. The first session
is free. ViSalus Sciences awards cash and
prizes to the biggest 90-day transformations, and the Vi Crew Fit Camp will
do the same. Earn a free Vi Crew Fit
shirt after losing five pounds.
For more information, visit
www.joannavargas.bodybyvi.com.
Musica Angelica
Baroque Orchestra to
present Bach’s
Wedding Cantatas
Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra
will present “Bachís Wedding Cantatas”
Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at AT&T Center Theatre in Los Angeles and Sunday,
Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian
Church in Santa Monica.
Ticket prices range from $29 to $49/
person, with seniors receiving a 10% discount and students a special price of $15
with valid identification.
For more information or to order
tickets, visit www.musicaangelica.org or
phone 310-458-4504.
AT&T Center Theatre is located at
1150 South Olive Street in Los Angeles,
90015.
First Presbyterian Church is located
at 1220 2nd Street in Santa Monica,
90402.
2/2012
PAGE 13B
Carmelite Sisters to present ‘Seasons of the Soul’
Forty Carmelite Sisters will come together at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 from all
parts of the Southland to share their music with those outside their convents when
they present The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Seasons of the Soul. The concert will
take place at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel.
Songs will range from Gregorian chants to contemporary Christian. Joining Sister
Marie Estelle, OCD in directing the concert is James Drollinger, a 10-year member
of the renowned choral ensemble the Los Angeles Master Chorale, who received a
Grammy nomination for his duet recording of Morton Lauridsen’s Dirait-on on the
CD Northwest Journey. Mr. Drolligner will direct the acclaimed Legacy Vocal Ensemble, who will perform during the concert. Tickets, $40/person to $100/person,
are available online at www.carmelitesistersocd.com/events, or phone 626-289-1353, ext.
246. For more information about the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of
Los Angeles, visit www.carmelitesistersocd.com.
Violinist Liu Xiao.
Beijing violinist Liu Xiao to perform
at Center for Performing Arts
The Center for the Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) presents in recital Liu
Xiao on violin accompanied by Jiayi Shi
on piano at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at
Sage Granada Park United Methodist
Church, 1850 W. Hellman Ave.,
Alhambra.
Mr. Xiao is one of the leading Chinese virtuosi to reach the international
musical stage. A student of his father
since early childhood, he went on to
Beijing’s prestigious Central Conservatory of Music, receiving both bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in music while
studying under the renowned Yaoji Lin.
He won first prize in the Central Conservatory Violin Competition in
2001.
Mr. Xiao is forging his career
both in his native land and
throughout the world, bringing
his intensely lyrical conception to
the standard Western repertory
and also to the violin literature of
China’s recent decades. He performs as a recitalist and an orchestral soloist throughout China, and
he has concertized in Japan,
Singapore, Colombia, Germany,
Switzerland, and France.
Ms. Shi maintains an active
schedule as a chamber musician
and collaborative pianist. She
works extensively with the internationally renowned violinist
Midori and made her New York
recital debut with Midori in
March 2004. Ms. Shi has given
recitals in notable venues such as
Davies Symphony Hall in San
Francisco and St. Luke’s Hall in
London. She has also performed
regularly with distinguished musicians including Martin
Chalifour and Ryu Goto. This sea-
son, upcoming performances will take
her to Japan and Germany.
[email protected], or phone 626-2305435. Visit the center’s Web site at
CVPA has been a non-profit community outreach program of Sage
Granada Park United Methodist
Church since 2006 and is a member of
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce and
the Consortium of Southern California Chamber Music Presenters.
PAGE 14B
2/2012
Performing Arts Center
presents Orphea Trio
The Center for the Visual &
Performing Arts presents the
Orphea Trio at 7 p.m. Saturday
March 3 at Sage Granada Park
United Methodist Church,
1850 W. Hellman Ave.,
Alhambra.
The Orphea Trio features renowned cellist Dr. Elizabeth
Su, who has performed internationally, including Carnegie
Hall, with the Muse Piano
Quartet, Lincoln Center, and
many others. Praised by Strings
YAMA RESTAURANT
Featuring fine Japanese Cuisine
The Suemura family invites you to enjoy
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Since 1968
(626) 576-9828 • 433 W. Main St.
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Alhambra, CA
The Orphea Trio will perform at The Center for the Visual & Performing Arts March 3.
Magazine as a “romantic and extroverted cellist,”
she is recognized for her sensitive musical expression as a soloist, collaborative artist†and teacher.
She has performed with Daniel Heifeitz, the
winner of the Tchaikovsky violin competition in
which they performed the Brahms piano quartet
in G minor. Dr. Su began studying the cello at
age seven and has won several National Cello
Competitions. She received bachelor and master
of music degrees from The Julliard School, and a
Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University
of Maryland.
Chiyi-Yau a popular violinist, began studying
violin at age five with her father. After winning
numerous competitions in Taiwan, she came to
Los Angeles to study with Alice Schoenfield in
1980. She received bachelor and masters degrees
from The Julliard School. Ms. Chen appears annually as a concertmaster in Long Beach Symphony Orchestra’s pops concerts and has been a
member of the Long Beach Symphony Orches-
tra since 1993.
Anli Tong, piano, praised by critics for her
“pointed grace” (Los Angeles Times), and “exquisite pianism” (Chinese American News), has performed on three continents on the stages of such
halls as the Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center,
Taipei Symphony Hall, the Bordeaux Opera
House, and the Getty Center in Los Angeles. As
a concert soloist, she has appeared with the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra in the National Arts
Festival, the Chinese Fine Arts Orchestra, the
Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Bratislava
Chamber Orchestra, the Livic Chamber Orchestra, the Burbank Phiharmonic Orchestra, and in
repeat engagements with the Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra.
She started piano lessons at age nine with the
late Polish pedagogue Mieczyslaw Munz and was
his youngest pupil at The Julliard School, where
she graduated with two degrees in piano perforContinued on Page 16B
Hit music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
coming to San Gabriel Music Theatre
The San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre will present The Music of Andrew
Lloyd Webber, a concert of love, starring
top musical theatre talent accompanied
by a classic symphony conducted by
Richard Allen on Saturday, Feb. 4 at
Cleaver Hall, 535 W. Roses Road, San
Gabriel 91775.
The audience will enjoy songs from
such Broadway hits as The Phantom of
the Opera, Cats, Evita, and Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The
evening will include a post show reception with the stars of the show.
Tickets are $50, which includes wine
and appetizers.
For more ticket information, phone
626-282-1440, or e-mail the box office
at [email protected].
The San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre recently produced the hit musical
Flower Drum Song in September at the
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse along
with Guys and Dolls and Swingin and
Croonin starring the sons of legends
Louis Prima and Dean Martin in 2011.
Formed in 2004, the San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre’s mission is to preserve and present Broadway musicals in
the San Gabriel Valley. It has presented
a broad range of high-quality musical
events at affordable prices.
2/2012
PAGE 15B
Family Ties: Events the entire family will enjoy — together
Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Free Kidspace
Family Night – 4 p.m.-8 p.m. – In
honor of Black History Month, the
Kidspace Museum will celebrate with
African drums. Learn the history of this
ancient art form and participate in a
workshop about drums afterward. The
drum performance begins at 6 p.m. Location: Kidspace Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena 91103. For more
information, visit www.kidspacemuseum.org.
Saturday, Feb. 11 – Free Children’s/
Teens Music Event: World City’s
“Sounds of Rhythms of Afghanistan
& Ballet Afsaneh” – 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
One of the world’s foremost Afghan
music quartets will perform elements of
percussion, vocal performance, and poetry revealing the diversity of this beautiful and complex nation. Ballet Afsaneh
performs authentic dances from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Eurasia in
elaborately embroidered and beaded
dresses native to the region. Tickets are
distributed free one hour prior to the
performance, but are on a first-come
basis. Location: W.M. Keck Foundation
Children’s Amphitheatre at the Walt
Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand
Ave., Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.musiccenter.org.
Sunday, Feb. 12 – Free Child’s Craft
Event: “Valentine Heart Pins” at the
Alhambra Certified Farmer’s Market
– 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Children will learn how
to make Valentine heart pins, while parents are busy shopping for fresh, California-grown fruit and produce. All
crafts and supplies are provided free of
charge; however, all crafts are distributed
on a first-come, first-served basis, and
there is a limit of one craft per child.
Location: Monterey Street, one block
east of Garfield and half a block south
of Main. For more information, phone
626-570-5081 during weekday business
hours.
Thursday, Feb. 23 – Yoskar Sarante
Concert – 8 p.m. Come hear a playlist
of Bachata songs. Location: The
Granada, 17 S. First St., Alhambra
91801. Tickets: $20. For more informa-
tion, visit www.BachataLA.com.
Saturday, Feb. 25 – 3rd Annual San
Gabriel Valley Youth Summit – 8 a.m.3:30 p.m. Event promotes dialogue
among communities and their leaders,
youth, and others on breaking barriers
as minority youth to build healthier
communities, and includes general sessions and more than 50 workshops. Location: Garvey Intermediate School,
2720 Jackson Ave., Rosemead 91770.
Register online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/
SGVYouthSummit. For more information,
visit the SGV Youth Summit Facebook
page.
Saturday, Feb. 25 – Temple City’s
68th Camellia Parade – 10 a.m. Floats
are beautifully decorated in Camellias by
the city’s youth and carry the theme of
the year. Location: Las Tunas Drive, between Sultana and Rowland Avenues.
For more information, visit www.ci.temple-
Blvd., Glendale 91203. Tickets: $12-36.
Tickets have sold out the last four seasons, so get tickets now. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org.
Valuable Coupons
BUY ANY ENTREE & GET ONE FREE
with the purchase of two beverages
second entree must be equal or lesser value
Offer valid when presented with this ad coupon. Special offer valid only at
city.ca.us.
Saturday, Feb. 25 – Free Griffith Observatory Public Star Party – 2 p.m.9:45 p.m. Takes place monthly with the
assistance of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk
Astronomers. Take part in looking at the
sun, moon, visible planets, and other
objects using a variety of telescopes and
talking to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment. For more information, visit
369 Main St. Alhambra
Phone 626-281-6701
Not valid with any other offer or discount. Offer expires 2-29-2012
KID’S EAT FREE MON. – FRI. 4 PM – 10 PM (see store for detail)
www.griffithobs.org
Saturday and Sunday Feb. 25 and 26
– FREE Soccer Nation Expo – Join fellow soccer enthusiasts at the biggest family soccer show in the United States, featuring great interactive exhibits, more
than 100 exhibitors offering an incredible variety of products, a huge lineup
of guest speakers, and free world-class
coaching clinics. Location: Los Angeles
Convention Center. For more information, visit www.soccernationexpo.com.
Saturday, March 3 – Celebrate
Dance – 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Don’t miss this
evening of athletic, theatrical, hypnotic,
and inspiring dance blending new works
by Executive Producer Jamie Nichols in
a seamless production with a line-up of
Charity fashion show, dance
showcase to take place at
Nucleus Art Gallery and Store
Phenomena, a charity fashion show and dance showcase that will benefit the
Dance for Peace Charity, a philanthropic organization that awards dance scholarships, will take place May 18 at Nucleus Art Gallery and Store, 210 E. Main St.,
Alhambra. The event will be hosted by QueenVee Entertainment.
“Based off of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s hit song, Phenomena, the show will feature
beautiful ladies who will model the latest fashion trends and faux paus,” said Joanna
Vargas, Jayvee Dance Center owner. “Exciting dance performances will be executed by amazingly talented dancers who will thrill the audience.”
Trunk Trends will provide their fashion designs that
will be ornamented with accessories by Cookie Lee Jewelry. Before the showcase, there will be an open boutique
including raffles and silent auctions.
“Phenomena is a response to the large turnout last May
at QueenVee’s first showcase, Hurricane,” said Ms. Vargas
“The company raised enough proceeds to sponsor dancer
Alyssa Mena from Jayvee Dance Center to attend Hip
Hop International, a prestigious competition in Las Vegas. They strive for peace and love while giving back to
the community.”
For more information, go to facebook.com/
queenveeentertainment.
eight extraordinary dance companies
and nine choreographers celebrating
contemporary, modern, ballet and jazz.
Location: Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand
Diner on Main
Serving Alhanbra Since 2003
Diner on Main Proudly
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner
The Home of
Specials
Enjoy our
Made-From-Scratch
Cakes & Pies to Go
• 7 days a week
• Open at 7 a.m. daily
• Ample free parking
• Breakfast served all day
• Catering & take out
• Authentic “Googie’s” architecture
• Food made from scratch
• Martini Bar & Happy Hour
• Large screen TVs for sports
• Late Night Dining
• Daily Specials
Exp.
1/31/11
Expires
2/29/12
Expires 2/29/12
PAGE 16B
2/2012
Downtown rocks Saturday nights
Enjoy great music every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on
Rick’s Main Street Café’s stage, 132 W. Main St., in Downtown Alhambra, brought to you by Marini Music and Rick’s:
Feb. 4: Ronny and the Classics — rock ‘n’ roll from the ‘50s to
today
Feb. 11: One Way Ticket — ‘60s
Feb. 18: The Rendition Band — classic rock
Feb. 25: Bob’s Garage — classic rock
March 3: The British Invasion 1st Wave — ‘60s
For more information, contact Marini Music at 626-289-0241.
P HOTO
BY
J ERRY J AMBAZIAN
Ronny and the Classics will perform on Rick’s Main Street Cafe stage on Saturday, Feb. 4. The group is a
favorite on concert stages in Reno, Las Vegas, and local events. They have opened for such notables as
Duane Eddy, The Temptations, Sonny Turner, Tony Bennett, Chubby Checker, The Shirelles, The Coasters, and Lil’ Richard. To book Ronny and the Classics, phone Ron Kakebeen at 818-618-9165, or e-mail
him at [email protected]. Or phone Eric Greenberg, Liberty City Entertainment, at 818-344-6929.
Performing Arts Center
to present Orphea Trio
Saturday, March 3
Continued from Page 14B
mance. Later studies were undertaken in the Doctor of
musical arts program at UCLA with the renowned Russian pedagogue Vitaly Margulis.
Since then, Ms. Tong has enjoyed a
multi-faceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, and a sought after teacher
of gifted students who have captured top
prizes in competitions.
The program includes selections from
Beethoven’s†trio for piano, violin, and
cello, Cecile Chaminade, Paul
Schoenfield, Masaaki Hayakawa, and
Astor Piazzolla.
[email protected], or call 626-230-5435.
Visit the center’s Web site at
CVPA has been a non-profit community outreach program of Sage Granada
Park United Methodist Church since
2006 and is a member of the Alhambra
Chamber of Commerce and the Consortium of Southern California Chamber
Music Presenters.
Enjoy a Delicious Brunch featuring Shrimp and Crab, Omelettes,
Belgian Waffles, New Action Pasta Station and Homemade Pizza, Roast
Beef, Fajitas, Fresh Fruit, Decadent Desserts and Much More...
2/2012
AUTOMOTIVE NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
Automotive News
PAGE 17B
| Auto Dealers, Repairs, Services
The Rating Game —
Before buying a car, find out the cost to insure it
B Y P ETER B OHR , C OURTESY OF
W ESTWAYS M AGAZINE , O CT . 2011
Q: I’m in the market for a new car
for my daughter. Can I assume that a
small, inexpensive car will have lower
insurance rates?
A: When it comes to cars, “cheap to
buy, cheap to keep” is a logical assumption. Unfortunately, when it comes to
insurance costs, it ain’t necessarily so.
That’s because, in part, insurance premiums depend on what insurers estimate they’ll have to pay if a car is involved in an accident — its “claims history.” Some cars are either more likely
to be involved in accidents or are more
expensive to repair afterward — or both
— than the average car.
Insurance companies calculate a
vehicle’s claims history based on data for
each type of insurance coverage, including damage to your car (collision coverage) and damage to others (bodily injury and property damage coverages).
Most insurers use their own data, but
there are also industrywide numbers
compiled by the Highway Data Loss
Institute (HLDI); you can find them
listed on the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS) Web site.
The average composite loss number
for vehicles is 100. Numbers higher than
100 represent a worse-than-average loss;
numbers below, better than average.
And the results can be surprising.
For example, among 2007–2009
models, some modest sedans — such as
the Mitsubishi Lancer (with a score of
163), the Kia Optima (134), and
Pontiac G6 (127) — don’t fare especially
well. By comparison, larger, more expensive sedans — such as the
Volkswagen Passat (89), Acura TSX
(88), and Honda Accord (84) — have
better-than-average results and are,
therefore, likely to be less expensive to
insure.
Overall, sports cars and luxury cars
have higher-than-average losses. But
there are exceptions. The Chevrolet
Corvette convertible (53), Mazda MX5 Miata (63), and Ford Mustang GT
convertible (81) have lower-than-average losses, for example, as do the Lincoln MKZ (89), BMW 3 Series convertible (87) and the Saab 9-3 (84).
SUVs and pickup trucks typically
have average or lower-than-average
losses. The Nissan XTerra (82), GMC
Envoy (81), and Honda Pilot 4WD (71)
are representative examples. Some very
large pickups — like the Nissan Titan
King Cab (123) — and some large, expensive SUVs — such as the Cadillac
Escalade EXT 4WD (158) — have
higher-than-average losses.
Remember, these numbers aren’t
safety data. How well the cars’ occupants
are likely to survive a crash is measured
by the familiar crash-test ratings from
the IIHS and the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. What
HLDI data tell you is that certain cars
may cost you more to insure — and if
you have a fender-bender and have to
pay out of pocket to get it fixed, you
may have to dig deeper than you expect.
Your insurance agent can let you
know more precisely how the claims history of a specific make and model of car
you might be considering could affect
its insurance premium. But for starters,
you can use the HLDI/IIHS data to get
a general idea of cars you might want to
initially include or rule out of your
search.
The Difference is the
Customer Service
MAZDA of Alhambra
Featuring a wide selection of
New and Used Cars
and the best staff to serve you
MAZDA 3
We Repair and Maintain
all Makes & Models in our
Great Service Dept.
Alhambra Nissan
726 E. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 289-6161
www.mazdaofalhambra.com
* FOR 60
MONTHS
0%
2011 Highest Residual Value
Winner for its Class
Mazda of Alhambra
1200 W. Main St. • (626) 576 - 2800
Serving the Alhambra community since 1989
*0.0% APR for well qualified buyers when financed through participating lender. Not all
buyers will qualify. Amount od down payment and other factors may affect qualification. 60
months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed ith $0 down at participating lenders. Loan
origination fee may apply.Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/31/11.
PAGE 18B
2/2012
Wise advice on buying a
new car in California
Buying a car is one of the biggest
purchases anyone will ever make. Before
going shopping, consider the following:
Before going to the dealership:
• Know what type of car is wanted
and how much one can afford.
• Will this car meet individual and
family needs?
• Consider the overall cost of ownership, including gas mileage, maintenance and repairs, insurance costs, and
depreciation.
• Check consumer publications, the
Internet, and car magazines for information on models and prices.
• Read the California Car Buyers’ Bill
of Rights.
While at the dealership
When ready make the purchase, a
shopper should do the following:
• Negotiate the price of the car, not
the monthly payment.
• Make sure the options and equipment wanted is included in the price and
on the car.
Don’t sign a contract one doesn’t understand
Understand the contract before signing it, including the vehicle’s price, fees,
and finance charges. Verify that the information on the credit application and
sales contract is correct. A buyer has the
right to understand the contract before
being asked to sign it.
What if the sale was not made in English?
If a buyer does not speak to the dealer
in English, the dealer must give them a
copy of the contract in the language they
used.
What happens if the financing isn’t
approved?
If the dealer agrees to arrange financing, but cannot get it at the promised
interest rate, the deal is off. The dealer
cannot charge for the use of the car.
The dealer must return all your
money paid, including any trade-in. If
the dealer sold the trade-in, the original
owner must get back at least the amount
listed for trade-in on the contract.
Buyers do not have to sign a new contract at a higher interest rate, or make a
bigger down payment, unless they
choose to. These rules also apply if a
buyer tells the dealer they are going to
get their own loan, but are unable to get
it.
Can a buyer return the car if they
change their mind?
No. Dealers must post a sign telling
you, “There is no cooling-off period.” This
means a buyer cannot change their mind
Continued next page
2/2012
Help yourself by knowing
the law in advance
after signing the contract.
Ask to see the warranty
New cars are sold with a factory warranty that pays for most repairs for a set
period of time. Ask how long the warranty lasts and what repairs are covered.
Additional warranties and maintenance contracts
Extended warranties, mechanical
breakdown insurance and maintenance
contracts are available at considerable
extra cost. Be sure to understand what
items are covered, what is not, and what
additional protection (if any) the buyer
is getting over the manufacturers warranty. The costs of these products are ne-
gotiable and a buyer does not have to
buy them to get financed or to get a
lower interest rate.
Can a buyer cancel extra warranties
and maintenance contracts?
Yes. A buyer can cancel in writing
within 60 days for a full refund. If the
buyer is financing, the refund will be
paid to the finance company. The payment will remain the same but for a
shorter time. After 60 days, a buyer can
still cancel and get back a portion of the
amount charged.
Contact the L.A. County Dept. of Consumer Affairs for more information or
speak with one of the counselors at 800593-8222. Those from outside of Southern California, call us at 213-974-1452.
Shop for a new car in
Alhambra and get a
great deal
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce salutes
Alhambra Auto Mall
Alhambra Mazda
1200 W. Main St.
(626) 576-2800
New Century BMW
1139 W. Main St.
(626) 570-8444
Alhambra Nissan
726 E. Main St.
(626) 289-6161
Sierra Acura
1700 W. Main St.
(626) 284-8533
California Superstores
Alhambra • Chrysler,
Dodge • Jeep • Ram
1100 W. Main St.
(626) 537-2400
Volkswagen Alhambra
1811 W. Main St.
866-426-2915
Bewley Allen Cadillac
801 E. Main St.
(626) 289-5203
Buy a Car in Alhambra
from People You Know
and Trust
PAGE 19B
Goudy Honda
1400 W. Main St.
(626) 576-1114
Bob Wondries Ford
400 S. Atlantic Blvd.
(626) 289-3591
Wondries Toyota
1543 W. Main St.
(626) 289-8000
The Chamber of Commerce urges all residents to
shop locally for their new or used cars and trucks.
Keep Alhambra Green!
EXPERIENCE ACURA
THE EXTRAORDINARY STYLING OF THE
NEW
2012 ACURA TL
2012
280hp 3.5-liter performance
yet gets 29 Highway MPG
Take a test drive and
truly experience
the thrill of an Acura
At Sierra, we see each customer and each and every one of us as members
of one family. We are dedicated to a tradition of courtesy, honesty and
continuous improvement in our work. We take great pride in ourselves, our
community and the delivery of value to our customers.
— Sierra Acura of Alhambra
Sierra Acura
of Alhambra
1700 W. Main St. • Alhambra
(626) 284-8533
PAGE 20B
Buy a Car in Alhambra from People You Know and Trust
2/2012
Wise advice ...
Finding and buying a good used car can be difficult. Here are some things a shopper can do to
protect yourself from getting a bad car.
• Check consumer publications for information on different car models.
• Read the California Car Buyers’ Bill of Rights
for cancellation options and other information.
• When a shopper finds the car they want to
buy, they should inspect it inside and out.
• If possible, have a mechanic check it out.
• Ask the dealer for a car history report.
The most important things to decide are:
Is this the car the shopper wants?
Can you afford it?
Don’t sign a contract that is not
understood
210
Pasadena
South
Pasadena
“We Speak Your Language”
ton
ting
Dr.
Dr.
sion
Mis
Alhambra
Valley Blvd.
10
San Gabriel Blvd.
Atlantic Blvd.
Fremont Ave.
710
Marengo Ave.
Hun
328 South Marengo Ave.
Understand the contract before signing it, including the vehicle’s price, fees, and finance
charges. Verify that the information on the buyer’s
credit application and sales contract is correct.
Buyers have the right to understand the contract
before they are asked to sign it.
Make sure the information on credit applications and sales contracts are correct, and get all
promises in writing.s
What happens if the
financing isn’t approved?
400 S. Atlantic BIvd. Alhambra. CA 91801 888-643-1092 www.bobwondriesford.com
Introduces Ford’s 2011 Fiesta and Fusion & All New 2012 Focus...
The 40MPG Club
2011
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2011
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• Class leading
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• Top Safety Pick (IIHS)
• Standard safety features include stability and traction control,
antilock disc brakes, front seat side air bags and side curtain
air bags. Also included is a class exclusive driver knee air
bag.
• Class Exclusive Sync®. Works with any Bluetooth®-enabled
phone.
• European Inspired Design.
Best in Class
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2011 Fiesta SE
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• Top Safety Pick (llHS)
• Standard safety features include stability and traction control,
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• Voted Mid Size Sedan of the year.
• Available in 4-cylinder, V6 Sport and Hybrid.
• 2011 Ford Fusion
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• Top Safety Pick (IIHS)
• Standard safety features include stability and
traction control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side
air bags and side curtain air bags. Also included is
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• Available Sync with MyFord Touch™
• Available 6-Speed PowerShift Automatic
Transmission
• Available Intelligent Access with push button start
AUTHORIZED FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY REPAIR AND PARTS FACILITY SERVICE DEPT. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK 800-870-0491
• Motorcraft® Premium Synthetic
• Inspect brake system
Blend Oil and Motorcraft Filter
• Test battery
Change
• Test battery
• Rotate and inspect four tires
• Top off all fluids
• Check air and clean filters
Retail Purchases only. Up to five quarts of Motorcraft ® oil and
Motorcraft filter. Taxes, diesel vehicles and disposal fees extra. Hybrid
battery test excluded. Offer valid with coupon. Expires 2/29/12.
Dealer-installed Motorcraft® or Genuine Ford brake pads or
shoes only, on most cars and light trucks. Limit one
redemption per axle per customer. Front or rear axle. Includes
maching rotors or drums. Taxes extra. Offer valid with coupon.
Expires 2/29/12.
If the dealer agrees to arrange financing, but cannot get it at the promised interest rate, the deal is off. The dealer cannot charge for the use of the car.
The dealer must return all your money
paid, including any trade-in. If the dealer
sold the trade-in, the original owner must
get back at least the amount listed for
Continued next page
What you ought
to know about cosigning for a car
One may be asked to co-sign if the
person buying the car has bad credit, or
no credit at all. Think twice before cosigning for someone else.
Those who co-sign are responsible for
the entire loan amount. This means that
a co-signer will have to pay the full
amount of the loan if the other person
doesn’t pay. Co-signers are responsible
for the loan, even if they don’t have possession or use of the car.
If the other person does not pay the
loan, co-signers can be sued and their
wages and property may be taken. The
lender does not have to try to collect
from the other person before going after a co-signer, who may also have to pay
late fees and collection costs. If the loan
is not paid on time, it will go on the cosigner’s credit report.
Written Notice
Befor the co-signer signs, the dealer
must provide them a written notice stating the co-signer is responsible for paying the loan if the other person doesn’t
pay.
Spanish Language
If the transaction is conducted in
Spanish, the written contract and the
notice you are given must also be in
Spanish.
Contact the L.A. County Dept. of
Consumer Affairs for more information
or to speak with one of the counselors
at (-800-593-8222. Those who live outside of Southern California, should
phone 213-974-1452.
2/2012
PAGE 21B
... buying a used car in California
trade-in on the contract.
Buyers do not have to sign a new contract at a higher interest rate, or make a
bigger down payment, unless they
choose ant to. These rules also apply if a
buyer tells the dealer they are going to
get their own loan, but are unable to get
it.
Does the dealer have to pay
for repairs?
If the car came with awarranty, the
warranty determines who pays for repairs. If the dealer offers a warranty, the
shopper should make sure they understand what repairs are covered and for
how long. Newer cars may still be covered by the original factory warranty. If
the car does not come with a warranty,
the buyer may have to pay for the repairs.
Look for the Buyer’s Guide on the car’s
window. This tells if there is a warranty
and what it covers.
Should a buyer puchase a
service contract?
A service contract is a type of insurance that might pay for some repairs if
a purchased car breaks down.
Before buying a service contract,
make sure to understand what repairs
are covered and for how long. If a shopper doesn’t understand, they should ask
for an explanation.
A buyer can cancel a service contract
within 30 days and get a full refund; a
buyer can still cancel it after 30 days,
but receive back only a portion of their
money. A buyer doesn’t have to buy a
service contract to get financing or a
lower interest rate.
What does “As Is” mean?
“As Is” means that the car does not
have a warranty, and the dealer or private person will not pay for any repairs
if the car breaks down.
Buying from a private party
If someone buys from a private party,
the seller must give them a smog certificate completed in the last 90 days. Contact DMV for more information.
What if the sale is not made
in English?
If a buyer does not speak to the dealer
in English, the dealer must give the buyer
a copy of the contract in the language
used.
Contact the L.A. County Dept. of Consumer Affairs for more information or
speak with one of the counselors at 800593-8222. Those from outside of Southern California, call us at 213-974-1452.
Buy a Car in Alhambra
from People You Know and Trust
4 Wheel Computerized Wheel Alignment & Suspension Repair
PAGE 22B
REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
2/2 012
Real Estate News | Residential, Commercial, Loans
Market Report
Going Green makes homes appealing
B Y L EE L IEBERG
Green features aren’t just for
new construction any more.
Now, more home owners are
adding Green features to existing homes, and both buyers
and sellers are benefiting. It is
easy to see how a contractor can
build a new home and incorporate Green features, but now
it is becoming more popular to
retrofit homes with Green features while keeping the environment in mind. I recently sat
down with John Shipman of
Energy Efficiency Management
Inc. to talk about the Greening
of homes.
Energy Efficiency Management is certified as a
GreenPoint Rater by Build It
Green. Build It Green focuses
on helping consumers get a
Green audit, find Green contractors, and steer them toward
the subsidies. Mr. Shipman is
certified to rate single family,
multifamily, and new construction. He is also a Green instructor for both realtors and contractors.
The main benefits of going
Green are two-fold: you can
reduce the cost of home ownership and do your part to improve the environment. Mr.
Shipman started out by saying
that many people go about the
Greening of their homes the
wrong way. For example, they
may seek out a solar solution
to their rising electric bill, but
where they should be starting
is by reducing their use of electricity and then finding an alternative source.
I recently spoke to a home
owner who was quite pleased by
the reduction in his electric bill
after he replaced his incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. Mr.
Shipman’s point is to change
the bulbs before you go out and
spend the money on a solar system. You will see the benefit
quicker and may not need as
large a solar system if you go
that route.
Build It Green breaks the
benefits into different categories. The categories are savings,
consumption, quality of life,
use of natural resources, and the
impact on the community.
When they rate a house, they
look at all these categories, not
just the electric bill. They look
at the yard as well as the house.
They even look at the location
as the owners of a condo on
Main Street may drive less because they are closer to shopping and dining.
I was happy to hear that I
got points for composting. But
I’ll admit my motivation was
that when I go to San Gabriel
Nursery, I’d rather spend my
money on plants than mulch.
In addition to the savings for
me, is the benefit to the community of using less space in
our landfills. Another benefit
Lee Lieberg can be reached
at [email protected] or at
626-826-1120.
that Mr. Shipman referred to
was that of indoor air quality.
It is a direct benefit but hard to
quantify.
You may be pleased to learn
that there is much help in the
way of rebates and subsidies.
One of the resources to use
is the Web site energyupgradeca.org.
It has funds available that are
based on energy savings and
can go as high as $8,000.
Making your home Green is
good for the environment, it’s
good for the home owner, and
can differentiate your home
from others on the market to
prospective buyers.
DECEMBER MARKET REPORT
# Homes
Sold
Median
Price
# Condos
Sold
Median
Price
October 2011
15
$482,000
12
$352,000
October 2010
14
$447,000
10
$350,000
Homes
50
Condos
60
Listed 01/20/12
*Data was obtained from Multi-Regional MLS Alliance and deemed to be reliable.
Lee Lieberg can be contacted at [email protected]. or at 626-826-1120.
SOLD!
no matter the size
of your home, we
are the t eam to
call to help you
sell it!
REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL NEWS / AROUND ALHAMBRA
2/2012
PAGE 23B
Part 2: Reaching Retirement — Now What?
You’ve worked hard your whole life anticipating the
day you could finally retire. Well, that day has arrived. But with it comes the realization that you’ll
need to carefully manage your assets so that your retirement savings will last.
Wall Street On
Main Street
Know your Social Security options
Cesar Franco is an independent financial
You’ll need to decide when to start receiving your
advisor with Royal Alliance Assoc., Inc. Contact
Social Security retirement benefits. At normal rehim at 113 W. Main St. #228, Alhambra
91801,
626-588-2417,
or
tirement age (which varies from 65 to 67, [email protected].
ing on the year you were born), you can receive your
full Social Security retirement benefit. You can elect
to receive your Social Security retirement benefit as
retirement is that you can continue to build tax-deferred
early as age 62, but if you begin receiving your benefit
funds in your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan.
before your normal retirement age, your benefit will be
Keep in mind, though, that you may be required to start
reduced. Conversely, if you delay retirement, you can intaking minimum distributions from your qualified recrease your Social Security retirement benefit.
tirement plan or traditional IRA once you reach age 70Ω,
Consider phasing
if you want to avoid harsh penalties.
For many workers, the sudden change from employee
If you do continue to work, make sure you underto retiree can be a difficult one. Some employers, espestand the consequences. Some pension plans base your
cially those in the public sector, have begun offering
retirement benefit on your final average pay. If you work
“phased retirement” plans to address this problem. Phased
part time, your pension benefit may be reduced because
retirement generally allows you to continue working on
your pay has gone down. Remember, too, that income
a part-time basis ——you benefit by having a smoother
from a job may affect the amount of Social Security retransition from full-time employment to retirement, and
tirement benefit you receive if you are under normal reyour employer benefits by retaining the services of a taltirement age. But once you reach normal retirement age,
ented employee. Some phased retirement plans even alyou can earn as much as you want without affecting your
low you to access all or part of your pension benefit while
Social Security retirement benefit.
you work part time.
Facing a shortfall
Of course, to the extent you are able to support yourWhat if you’re nearing retirement and you determine
self with a salary, the less you’ll need to dip into your
that
your retirement income may not be adequate to meet
retirement savings. Another advantage of delaying full
your retirement expenses? If retirement is just around
the corner, you may need to drastically change your
spending and saving habits. Saving even a little money
can really add up if you do it consistently and earn a
reasonable rate of return. And by making permanent
changes to your spending habits, you’ll find that your
savings will last even longer. Start by preparing a budget to see where your money is going. Here are some
suggested ways to stretch your retirement dollars:
• Refinance your home mortgage if interest rates
have dropped since you obtained your loan, or reduce your housing expenses by moving to a less expensive home or apartment.
• Access the equity in your home. Use the proceeds
from a second mortgage or home equity line of credit to
pay off higher-interest-rate debts, or consider a reverse
mortgage.
• Sell one of your cars if you have two. When your
remaining car needs to be replaced, consider buying a
used one.
• Transfer credit card balances from higher-interest
cards to a low- or no-interest card, and then cancel the
old accounts.
• Ask about insurance discounts and review your insurance needs (e.g., your need for life insurance may have
lessened).
• Reduce discretionary expenses such as lunches and
dinners out.
By planning carefully, investing wisely, and spending
thoughtfully, you can increase the likelihood that your
retirement will be a financially secure one.
Gary Frueholz: James Stewart, Shenandoah and your home
Continued from Page 1B
changing family needs. Another example
is having dining areas with the capacity
to serve as a family room where children
can spend time.
Housing design should encourage interaction of family members. Great
rooms or family rooms enhance this interaction. A section of the house which
is not highly formal, but still an area of
family interaction also can serve as a location for pets to spend time in the
house.
Utility bills are a very mundane, but
an important facet to a home. Homes
with abundant window space often leach
out heat in the winter and air conditioning during the summer and lead to
higher electricity and gas bills. Energy
efficient windows are not noticed at first
glance but can be a valuable characteristic in managing monthly utility costs.
Government fees are a common issue with beautiful new houses. Additional fees such as Mello-Roos are applied to newer homes.
Since newer communities enjoy the
benefits of newer infrastructure such as
recently constructed streets, sewers,
parks, and street lights, special assess-
ment fees can be applied to more equitably spread these costs to the taxpayers
who benefit most. They can annually run
in the range of .5% of purchase price.
Stylish kitchens are quite popular. But
a place in the kitchen for a dinning table
or a built-in breakfast nook is a valuable
design element that should not be overlooked when one is being impressed by
the stylish appliances, counters, and cabinets.
High ceilings are dramatic and add an
architectural design element to a home.
But remember that the additional volume of space will require more air to be
cooled in the summer and heated in the
winter. And as you admire the grand
stairway entry, remember that you will
have to continually walk up and down
the stairs.
Structured wiring in a house is valuable for Internet, cable, and sound reproduction. These considerations can be
overlooked during the euphoria of an
initial visit to a home.
Next to wiring outlets be sure that
ample space is provided for desks and
tables to place computers, printers, and
fax machines on.
The color of flooring can also have an
LD
O
S
2175 Las Lunas St., Pasadena
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,115 SF,
8,699 s.f. lot, elgantly designed
home in charming neighborhood.
28 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra
3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1,136 SF,
strategically located and great starter
home!
137 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. #A, Sierra
Madre 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,
1142 s.f. turnkey contemporary town
home located within one block of the
Sierra Madre Village.
For more information,
phone Gary
Gary Frueholz
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://gary.frueholz.dilbeck.com
impact on the practicality of a home.
White tile or vinyl flooring can be eye
catching at the first visit, but in the long
run require more cleaning than flooring
that incorporates a light shade of brown.
Hardwood flooring with dark shades will
show scratches more readily than flooring with a lighter shade.
It is important to love the look of
your home. But for a lasting love affair
with your new home, make sure it has
practical aspects that meet your lifestyle.
PAGE 24B
LIFE SECTION / AROUND ALHAMBRA
2/2012
Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
Join us Downtown for the Celebration

(February-Section B) - Alhambra Chamber of Commerce > Home

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