July 2015 Section A - Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

07/2015
Annual July 4 Fireworks
Extravaganza to be
presented at
Almansor Park
Meet Special Olympics
delegates at Party in the
T
Park community celebration
The community is invited to meet the 100 Special Olympics delegates coming from Germany at the Party in the Park community
celebration on Wednesday, July 22.
he annual Fourth
of July Fireworks
Extravaganza will be
presented at 9 p.m. Saturday,
July 4, at Almansor Park, 800
S. Almansor St. The skies
will light up with explosions
and flashes and colors and
excitement.
Beginning at 2 p.m., there
will be food vendors, family
activities, carnival games, and
entertainment.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m.,
The Suffragettes band will take
the stage.
The fireworks in the
Extravaganza show are the
CITY NEWS only fireworks allowed in the
park, so leave personal fireworks at home. Home is also
the best place for approved
safe and sane fireworks and
dogs. Neither is allowed in
the park.
Parking is limited at the
park, so arrive early to get
a spot in or near the park,
although regular attendees
will say a more remote parking
space makes it easier to get
home as the entire crowd exits
the park.
For more information,
phone 626-570-3242 during
weekday business hours.
PAGE 2A
CHAMBER NEWS
PAGE 16A
COMMUNITY NEWS
PAGE 18A
ACADEMIC NEWS
PAGE 25A
O
n Wednesday, July 22, the Alhambra
community is invited to meet and mingle with 100 Special Olympics delegates
coming from Germany and also to enjoy German
sausages and bratwurst at a Party in the Park
Community Celebration. The event will take
place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Alhambra Park,
500 N. Palm Ave.
In turn, the German delegates will have a chance
to experience various combinations of hamburgers,
>> see SPECIAL OLYMPICS Page 13A
Matador newspaper places first in
First Amendment Challenge, three
mentions in Best of High School Press
T
he Matador, the student newspaper
of San Gabriel High School, recently
won a $1,000 award and plaque in
the 1 For All First Amendment Challenge,
administered by American Society of News
Editors’ Youth Journalism Initiative.
“It’s been so gratifying to see centuries-old
freedoms being taught in new and creative
ways,” said Ken Paulson, founder of 1 For All
and dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University.
“Freedom is what fuels our democracy, yet we
take it for granted. We’re pleased to honor the
teachers who engage a new generation with
thought-provoking lessons in liberty.”
The Challenge aimed to promote the
teaching of First Amendment freedoms in
secondary schools and honor teachers for
their innovative efforts. For this award, adviser
The Matador newspaper was featured three times in The Best of High
>> see MATADOR NEWSPAPER Page 27A School Press 2014.
2A
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
07/2015
ChickensWelcome.com
An honor to serve as Mayor for third term
How to Contact
Your Representatives
CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS
626-570-5010
Mayor Luis Ayala
Vice Mayor Barbara Messina
Councilmember Dr. Steven Placido
Councilmember Stephen Sham
Councilmember Gary Yamauchi
Alhambra
By Mayor Luis Ayala Dental
(888) 398-1377
It is an honor to be serving as your
Mayor for a third term. I feel very
blessed and humbled to be in this
position of privilege, where along with
my colleagues on the City Council, we
can discuss and make decisions for the
benefit of you, our residents. As you
may know, there are many challenges we
face in our communities today with a
debilitating economy and infrastructure
and the most severe drought we’ve had
in California in a long time, among other things. I see this as a great opportunity
to help lead our community toward
success.
Leadership is more than “being the
boss.” It means using your vision to
guide your community toward success
— hopefully toward a better life for
their families. And it means serving —
listening, researching, working hard job that provides such little preparation
to become a better policymaker and a yet has such incredible demands. Howbetter leader. This is probably the only ever, these responsibilities become so
much easier and rewarding when there
is community involvement. And in
Alhambra, I have been pleased to see a
renewed sense of civic engagement over
the last several years.
In this issue, I want to take the
opportunity to thank you, the residents
who choose to be involved in making a
difference in your community. You have
made a courageous decision to pursue
this kind of activism and public service
by speaking your minds. You should be
commended and proud of yourselves.
However, I urge you to remain engaged
as we prepare to develop our General
Plan and implement our goals and objectives over the next six months. Please
visit the City’s Web site frequently and
look out for upcoming announcements
regarding neighborhood community
meetings where I will update residents
regarding the latest City projects and
answer any questions you may have.
100 South First Street • Alhambra, CA 91801
President of the United States
Barack Obama (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. 20500
Experience the Difference in One Visit
LOOSE TEETH
Before
In One Visit
U.S. Senator
Barbara Boxer (D)
312 N. Spring St., #1748, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-894-5000
Washington D.C. 202-224-3553
U.S. Rep. 27th District
Judy Chu (D)
527 S. Lake Ave, Suite 106, Pasadena, CA 91101
626-304-0110
[email protected]
www.chu.house.gov
U.S. Senator
Dianne Feinstein (D)
11111 Santa Monica Blvd. #915, Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-914-7300
TOOTH
AVED Environmental
EPA
to updateSAlhambra
Committee on San Gabriel Valley Superfund Area 3
This example shows how Dr. John Chao saved a hopelessly loose tooth in ONE
of the cost of implants!
Governor
EASY COMFORTABLE VISIT and at a fraction
Jerry Brown (D)
C/O State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814
(individual results vary).
510-628-0202
NEGLECTED TEETH
Before
In One Visit
State Senator 22nd District
Dr. Ed Hernandez (D)
West Covina 626-430-2499
East Los Angeles 323-981-3320
Sacramento 916-651-4022
State Assembly 49th District
Ed Chau (D)
1255 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 306, Monterey Park, CA 91754
323-264-4949 Fax 323-264-4916
Sacramento 916-319-2049
[email protected]
asmdc.org/members/a49
For decades, various industries in the San Gabriel Valley
released industrial solvents containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the soil and groundwater around the
San Gabriel Valley. The environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) states that “most of the activities that led to the
contamination probably occurred between the 1940s and
1970s, before the Superfund program was established and
other environmental laws were adopted.”
The City of Alhambra falls within Area 3, one of four Superfund sites in the San Gabriel Valley. Area 3 is composed
of portions of Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Temple City, where the EPA states,
there is “intermittent areas of groundwater contamination.”
The EPA also confirmed that “no immediate actions are
County Supervisor 5th District
Michael D. Antonovich
215 N. Marengo Ave., #120, Pasadena, CA 91101
626-356-5407
Los Angeles 213-974-5555
[email protected]
This example shows how Dr.
www.antonovich.com
ONE EASY COMFORTABLE
required” and that “all drinking water served within Area 3
meets federal and state drinking water standards.”
The EPA is responsible for any cleanup of Superfund sites
and has been investigating to determine what companies
are responsible for the groundwater contamination. The
agency has been evaluating cleanup alternatives. The EPA is
now ready to update the City of Alhambra Environmental
Committee regarding its progress on the San Gabriel Valley
Superfund Area 3 at its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday,
July 9, at Alhambra City Hall, 111 S. First St.
This meeting is open to the public. To learn more about
the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Cleanup Superfund
history or progress, visit the EPA Web site at http://www.
epa.gov/ and search for San Gabriel Valley Area 3.
T
EETHBasketball/Co-Ed
RESTORED
Adult
Volleyball
State Board of Equalization District #3
Jerome E. Horton, Vice Chair
2361 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 450
El Segundo, CA 90245
Ph. 310-297-5201, Fax 310-536-4460
[email protected]
www.boe.ca.gov
fall
league registration opens this month
John Chao saved a severely neglected tooth in
VISIT and at a fraction of the cost of implants!
(individual results vary)
The City of Alhambra Adult
Basketball fall league and the Co-Ed
Volleyball fall registration begins
on July 6. Competition begins in
September.
Individual awards will be given to
players who finish in first and second
place at the league’s end.
Basketball and volleyball games
will be played at the Almansor Park
Gymnasium: basketball no-height
limit C league games are played on
Tuesdays and 6’2” under height limit
games on Saturdays; volleyball B, C+,
DON’T SUFFER A DAY LONGER!
and C division games will be played
on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The basketball registration fee is
$460 per team, and includes officiating. The volleyball registration fee is
$230 per team, and does not include
officiating.
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY and SAVE YOUR TEETH, call
John Chao, DDS, MAGD*
USC School of Dentistry,
Faculty, Anxiety Management
*Master, Academy of General Dentistry
“Less than 2% of General Dentists
in the United States are Masters,”
according to the
Academy of General Dentistry
CHICKENSWELCOME.COM
Alhambra Dental
(888) 398-1377
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
07/2015
AROUND ALHAMBRA
3A
4A
At the recent nine-month City Council reorganization, Councilmember
Luis Ayala is sworn in as the City’s mayor. Councilmember Barbara
Messina became Vice Mayor.
07/2015
The AYSO Region 60 U-10 Boys Soccer Team, also known as The Cheetahs,
receives a commendation from Mayor Ayala for its outstanding victory in the
Regional Championship game against Arcadia.
Recent City Council actions
The following are highlights from the
regular May 26 and June 8 City Council
meetings
Council reorganization
The City Council was reorganized providing for the rotation of the Mayor and
Vice Mayor. Councilmember Luis Ayala
(Fifth District) was sworn in as Mayor
and Councilmember Barbara Messina
(Second District) as Vice Mayor. Most
recent Mayor Gary Yamauchi returned to
his seat as Councilmember representing
the Third District.
Recognition
The AYSO Region 60 U-10Boys Soccer Team – also known as The Cheetahs
– was congratulated and commended for
its outstanding victory in the Regional
Championship game against Arcadia,
winning by a score of 4 to 2. With passion,
pride, endurance, and tenacity, the Cheetahs were fast and executed great passes,
thereby making their dream of winning
the championship come true. Receiving
a commendation were Iván Manzanilla,
Osami Maciel, Emilio Reynoso, Elvin
Yang, Alex Palmer, Jonathen Martinez,
Jacob Hardwick, Ryan Vazquez, Jadyn
Sanchez, Coach Oscar Reynoso Sr.,
Coach Julio Sanchez, Assistant Coach Oscar Reynoso Jr., and Team Mom Leticia
Reynoso.
Economic development
• Subject to further approval by
the Oversight Board for the Alhambra
Successor Agency, property located near
the southwest corner of Date and Commonwealth has been approved for sale to
CFT Commonwealth, LLC, which plans
to consolidate four parcels to create a new
restaurant/retail development.
• An approximate land area of 8.8
acres, located on South Fremont Avenue
and bounded by Carlos Street and Whit-
ney Drive, will be rezoned as the 2400
South Fremont Avenue Specific Plan, in
order to accommodate the construction
of a 70-unit planned development.
Budget, contract/grant awards and
other renewals
• Adoption of a balanced operating
budget for FY 2015-2016, as well as FY
2015-2016 appropriation limit. The
budget was prepared without the need
for tax increases, employee layoffs or
mandatory furloughs, and no reductions
in ongoing services or programs. The City
also adopted a Proposed Lease Revenue
Budget for assets of the Successor Agency
to the former Alhambra Redevelopment
Agency.
ware), which provides officers in the
field with real-time crime prediction
assistance.
• Three-year contract for building
maintenance services for City Hall, Police
Department, Library, Fire Station 71 and
Fire Training Classroom, certain Community Services facilities, Public Works &
Utilities Department facilities at the City
Yard, certain parking structures, and Customer Service Center provided to Xanadu
Service System. Contract also provides for
two additional one-year extensions upon
demonstration of satisfactory service.
• Purchase of a new sewer CCTV
truck (Plumbers Depots Inc.).
• Five-year (FY 2015-2020) contract
forgrounds keeping and maintenance of
the Alhambra Municipal Golf Course
and Multilevel Driving Range awarded to
Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance.
• One-year (FY 2015-2016) contract
for computer support professional services
related to computer maintenance, utility
billing, programming, and database support for the City’s financial management,
utility billing, and network systems pro-
vided to Technology Systems, Inc. (TSI).
for promotional activities and services to
be provided by the Alhambra Chamber
of Commerce for the purpose of maintaining active communication lines with
the business community and encouraging
partnerships within the City.
for marketing and promotional support
to the merchants in the Central Business
District of Alhambra provided by the
Alhambra Central Business District
Association.
• Contract with The Geo Group for
five additional one-year terms (at the
City’s option) for jail services provided to
the Alhambra Police Department.
with the Housing Rights Center for professional services related to fair housing
in adherence with HUD’s consolidated
planning requirements for the CDBG
and Home Investment Partnership Act
(HOME Programs).
• Three-year (FY 2015-2018) contract with Media Portfolio for professional
architectural services to the City and
Design Review Board (DRB).
• Contract with Steven Doreck
Equipment Rentals Inc. for replacement
of water mains and street rehabilitation on
Arroyo Terrace, Valencia Street, El Molino
Street, and Vega Street.
• Contract with MNR Construction
for a sewer replacement project at Valley
Boulevard and Almansor Street.
• Completed contract with Parking
Structure Builders pertaining to the Mosaic Parking Structure.
• One-year (FY 2015-2016) renewal
of the Public Works Maintenance and
Improvement District and Police Facility
Assessment District.
07/2015
Along with a giant burst of red, white, and blue confetti at the conclusion One of the entertainment options featured at this year’s 710 Day was
of the third 710 Day rally came the continued shouts to “Build the an interactive “tunnel” play set with vehicles that enabled residents,
especially the younger set, to experience what it might be like to drive
Tunnel” and “Complete the 710 Freeway.”
through a tunnel.
5A
The City of Alhambra and 710 Coalition worked together to help
inform the community about the July 6 public comment deadline as it
relates to the draft environmental document, which provides analysis of
five alternatives — including a tunnel option —considered by many,
including the City of Alhambra and 710 Coalition, to be the best means
to reduce traffic on local streets.
Alhambra hosts 710 Day to promote completion of 710 Freeway
Along with festive entertainment that included a live
band, interactive games, and even a simulated tunnel, last
month’s 710 Day celebration featured a large rally with
shouts to “Build the Tunnel!” The event, which focused
on highlighting the increasing urgency to do something
about the 4.5 mile gap of the uncompleted freeway, took
place in June on 6/10 to provide residents and others
sufficient time to comment on the draft environmental
document (DEIR) before the Metro and Caltrans July 6
deadline. The study is based on a lengthy analysis of five
alternatives, including 26 detailed technical studies, with
public preference leaning toward the construction of a
tunnel.
At the celebration, Alhambra leaders joined representatives from the 710 Coalition, Los Angeles Area Chamber
of Commerce, Alhambra Unified School District, and the
Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building & Construction
Trades Council to call for support and the expedited
construction of this important project.
“Our communities will no longer accept increasing traf-
fic congestion in our neighborhoods. Enough is enough.
Our children deserve better,” said Alhambra Unified
School District Board President Adele Andrade-Stadler.
Completion of the freeway will provide the missing
link to a component of the Southern California freeway
system that has caused severe gridlock and congestion in
local San Gabriel neighborhoods and beyond. The City of
Alhambra and surrounding communities have been subjected to severe traffic congestion for decades as thousands
of cars are forced to use local streets to connect to their
destinations. Once completed, the 710 tunnel will slash
traffic clogging local streets by 61% and reduce 80,000
daily cut-through trips.
Public support for the project is on the rise. A recent
poll showed 2-to-1 support for the freeway tunnel contradicting the opposition claimed by a vocal minority.
“The DEIR clearly outlines the benefits of a tunnel. It
is the only alternative that reduces cut-through traffic in
our neighborhoods,” said Alhambra Vice-Mayor Barbara
Messina.
Labor’s support for the project and Coalition efforts
continue to grow. Construction of the freeway tunnel will
create 40,300 high quality jobs, with average earnings of
$63,000 per year. “Tunnel construction will absolutely
provide much needed jobs in our region, but this issue is
not just about jobs. It’s about the quality of life of thousands of Los Angeles County residents and their families,”
said Sergio Rascon, business manager, Laborers Local 300.
When can the public expect to receive a record of
decision after the public comment period concludes on
July 6? The Caltrans/Metro board will have significant
time to come up with a preferred alternative, which will be
identified in the final environmental document scheduled
to be released in 2016.
Members of the public who would like to comment on
the document before the July 6 deadline are encouraged to
view the documents and then complete the online Public
Comments Form at http://www.sr710northcomments.
com/. For more information about the study, visit http://
www.metro.net/projects/sr-710-conversations.
6A
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA07/2015
101 S. First St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-570-5008
www.alhambralibrary.org
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
11 am - 9 pm
10 am - 9 pm
10 am - 9 pm
10 am - 5 pm
10 am - 5 pm
10 am - 5 pm
1 pm - 5 pm
Alhambra Civic Center Library
offers Summer Reading Program
for children, teens, adults
Children’s Summer Reading
Program
Children ages 0-12 are invited
to participate in the library’s 2015
Summer Reading Program. Stop by
the Children’s Room to sign up to
read (or be read to) 100 minutes each
week. Don’t forget to visit the library
every week to earn new, fun prizes
including a free book to take home.
Summer Reading Program ends on
July 26.
Summer Reading Program activities
include:
• Movie – Big Hero 6 (PG), at 3:30 p.m.
Monday, July 6, in Reese Hall.
• Cory Hills, Percussive Storytelling at
3:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, in Reese Hall.
• Illusions by Allen, Magic Show at
3:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, in Reese Hall.
In addition to the Summer Reading
Programs, Family Story Time is offered at
7 p.m. each Wednesday in the Story Time
Room. Designed for families with children
ages 5 to 12, the programs include stories,
puppets, and other activities.
In early August, families will enjoy The
LEGO Movie (PG) at 3:30 p.m. Monday,
Aug. 10, in Reese Hall. An ordinary LEGO
construction worker, thought to be the
prophesied “Special,” is recruited to join a
quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the
LEGO universe into eternal stasis.
No registration is required to attend
these programs; however, space is limited,
and the doors will be closed 15 minutes
after the start of each program.
For more information concerning children’s programs and services, please contact
the Children’s Room at 626-570-3215, or
visit the Web site at www.alhambralibrary.
org/kids/kids.html.
Teen Summer Reading Program
Sign up for the Teen Summer Reading
Program. Prizes include Beats by Dr. Dre
headphones, a Kindle Fire, and much more.
Attending events entitles participants to an
extra opportunity to win.
Events include:
• Comic Book Workshop at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July, in Reese Hall. Learn about
comic books and how to make them. Please
register in person at the Teen Summer Reading desk in Summer Reading Central.
• Movie – The Amazing Spiderman 2 at
1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, in Reese Hall.
Watch the movie; enjoy free snacks.
• End of Summer Reading “Superhero
Costume Party” at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July
23, in Reese Hall. Make a Superhero costume complete with a new secret identity,
or bring a costume. Celebrate the last week
of Summer Reading with pizza and snacks.
Escape the Ordinary – Adult Summer
Reading Program
It’s not too late to register for the library’s
adult Summer Reading Program. There are
great prizes, including an iPad Air 2, a mini
iPad 3, and more.
Adult Summer Reading Program events include:
• Movie – The Avengers (PG-13) at 6:30
p.m. Tuesday, July 7, in Reese Hall. Free.
No registration required.
• Scrapbooks, Knitting, and Crafting
at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in Reese Hall.
Bring own supplies.
• Movie – Holiday at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday,
July 14, in Reese Hall. Starring Katherine
Hepburn and Cary Grant. Free. No registration required.
• Cook Book Club at 11 a.m. Saturday,
July 18, in Reese Hall. Recipes and food
for thought from favorite cookbooks and
authors. Make it, sample it, discuss it. Register at the Second-Floor Reference Desk, or
phone 626-570-3212, x 1.
07/2015
7A
Beat summer heat,
visit Alhambra’s pools
Beat the heat this summer by visiting
a City of Alhambra swimming pool, at
Alhambra Park or Granada Park.
Midday Recreational Swims – a cooling
experience is available Monday, Wednesday,
Friday, and Sunday at Alhambra Park and
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Granada Park. In addition, evening swim time is
scheduled: Tuesday night at Granada Park
and Wednesday night at Alhambra Park.
Recreational Swim details are printed
in the City of Alhambra summer/fall 2015
Leisure Classes, Activities & Excursions
Guide (page 16), available at www.cityofalhambra.org. Subsequent pages of the
guide spell out the details of swim lessons,
including the Guppy Guards at Granada
Park Pool and Jr. Lifeguards at Alhambra
Park. Both programs begin in late July.
Also covered are programs scheduled for
August/September and October/November: the Novice Swim Team and the Inner
Tube Water Polo programs.
For more information, phone the Alhambra Park Pool at 626-570-5051 or the
Granada Park Pool at 626-570-5093.
Welcome to Alhambra
Civic Center Library’s improved Take the pledge to
be a Water Saver
digital library collection
Besides the wonderful print selection
of best sellers, audio books, and magazines that circulate daily, the Civic Center
Library, 101 S. First St., has expanded its
digital collection with Axis 360, Acoustik™,Zinio, and Flipster.E-books are available with Axis 360, audio books through
Acoustik, and magazine with Flipster or
Zinio will now be available on a patron’s
personal computer and mobile devices.
Axis 360
Alhambra Library’s Axis 360 eBook
Collection is a selection of free e-books a
patron can download with an Alhambra
library card and the Axis 360 app. Bestselling adult fiction and non-fiction, young
adult, and children titles are available.
Acoustik™
Acoustik™ digital audiobooks is a new
experience for audiobook users — patrons
will enjoy direct-to-device download and
listening in just a few taps of the fingertips.
Flipster
Flipster is a next-generation digital
magazine distribution service for users
to access their favorite magazines from
a variety of publishers via the library’s
Web site or app made specifically for
iPads, Android and Kindle Fire tablets,
and download magazines to read offline
anytime anywhere.
Zinio
Zinio is the world’s largest newsstand.
Use Zinio to read favorite magazines using a electronic device. Thousands of new
articles are published daily and available
to download. It’s the ultimate place for
magazine lovers.
E-books, audio books, and magazines
are available now for all Alhambra Civic
Center Library card holders who use
any of the following devices: a tablet,
iPad, IPhone, Android, Kindle Fire/HD/
Hny of the DX. For instructions or to
download the apps, visit the library Web
page at alhambralibrary.org or phone the
library’s information desk at 626-5703212, ext. 1.
Fall Leisure Classes begin Sept. 7
Late summer courses now open
Fall registration for Leisure Classes
begins in August. Registration for Alhambra residents begins on Monday, Aug. 3.
Non-residents can register on Monday,
Aug. 10.
To find out what’s available, browse
through the Leisure Classes descriptions
in the City of Alhambra summer/fall 2015
Leisure Classes, Activities & Excursions
Guide, available at www.cityofalhambra.
org, and select classes among the following
subject categories: Parent/Child, Computer
& Academic, Arts & Crafts, Music, Dance,
Health & Fitness, Yoga, and Tennis.
In the meantime, there are two late
summer classes of note.
The first class, Heart Saver First Aid,
CPR and AED, designed for the general
public, will enable attendees to learn the
skills needed to handle basic medical emergencies, in addition to learning CPR and
AED (automated external defibrillator)
skills that save one heart at a time.
This two-week course is scheduled from
8 a.m. to noon on two Saturdays — Aug.
15 and Aug. 22 — in the Granada Park
Activity Room. The fee is $75. The class is
open to those age 14 and above.
There is a handbook available for
purchase for $25, but that purchase is
optional. In addition, an American Heart
Association card is also optionally available
for $6.
Basic Life Support for Health Care
Providers is a class providing certification,
or recertification, for medical professionals,
such as EMTs, nurses, pharmacists, dental
personnel, therapists, and others.
This course is scheduled from 8 a.m. to
noon for one week only, on Saturday, Aug.
29, in the Granada Park Activity Room.
The fee is $45, but an optional student
handbook is available for $20, and/or an
optional American Heart Association card
is available for $6.
Registration for these two classes is
currently open, and the process is the same
as relates to fall class registration beginning
in September.
One may register online. Go to www.
cityofalhambra.org; click on Online Services; click on Leisure, Recreation more;
click on the type of class on the left side of
the screen; or one can phone in — 626570-3242, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
walk in — Alhambra Park Office, 500 N.
Palm Ave., same hours as above; or mail
in/drop off completed registration (page
28 of the Leisure Guide) and payment (no
cash) — City of Alhambra, Attn: Leisure
Classes, 111 S. First St., Alhambra 91801.
Drop off, same hours as above.
Should other questions concerning late
summer classes or fall Session classes occur,
please phone 626-570-3242 weekdays
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With the drought continuing to impact
the community, and a state and city
mandate still in place to conserve water,
the City of Alhambra in cooperation
with the San Gabriel Valley Municipal
Water District (SGVMWD) is urging
residents and others to pledge to reduce
their water use where they live and work,
both indoors and outdoors, and to encourage others to do so as well.
By taking the pledge, residents will make
a commitment acknowledging they understand that water is a precious resource
and that no one can take a single drop
for granted. It also means residents are
willing to do something about it by
incorporating simple water-saving tips
in and outside their homes or businesses.
In turn, the City will make available a
free educational lawn sign to place at residents’ homes or places of employment.
The pledge form is available on the
City’s Web site at www.cityofalhambra.
org. After taking the pledge, the sign can
be picked up at the Utilities Customer
Service Center at 68 S. First St., or one
can request to have the sign delivered to
a residence or business.
Go the extra mile to save water — commit to the pledge today.
8A
Summer food, recreation
continues through Aug. 7
Free summer lunches and snacks have
been eagerly consumed in Alhambra’s parks
by children ages 1 through 18 this summer.
The program continues weekdays through
Aug. 7.
Together with the USDA Summer Food
Program, the City of Alhambra is providing both recreational activities and arts and
crafts in each major park also through Aug.
7.
The free Summer Food Program is
provided at these parks:
Alhambra Park — Lunch: noon to 2
p.m.; Snacks: 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Almansor Park — Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m.; Snacks: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Granada Park — Lunch: noon to 2
p.m., Snacks: 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Story Park — Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
Snacks: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lunches and snacks are served on a
first-come, first-served basis, and must be
consumed on site in the designated areas.
Food is served regardless of race, color,
national origin, sex, or handicap. Any
person who believes he or she has been
discriminated against in any USDA-related
program should write to Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 20250.
Recreational activities, including table
games, tournaments, special events, and
more, are supervised and conducted daily
by trained recreation leaders. Arts & Crafts
are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The schedule is:
Alhambra Park — Recreation: 2 p.m. to
4 p.m.; Arts & Crafts: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30
p.m.
Almansor Park — Recreation: 1:30 p.m.
to 4 p.m.; Arts & Crafts: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Granada Park — Recreation: 2 p.m. to 4
p.m.; Arts & Crafts: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Story Park — Recreation: 1 p.m. to 4
p.m.; Arts & Crafts: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information, phone 626-5705081 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Planet Fitness, 610 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, celebrated its opening May 26. Planet
Fitness offers low prices and a friendly, hassle-free environment called the Judgment
Free Zone. From left are Councilmember Stephen Sham; Scott Chase; Councilmember
Steve Placido, D.D.S.; Miguel Vazquez; Vice Mayor Barbara Messina; Enrique
Sanchez; Lawrence Luckwaldt; Justin Novak; Mayor Luis Ayala; J.R. Hill; and
Alhambra Chamber Past President Frank Chen.
More than 1,700 unmaintained,
empty swimming pools
concern vector control agency
As of June 1, the San Gabriel Valley
Mosquito and Vector Control District is
monitoring more than 1,700 swimming
pools that are either empty or unmaintained
in the 241 square miles that make up their
district. This daunting number directly
affects public health.
An unmaintained swimming pool is a
safety hazard and a perfect environment for
producing mosquitoes. In one month one
average sized unmaintained swimming pool
could produce more than 3 million adult
mosquitoes, enough to significantly impair
a community’s health.
“Empty pools are our main concern
because they quickly collect water, and we
hardly find them completely dry,” said Mel
Cook, the District’s operations manager.
“Even with the right equipment, keeping
an empty pool completely dry is labor
intensive and time consuming; less than an
inch of water can start producing mosquitoes in a matter of days.”
Keeping an empty pool dry is not the
answer. “We currently know of more than
1,700 pools that need regular inspections,
said district manager Kenn Fujioka.
“Residents who have swimming pools are
responsible by law for ensuring they function properly. The District can no longer
routinely inspect the growing number of
empty pools. We are asking for the public’s
cooperation so we do not have to issue
abatement notices.” California’s Health and
Safety Code gives vector control agencies
the authority to control vectors within their
jurisdictions, including imposing fines of
up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and continuously threatens public
health in California.
All property owners must keep their
swimming pools functioning properly.
“Lawmakers must develop regulations
that both conserve water and keep pools
operating so public health is not compromised. Vector control agencies do not have
resources to inspect them all,” said Mr. Fujioka. The District encourages residents of
San Gabriel Valley to eliminate sources that
produce mosquitoes and protect themselves
from bites. Here are some tips they provide:
Report mosquitoes or request service by
contacting San Gabriel Valley Mosquito
and Vector Control District at 626-8149466. or visit www.SGVMosquito.org.
07/2015
AROUND ALHAMBRA
9A
10A
Cub Scout Troop 201 led the Memorial Day celebration crowd in the Pledge of Memorial Day was celebrated at the Alhambra Park Veterans Memorial on May 25.
Allegiance.
American Legion Post Commander Michael J.
Berru played a major role in the Memorial Day
celebration planning and execution.
Veterans honored at Memorial Day celebration
at Alhambra Park Veterans Memorial
The Memorial Day celebration at the Alhambra Park
Veterans Memorial gets bigger every year, and emotions
always run high with the “Reading of the Names”: Alhambra men and women who sacrificed their lives for
this country’s freedom; the singing of Amazing Grace;
and the playing of Taps.
The high point of this year’s celebration came unexpectedly when Mayor Gary Yamauchi, representing the
City Council and the City Manager, asked all veterans
to come forward and join him in honoring those who
have made the ultimate sacrifice. Although few came
forward immediately, the tide turned and the flow of
Alhambra veterans, many dressed with clothing representing their military attachment, grew and the Mayor,
once the lone representative facing the audience, was
surrounded by an overwhelming crowd of hometown
heroes.
Alhambra Police Chief Mark Yokoyama served as this
year’s emcee, introducing the major participants of the
ceremony:
• Post Commander Michael J. Berru and many
members of Alhambra’s American Legion Post 139,
who play a major role in this event each year.
• Post 139 members who solemnly read the names of
those who died in service to the country, from Reyner
Aceves Aguirre to Carl F. Zaske.
• Post 139 Chaplain Tim Dietz, who spoke the invocation and the closing prayer.
• The Alhambra Police Department Color Guard,
who posted the colors,
• Cub Scout Troop 201, who led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
• Post 139’s Alfonso Jacques and Gilbert Cardoza,
who performed the Lowering of the Colors.
• Clarissa Rivera, who beautifully sang both the National Anthem and Amazing Grace.
• The Alhambra High School Mighty Moors Marching Band, which provided pre-ceremony music and
performed the moving Taps.
Members of the American Legion Post 139 were vital
in the organizing and conducting of this annual remembrance, and the post hosted, as they do each year,
a potluck reception at their headquarters on North
Stoneman Avenue.
When plans for the 2016 Memorial Day ceremony are
announced, plan to participate in this most solemn and
celebratory occasion.
Gateway Alhambra is city services app designed
so users never have to wait in line or sit on hold
Download the Gateway Alhambra App to report an issue — watch it get fixed fast
With the launch of the new Gateway
Alhambra app last month, it’s now possible
to stay in touch with Alhambra City Hall
from just about anywhere in the world
where users have smart phones or online
service. Forgot to pay the water bill before
leaving on vacation? Use a smart phone
to sign into the Gateway Alhambra app
— then connect to the electronic Bill Pay
system. Enjoying the downtown area, but
notice some graffiti or garbage on the sidewalk? Open up the app, snap a photo, and
convey the location so the issue is promptly
resolved.
The easy-to-use Gateway Alhambra
app can be used for any number of issues
or concerns, including in-app widgets that
can be used to point to information about
events, public facilities, trash pickup, and
more. The app provides users with instant
and direct access to appropriate city staff
from any location about hazards they come
in contact with, such as pot holes and
uprooted trees; signage and garbage issues;
transportation problems; code enforcement
and construction-related concerns; police
issues, noise complaints, etc. Users
are likewise assured of privacy
when reporting possible violations
or neighborhood concerns.
Be informed instantly of important city news, such as street
closures, emergency alerts, parking
restrictions, and more. Make sure
to sign up for the free Gateway Alhambra app, which is compatible
with Apple, Android, and Window
systems by simply downloading
the appropriate version from the
Apple or Google app store. Enter
“Gateway Alhambra” in the search
field, click install, and download.
And for those who speak a
language other than English, the
Gateway Alhambra app is supported in 17 languages, including
Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Requests can be made in one’s
native language — the One Voice
feature then translates and sends
the information to city staff. Any
subsequent updates and comments from staff will be translated
back into the app user’s native
language.
The Alhambra Gateway app is
supported through the City’s Web
site at http://www.cityofalhambra.
org/page/545/publicstuff.
For
more information, contact Paolo
Kespradit at 626-570-5011.
07/2015
Summer Serenade concert
series starts July 31
The City of Alhambra
Community
Services
Department invites all
music aficionados to the
2015 Summer Serenade
series of free concerts at the
Alhambra Park Bandshell,
500 N. Palm Ave. The
programs will be offered
over four consecutive
Friday nights beginning
on Friday, July 31, and
culminating on Friday,
Aug. 21. All concerts start
at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.
Food will be available. Picnickers are also
welcome. There is ample
bench seating, or bring a
blanket and lawn chair to
enjoy entertainment under
the stars.
July 31: Pop Gun Rerun — ‘80s cover/tribute
The Chico Band will return on Aug. 21 to the Alhambra Bandshell in the
final performance of the Friday evening 2015 Summer Serenade series.
band.
Aug. 7: The Smokin’ Cobras — Los Angeles-based
oldies, ‘50s to ‘80s and Elvis
events band.
Aug. 14: Stone Soul
— best of classic soul and
Motown.
Aug. 21: Chico Band on
Friday — dance music from
all eras, specializing in big
band music, salsa, cha-cha,
merengue, cumbias, TexMex, oldies, and rock.
For more information
regarding Alhambra’s
Summer Serenade Concert
Series, please phone 626570-3242, or visit www.
cityofalhambra.org.
Shea Properties
announces first tenants
for Alhambra Place
Shea Properties announced that Blaze
Fast-Fire’d Pizza, The Habit Burger Grill,
Bank of the West, and Maido will open
at the 140,000-square-foot retail center
in downtown Alhambra currently under
construction.
“We couldn’t be more excited to announce the first four tenants at Alhambra
Place,” said Andres Friedman, Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at
Shea Properties. “It’s a great mix of triedand-true and a little something unexpected.
We’re seeing an amazing level of interest
at this center, and that will allow us to
bring in a really strong roster of stores and
restaurants.”
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the largest
and fastest growing build-your-own pizza
chain, uses an interactive ordering format
that allows guests to customize one of the
menu’s signature pizzas or create one of
their own, choosing from a wide selection of
fresh, artisanal ingredients — all for under
$8. The generously sized personal pizzas
are then sent to a blazing hot, open-flame
oven — the centerpiece of the restaurant
— where dedicated pizza smiths ensure that
the thin-crust pies are “fast-fire’d” in less
than 180 seconds.
The Habit Burger Grill is a fast, casual
restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order char-grilled
burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA
choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken, and
sushi-grade albacore tuna cooked over an
open flame.
Bank of the West, the regional financial
services company, will move its branch
a few doors down to its newly remodeled
home. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West
provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management, and international
banking services through more than 600
offices in 22 states and digital channels.
Maido is a stationery store showcasing a
wide array of unique, high-quality Japanese
products, from specialty papers, pens, fine
stationery, calligraphy supplies, gift items,
organizers, collectibles, and more.
“Our hope with this project is that it
will revitalize the downtown area and once
again make Alhambra Place, and the corner
of Main and Garfield, a focal point for the
community,” said Mr. Friedman. “We feel
that with construction underway on our
luxury apartments next door, we’re well on
our way.”
Located near the City’s civic center,
Alhambra Place will be anchored by a specialty grocer and include a combination of
national and local retailers and restaurants
with open-air patios and walkways that
create a pedestrian friendly experience. The
center began construction in the fall of 2014
and is expected to reach completion in the
summer of 2015. More tenant announcements are coming soon.
For information on retail leasing, contact Dan Samulski at 949-725-8595. For
information on leasing an apartment at
Alhambra Place, visit SheaApartments.com/
AlhambraPlace.
About Shea Properties
• SheaProperties.com
Shea Properties, headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., is a diversified real estate
company responsible for the acquisition,
design, development, construction, leasing,
and management of apartment communities, shopping centers, business parks, and
mixed-use environments. Since beginning
operations in 1969, annual revenues have
grown steadily to more than $250 million,
while the overall value of the portfolio
has grown to more than $3 billion. Shea
Properties owns and operates approximately
6,500 apartment units and 5 million square
feet of office, industrial, and retail space in
California and Colorado. Currently, Shea
Properties has nearly $1 billion in development projects underway with an active
pipeline of future projects.
About Shea Apartment Communities
• SheaApartments.com
Shea Apartment Communities is a
leading owner and operator of exceptional apartment communities providing
award-winning customer service. Shea
Apartment Communities owns and manages 19 apartment communities, representing
more than 6,500 units throughout Colorado and the prime California regions of
Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles,
East Bay, and Silicon Valley.
11A
12A
07/2015
The Alhambra 5K Pumpkin Run will be back for its second year on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Alhambra Park.
Alhambra 5K Pumpkin
Run to take place Oct. 3
The second Alhambra 5K Pumpkin
Run will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct.
3, at Alhambra Park, 500 N. Palm Ave.
Nearly 2,000 runners are expected to
participate. A group warm-up will kick off
at 7:45 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. The
runners will head north on Palm. Streets
will be closed to accommodate the race.
“This is The City of Alhambra’s second
5K run,” said City Councilmember Gary
Yamauchi. “It is more than a run; it’s a
community event, with a health fair, a 1K
Kids Run at 9:30 a.m., and festival for the
whole family to enjoy.”
Runners chips will be given out so
runners can keep track of their time during
the race.
The race will take place rain or shine.
For more information, go to www.alhambrapumpkrun.com and www.facebook.
com/AlhambraPumpkinRun, or e-mail
[email protected]
Get acquainted with
Police Department at
Night Out Against Crime
Night Out Against Crime, a national
celebration that brings together police
and community to prevent crime, will
take place from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Alhambra Police
Department, 211 S. First St.
In addition to informational programs,
safety displays, force options simulator,
police demonstrations, and police station
tours, Night Out is a community picnic,
complete with hot dogs, snacks, entertainment, and fun. And it’s free.
The development of a positive police
and community partnership is one of
the aims for Night Out. When the police
department and the members of the community work together, it sends a message
to criminals: “We’re organized, and we’re
working together to improve our community, and you’re not welcome here.”
It’s always a fun night, with a surprise
or two, and the resident participation
keeps growing year to year.
For more information, please contact
the Alhambra Police Department at
626-570-5177, or visit www.cityofalhambra.org or www.facebook.com/
alhambrapolice.
Learn about role of
police department at
Citizen Police Academy
The Alhambra Police Department’s
Citizen Police Academy begins a new series
of lectures and participatory experiences
in September building understanding and
cooperation between the police department
and the community through an increased
awareness of what it takes to keep Alhambra a safe and secure place in which to live
and work.
Participants will not only learn about the
ins and outs of 21st century police work,
but through role playing and observing
staged police tactical operations — and a
ride-along with a police officer on a regular
patrol tour of duty — gain an appreciation
of the role of the police department in the
community.
The program will consist of 10 weekly, evening meetings, culminating in a graduation.
Many graduates have continued their association with the police department through
volunteering for various police programs.
Please phone 626-570-5177 for dates,
times, and schedules. Participants will
receive an application form to attend the
academy.
07/2015
13A
Residents’ opinions needed for Creations from recycled
City of Alhambra Vision 2035 — magazines, paintings of flowers
featured at City Hall Art Gallery
A Community’s Mosaic
The City of Alhambra has kicked off
its Comprehensive General Plan Update
branded as Vision 2035 — A Community’s Mosaic. As part of the General Plan
Update process, Alhambra is conducting a
survey about various topics regarding the
City relevant to the General Plan Update,
and the City would like to get residents’
opinion. The success of the General Plan
process requires residents’ participation
The General Plan is a long-range vision
for the future of the community and is
sometimes referred to as the “blueprint”
or “constitution” for the future. The City’s
General Plan was last adopted in 1987
and although parts of the plan have been
updated since then, it is necessary for the
City to once again look into its future and
decide what it wants to be, the direction it
wants to go in, and how it will get there.
True North Research, Inc., is conducting
an official survey by making phone calls to
residents of the community. However, the
survey is also available to the community
through the City’s Web site with the option
to conduct the survey online or by printing
a hard copy and mailing or dropping it off
to the Development Services Department
at Alhambra City Hall. Surveys must be
turned in no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday,
July 21.
For more information on the
General Plan Update and to view the
survey, please visit the project Web site
at
www.cityofalhambra.org/page/544/
general_plan_update.
Alhambra - A new report has just been
released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that
most homeowners make when selling their
home, and a 9 Step System that can help
you sell your home fast and for the most
amount of money. This industry report
shows clearly how the traditional ways of
selling homes have become increasingly less
and less effective in today’s market.
The fact of the matter is that fully three
quarters of homesellers don’t get what
they want for their homes and become
disillusioned and - worse – financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on
the market. As this report uncovers, most
homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that
cost them literally thousands of dollars.
The good news is that each and every one
of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In
answer to this issue, industry insiders have
prepared a free special report entitled “The
9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast
and For Top Dollar”.
To order a FREE Special Report, call
toll-free 1-888-300-4632 and enter 1000.
You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
Get your free special report NOW to
find out how you can get the most money
for your home.
This report is courtesy of Rudy L. Kusuma
Real Esate Broker Lic# 01820322. Not intended solicit buyers or sellers currently under
contract.
7 Things You Must Know Before
Putting Your Home Up for Sale
The following crimes were reported to the Alhambra Police Department during
May. The areas of occurrence are listed to the nearest block —not exact addresses. By
publishing these reports, it is hoped that Alhambra residents will take the necessary
measures to ensure their individual safety, as well as the safety of their property.
Neighborhood Watch Works! To join Neighborhood Watch, or for more crime
prevention information and safety tips, contact the Alhambra Police Department
Crime Prevention Office at 626-570-5177.
District One
Burglary (0)
Theft/Burglary from
Vehicle (9)
400 S. Monterey
500 N. Second
100 N. Garfield(x2)
400 S. Eighth
100 E. Alhambra
1200 N. Story
First/Main
200 S. Chapel
Grand Theft Auto (2)
Main/Chapel
100 N. Valencia
Robbery (2)
First/Main
800 E. Main
District Two
Burglary (2)
1100 S. Fourth
500 W. San Marino
Theft/Burglary from
Vehicle (8)
1800 S. Geranio (x3)
1800 S. Eighth
200 S. Monterey
600 W. Valley
800 S. Garfield (x2)
00 Hellman (x3)
1200 S. Atlantic
1400 S. Sierra Vista
600 W. Valley
700 S. Stoneman
Robbery (1)
900 E. Valley
District Three
Burglary (3)
100 N. Olive
100 S. Elm
2200 W. Cedar
Theft/Burglary from
Vehicle (6)
1900 W. Cedar
900 S. Fremont
300 N. Marguerita
200 S. Winchester
600 S. Date
200 N. Marengo
1700 W. Acacia
400 N. La France
1500 W. Main
1500 W. Maple
Mission/Date
3200 W. Sherwood
200 S. Electric
Robbery (2)
Main/Curtis
1200 S. Fremont
District Four
Burglary (6)
1200 W. Ramona
1600 S. Campbell
1600 S. Edgewood
2000 S. Primrose
2500 W. Whitney
2700 S. Fremont
Theft Burglary from
Vehicle (2)
1100 S. Olive
1200 S. Marengo
1500 W. Front
2900 W. Norwood
2300 W. Front
1600 S. Westmont
2700 W. Ramona
2100 S. Meridian
1000 S. Marguerita
1800 W. Garvey
1300 S. Fremont
900 S. Benito (x2)
Robbery (0)
The City Hall lobby art gallery features
the works of Lo Sheng Hwang and Nanmay Yen in July.
Ms. Hwang’s artistic beginnings can
best be described in her own words: “One
day, I came across some artwork that was
put together out of recycled soda cans;
this gave me the inspiration to transform
piles of magazines and catalogs, which
would normally be thrown away, into
beautiful pieces of art. I began by cutting
old publications into very small pixel like
pieces, then gluing and placing them on
a paper in a way where the final art piece
would portray a majestic representation
of nature. I created blooming fields, ocean
side escapes and tranquil landscapes from
takeout menus, pizza advertisements, and
other ordinary publications that arrived in
the mail.”
Her artworks appear to be oil paintings,
but are actually creations of recycled magazines and catalogs cut with painstaking
precision.
Ms. Yen has a passion for painting.
“The joy, peace, and pleasure I receive from
painting comes from the admiration of
beautiful flowers,” said Ms. Yen. “Every
time I paint a flower I am struck in awe
of the glory and majesty in God’s creation.
The beauty in how the shapes are organized
and how the colors are coordinated will
astound and amaze anyone who takes time
to notice.”
Visitors to Alhambra City Hall, 111 S.
First St. can enjoy these artworks weekdays
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the
month of August and on evenings when
City Hall is open for meetings of the City
Council or the Planning Commission.
For more information, phone
626-570-5091.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS From Page 1A
tacos, and other American delicacies
available from the various onsite food
trucks, including The Berlin Truck,
Slammin Sliders, Hang 10 Tacos,
and Paradise Cookies, and test their
knowledge of the English language and
participate in American cultural activities. Likewise, the Alhambra community
will have an opportunity to practice their
German. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
The Alhambra Park Bandshell will
groove with fun entertainment from the
‘80s cover band Past Action Heroes along
with performances by Jayvee Dance and
Pop Rock Academy. Other areas of the
park will be set up with American-style
games and other activities.The casual
community celebration promises to be
great fun and an opportunity to engage
in multi-culturalism.
Alhambra will serve as host to the
German delegation, along with the City
of Monterey Park, from July 21 to 24.
The delegation will reside at Cal State LA
during its pre-Games stay and will use
the campus for practicing and training.
On July 21, the Host Town Committee will host a private welcome reception.
The following day, the delegates will
be provided a private tour of JPL, the
famous NASA facility that has launched
all the Mars missions during the past
two decades. Bus transportation has
been arranged by the Alhambra Unified
School District, and Subway will provide
donated box lunches. Volunteers from
the PCC German Club will attend the
field trip to assist with translation. This
will be followed by a private Ice Cream
Social back at Cal State LA., provided
by Alhambra’s famous Fosselman’s Ice
Cream. The Party in the Park Community Celebration will follow and is open
to the public.
On July 23, the Monterey Park Host
Town Committee will take over with
hosting and entertainment activities.
On July 24, a Farewell Pep Rally
(open to the public – depending on
the ability to park) will be held at the
Cal State LA gym at 11 a.m. The Mark
Keppel High Marching Band and San
Gabriel High School Cheer and Dance
team will perform. Thereafter, the German delegation will be directed to the
Athletes Village at USC and UCLA to
get ready for the opening ceremonies of
the World Games.
Viel Vernügung and best wishes to
Alhambra’s new German friends as they
participate in these historic Games.
14A
AROUND ALHAMBRA07/2015
07/2015
AROUND ALHAMBRA
15A
16A
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA07/2015
OUR
WELCOME
CHAMBER MEMBERS!
New
A1 Live Scan & Notary Services
553 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-489-4559
a1livescan.com
Notary, passport photo services, fingerprinting
(state and FBI) and background screening.
Albert C. Mak, MD, Inc.
707 S. Garfield Ave., Suite B002
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-227-2777
makoncology.com
State-of-the-art radiation treatment for the
Greater Los Angeles area, positively affecting
the lives of patients and their loved ones.
Beyond Travel Agency
910 E. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-968-8876 X102
mybeyondtour.com
Beyond Travel works to personalize travel
to suit customers’ needs. The agency’s goal
is to increase and maintain the quality of
life for tourists at a high standard while
keeping the cost as affordable as possible.
It’s all about networking
Join the Chamber for an informal social where business people get together,
exchange ideas, and develop new relationships. These monthly networking
programs are sponsored by and hosted at Chamber member establishments.
Networking is one of the most affordable means of marketing resulting in invaluable
personal referrals and word-of-mouth advertising.
So, don’t hesitate. Bring plenty of business cards and a winning handshake to the
next Business After Hours and develop a synergistic group of business contacts.
This month’s Business After Hours mixer
will take place
Wednesday, July 29
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Tri-Star Vending
690 S. Date Ave., Alhambra 91803
Bob Wondries Ford opened in Alhambra in 1949. “Bob Wondries
has Tri-Star Vending has offered full-service, professional vending
services for offices and businesses since 1990. The company
has trained professional drivers; high-tech modern vending
equipment; a top-notch lineup of name-brands; and it offers the
personal attention that comes from a family-owned business.
Cost: $10 for members
$15 for non-members
For more information about the
Business After Hours Mixers, phone
the Chamber at 626-282-8481.
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
thanks these members for renewing their memberships
and for their continued support:
38 Degrees Ale House and Grill
100 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-2038
Member since 2009
Havana House Cigars
& Lounge
133 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-576-0547
Member since 2001
Ace Beverage
401 S. Anderson St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
323-264-6000
Member since 2005
Alhambra American Little League
P. O. Box 3534
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-230-9646
Member since 2011
H.M.E. Realtors
248 E. Main St., Suite #100
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-281-3400 X125
Member since 2013
San Gabriel Fine Arts
Association Glass Gallery
P.O Box 1123
San Gabriel, CA 91778
626-282-1448
Member since 2014
Home Depot
500 S. Marengo Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-458-9800 X300
Member since 2007
State Farm InsuranceTom Romano
1226 E. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-576-1040
Member since 2008
Asian American Economic
Development Enterprises
216 W. Garvey Ave., Suite E
Monterey Park, CA 91754
626-572-7021
Member since 2000
Landz Real Estate
401 N. Garfield Ave., Suite #2
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-289-8584
Member since 2012
Battery World
1032 E. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-289-5962
Member since 2009
Laurie Shigekuni & Associates
225 S. Lake Ave., Suite 300
Pasadena, CA 91101
800-417-5250
Member since 2012
Carroll’s Brake Service
2360 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-281-0993
Member since 2009
Law Offices of Frank W. Chen
2600 Mission St., Suite #206
San Marino, CA 91108
626-441-4205
Member since 2007
Diner on Main
201 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-281-3488
Member since 203
Dynasty Builders, Inc.
1501 W. Hellman Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-299-0811
Member since 2012
S7 Graphics
2405 W. Hellman Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
323-715-5009
Member since 2014
Nancy Yan Xu, chief editor and general manager of Global Times USA, announces the raffle winners at the
Alhambra Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 21 at the Global Times’ booth.
Global Times USA joins Chamber
“Global Times USA is very pleased to
join the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
and become a part of the local business
community,” said Nancy Yan Xu, chief editor and general manager of Global Times.
Global Times USA publishes Global
Times (U.S. edition), making Global
Times the first daily newspaper from China
to launch a U.S. edition simultaneously
in Chinese and in English. Global Times
has been listed in China’s Top 500 Most
Valuable Brands for years. Its Chinese
version has a daily circulation of more than
2 million copies, and its English version
has been one of China’s most influential
English-language media. In addition to
newspaper publication, Global Times has
diverse businesses, including bilingual Web
sites, marketing, filmmaking, and a poll
center.
Launched on Feb. 20, 2013, the U.S.
edition of Global Times has 24 pages in its
English version and 16 pages in its Chinese
version. While maintaining the strengths of
the Global Times distributed in China, the
U.S. edition seeks to increase its coverage
of the local U.S. community to cater to the
needs of American readers.
Global Times USA has been a member
of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
since March 2015. It participated in the
Alhambra Lunar New Year Celebration,
organized by the Alhambra Chamber, last
Feb. 21. Global Times had a booth at the
celebration, featuring various activities,
including a raffle to thank its readers and
give back to the community. Nearly 1,000
readers participated in the raffle. Ching
Woo from Los Angeles won the first prize of
a six-day Canadian Rocky Mountain tour
package, and the second prize went to Bill
Wong, who won a Los Angeles-Vancouver
round-trip ticket.
Global Times (U.S. edition) is distributed on a daily basis in Los Angeles
County and on a weekly basis in Orange
County, San Diego, and Las Vegas. It is also
distributed in Air China’s VIP lounges and
all its flights departing from Los Angeles
every day, as well as the Visa Center of
Chinese Consulate General in L.A. It is
also accessible on its Web site: http://www.
globaltimes.cn (English) and http://www.
huanqiu.com (Chinese).
Sunny View Care Center
1428 S. Marengo Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-576-1032
Member since 2012
Tri-Star Vending
690 S. Date Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-282-5044
Member since 1998
Volkswagen Alhambra
1811 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-407-0500
Member since 2010
Options State Preschool
18455 Railroad St.
Wahib’s Middle East Restaurant
City of Industry, CA 91748
910 E. Main St.
626-854-3449
Alhambra, CA 91801
Member since 2014
626-281-1006
Member since 2007
Pinnacle College/Soundmaster
1000 S. Fremont Ave.
To renew your membership
Unit 14, Bldg. 11
with a credit card,
Alhambra, CA 91803
please phone the Chamber
626-284-0050
at 626-282-8481.
Member since 2005
Energy Karoake
33 E. Valley Blvd., #206-#210
Planned Parenthood
Alhambra, CA 91801
Alhambra Health Center
626-570-8118
330 S. Garfield Ave., Suite #300
Member since 2014
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-798-0706
Member since 2008
Beyond Travel Agency, 910 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, had its grand opening on June 9.
Beyond Travel works to personalize travel to suit customers’ needs. The agency assists in
arranging business and leisure trips across America, Canada, and some South American
countries, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe. These trips can be just about anything,
including summer camps, sightseeing, vacations, and honeymoons.
Supervisor Michael Antonovich
gives report on County
Board of Supervisors at
Meeting of Minds luncheon
County Supervisor Michael Antonovich gave a report on the activities of
the County Board of Supervisors at the
Meeting of Minds luncheon May 29 at
Almansor Court. The report included the
Board’s interest in water use in non-incorporated areas, and there was discussion on
minimum wage laws.
Mr. Antonovich’s term ends in December. He introduced his Chief Deputy
Kathryn Barges, who he is endorsing to
replace him on the Board.
In attendance were Alhambra Councilmembers Gary Yamaguchi and Dr.
Steve Placido, San Gabriel Mayor Jason
Pu and Councilmember Chin Ho Lieu,
and El Monte Councilmember J. Gomez.
The Chamber was well represented by the
members of the Government Affairs Committee, led by Owen Guenthard. Chamber Alhambra Chamber of Commerce President Lee
President Lee Lieberg kept things running Lieberg welcomes County Supervisor Michael
Antonovich at Meeting of Minds luncheon on
smoothly.
May 29.
Many factors to
consider when employing
unpaid volunteers
Can a for profit business make use of unpaid volunteers?
BY GARY HERMANN, LABOR LAW CORNER
It is highly unlikely that a for-profit
business can make use of unpaid volunteers; the organization would generally
have to be nonprofit to do so.
Determining volunteer status
When determining whether one is a
volunteer, the intent of the parties is the
controlling factor.
If the person intends to volunteer his
or her services in the spirit of devotion,
self-sacrifice, or service to the needy, that
person is not an employee. Coercion
must not be present.
If the person is performing tasks
which might otherwise be performed by
an employee, it is not likely that such a
person could be a volunteer.
Because of the tacit threat of adverse
action, employers and employees seldom
deal with each other on an equal footing,
creating a serious question about someone’s intention.
On the other hand, members of charitable, medical, religious, or volunteer
social organizations are usually involved
out of a sense of commitment, duty, and
obligation.
Volunteers who intend to donate their
services to religious, charitable, or similar nonprofit corporations, without contemplation of pay and for public service,
or religious or humanitarian objectives
may be volunteers. The individual is not
an employee of the religious, charitable,
or similar nonprofit corporation, which
receives the services.
However, when the religious, charitable, or nonprofit corporation operates
a commercial enterprise serving the
ChickensWelc
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
general public, such enterprises are
subject to the California Industrial
Welfare Commission orders and persons
performing services therefore would
have to be employees.
In certain circumstances, a regular
employee of a religious, charitable, or
nonprofit organization may donate
his or her services as a volunteer. Such
services, however, may not be the usual
services of the employee’s job.
Public works
There are times when members of a
community may desire to donate their
time and energies to the completion of a
certain public project, such as a park or
playground. The Legislature created an
amendment to the state’s public works
laws to recognize such volunteerism.
Section 1720.4 of the California Labor Code recognizes and allows the work
of volunteers on public works projects
as an exemption to the prevailing wage
requirements of the statute.
See: CalChamber California Labor
Law Digest, p. 364; Division of Labor
Standards Enforcement (DLSE) Manual,
Section 43.6.7; DLSE Opinion Letters
1988.10.27, 1998.11.6.
The Labor Law Helpline is a service
to California Chamber of Commerce preferred and executive members. For expert
explanations of labor laws and Cal/OSHA
regulations, not legal counsel for specific
situations, phone 800-348-2262, or
submit your question at www.hrcalifornia.
com.
Re-print from the California
Chamber of Commerce - May 22,
2015 ALERT
17A
Alhambra D
(888) 398-
100 South First Street • Alh
Experience the Differe
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce members and friends raised more than $10,000 this year to assist
a group of graduating seniors from Alhambra’s high schools. From left: Pastor Francis Chung, Mandarin
Baptist Church of Los Angeles; Maria Gao, Evike.com Inc.; Andres Friedman, Shea Properties; Megan
Moloughney, The Ratkovich Co./The Alhambra; Matthew Mercado, Alhambra High; Roxanne Guerrero,
Ramona Convent; Jasmine Han, Mark Keppel; and Michael Victor Ramos, Mark Keppel High
LOOSE TEE
Before
Alhambra Chamber of
Commerce awards 2015
academic scholarships
07/2015
TOOTH SAV
The Chamber funded scholarships to Pomona), Kristie Sham (UC Berkeley),
graduates from Alhambra High School, and Annie Tran (UC Berkeley); Mark
Keppel
High School:
Jasmine
Han
Mark Keppel High School, San
Gabriel
This
example
shows
how Dr.
JohnThanh
Chao
saved a
High School, Ramona Convent Secondary (University of Redlands), Joshua Kwa (UC
EASY
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VISIT
and
at
a frac
School, and Independence and Century San Diego), and Michael Victor Ramos
(individual
results va
(East Los Angeles College);
San Gabriel
high schools.
“This is a wonderful community pro- High School: Kristy Duong (Stanford
gram,” said 2015 Scholarship Chairman University) and Michelle Lok (UniverStan Yonemoto. “Thanks to everyone for sity of Pennsylvania); Ramona Convent
their support, and congratulations to our Secondary School: Jessica Duong (UC
2015 graduating seniors.”
Irvine) and Roxanne Guerrero (Loyola
The 2015 Alhambra Chamber of Com- Marymount University); Century High
merce Scholarship winners are Alhambra School: Richard Carpio (East Los Angeles
High School: Samentha Han (Cal State College); and Independence High School:
Fullerton), Matthew Mercado (Cal Poly Dominque Ta.
NEGLECTED T
Before
TEETH REST
This example shows how Dr. John Chao saved
ONE EASY COMFORTABLE VISIT and at a fr
(individual results va
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according to the
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18A
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA07/2015
Soroptimists, Historical Society sponsor
lecture on chocolate, with samples
The History of Chocolate is the title
of a lecture to be presented by Lee Scott
Theisen, Ph.D, a professor of culinary
history, from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July
25, in Reese Hall at the Alhambra Civic
Center Library, 101 S. First St.
This community service program,
sponsored by Soroptimist International
of Alhambra – San Gabriel – San Marino
and the Alhambra Historical Society, is
free.
Donations will be gratefully accepted.
Reservations are required; the samples
of fair trade chocolate are limited to 100
participants.
Reservations can be made at www.
sialhambra.org or with the Alhambra
Historical Society: 626 300-8845.
Information and membership applications will be available from both organizations. The Historical Society will have a
display of items from its museum.
Historical Societies Joint
Dinner Meeting to feature
talk about gardening
The ninth annual Historical Societies
Joint Dinner Meeting will take place at 6
p.m. Saturday July 18. It will be hosted by
the Dinsmoor Heritage House Cultural
Museum, 9632 Steele St., Rosemead.
To attend the dedication of the historical Dinsmoor House, please come at 5
p.m. The ceremony will take place by the
Native Sons of the Gold West, Ramona
Parlor #109, founded in 1887.
The Historical Societies of Alhambra,
Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Temple City,
the Ramona Museum of California History, and the Dinsmoor invite everyone to
learn more about their gardens. The topic
of the program is How Does Your Garden
Grow? Lessons My Flowers Taught Me.
The program will be conducted by
Julie Gentry of Rosemead and John Scott,
superintendent in the City of Rosemead
Public Works Department, who designed
all the landscaping at all of the public
buildings in the city. They will talk about
water saving and drought-resistant plants.
Cuttings of the various plants will be
available to everyone, as well as the
centerpieces.
Dinner is $15, which includes a ticket
for a mini door prize. Dinner includes
Pasta Pronto Bar, tossed green salad, bread
and butter, dessert and beverage. Checks
should be made out to the Alhambra
Historical Society Inc. and mailed to Post
Office Box 6687, Alhambra 91802.
Deadline for reservations is July 11. For
more information, phone 626-300-8845.
07/2015
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
19A
Five ways to avoid ‘breaking the bank’ on your summer vacation
BY SANDY WALIA, AREA PRESIDENT
FOR WELLS FARGO’S GREATER SAN
GABRIEL COMMUNITY BANK
We all want to make the most of our
vacations. Whether you’re maximizing
every minute of the day — visiting museums, exploring historic sites, indulging in
local foods — or finding ways to stretch
your vacation dollars for a once-in-alifetime experience or to visit a far-away
destination, it’s important to make the
most of your well-deserved downtime.
Vacations are good for you, but they
can also be expensive. For more than onethird of Americans, the cost of a vacation
will be one of their largest expenses in the
coming year, according to Wells Fargo’s
recent “How America Buys and Borrows”
survey.
How can you avoid a “break the bank”
vacation and still make the most of your
time away? One option may be sitting
in your wallet: your rewards credit card.
Read on for five tips to help you turn your
vacation dreams into a reality.
Understand how your rewards card
works: Read the terms and conditions
thoroughly and understand how you can
earn and redeem rewards. Some cards offer
cash back while others offer points. Some
credit cards allow customers to redeem for
a variety of options, while other cards —
such as those offered by some airlines and
hotels — connect you to reward redemptions for their specific product. Know
what, if any, fees or charges occur when
redeeming and whether your rewards ever
expire.
Use rewards you’ve already earned:
Some consumers track rewards and redeem them regularly. Others rarely think
about them. If you fall in the second
category, check your rewards balance. You
may have earned enough rewards to offset
vacation costs like airfare, hotel stays,
or gift cards to merchants you plan on
visiting while vacationing. Alternatively,
you may prefer to redeem your rewards as
an account credit and use the cash while
traveling.
Earn rewards for the money you’ll
spend on vacation: The average vacationer spends just over $1,300 for travel,
including food, lodging and transportation, estimates the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics. By responsibly using your
rewards credit card for vacation costs,
rewards can add up. You can redeem them
later — perhaps, for next year’s vacation!
Understand travel-related benefits
that come with your credit card: Traveling with your credit card offers a safer way
to pay because if a card is lost or stolen, a
quick call to your bank can stop charges
to your account. In addition to rewards
programs, many cards offer little known
perks that may help make your travel
smoother. For example, some credit cards
offer 24/7 concierge services that can help
you plan your trip or even make dinner
reservations. Your card may also offer
rental car insurance, no-fee currency conversions, competitive currency conversion
rates, and travel protections like insurance
for lost or damage luggage. To learn more
about these benefits, read your credit card
agreement.
Look for special travel offers from
your rewards program: Check to see if
your credit card offers special travel deals
that come with additional rewards from
specific retailers. To learn more about
available offers, cardholders can typically
check their rewards program Web site. To
review Wells Fargo’s available offers, visit
www.MyWellsFargoRewards.com.
As you plan to make the most of your
vacation, keep budgeting and money
management basics in mind. Be sure to let
your bank or credit card company know
you’re going out of town, and consider
using free tools, such as online banking or
your bank’s mobile app, to stay on top of
your finances. That way you can kick back
and enjoy your time away.
About the author
Ms. Walia oversees approximately 1,030
team members in 54 community banking
stores spanning East Los Angeles from La
Crescenta to Long Beach. Throughout her
nearly 20-year career, she has worked in
a number of retail banking positions and
received her bachelor’s degree in biology and
chemistry from California State University,
Long Beach. Ms. Walia is an avid community volunteer, serving on the board of
directors for A Place Called Home, helping
underserved children in South Central Los
Angeles, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter.
20A
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA07/2015
New Gen Rotary completes successful third
year; prepares for fireworks fundraiser
The San Gabriel Valley New Generation
Rotary Club wrapped up its third year on
June 30, and the young service club had
much to celebrate. Under the leadership
of outgoing Club President Dr. Hoc
Tiet, of InnerLink Chiropractic Clinic in
Rosemead, the club further expanded its
community service resume.
During the past year, members of the
club participated in a variety of service projects in Alhambra and the West San Gabriel
Valley, and also internationally. Projects
included providing mini-grants to teachers
in the Alhambra Unified School District;
working with children in LAUSD’s Reading to Kids program; taking care of canine
friends by volunteering with the Westside
German Shepherd Rescue; and annual
participation in the Peppy Sciarra Heart
Walk, which benefits Children’s Hospital
Los Angeles.
New Gen Rotary was a founding
participant of the first-ever Alhambra
Community Clean-Up, which took place
in February and focused on cleaning up
eight blocks of homes in Alhambra, assisting with landscaping and junk removal.
The club continued the annual tradition
of decorating the City of Alhambra’s Rose
Parade float and co-hosting the December
Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer at
the Rose Float decorating barn.
The club continued its dedication to the
youth in the community by mentoring the
Members of SGV New Gen Rotary meet weekly at Fronteras Mexican Restaurant, 118 W. Main St.
Interact Club at San Gabriel High School
that they sponsor, and by providing opportunities for leadership and professional development by sending two of those students
to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
(RYLA) weekend camp.
The keynote project of President Tiet’s
term was the Winter Wishes program, a
collaboration with the Asian Youth Center
(AYC) based in San Gabriel, which provides
after-school tutoring and family services to
youth in the community. Winter Wishes
saw the club adopt four local families
during the holiday season and provided
them with Halloween treats and activities,
a Thanksgiving food basket, Christmas gifts
that included clothes, books, and toys, and
even a laptop for the family to use. The
Christmas gifts were presented to the family
at a Christmas dinner that took place at Alhambra’s First Baptist Church, with Santa
Claus in attendance as well.
“Though many of these great projects
occur right here in the San Gabriel Valley,
Rotary is an international organization,
and as such, many projects take place in
countries around the world,” said President
Tiet. “One such project that has become a
club favorite is the Corazon Superbuild in
Tecate, Mexico, in which the club partici-
pates in a one-day house build for a family.
The experience of taking a barren cement
slab to a home full of promises for a bright
future for that family, and in only one day,
is such a rewarding adventure.”
Although New Gen Rotary members
keep themselves busy with service projects,
it’s not all work. The club participates in
a number of fun social events, including
group outings to a Dodger game, wine
tastings and food pairings, Halloween and
St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls, and the fun
had in Mexico during the annual Corazon
Project trip.
As the club members reflect back on another successful year, they also look forward
to the future and to the annual Fourth of
July Fireworks Sale Fundraiser. The club
raises its entire charitable operating budget
for the year from the fireworks stand it operates every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from
June 28 through July 4 located in the Smart
& Final parking lot at 725 E. Main St. The
club invites the community to buy fireworks
from New Gen Rotary, where the money is
reinvested back into the community.
To be a part of this group of young,
dynamic, and innovative professionals, join
them at any of their regularly scheduled
meetings that take place from 6:30 p.m. to
8 p.m. every Thursday at Fronteras Mexican
Restaurant, 118 W. Main. Check out New
Gen Rotary on facebook at www.facebook.
com/sgvnewgenrotary.
Rybicki family donates hydroponic food
gardening systems to Ramona Convent’s farm
Hydroponic vertical garden uses 90% less water, grows 24 healthy plants in 3.4 square feet.
Ramona Convent’s new sustainable farm has gone high tech with
the addition of two hydroponic food
gardening systems, gifts from the
Rybicki family, formerly of Alhambra.
The systems were developed by
Alan Smith, founder of Aloha Urban
Farming Company, Newport Beach.
The garden systems were presented
on April 27 to Ramona’s President
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM, by
Euphemia (Fame) Ratkowski Rybicki,
former president of both Ramona’s
Alumnae/Past Pupil Association and
the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce; her daughter, Joan Rybicki
Steen, Ramona class of 1964; and Mr.
Smith.
Both systems use up to 90% less
water than traditional growing methods through recycling. The Vertical
Victory Garden can grow 24 edible
plants in only 3.4 square feet. The
second system recycles water through
solar power.
Mr. Smith provided the garden
systems installation and hydroponic
training to Francois Laborie, Ramona’s
farm program director. By combining
hydroponics (soilless horticulture) and
space-saving technology, the self-watering Vertical Victory Garden and
solar-powered system recycle 100%
of the water used. Growing healthy
vegetables, greens, and herbs is easy.
Research shows they grow twice as fast
as in conventional edible gardens.
“We want everyone to have healthy,
nutrient-rich
food.
California’s
Alan Smith of Aloha Urban Farming Company and former Alhambra
Chamber of Commerce President Euphemia “Fame” Rybicki (seated),
present solar-powered, water-recycling garden systems to Ramona
Convent President Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM. Students
can learn to grow healthy food while recycling water on Ramona’s
sustainable farm.
drought is the driving force behind our commitment to
water-recycling systems,” said Mr. Smith. “Aloha Urban
Farming Company is dedicated to giving back to the
community. For each unit sold, $25 will be donated to
Ramona’s farm program. I envision working with Ramona to support a hands-on education program for students
that could evolve into a farmers market.”
For more information about the hydroponic garden
systems, contact Mr. Smith at 844-235-8851, or visit
www.AlohaUrbanFarming.com.
07/2015
Clara Lusk, longtime Woman’s Club
member, Alhambra resident, dies
ChickensWelcome.com
Clara (Bergamo) Lusk,
longtime Alhambra Woman’s
Club member, died on June
12. She was 93 years old.
She lived in Alhambra
for more than 60 years.
She never drove a car and
walked everywhere in Alhambra. She once said that
was why she knew so many
Alhambra residents.
Mrs. Lusk was born in
Rocksprings, Wyoming,
on Oct. 5, 1921. She
was the oldest of three
sisters. When she was 7,
her mother died, and her
father placed the three little girls, Clara,
Ida, and Mary, in a Catholic orphanage “to
keep them together.” Her father came to
get them when Mrs. Lusk was 13.
She joined The Alhambra Woman’s
Club in 1989 and became president. She
had the longest term of president of the
club and served three times for a total of
five and a half years. She also served as
Alhambra Dental
Historian, Auditor, First Vice
President, Third Vice President, and Parliamentarian.
Mrs. Lusk was preceded in
death by her husband; by her
sister, Mary; and is survived by
her five children John, Diana
Snyder, William, Frank, and
Donna Zeladon; and her beloved sister Ida Jereb. She was
grandmother to Sean, Michael,
Amantha, and Melissa Lusk;
Tim, Todd, and Ted Snyder;
and Selena and Ivy Ann Zeladon. Clara’s great-grandchildren are Michael Raider and
Jered Lusk and Victor, Peter,
and Christy Snyder.
Mrs. Lusk enjoyed playing cards at her
club and bingo at her church. She supported her club and church in all activities
through May 2015.
Services were arranged by Rose Hills
Mortuary, Alhambra. Mass was celebrated
at All Souls Catholic Church on June 22,
followed by burial at Rose Hills Cemetery.
(888) 398-1377
100 South First Street • Alhambra, CA 91801
Experience the Difference in One Visit
LOOSE TEETH
Before
In One Visit
First Christian Church disbands
TOOTH SAVED
The congregation of First Christian the present location. The membership of
Church, 220 S. Fifth St., Alhambra, on the church at that time was 700.
This example
shows how Dr. John Chao saved a hopelessly loose tooth in ONE
May 10 voted to disband.
The church continued to expand and
EASY
at a fraction of the cost of implants!
On the second Sunday of June,
1910,COMFORTABLE
grow. The education VISIT
building and
on Fifth
(individual
results
vary).
16 people assembled in the Women’s Street was dedicated in 1965, and the
Club to organize a Sunday school. Steps Fellowship Hall, at Fourth and Commonwere then taken to organize a church, wealth, was built in 1967, with memberwhich was done on Nov. 10, 1910. V. ship of 900 members.
“During the years, the church has
H. Linsley was called as the first regular
pastor in April, 1911, and the church was touched the lives of many people,” said
incorporated by the State of California on Church Elder Robert C. Coe. “The
church has been a supporter of Chapman
May 8, 1911.
On Thanksgiving Day of 1911, about College, California Christian Home,
30 men gathered on the lot at Third and Claremont School of Theology and other
Commonwealth and erected the rafters Disciples charities.”
for what was known for many years as the
Under the leadership of Mr. Coe, the
“Little Brown Church.” On Jan. 7, 1912, church hosted an annual Memorial Day
the Little Brown Church was completed Service on the Sunday before Memorial
and dedicated.
Day from 2009 through 2014. All of the
In 1920, plans were initiated for a new churches in the City were invited as well
sanctuary, and work continued for the next as the community.
five years. On Nov. 25, 1925, a procession“Although the physical presence of
al marched one block west to Fourth and the church has left the City of Alhambra,
Commonwealth, where the congregation the Spirit of the Lord has not left,” said
thrived for the next 35 years. A pipe
organ
Mr. Coe.
“We feel
thatDr.
the John
faith that
was saved a severely neglected tooth in
This
example
shows
how
Chao
was installed and dedicated in 1932
and EASY
in taught
for 104 years has made
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1937, extensive remodeling was done. In lasting impression upon
all of those who
(individual
results vary)
1946, the congregation decided to expand, have entered the doors of our sanctuary.
and considerable property adjacent to the We have endeavored to teach the Word of
property was acquired.
God and try to keep a solid, moral base
In 1957, an overwhelming vote direct- that we believe God intended when He
ed the administrative board to “proceed sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus the
at once with building plans and building Christ, to live among us and die for us.”
finance.” The church embarked on an
The church’s property is owned by
extensive fund raising plan, and the third Pacific Southwest Region, Disciples of
sanctuary was dedicated in July of 1960 at Christ, and has been posted for sale.
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21A
22A
07/2015
Geraldine Pedrini, matriarch
of Pedrini Music, dies
Emmaus Lutheran School has a new covered pavilion: the Joseph T. Forgatch Pavilion.
Joseph T. Forgatch Pavilion
a recent addition to Emmaus
Lutheran School campus
Emmaus Lutheran School has a new
covered pavilion, finished just before the
end of the school year, to shade students
while they eat their lunches. Alhambra
resident and longtime church member
Joe Forgatch noticed more shade was
needed after the loss of some large trees in
the grassy field of the 6-acre campus.
Mr. Forgatch motivated people to work
together for the greater good of his church
and the school. After more than two years
of planning, fund-raising activities, and
construction, the pavilion was finished.
The nonagenarian, often referred to as
the Energizer Bunny for his non-stop
efforts to get things done, was recognized
for his tireless efforts, dedication, and
hard work when it was announced at this
year’s school fundraiser in May that the
structure would be named the Joseph T.
Forgatch Pavilion.
Summer school has begun, and the
pavilion will be well used during the hot
days of summer. The summer school program includes many out of the ordinary
activities including a music appreciation
program taught by the school’s piano
teacher, Cheryl Hall. This summer’s focus
is on the parts of the orchestra and exploring the different types of instruments and
how they all work together to create beautiful music. A field trip to the Grammy
Museum and the Hollywood Bowl will
allow students to sit in the front rows and
watch an orchestra rehearsal.
Another new program is Meet the
Masters. This art program presents the
history of several of the masters such as
Picasso, Rembrandt, Warhol, Van Gogh,
and others, allowing students to practice
the famous artist’s specific techniques and
create their own masterpiece with an art
show featuring the students’ work.
Spanish and Sign Language, volleyball,
basketball, and football workshops as well
as regular education classes are included.
There is an English Language Learners
program for those in need. Add in a
lineup of field trips, water activities, camp
games, crafts, food, and fun and it will be
a special summer for all who attend.
For more information about summer
school participation or to visit the campus
to learn about the fall program beginning
Aug. 24, contact Principal Kit Hittenger
at 626-289-3664.
SGVHS 2016 Calendar
Photo Contest
To inquire about these
adoptable animals, contact
the San Gabriel Valley
Humane Society at 626286-1159, or visit at 851 E.
Grand Ave., San Gabriel.
Adoption hours are 10 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through
Sunday. The shelter is closed
on Mondays. Directions and
photos of many more dogs
and cats can be found online
at www.sgvhumane.org.
The adoption fee for
cats is $99, which includes
spay/neuter,
vaccinations,
de-worming,
FIV/FELV/
heartworm testing, and
microchip. A $120-$135 dog
adoption fee includes microchip, vaccinations, spay/
neuter surgery, and de-worming, as well as a free health
check-up at a participating
vet (some breeds slightly
higher).
Save money with the Buddy Program. Adopt two pets
at the same time for a reduced
fee.
The Senior for Senior Program offers pets for $39 each.
The San Gabriel Valley
Humane Society is the local,
affordable choice for spay
and neuter, vaccinations, and
TNR (trap, neuter, and release) for feral cats. Check out
the Web site for information
on the adoptable pets and
adoption programs: www.
sgvhumane.org.
Geraldine Mae Pedrini
was born in Los Angeles on
Nov.15, 1924. She died on
May 31. She was the matriarch
of Pedrini Music in Alhambra
for more than 30 years. She
developed one of the largest
sheet music departments in
Southern California. When
she wasn’t working at the store,
she was playing her cocktail
drums and singing in nightclubs with her husband, Tom
Pedrini Jr., an accordionist.
For many years, they performed at Woody & Eddy’s
in San Marino. She raised
four children, Tom lll, Vicki,
Pedrini, who died on May 31, developed one of the largest
Leslie, and Michele Pedrini, Geraldine
sheet music departments in Southern California at Pedrini’s Music.
all of whom attended Fremont When she wasn’t working at the store, she was playing her cocktail
Elementary and Alhambra drums and singing in nightclubs with her husband, Tom Pedrini Jr.,
High School. She was the an accordionist.
grandmother of Tommy
Pedrini lV, a film composer, musician, and she preformed many lovely tunes from an
singer, and Gioia Pedrini Jacobson, a mar- assortment of countries.
riage and family therapist. Gerrie spent
Pedrini Music closed in 2001, but the
her final year and a half getting to know buildings it occupied now afford many
her new great-grandson, Ethan Thomas creative opportunities to the community.
Jacobson, son of Thomas Jacobson III. One of their employees of 30 years, John
With so many Toms in the family, he is Marini, runs his music store, Marini Mucalled TJ.
sic, there with his wife Alana. Another secGerrie’s parents, Andrew and Lena tion of the building is dedicated to dance
Peluffo, owned the restaurant El Paseo of all types — Art de Flamenco’s World of
Inn on Olvera Street in downtown Los Dance. There is an art studio and a studio
Angeles for 50 years. Many celebrities and that teaches martial arts as well. The music
dignitaries took the train into Union Sta- teachers remained in the studios of the
tion and walked over to the El Paseo for Pedrini School of Music, and students
live Mexican music and authentic Spanish can still study most any instrument and
dancing — even Jose Gonzalez Gonzalez receive vocal coaching there.
would perform his comedy musical acts
Gerrie became a member of the
there night after night. It was on Olvera Alhambra/San Gabriel/San Marino
Street that Gerrie learned to speak Spanish branch of Soroptomist International in
from the candle makers, glass blowers, and her 70s. Through this organization, she
other artisans.
made many wonderful friends and was
She also spoke French and Italian and able to contribute to the community in
sang in five languages. Late in her 70s, she additional meaningful ways. Gerrie was
had a monthly “gig” at Miceli’s in Holly- a vivacious, creative, enterprising woman
wood with her son Tom and Laszlo Cser. who lived life to the fullest and touched
They called it International Night, and everyone in her path.
The San Gabriel Valley Humane Society is having its second annual Calendar
Photo Contest. Good pet photos are wanted. E-mail landscape (horizontal)
format photos to [email protected]. Tell friends, family, and co-workers.
Everyone is invited to compete. The submission deadline is Saturday, July 11.
Domestic short hair • Adult •
Female • Medium • ID# 13265
Nicoleleo is a gorgeous gal with beautiful
soulful eyes and a heart of gold. Nicoleleo
is new to the shelter and still a bit shy.
She likes to be pet but is hesitant to have
visitors hold her. She is learning that to be
held means extra petting and maybe some
treats. Please come in and visit Nicoleleo
and consider giving this gentle girl a loving
home.
American Staffordshire terrier •
Adult • Female • Large • ID# 15889
Snickers is a sweet lady who enjoys her walks
with volunteers. She likes to keep her walker
close and will slow down her pace to stay
near. She’s gentle when being pet or given
treats and knows her basic commands. She is
the shelter’s featured dog this month. Visit her
at sgvhumane.org. and come in to experience
her winning personality.
Chihuahua and terrier mix •
Young • Female • Small •
ID# 16333
Abra can be a little timid at first
meeting, but she warms up quickly. She
gets along well with other dogs she has
met at the shelter and enjoys the company
of her kennel mate. Abra likes people and
is quite happy sitting on a lap for pets
and cuddles. She is also interested in the
world around her and likes to sniff and
explore. Abra is waiting eagerly for her
forever home. Come in to and meet her.
07/2015
23A
Alhambra School District employees recently graduated from the CERT program.
Learn how to respond to disasters
at Community Emergency
Response Team training
The Alhambra Fire Department is offering a free CERT (Community Emergency
Response Team) training session at 6:30
p.m. Wednesday, July 8, for seven Wednesdays, ending on Aug 19.
Twenty-one Alhambra School District
employees recently completed the last
session of the 21-hour training required to
be certified as members of CERT.
The CERT training involves several
modules of training including Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Medical, Light Search
and Rescue, and Fire Safety along with
other valuable training. CERT training is
designed to help residents and those who
work in Alhambra prepare for and respond
to disasters, primarily earthquakes. This
was the second CERT class completed
this year. The Alhambra Fire Department
trained more than 150 participants.
To register for the class or future classes,
please phone 626-579-CERT, or send an
e-mail to [email protected]. Registration must be in advance, and participants
must receive a confirmation number in
order to attend. Phone or e-mail soon
because classes fill up quickly.
Community Calendar of Events
JULY
July 2 – Thursday
Parks and Recreation Commission
7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park
210 N. Chapel Ave.
July 4 – Saturday
City of Alhambra’s annual Fourth of July event
2 p.m. at Almansor Park, 800 S. Almansor St.
Food vendors, entertainment, family activities,
and carnival games
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
July 6 - Monday
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers
111 S. First St.
July 7 – Tuesday
•
•
Alhambra Chamber Executive Committee
8:30 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
HUD - Housing Committee
7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
July 8 – Wednesday
Transportation Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
July 13 – Monday
Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St.
July 14 – Tuesday
•
•
•
•
Alhambra Chamber Board of Directors
8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
Library Board of Trustees
6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.
Youth Commission
Design Review Board
7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
•
•
•
Coordinating Council
6:30 p.m.
Alhambra Civic Center Library, Reese Hall
101 S. First St.
Arts & Cultural Events Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Survivors of Murdered Children, SGV Chapter
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Third Wednesday of each month
Alhambra Police Department
211 S. First St., room EDC on second floor
Contact Tina Yamashiro at 626-298-9054 or
[email protected]
July 31 – Friday
Aug. 17 – Monday
AUGUST
Aug. 19 – Wednesday
Summer Serenade
7-9 p.m.
Alhambra Park Bandshell, 500 N. Palm Ave.
“Pop Gun Rerun”
Aug. 3 – Monday
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers , 111 S. First St.
Aug. 6 – Thursday
Aug. 21 – Thursday
No Chamber Lunch & Learn Program in July
July 20 – Monday
Aug. 7 – Thursday
Special Olympics co-hosts Alhambra and Monterey
Park are making welcoming plans to accommodate
the needs, as well as ensure the health and safety
and enjoyment, of the 100 delegates arriving from
Germany to Southern California.
July 27 – Monday
Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
July 28 – Tuesday
•
•
Government Affairs Committee
9 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.
Design Review Board
111 S. First St.
Business After Hours Mixer
Hosted by Tri-Star Vending
690 S. Date Ave., Alhambra
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$10 members, $15 non-members
Summer Serenade
7-9 p.m.
“The Smokin’ Cobras”
Aug. 4 - Tuesday
July 16 – Thursday
July 21 – July 24
Arts & Cultural Events Committee
7p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Chamber Lunch & Learn Program
Noon to 1: 30 p.m.
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, 104 S. First St.
Presentations by local business leaders who
address important issues related to small
business success. Lunch is provided.
August presentation by Southern California Gas
Company: “Natural Gas: The Foundational Fuel
for a Clean and Reliable Energy Future”
Chamber members free
Non-members $15
Phone the Chamber to make reservations:
626-282-8481
•
•
Planning Commission
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers
111 S. First St.
Alhambra Chamber Executive Committee
8:30 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
HUD - Housing Committee
7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room , 111 S. First St.
Parks and Recreation Commission
7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park
210 N. Chapel Ave.
Aug. 10 – Monday
City Council, 7 p.m.
Aug. 11 – Tuesday
•
•
•
•
Alhambra Chamber Board of Directors
8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
Library Board of Trustees
Youth Commission
Design Review Board
7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room , 111 S. First St.
Summer Serenade
7-9 p.m.
“Stone Soul”
Summer Serenade
7-9 p.m.
“Chico Band”
Aug. 24 – Monday
City Council, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25 – Tuesday
•
•
Government Affairs Committee
9 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.
Design Review Board
111 S. First St.
Aug. 26 – Wednesday
Business After Hours Mixer
Hosted by The Alhambra
1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit 1, Alhambra
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$10 members, $15 non-members
Alhambra Service Clubs and Organizations
Tuesday: The Exchange Club meets at 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra. The Rotary Club and Soroptimist Club meet at noon every Tuesday at Almansor Court. The
Civitan Club meets at noon every first and third Tuesdays at Azteca Restaurant, 717 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. The Kiwanis Club of Alhambra meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays at noon at Denny’s
Restaurant, 369 W. Main St., Alhambra (for information, phone 626-943-2542).
Wednesday: The Alhambra Historical Society presents its program meetings at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of January, March, May, September, and November (November meeting takes place after
Thanksgiving) at the Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward Ave. The Alhambra Woman’s Club meets at noon on the first Wednesday each month (except for June through Sept.), at the Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward
Ave. Toastmasters meets from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays each month at the Colonial Kitchen Restaurant, 1110 Huntington Drive, San Marino. The League of Women Voters meets on
the third Wednesday each month (626-798-0965 for info.). The Lions Club meets at 6:15 p.m. on the third Wednesday each month at the Regent Café, 1411 S. Garfield Ave., Alhambra.
Thursday: American Legion Post 139 meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday each month at the Legion Hall, 24 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra. San Gabriel Valley New Generation Rotary Club meets from 6:30 p.m.
to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Fronteras Mexican Grill & Cantina, 118 W. Main St., Alhambra.
24A
07/2015
Alhambra Source launches
book, celebrates 5 years on Web
The Alhambra Source, an independent
local news Web site, celebrated its fifth
anniversary with a book launch on June 9
at Gallery Nucleus. Alhambra Source: Voices
From the New American Suburb, published
by Alhambra Source, is a collection of
stories that were written by more than
30 Source contributors. The book was
curated by founder and Editor-In-Chief
Daniela Gerson, director of the Civic
Engagement and Journalism Initiative at
USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and represents the
diverse community of Alhambra. The book
was also edited by Tim Loc and Nasrin
Aboulhosn.
Ms. Gerson also wrote the introduction
to the book, illustrated with the picture of
her and the bronze statue of iconic Alhambra journalist Warner Jenkins in front of
Alhambra’s City Hall.
Alhambra Source is supported by the
Annenberg Foundation, University of
Southern California’s Annenberg School
and Southern California Edison. Young
adult reporters and volunteer community
contributors, working with a professional
journalist, report on the community.
Recipients of the Sam and Jackie
Wong Alhambra Source Scholarships and
contributors to the Alhambra Source were
introduced. The scholarship recipients
— seven high school seniors and college
undergraduate students — won $500 each
for writing essays on how their heritage
Ramona Convent student Briana Ong shows Marguerita students that programming and robotics can be fun.
Daniela Gerson, co-editor of Alhambra Source: Voices
From the New American Suburb and founding
editor of Alhambra Source Web site, speaks to the
audience at the book’s unveiling on June 9.
shaped their lives. Six of the recipients read
excerpts from their winning essays.
Scholarship winners included Alhambra
High School students Donovan Espinoza,
Felice Gonzales, and Nicole Yinghui Jiang,
San Gabriel High School student Annie
Huang, Century High School student
Nancy Ochoa, UC Santa Barbara student
Andrew Quach, and UC Irvine student
Cristina Tangreti.
To buy a book, $25 donation, e-mail
[email protected].
Ramona Convent students help
second-graders discover wonders
of reading, science, robotics
On May 22, 25 second-graders from
neighboring Marguerita Elementary School
capped off their final Book Buddies session
with an afternoon of learning and discovery
at Ramona Convent Secondary School. A
joint program was planned especially for the
second-grade class by members of the Book
Buddies Literacy Outreach Club, biology
and biology honors students, and members
of the Ramona Rampage Robotics Team.
Each student came with a hand-made
thank you card that he or she had written
especially for his or her Ramona Book Buddy. AnikoTegtmeier, Book Buddies Literacy
Outreach coordinator, has partnered with
Marguerita Elementary School teacher Lisa
Vuong for more than 14 years to bring students together to share the joys of reading,
learning, and friendship.
Aulikki Flagan and the biology and
biology honors students joined the Book
Buddies members to share original stories
and illustrations depicting water conservation, succulent plants, and sustainability.
The students in Mrs. Flagan’s three
biology classes conducted research on five
different species of succulents and grew the
plants using propagation techniques. The
students later planted the succulents they
had grown in Ramona’s new, sustainable
garden. Ramona’s budding scientists and
writers culminated their project by creating
an illustrated children’s story based upon
their research activities. Since the stories were
written specifically for a young audience,
the biology students were invited to attend
the last Book Buddies session of the school
year so that they could read their original
stories to the visiting second-graders.
The next stop on the Ramona visit was
a Literary Scavenger Hunt throughout the
campus. Book Buddies Literacy Outreach
President Ileana Vasquez ‘16 wrote the
script for the riddles that the youngsters
had to decipher at each location before they
could receive their clue and move on to the
next station. The children who earned the
clues then lined up and worked with their
classmates to unscramble the letters that
spelled their next stop: “R-O-B-O-T.”
Robotics Team Co-Captain and graduating senior Samantha Bordador ’15 made a
trip back to the Ramona campus to demonstrate the robot that the all-girl Ramona
Rampage Robotics Team made and used in
this year’s competition.
Book Buddies and Robotics Team
member Melanie Guardado’16 and Robotics Co-Captain Brianna Ong ’16 led
the students back to the library, where they
were rewarded with a hands-on experience
in computer programming. The Robotics
Team members showed the second-graders
how they could program the LEGO robots
to give them commands to move, repeat
sounds, and more.
Ramona Convent is a school for girls
in grades 9 through twelve that is set apart
by a rich curriculum, expansive selection of
college preparatory and AP/Honors courses,
comprehensive co-curricular programs, and
a welcoming community. Students travel
through four years of high school with the
support of spirited friends and expert, caring,
and engaged teachers while surrounded by
the inspiring beauty of a park-like campus.
Ramona Convent Secondary School is
located at 1701 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra. For more information, phone 626-2824151, or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.
JUNE
JULY 30,
31,2015
2015
07/2015
ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
25A
Alhambra School District grads win scholarships,
read at Alhambra Source book launch
Seven scholarship recipients of
the Alhambra Source Sam and Jackie
Wong Scholarship Contest, all recent
graduates or alumni of the Alhambra
Unified School District, read excerpts
from their winning essays to kick off
the Alhambra Source’s book release
party on June 9 at Gallery Nucleus.
The scholarship recipients: Donovan
Espinoza, Alhambra High; Felice
Gonzales, Alhambra High; Annie
Huang, San Gabriel High; Nicole
Yinghui Jiang, Alhambra High; Nancy Ochoa, Century High; Andrew
Quach, UCSB; and Cristina Tangret,
UCI, were awarded $500 each for
essays on how their “heritage shaped
their lives.” Recipients who were not
able to attend the event had their
excerpts read aloud for them.
“The Source is about writing
from the gut,” Tim Loc, Alhambra
Source managing editor and former
editor-in-chief of San Gabriel High
School’s The Matador, said. “People
have preconceived notions about what
a newspaper article is like. But we tell
writers to write about what’s on their
minds, no matter how personal it is.
And I think the essays exemplified
that. The students wrote from a
private space, and that took a lot of
courage.”
Annie Huang, a 2015 graduate of San Gabriel High School, reads her award-winning
essay at the Alhambra Source’s reception on June 9 at Gallery Nucleus.
Nancy Ochoa, a 2015 graduate of
Century High School, read about life in a
continuation high school: “We are a different type of minority, but what we have in
common with other minorities is that we
have different struggles than your average
American citizen. In fact, we are even more
unique because most of us have gone through
things so traumatic that we are forced to live
with anxiety for the rest of our lives. Most
of us take medicine to balance the chemicals
in our brains in order to match the status of
the average adolescent. In that aspect, we also
struggle doing basic things simply because
Nancy Ochoa, a 2015 graduate of Century High School, reads her awardwinning essay about life at continuation high school. Daniela Gerson,
founding editor of the Alhambra Source, stands to her right.
our bodies are still in shock from various life
threatening situations. I speak for most of us,
when I, as you, look past the labels society
gives us and see the pain of every generation
before us and after us if we don’t try to make a
difference for kids like me. Although we are a
minority and a lot of people do look down on
us, we will make it because some of us have
hope bright enough to envision a brighter
future than the dark flashbacks of our past.
Felice Gonzales, a 2015 graduate of
Alhambra High School, was grateful to be
part of the event and win the scholarship.
She wrote and read about being a minority
(Filipina) in the San Gabriel Valley. “I talked
about how it was a displacement for me both
being Asian and looking Hispanic. So I talked about my experience and how it affected
me in school as well as at community events.”
The event, hosted by Alhambra Source
founding editor Daniela Gerson, celebrated
Alhambra Source’s five years of publication,
as well as its newly released book Alhambra
Source: Voices from the New American Suburb,
which is a collection of 50 individual stories.
The book is available for purchase at the
Gallery Nucleus, or e-mail [email protected].
26A
07/2015
Latino Association honors scholarship
recipients, Supt. Tellez-Gagliano at
19th annual fundraiser banquet
The Alhambra Latino Association
(ALA) awarded five $1,000 scholarships to
Alhambra Unified School District seniors
and honored Supt. Laura Tellez-Gagliano
at its 19th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
Dinner and Dance in May at Almansor
Court. The scholarship recipients were
Natalie Cabrera, Estefany Mejia, Ashley
Rodriguez, Renata Rodriguez, and Christian Rubio.
“I am very honored and humbled to
be recognized by ALA alongside five of our
very best students,” Supt. Tellez-Gagliano
said. “I am so proud of the students and
wish them much success in their futures. I
also want to congratulate the parents and
acknowledge them for all of their hard
work with their children. ALA is a wonderful organization, and we appreciate that
they recognize our students and help our
students achieve their dreams.”
Natalie, Independence High School,
plans to start her college career at Pasadena
City College to study dental hygiene.
Natalie believes she has the qualities it
takes, such as good communication skills,
patience, sympathy, and flexibility to be
successful.
Estefany, Century High School, is the
first one in her family to attend college.
She plans to pursue a career in the field
of psychology and give back to her Latino
community. She believes that investing in
her education will not only benefit her, but
will also benefit others in need, especially
with the rise in mental health issues.
Ashley, San Gabriel High School, will
attend Loyola Marymount University
in the fall and aspires to become both a
doctor and a radio personality. Ashley
lovingly credits her older brother Randy
for “teaching her everything from music to
mistakes.” She is determined to someday
see Morrissey perform live.
Renata, Alhambra High School, plans
to pursue a degree in sociology at UC
Santa Barbara and eventually become a
teacher. She plans to take an active role in
“the further development of this human
society” and stated, “I want to see change;
better yet, I want to cause change.”
Christian, Mark Keppel High School,
will attend George Washington University
in the fall and wants to become a lawyer.
Christian was chosen as a delegate to the
American Legion California Boys State in
2014 and this “life-changing experience”
inspired him to become involved in local
politics, “run for City Council, and eventually become a member of Congress.”
Congratulations from the Alhambra
Unified School District to the 2015
scholarship recipients and honoree Supt.
Tellez-Gagliano.
07/2015
27A
Gladiators embrace Earth Day awareness
To support a fellow Gladiator’s idea to help clean Mother
Earth’s Northrup School campus, more than 40 Northrup
students volunteered their
own time after school.
Fourth-grader Yu Ying Tan
came up with a proposal to
clean up the school campus for
Earth Day. She addressed her
peers, the staff, and numerous
parents on a Friday morning
during a Pat-on-the-Back
assembly. “We all live and care
about our Earth, so I felt it was
important to start with the
school,” Yu Ying said.
ASB adviser Jeff Ospital and
seventh-grade science teacher
Pilar Otero created posters to
encourage and recruit several
student volunteers to help Yu
Ying’s idea become a successful
reality. When asked how this
activity brought Earth Day
awareness closer to home for
students, Mr. Ospital said,
“Students were given the
opportunity to clean up and
enjoy an outdoor space they
see every day. We all use the
campus, and it is everyone’s
responsibility to take care of it,
just like the planet.”
Ms. Otero added, “I felt
it was a nice opportunity for
students to be led by a fellow
Gladiator. I feel it’s something
we can build upon for next
Northrup student volunteers clean up their campus for Earth Day awareness.
year.”
Northrup fourth-grader Yu Ying Tang leads a
cleanup of her school for Earth Day.
MATADOR NEWSPAPER From Page 1A
Jennifer Kim submitted a body of work from the
2014-2015 school year:
•First Amendment Challenge videos, which
were modeled after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
See the matadorsghs.com for the videos.
• Two-page Focus spread on the events and issues
in Ferguson, Mo.
Editors: Jennifer Thai and Judy Tang.
• Editorial written by Simon Yung about First
Amendment rights.
• Two student-made PowerPoints about scholastic journalism court cases.
•Lesson plan on scholastic journalism court
cases.
• Newspaper Web site, which includes a First
Amendment section.
Web Editors: Tran Lam and Hanfrey Deng.
“All our entrants deserve acknowledgement of the
fine work they are doing in their classrooms to ensure
that all our students understand the freedoms that
they have and how to exercise them,” said Teri Hayt,
executive director of ASNE. “The First Amendment
is first for a reason. Our founding fathers’ belief that
everyone has the right to enjoy religious freedom, to
speak freely, to report about their world, to peaceably
protest, and to petition the government was an essential building block for a democratic society.”
Simon Yung, The Matador copy editor, said participating in the Challenge helped him realize that the
“rights guaranteed by the First Amendment were a lot
more than simple words on paper. Going through the
Challenge alongside working with The Matador has
strengthened my resolve in preserving those rights.”
Simon’s video shows him cooking while reciting and
explaining the five freedoms of the First Amendment.
Sports Editor Carolina Loaisiga said the Challenge helped her to become more involved with
journalism. “I feel like I now really know my First
Amendment rights, because quite frankly, I did not
know them at all before. Being part of the Challenge
and reciting those rights resonated with me because it
was a fun way to keep them in my head and allowed
me to have a bit of creativity in my video.” Carolina’s
video shows her playing soccer while reciting the First
Amendment.
The Matador’s 2013-14 staff, which placed first
at regionals, also had good news. Their work was
recently featured three times in The Best of High
School Press. Staffers Emmanuel Maresca and Cassandra Chen received Cartooning Bests, and the paper
came in second place at the National Scholastic Press
Association convention in San Diego in 2014. The
editors-in-chief were Steven Ho, now at UC Berkeley, and Oscar Molina, now at Stanford. San Gabriel’s
yearbook was also featured in the Best Club Spread
category.
The Alhambra Unified School District is working on a plan to increase awareness about the First
Amendment in its high schools through trainings of
staff and students. The District is also planning to implement safeguards for student journalists, advisers,
and administration that will protect everyone.
“The students have the absolute right to write
about whatever they want,” Supt. Laura Tellez-Gagliano said. “If students think a situation is unfair, they
can write about it. We are so proud of The Matador
and all of its awards and fine reporting.”
TOOTH SAVED
This example shows how Dr. John Chao saved a hopelessly
EASY COMFORTABLE VISIT and at a fraction of the
(individual results vary).
NEGLECTED TEET
Before
In On
TEETH RESTORED
This example shows how Dr. John Chao saved a severely
ONE EASY COMFORTABLE VISIT and at a fraction of th
(individual results vary)
DON’T SUFFER A DAY LO
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY and SAVE
according to the
CHICKENSW
Alham
(88

July 2015 Section A - Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

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