Newsletter 102313

The Council Weekly
Prepared by the City Manager’s Office, City of San Gabriel
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2013
TOP STORIES
Hing Wa Lee opens new flagship store this week
COME JOIN GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION THIS FRIDAY, 3 P.M.
 The long awaited opening of Hing
Wa Lee Jeweler’s new, 11,000
square foot flagship store will kick
off with grand opening ceremonies
starting 3 p.m. Friday, October 25.
Opening of the fashionable jewelry emporium,
located at the southwest corner of Del Mar Ave.
and Bencamp St., concludes five years of
planning and development that progressed
despite a punishing recession. Completion of
the classical building puts San Gabriel squarely
at the center of the luxury jewelry market.
Events will begin with a ribbon cutting and lion dancing at 3:30 p.m., followed by a grand opening ceremony at 4
p.m. After a cocktail and hors d’ouevres reception for invited guests, a grand dinner reception featuring world
renowned pianist Lang Lang will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the project, please call the
Community Development Department at 626.308.2806, or contact City Planner Mark Gallatin at
[email protected].
 FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.hingwalee.com
 RELATED STORY: Council rejects street name change after marathon discussion, page 2
County waives affordability requirement
HOUSING AUTHORITY OPTS OUT OF AGREEMENT FOR ‘SKYCOURTS’
The County’s Housing Authority has decided not to
exercise an affordable housing agreement drafted and
approved by the City’s former Redevelopment Agency.
This means that the developer of San Gabriel Skycourts
- a mixed-use project at 402-404 S. San Gabriel Blvd. has been relieved of the requirement to set aside three
units for moderate income households.
The Skycourts project was conditioned to provide three
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moderate income units to satisfy affordable housing requirements. An additional two units were required for very
low income households, due to a density bonus granted to the project.
When the Redevelopment Agency was dissolved in February last year, the Housing Authority of the County of Los
Angeles (HACOLA) became the successor agency for its housing obligations. With the project nearing completion
early next year and with HACOLA’s decision not to subsidize the moderate income units, staff asked the Planning
Commission this month to remove the affordability condition for the three moderate income units. The two very
low income units are unaffected by the Commission’s decision.
For more information, please contact City Planner Mark Gallatin at 626.308.2806, ext. 4623 or
[email protected].
Building a community conversation with you
SAVE THE DATE: TOWN HALL MEETING SET FOR THURS, NOV. 21
Sixth in the City’s “community conversation” series, the next town
hall meeting will be 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 21 at St.
Anthony’s Catholic Church, Community Room, 1901 S. San Gabriel.
The theme of this town hall will be “SR 710 “Close the Gap”
Campaign.” This community conversation will be hosted by City of
San Gabriel and the Garvey School District; and moderated by Vice
Mayor John Harrington and Council member Chin Ho Liao.
Representatives from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will provide an update on the SR 710
“Close the Gap” Campaign. There will be the opporunity to discuss with representatives of San Gabriel’s City
Council and School District about how they see the future of the City. For more information, please contact
Administration at 626.308.2805.
EYE ON SAN GABRIEL
News from San Gabriel City Hall
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
State approves general plan housing element update
The California Department of Housing and Community Development notified the City this
week that San Gabriel’s 2013-21 Housing Element is certified as being in full compliance with
state law.
Thanks to the City’s successful implementation of its previous element and HCD’s
streamlined review process, the City’s next Housing Element will not be required for the next
eight years. The Housing Element update – an important part of the City’s comprehensive
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general plan -- was completed for $3,500 less than the contract amount, freeing those funds to be used in other
ways by the Planning Division.
This is San Gabriel’s fourth successive Housing Element to be certified by the State under the guidance of City
Planner Mark Gallatin, who celebrates 20 years with the City of San Gabriel this year. For more information,
please contact the Planning Division at 626.308.2806, ext. 4623 or [email protected].
Council rejects Bencamp street renaming request
Following several hours of public comment last Tuesday, the City Council denied a request by owners of luxury
jewelry store Hing Wa Lee to change the name of a portion of Bencamp Street adjoining the store to Hing Wa Lee
Place. After placing the ordinance changing the street name on first reading in January, the Council split 3-2 on
on a final motion to deny the change.
Supporters argued Hing Wa Lee is a famous name within Chinese and Taiwanese communities, and one of the
leading sales tax producers in San Gabriel. With a new flagship store opening at the corner of Del Mar Ave. and
Bencamp Street, the business asked to change a 200-foot section of the street ending at the wash to Hing Wa Lee
Place in honor of the firm’s founder.
Residents opposed to the change expressed concerns about preserving the history of the street, calling for better
criteria to guide street name changes. “Without having a formal process in place beforehand, I think it’s not
appropriate for us to approve a street name change at this time,” said Council Member Jason Pu. The Council
ultimately did not send the existing code back for amendments.
David Lee, chairman and CEO of Hing Wa Lee Group, told the Council that he did not mean for the request to
cause such controversy. “I just simply wanted to honor my dad,” Lee said, adding that his father died from cancer
two years ago. “We feel our success in our industry brings much attention and credibility to the city of San
Gabriel, but we are here not only for our business but to honor my father’s decades of hard work and involvement
in San Gabriel.”
Read the coverage online: San Gabriel denies Hing Wa Lee jewelry
store’s request for street name change.
POLICE
Safely dispose of expired medication this Sat., Oct. 26
San Gabriel Police Department will again collaborate with the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) in their 7th National Prescription Drug
Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26.
Since the beginning of this initiative, more than 2.8 million pounds
(1,400 tons) of prescription medications have been collected nationwide. The official collection site will be the San
Gabriel Police Department, 625 South Del Mar Avenue. Evidence & Property Technician Wendy Flores and Crime
Prevention Officer Stacy Gutierrez will be on hand to help.
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Please bring your expired or unused prescription drugs to support this campaign and enhance public safety. For
more information, please contact Sergeant Jeff Whitney at 626.308.2845 or [email protected].
PARKS & RECREATION
Pool updated with new pump room and lane lines
A new energy efficient heater and pump have
been installed at Smith Park Pool. The purchase
and installation of both qualified for the Los
Angeles County Park Bond Maintenance and
Servicing funds and the heater qualified for an
additional Gas Company rebate.
The Gas Company has also approved a purchase
incentive up to 50% on the cost of 6 new pool
covers. Staff has been working with Commercial
Aquatics and Sea Clear Pools for the past few
months to complete these projects. In addition,
new lane lines purchased by the San Gabriel Sea Gulls Swim team have been added to the pool.
For more information, please contact Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Perez at 626.308.2875 or
[email protected].
MISSION PLAYHOUSE
Learn how to leverage social media for your business
City of San Gabriel, Mission Playhouse and Ready Artwork
invite local businesses to attend a free seminar ‘Intro to
Social Media for Business” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
November 6.
Topics to be covered include: social media for B2B
(business to business) and B2C (business to consumer),
which platforms are the most effective for your business needs, how to leverage social media to get more out of
your website, managing your own social media, and what to look for when hiring a social media consultant.
For more information, please contact the Playhouse at 626.308.2865. Click here to RSVP for the event.
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CENT ENN I AL
CAL EN D AR
OCTOBER THEME
Health and Wellness
October 26
1:00 p.m.
Millrace Dedication by Native Sons of the
Golden West
Native Sons of the Golden West will
commemorate the discovery of the Chapman
Millrace with a bronze plaque. See right.
Plaza Park, 428 S. Mission Drive
NOVEMBER THEME
Let’s Be Thankful
November 6
12:00 p.m.
Veterans Luncheon
Padillo Room, 324 S. Mission Drive
November 13
San Gabriel Rotary Trees of Giving
The San Gabriel Rotary invites the community
th
to attend the 4 Annual Trees of Giving
luncheon. Themed trees decorated by
designers will be raffled to benefit PolioPlus.
See attached flyer.
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Native Sons to commemorate
Chapman Millrace with plaque
Native Sons of the Golden West will
hold a millrace dedication at 1 p.m.
this Saturday, October 26 at Plaza
Park. The organization will present
the City with a bronze plaque in
commemoration of the uncovering of
the Chapman Millrace. A section of
the millrace has recently been located
at the park in connection with
ongoing construction of the San
Gabriel trench project. Come celebrate a new historical find during
San Gabriel’s Centennial year.
For more information, please contact Native Sons at 800.337.1875 or
through their website. Native Sons is a service organization dedicated
to preserving and promoting California history.
Send your ideas for the next
time capsule by November 1
November 16
7:00 a.m.
Turkey Trot
San Gabriel’s healthiest event offers 10K and 5K
runs, a 5K walk, and a youth 1K run, all
beginning at Vincent Lugo Park.
Information: 626.308.2875
November 16 - Dec. 13
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
San Gabriel Fine Arts Association Art Show
Glass Room Gallery, 320 South Mission Drive
Information: 626.282.1448
www.sgfaa.clubexpress.com
During San Gabriel’s 100th birthday, the unearthed time capsule
from 1963 revealed old newspapers and aerial maps, a vial with a
handwritten message, and a handful of coins. In December, the City
will bury a new time capsule to be opened in 2063.
November 20
Share your ideas for the next time capsule to [email protected]
with the subject line “Time Capsule Ideas.” As you think of items,
please keep in mind that a time capsule is intended to indicate what
life was like at the time it was sealed. We’re excited to hear what you
think the San Gabriel community in the future would like to know
about the present. Ideas may be submitted until Friday, November 1.
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
San Gabriel Chamber Annual Harvest Dinner
Autunno/Noho Cuisine
409 South Mission Drive
Information: 626.576.2525
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CENTENNIAL CORNER
Ortega-Vigare Adobe dates back to the 1790s
California State Landmark #451, also known as
the Ortega-Vigare Adobe, is one of San
Gabriel’s oldest adobes. It was constructed
during California’s mission period during the
1790s and first served as a home for a soldier
of the mission guard. In the 1860s, the adobe
was sold to Don Jean Vigare and became San
Gabriel’s first bakery.
The property is currently being used as a
personal residence. It features Spanish
architecture, stained glass windows, courtyard
with the original eighteen century fountain.
Other adobes in San Gabriel include Rancho
Las Tunas and Lopez de Lowther.
BRIEFLY NOTED
Network at Chamber of Commerce’s free breakfast

San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce is holding a free networking breakfast from 7 – 9 a.m. on Friday, October
25 at the Elks Lodge, 1373 E. Las Tunas Drive. Everyone is welcome to attended. RSVP required to Sandy Rosco
at 626.576.2525.

San Gabriel Educational Foundation (SEF) is the primary fundraising partner of the San Gabriel Unified School
District. The non-profit organization raises funds from throughout the community to support educational
programs at all of SGUSD’s eight schools. SEF’s goal is to once again raise $150,000 to support the next school
year 2014-2015 and Fund the Gap. See attached donation form for more details.
COUNCIL CALENDAR
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STUDY SESSIONS
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 – 5:30 p.m. Information Technology Master Plan
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 – 5:30 p.m. Parks and Recreation Funding and Implementation Issues
REGULAR MEETINGS
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 –7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 –7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers, preceded by
community holiday tree lighting and Mission District Festival of Lights at 6:00 p.m. This night’s meeting will
feature the presentation of employee service and performance awards.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers
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COMING UP: AT THE COMMISSIONS
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Monday, October 28, 2013 – 7:00 p.m., Design Review Commission, City Hall, Conference Room A
Monday, November 4, 2013 – 7:00 p.m., Parks and Recreation Commission, City Hall, Council Chambers
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 – 5:30 p.m., Planning Commission, City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, November 25, 2013 – 7:00 p.m., Design Review Commission, City Hall, Conference Room A
Monday, December 2, 2013 – 7:00 p.m., Parks and Recreation Commission, City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, December 9, 2013 – 6:30 p.m., Planning Commission, City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, December 23, 2013 – 7:00 p.m., Design Review Commission, City Hall, Conference Room A
We welcome your thoughts and opinions regarding The Council Weekly.
Please contact Jessica Hsu, Public Information Officer, at [email protected] or 626.308.2800, ext. 5141.
Learn more at www.sangabrielcity.com
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Wednesday, November 13, 2013
11:30am—1:30pm
4th Annual
San Gabriel Rotary
Trees of
Giving
Event is Open to Public
Enjoy good food, meet new
Friends and learn about
San Gabriel Rotary
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$2
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Event Location:
Padillo Room
324 S. Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
The Rotary Club of San Gabriel will be
Rotary Club of San Gabriel
hosting its 4th Annual Trees of Giving
PO Box 253
San Gabriel , CA 91778
www.SanGabrielRotary.org
fundraising event on November 13, 2013.
Proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of
San Gabriel’s efforts to improve the quality of life in the San Gabriel Community.
~Miniature Tree Raffles~
Throughout the event, unique trees,
adopted and decorated by San Gabriel
Event Tickets must be purchased in
advance by November 6, 2013. For
ticket purchases or information on
the event please contact:
Alice Wong (626) 483-1209
[email protected] or
Julie Sorensen (626) 287-0761
[email protected]
Rotarians will be raffled. Raffle tickets
will be available for sale at the event.
(Value of the Trees — Priceless)
Rotarians with a Mission
since 1947
The California state budget crisis continues to impact our
School District despite legislation to shore up school budgets.
Help SEF Fund the Gap
Previous funding cuts are still in effect.
Our goal is to once again raise $150,000
to Fund the Gap and continue to support
programs for all SGUSD Schools in 2014–15
Repeated budget reductions continue to impact our
schools with reduced or eliminated programs, putting
California school funding at 49th in national per-pupil
spending*. Because it is so populous, California educates
1 in 8 children in the U.S. If these children are learning
well or not, that will affect all of us.
High achieving public schools contribute to vibrant
neighborhoods and high property values. In many
communities, foundations have been created to shore
up some of the losses in school funding. Locally, the San
Gabriel Educational Foundation (SEF) is the primary
fundraising entity supporting all 8 schools in the San
Gabriel Unified School District. Our fundraising directly
results in restored courses and programs supporting
students from Kindergarten through 12th grade
throughout the SGUSD.
The success of SEF depends on the strength of its
partnerships—with our schools, our community and
our business leaders. Programs SEF supports would not
be possible without the large and small donations to
SEF by families like yours.
If you would like to support our schools with SEF as a
board member or Friend of SEF occasional volunteer,
please call 451-5465, or email your contact information
to [email protected]. Our students deserve a great
education: Reductions in state funding have created
gaps that only we can fill.
Elementary School programs:
K-3 Music Program • 4th Grade Recorders • 5th Grade Band/
Orchestra • 2nd & 3rd Grade Art Instruction
Jefferson Middle School:
Drama • After School Library/Media Center Hours • Speech
& Debate • Mock Trial • AVID Program
Gabrielino High School:
Naviance • Art Program • After-School Library/Media Center
Hours • Tutoring • Band & Orchestra • Mock Trial • Speech &
Debate • FBLA
Del Mar High School:
Funding for ongoing programs
Please help SEF continue to Fund the
Gap so all our students receive the
best education possible!
All donations, large and small,
are needed and appreciated!
Please participate at whatever level you can.
*www.edsource.org/today/2013/california-drops-to-49th-in-school-spending-in-annual-edweek-report/25379#.UftQdBYhH8x
Yes! I want to support San Gabriel public schools by donating to SEF.
✁
Donations from parents and community members make it possible for SEF to support vital programs and curriculum that
would otherwise be cut from the San Gabriel schools due to state funding deficits.
Your Name:
Phone:
Street Address:
Apt: City: ( San Gabriel)
ZIP:
Email:
Would you be interested in working with SEF? We are a volunteer-run organization with many opportunities to participate.
I would like information on becoming a Friend of SEF occasional volunteer
Please contact me about SEF Board positions and responsibilities.
Donation Information
I would like to donate in the amount of:
Charge my:
MasterCard Card Number:
Visa
$10 $25 $50 $75 $100 Other: $
Check enclosed #
Online donation—no stamp!
In-person donation—no stamp!
(Payable to SEF) Visit to our web site: sef4schools.org Drop off donation at our office*
Expiration:
/
Security code:
Name on card:
Signature:
Your donation is tax deductable! The San Gabriel Educational Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Tax ID# 95-4023144
Please fill out this form and return with your donation to *SEF, 408 Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel CA 91776
Thank You for your Generous support of SEF, our amazing San Gabriel students and all 8 of our public schools.
Eight schools. Every student. One community.
2nd & 3rd grade art
K–3rd grade music
SEF is … SEF is …
During the 2012–13 school year, the San
Gabriel Educational Foundation (SEF)
raised $150,000 to Fund the Gap in
education programs for 2013–14!
www.sef4schools.org
Eight schools.
Every student.
One community.
5th grade music
www.sef4schools.org
4th grade recorders
SEF is … SEF is …
www.sef4schools.org
Thank you!
Please help SEF continue to Fund the
Gap so all our students receive the
best education possible!
www.sef4schools.org
Visit our web site for more information, or to
make a donation: www.sef4schools.org
(626) 451-5465 • [email protected]
Like us on
The San Gabriel Educational Foundation is a 501(C)(3) non-profit
organization and the primary fundraising partner of the San Gabriel Unified School District. Tax
ID# 95-4023144. All donations are fully tax-deductible. This flier is approved for SGUSD distribution
by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mayra Perez . 07/13. FtGflierK813-14