City urges closing SR-710 Gap. Page 2A · • The Freeway Tunnel Option will result in the greatest...

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CITY NEWS PAGE 2A

CHAMBER NEWS PAGE 10A

COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 16A

ACADEMIC NEWS PAGE 25A

The attendance at this year’s 30th annual Night Out Against Crime set a record as crowds of Alhambra residents joined

forces with police personnel to help strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Attendees helped themselves to hot dogs, shave ice, ice cream bars, snacks, and popcorn and got to watch the Alhambra Police Dogs go through their

paces in a series of demonstrations. They also got a better understanding of the Police Department’s work through informational programs; safety dis-plays; police station tours; demonstrations, including a staged felony vehicle stop; and they had a chance to view, and sit in, a wide range of police vehicles.

Other city of Alhambra departments, including the Civic Center Library and the Utilities Depart-ment, dispensed information about their services.

>> see NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME Page 4A

What once was a warehouse for school supplies and materials has now been converted to the Central Production

Kitchen, which will cater to the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD). On Aug. 6, a ceremo-nial ribbon cutting ushered in the grand opening of the kitchen located at the district headquarters in Alhambra.

Inside, guests toured the facilities while sampling a variety of food, including lunch items such as pizza and sushi, and a mix of hors d’oeuvres available as

catering options. The Central Production Kitchen boasts equipment including a sushi machine and slicer shipped from Japan; a three-tiered pizza oven, which bakes pizzas in five minutes and 30 seconds; a tilt skillet; jacketed steam kettle; refrigerated prepa-ration rooms; and a blast chiller, an apparatus capable of flash freezing food to retain freshness and flavor.

The blast chiller “is a central piece of equipment” according to Senior Food Services Manager Rudy Molina. Whereas a normal refrigerator would take four hours to cool and preserve food, the blast chiller

>> see AUSD KITCHEN Page 26A

Doors open for AUSD’s Central Production Kitchen

Night Out celebration boosts crime awareness

City urges closing SR-710 Gap. Page 2A

The Alhambra Police Department, 211 S. First St., hosts the crowds at the 30th annual Night Out Against Crime event.

Sixth-grader Jessica Martinez may not yet be thinking of a career with the Alhambra Police Department, but she seems comfortable behind the wheel of one of their black-and-whites.Mary Swink selected

as Alhambra’s Next City ManagerThe Alhambra City

Council has selected Interim City Manager

Mary Swink as Alhambra’s new city manager, pending a contract agreement set to be voted upon at the City Coun-

cil’s regular Sept. 9 meeting. Ms. Swink follows Julio

Fuentes as city manager and brings a considerable breadth of experience having worked for the city of Alhambra since 1988.

2A CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 09/2013

Sept. 22 is the first day of fall, and Alhambra is celebrating with a festival, a fair, and a foundation.

Fall Family FestivalRamona Convent’s Fall Fam-

ily Festival will take place from 3 to7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 on the school grounds, 1701 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra. There will be fun for the whole family: costume contest, music, games, prizes, haunted house, food and craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, and fun. If you’ve never been on the campus at Ramona Convent, this is your opportunity. And if you have been there, come back to enjoy a wonderful afternoon with your family.

Ramona Convent Secondary School is one of California’s oldest schools steeped in a long tradition of academic excellence celebrating 122 years of providing a quality Catholic education to young women in the San Gabriel Valley. Enjoy an afternoon at the Fall Family Festival. To learn more, please phone 626-282-4151.

A Cobbler with soulThe Atherton’s Country Fair, from

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, Atherton Baptist Homes, 214 S. At-lantic Blvd., Alhambra, is one of the best places to enjoy great food, music, and community fun for the entire family. Atherton’s hot apple cobbler is by far, hands down, the very best treat West of the Mississippi. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have yourself a little slice of heaven.

The ladies of Atherton have been working on their home-made fruit jams, hand-made knitted blankets, and one-of-a-kind crafts. Funds raised go directly toward charitable causes.

Kids will love the face painting, petting zoo, and photo booth. FREE PARKING is across the street at the First Baptist Church, 101 S. Atlantic Blvd.

By Mayor Steven Placido, D.D.S.

Festivals coming up, Police Foundation established

For more information, phone 877-399-6511.

For more than 97 years, Atherton has been a bright spot on the horizon for those seeking a retirement commu-nity unsurpassed in beauty and style, kinship and compassion, and a com-mitment to faith-based living. Come and enjoy the Country Fair and learn more about the Atherton Retirement Community.

Alhambra Police FoundationIt’s new! The Alhambra Police

Foundation is just getting started and off to a great start. The specific purpose of this foundation is to raise funds to support and enhance innovative programs, projects, activities, train-ing, and equipment for the Alhambra Police Department.

Some of the projects the founda-tion may consider include funds for the Children and Mentors Program, formerly Alhambra D.A.R.E., as well as Crime Scene Investigation and Fo-rensic equipment, and specialty police training seminars.

The Alhambra Police Founda-tion was established just last year by several local businesses and citizens

who wanted to support the Alhambra Police Department and its brave of-ficers. Evike.com Inc. was one of the first and most devoted proponents of the foundation. Recently, the founda-tion participated in The National Night Out Against Crime event at the beginning of August. With your help, the Alhambra Police Foundation can do wonderful things to improve public safety, decrease crime, and make Alhambra a safer place to live, work, and visit.

For more information, please con-tact the Alhambra Police Foundation at 2801 W. Mission Road, Alhambra, or e-mail [email protected]

Thank youAlhambra celebrated with two big

community events last month. The National Night Out Against Crime and Alhambra Dodger Night were both outstanding.

Many thanks to Chief Yokoyama, and all the officers in our Police Department including Alhambra’s Reservists, Citizens-on-Patrol volun-teers, and our Public Safety assistants. Our Firefighters and Paramedics, CERT volunteers, and City Hall staff helped make Alhambra’s Night Out event a huge success. Thank you one and all.

Thanks to Alhambra’s Library Di-rector and Honorary Dodger Umpire for the evening, Carmen Hernandez. Carmen and the entire library staff sold Dodger tickets for the past several months. Their efforts helped hundreds of families enjoy one of the best games of the season. The Alhambra’s Wayne Ratkovich threw out the first pitch for a blistering strike. What a fun night for everyone in attendance. Kudos to Councilmember Gary Yamauchi for organizing this very special event. GO BLUE!

We, in Alhambra, understand the reasons for closing the SR-710 Gap. We have to put up with city streets that are over-congested because of excessive freeway traffic that is forced to exit due to a gap in the freeway system, and we have to wait longer at street lights, too. Then, when we get onto local freeways, they are jam-packed to a crawl most hours from a deluge of vehicles, many of them trapped on their way to get to Pasadena from the I-10 or I-710.

The regional transportation network supports, on a typical weekday, approximately 448 million vehicle miles of travel, and motorists waste about 3 million hours each year sitting in traffic. The traffic congestion issue is compounded by too many traffic accidents, overpopula-tion, bad air quality, excessive noise, and health issues. It is a living nightmare.

Despite repeated attempts by 710 opponents to pre-vent closing the gap between the 710 and 210 freeways, progress is being made to evaluate other means to make this vital connection happen. In 2008, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure R, which will lead to the completion of a number of transit projects, including a proposed tunnel to connect the two freeways.

With METRO’S SR-710 North Study now underway, we are closer than ever to shaping the future of transporta-tion and greater mobility in the Greater Los Angeles area, especially the San Gabriel Valley. Those who attended the recent 710 Day Celebration event on July 10 were made aware of this “good news,” and the fact that data published in METRO’S SR-710 North Study/Alternative Analysis Phase – Freeway Tunnel Alternative (F – 7X) Fact Sheet attests to the benefits of the Freeway Tunnel Op-tion. For the millions of motorists stuck in daily traffic, it will solve many problems:

• Of all options studied, the Freeway Tunnel Op-tion requires the least potential property acquisitions of all the build alternatives and will lead to a 20% reduction in traffic congestion as opposed to just 2% for the other options – Metro Freeway Tunnel Alternative (F – 7X) Fact Sheet.

• The Freeway Tunnel Option will remove more than 75,000 daily trips from the local street system, including 12,000 vehicles from Fremont Avenue alone every single day – Metro Freeway Tunnel Alternative (F – 7X) Fact Sheet.

• The Freeway Tunnel Option will remove more

than 5 million vehicles from Alhambra streets every year – Metro Freeway Tunnel Alternative (F – 7X) Fact Sheet.

• The Freeway Tunnel Option will eliminate con-gestion at 22% of the intersections studied – Metro Freeway Tunnel Alternative (F – 7X) Fact Sheet.

• Twenty percent of the cars that pass through this area start outside this area and end outside this area, and it will end up being one in four cars if we do nothing – Frank Quon, Metro Executive Officer for Highway Programs.

• The Freeway Tunnel Option will result in the greatest improvement in air quality for the region – Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Draft Program EIR: 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy.

You can help support the completion of the 710 free-way by studying the issues and keeping informed about upcoming Close the Gap events. Stay tuned to the city’s Web site www.cityofalhambra.org and the Metro Web site www.metro.net/projects/sr-710-conversations/. Look for the release of the METRO Study’s Draft Environmen-tal document and Public Hearing Notice by the Spring of 2014, and the Final Environmental document and secure Record of Decision by the Spring of 2015.

City answers why SR-710 Gap should be closed

How to ContactYour Representatives

President of the United StatesBarack Obama (D)1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. 20500

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)11111 Santa Monica Blvd. #915, Los Angeles, CA 90025310-914-7300Washington D.C. 202-224-3841

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D)312 N. Spring St., #1748, Los Angeles, CA 90012213-894-5000Washington D.C. 202-224-3553

U.S. Rep. 27th District Judy Chu (D)527 S. Lake Ave, Suite 106, Pasadena, CA 91101626-304-0110Washington D.C. [email protected]

GovernorJerry Brown (D)C/O State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814 510-628-0202

State Senator 22nd DistrictKevin De Leon (D)1808 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 213-483-9300Sacramento [email protected]

State Assembly 49th DistrictEd Chau (D) 1255 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 306, Monterey Park, CA 91754323-264-4949 Fax 323-264-4916Sacramento [email protected]/members/a49

County Supervisor 5th DistrictMichael D. Antonovich215 N. Marengo Ave., #120, Pasadena, CA 91101626-356-5407Los Angeles [email protected]

State Board of Equalization District #4Jerome E. Horton, Vice Chair1100 Corporate Center Dr., Suite 203, Monterey Park, CA 91754323-980-1221 Fax [email protected]

CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS626-570-5010Mayor Dr. Steven PlacidoVice Mayor Stephen ShamCouncilmember Luis AyalaCouncilmember Gary YamauchiCouncilmember Barbara Messina

09/2013 CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 3A

is a monthly publication with a total circulation of 40,000. It is mailed to every business and residence in the city of Alhambra. Around Alhambra is also mailed to all interested local, state and county officials.

We welcome comments, press releases and community interest stories and will make every effort to include all appropriate information.

For advertising rates and other information, contact Alhambra Chamber of Commerce104 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801Tel: 626 282-8481 Fax: 626 282-5596www.alhambrachamber.org

Executive CommitteePresident: Frank Chen, Law Offices of Frank W. ChenSecretary/Treasurer: Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern CaliforniaImmediate Past President: Valarie Gomez, West San Gabriel Valley YMCAAt-Large members: Mark Paulson, Anthony Venti Realtors

Walter Tang, Superior Scientific

Board of Directors Oriana Chan, Wells Fargo Bank

Evike Chang, Evike.comRobert Fukui, High Point MarketingIris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medical CenterLee Lieberg, Landz Real EstateElizabeth Martinez, Republic ServicesJoe Pavon, Al’s Towing

Todd Sakamoto, The Mailbox Shop Marissa Castro-Salvati, So. California Edison Helen Romero-Shaw, So. California Gas Company Dr. David Snyder, Optometrist Joanna Vargas, The Fit Factor Studio

Victoria Deise Wilson, The Alhambra

StaffExecutive Director: Sharon GibbsMembership/Advertising Sales: Stan YonemotoLegislative Affairs: Owen GuenthardOffice Manager: Irma HernandezEditor: Dulcy JenkinsWriters: William Kinman and Sarah GrearOffice Assistant: Rosemarie ValerioPublished by: Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

AROUND ALHAMBRA is not responsible nor liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for product availability that may be advertised. Opinions expressed in columns, letters and guest editorials are those of the authors. All rights reserved. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Keep up with city of Alhambra

information, news, and special events

by following the city on Twitter!

Follow at

twitter.com/Alhambra_CA or @Alhambra_CA

The following are highlights from the July 22 and Aug. 12 City Council meetings.

Police Facility Improve-ments and Upgrades

A total of $278,396 has been appropriated for police facility upgrades from the Police Facility Assessment Fund. An additional $7,100 from the State Asset Forfeiture Fund will be made available for the purchase of computer hardware and law enforcement equipment.

Resolution: Congestion Management Program

A resolution was adopted self-certifying the city’s an-nual conformance with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Congestion Management Pro-gram (CMP), which addresses the impact of local growth on the regional transportation system, assures the continued flow of gas tax funds to the region, and preserves eligibil-ity for federal transportation funds. To satisfy the CMP requirement, cities must conduct traffic counts and cal-culate the level of service for selected arterial intersections.

Ordinance Prohibiting Most Donation Boxes

To resolve the issue of clut-ter left near donation boxes, Chapter 23 of the Alhambra Municipal Code has been amended by adding a section prohibiting the operation of donation boxes on any prop-

Recent City Council actions

The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has provided the Fire Department with a $25,000 grant for the installation of a water-efficient irrigation system and drought-tolerant plants as part of the 911 Memorial that is being constructed in front of Fire Station #71 headquarters at 301 N. First St.From left: association president, Fire Engineer Arnold Furr; firefighter Randy Miranda; Capt. Ramirez; Water District Director Mark Paulson; Mayor Steven Placido, D.D.S.; and Battalion Chief John Cermak.

erty in Alhambra, with the exception of non-profit organizations which may place and operate a donation box at their place of business.

Contract AwardsRecently awarded contracts include

home-delivered senior meals program (YWCA Intervale Senior Services); Sewer Plant #3 Replacement (AKM Consulting Engineers Inc.); sewer man-hole repairs at various locations (T.A. Rivard); Alhambra Community Transit (ACT) bus and Alhambra Senior Ride programs (Southland Transit); prepara-tion of the Annual Action Plan, CAPER, and 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan for submission to HUD (Veronica Tam and

Associates); remediation of the heating, ventilation air-condition system at the Police Department (Mintie Corporation); Longdon Well #2 repair & rehabilitation project (General Pump Company, Inc.); water transmission line for Well #9 to the Groundwater Treatment Plant and street rehabilitation of Granada Avenue from Alhambra Road to Mission Road, and Clay Court from Granada to the east city limits; 2013 Street Banner Project with installations at various locations (Siemens). An amendment was also made to a professional service contract related to professional information technology and support services for the library (Sci-entia Consulting Group, Inc.).

Back Alley Painters present watercolor artworks in City Hall Art Gallery

The Back Alley Painters will present their watercolor artworks to Alhambra in September, enlivening the walls of the Alhambra City Hall lobby with the colorful paintings of 16 Back Alley members.

The founding members began painting with noted Pasadena artist

and teacher Rose Sinatra. After Ms. Sinatra’s eventual return to her eastern seaboard home, the group of artists formed the Back Alley Painters, meet-ing once a week to paint together.

The results of this artistic synergy will be on view in the City Hall Art Gallery, 111 S. First St., from Wednes-

day, Sept. 4 through Friday, Sept. 27 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Monday evenings when either the City Council or Planning Commission meet.

For additional information con-cerning the City Hall Art Gallery, please phone 626-570-5091.

1Love Playing for Change Day highlights music throughout world

Alhambra’s third annual “1Love Playing for Change Day” will offer live music from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at the outdoor performance stage located at Rick’s Main Street Café, 132 W. Main St.

Musicians will share their talents, some performing their own works, others sharing popular music, for this international movement that uses the universal language of mankind — music — to enhance the lives of children and affect positive social change by uniting the global community through music.

The celebration involves musicians, and those who

love music, in such faraway locales as Bangkok, Thailand, Gjovik, Norway, and Nairobi, Kenya.

Performers can sign up in advance by phoning 626-289-9242, or visiting Marini Music, 222 W. Main St. Marini Music’s hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Join the many others who will share the music both in Alhambra and throughout the globe. Additional information about Playing for Change Day is available at http://playingforchangeday.org.


Ten tips for beautiful lawn without wasting water

Alhambra residents are encouraged to use prudent watering techniques to achieve a beau-tifully landscaped yard, especially in September when the summer rays are among the harshest of the season.

While the city of Alhambra does not restrict water use, residents are encouraged to water their properties by following alternate day watering schedules or reducing the amount of watering. Code enforcement officers will issue violation notices to property owners who have severely neglected their lawns and landscaping. Residents with high water usage will be notified to investigate and repair the problem. Anyone deliberately wasting water will be notified to cease immediately. In most cases, residents are simply unaware they have a sprinkler line break or a leaky toilet, which are the major causes of wasted water.

To keep landscaping green, try incorporating the following tips:

1. Water during the morning hours, 4 a.m.-8 a.m.

2. Try not to water at night because the lawn stays wet for a long period of time which can promote diseases and affect the health of the lawn.

3. Look for early signs of wilt and dehydra-

tion to determine when the lawn needs water. 4. Soak the lawn once or twice a week

rather than every day. Allowing the soil to dry between watering will allow the roots to grow to greater depths and help make turf more drought-tolerant.

5. Mow grass to a height of 2 1/2 to 3 inches.

6. Use native and drought-tolerant plants in the garden to reduce outdoor water consumption.

7. Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use.

8. Use watering cans, whenever possible, es-pecially when watering just a few patio plants.

9. Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save water.

10. Weed lawns and gardens regularly. For more information about smart watering

techniques, visit www.bewaterwise.com, or attend a free smart gardening workshop con-ducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Locate an upcoming workshop by visiting www.smartgardening.com.

Residents and businesses may report wasted water by writing to [email protected]. The site is monitored by the city’s Utilities Department.

Cheerleading, flag football, after-school programs begin soon

School has begun, and the After-School Recre-ation Program, conducted by the city of Alhambra Community Services Department, is well under way. With registration closing this month for the cheerleading and flag football pro-grams, parents are advised to phone 626-570-5081 soon to ensure their children’s participation.

Also critical in timing is at-tendance at the mandatory parents meeting scheduled for each program: Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. for the cheerleading program and Tuesday, Sept.17 at 6 p.m. for the flag football program. Both meetings will take

place in the Almansor Park Activity Room, located in the gymnasium at 800 S. Almansor St.

The Community Servic-es Department is seeking volunteer coaches to assist with the youth sports and

cheerleading programs. Individuals can sign up at the time of registra-tion, or phone 626-570-5081.

Southern California Edison gave out information, and Target, a long-time supporter of Alhambra’s Night Out, provided a spinning-wheel “game of chance” where participants were guaranteed a useful prize, such as water bottles, which were just right for a warm summer evening.

“Close the Gap” T-shirts were evident throughout the grounds and

available at an inexpensive price.“This event focuses on crime

prevention and drug prevention awareness, generates support for local anti-crime efforts, and sends a message to criminals that neighbor-hoods are organized and are fighting back,” said Sharon Williams, Crime Prevention specialist, Alhambra Police Department.

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME From Page 1A

The Children’s Room at the library, 101 S. First St., is looking for teen volunteers in the 10th through 12th grades, who would like to be a part of the 2013-14 Homework Help program.

For more information, please phone the Children’s Room at 626-570-3215.

101 S. First St., is looking for teen volunteers in the 10th through 12th grades, who would like to be a part of the 2013-14 Homework Help program.

the Children’s Room at 626-570-3215.


September 11 memorial set for Fire Station #1

A memorial to the firefighters who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center is being erected in front of the city’s fire station headquarters at 301 N. First St., accentuated by a 500-pound piece of steel from the Twin Tower buildings.

The memorial will be surrounded by beautiful landscaping, thanks to a $25,000 donation from the Metropolitan Water Dis-

trict and a generous donation of free design work provided by Lenkin Design, using California native landscape materials.

The front of the fire station was repaint-ed last month in preparation of a project groundbreaking ceremony. The installation of the World Trade Center steel remnant, and subsequent dedication, is expected to be completed by Sept. 11, 2013.

Several Public Works improvement projects scheduled for fall

Several city of Alhambra Public Works projects are scheduled for this fall, resulting in temporary disruptions of traffic, with alternate routes advised.

Residents will be notified by mail as the projects affect individual neighborhoods. It is recommended that residents explore the use of alternate routes.

The 2013 Street Improvement Project began last month, and the entire project, involving 10 separate streets, is expected to be completed in December. Streets to be resurfaced include: • Commonwealth Avenue, from Chapel

to Garfield. • Commonwealth Avenue, from

Raymond to Fremont.• Fifth Street, from Main to

Commonwealth.• Fourth Street, from Main to

Commonwealth.• Glendon Way, from Garfield to

Almansor. • Marengo Avenue, from Commonwealth

to Mission.• Palm Avenue, from Main to Mission.• Pine Street, from Atlantic to Monterey.

• Raymond Avenue, from Main to Commonwealth.

• Stoneman Avenue, from Huntington to McLean.

• Woodward Avenue, from Almansor to Marguerita.Scheduled to begin this month, and be

completed in December, the 2013 Utility Division Street Cut Repair Project will in-volve the repair of utility cuts throughout the city. The patchwork will be repaired with permanent asphalt or concrete in recently cut areas.

The city of Alhambra Utilities Division will install a new Water Transmission Line for Well #9 to the Ground Water Treatment Plant, and the Granada Ave. and Clay Ct. Street Rehabilitation Project will follow. This project will commence in October and be completed by March. Streets affected by this project include Granada Avenue, from Alhambra Road to Mission Road, and Clay Court., from Granada Avenue to the east city limits.

Residents with questions concern-ing any of these projects should phone 626-570-5067.

Drummers from Taiko Center Los Angeles performed on Summer Serenade opening night. The series of four Friday nights in August at the Bandshell in Alhambra Park offered performances by June Kuramoto, from the Grammy-nominated band Hiroshima; the Backbeats, a Beatles tribute band; Elliott Cane, jazz trumpeter; and Mestizo LA., a salsa, rock, rhythm and blues band.

WHEREAS, September 15 to October 15, 2013 has been declared as National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States, and;

WHEREAS, September 15 is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, and three additional coun-tries celebrating their independence during this period, Mexico, Chile and Belize, and;

WHEREAS, October 12, is cel-ebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, and “Dia de la Raza” in Latin America, and;

WHEREAS, the Honorable Judy Chu, 27th Congressional District, and Barbara Messina, Alhambra City Coun-cilmember, support the celebration of Latino Heritage Month in the city of Alhambra, and;

WHEREAS, Alhambra’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will commence on September 15, 2013 at American Legion Post #139 in Alhambra with the “Magna Opening” – a cultural program composed of dancers, music, crafts and food, and a proclamation ceremony (at 8 p.m.) represented by city officials, various Latin American consuls and the America Legion.

WHEREAS, there will also be per-formances at Alhambra Park, provided through the consulates or community organizations representing various Latin American countries on September 22 and 29, and October 6, and a closing ceremony on October 12.

NOW, therefore, I, Dr. Steven T. Placido, Mayor of the City of Alhambra do hereby proclaim September 15 to October 15, 2013 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Alhambra, and urge all citizens to participate in this celebra-tion of culture.


101 S. First St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-5008www.alhambralibrary.org

Monday: 1 pm - 9 pmTuesday: 11 am - 9 pmWednesday: 11 am - 9 pmThursday: 10 am - 9 pmFriday: 10 am - 5 pmSaturday: 10 am - 5 pmSunday: 1 pm - 5 pm

The Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St., has just initiated a free e-book loan program composed of a wide selection of books that can be downloaded directly to a computer, Android, iPad, or iPhone.

The program is titled “axis 360,” a digital media library by Baker & Taylor, and it offers a wide range of books from many subject areas.

To get started, go to www.alham-bralibrary.org, click on the axis 360 logo, and follow the instructions. Participants will eventually meet up with the “Magic Wall,” a listing of books, including a picture of the book cover, that will give further information about each title.

For those interested in more detailed information concerning the program, an e-book demonstration

has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Mon-day, Sept. 16 at the library at which time it will be demonstrated how to download the e-reader app to a device and how to begin reading e-books.

A free Nook E-Reader will be given to one lucky participant at the demonstration.

For more information, phone the library’s reference desk, 626-570-3212, during library open hours.

Free e-books available from Alhambra Library for smart phones, devicesLibrary to offer e-book demonstration at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15

Learn something new, brush up on skills

The fall Leisure Class program begins Monday, Sept. 9. It offers more than 80 different classes in a wide range of interests and experience, including, for the first time, the KidZ Love Soccer program for youngsters from 3 ½ to 10 years old.

Registration must be completed before attending a Leisure Class before Sept. 9, or, as a final opportunity, at the first meeting of the class.

Check out the list of classes available in the city of Alhambra summer/fall 2013 Leisure Classes Activities & Excursions Guide, beginning on page 5, available at www.cityofalhambra.org.

Learn something new, brush up on the details of a leisure time

activity, or just enjoy the ex-perience of sharing new skills and knowledge with others.



Alhambra to host annual citywide collection of hazardous waste, e-waste, more

Alhambra’s annual roundup of house-hold hazardous waste, electronic waste, and more takes place this month and next with two scheduled events. The county-sponsored HHW/E-waste collection event is set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Headquarters, 900 S. Fremont Ave., Alhambra, and the city’s annual Alhambra Recycling Event, cosponsored with Allied Waste Services, will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Sat-urday, Oct. 5 at Granada Park, 2000 W. Hellman Ave.

Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Roundup on Saturday, Sept. 7 –Residents should place HHW in a card-board box, leaving products in original containers, and place the box in the trunk. Such items include motor oil and oil filters, brake fluid, paint, turpentine, acid or lye-based cleaners, household and car batter-ies, fluorescent light bulbs, pesticides and garden herbicides, medications, syringes, which must be in a state-approved “sharps” container, etc. E-waste such as TVs and monitors, computers, VCRs, stereos, and cell phones will also be accepted. The box will be removed at the site – participants

won’t even have to get out of the car.There is a limit of 15 gallons, or 125

lbs., per vehicle; do not mix materials, and keep them in their original containers; no waste from businesses will be accepted; no explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted; and no tires will be accepted. For more information, phone 888-CLEAN LA, or visit www.cleanla.com.

Alhambra E-Waste Recycling Event on Saturday, Oct. 5 – Residents can dispose of electronic waste, plastic bottles and aluminum cans, and Goodwill items. Residents can also bring documents for off-site shredding. Household hazardous waste, including used motor oil, will not be accepted - it should be taken to an HHW collection event (such as the Roundup taking place on Sept. 7). Ac-ceptable Goodwill items include clothing, shoes, purses, cookware, rugs and curtains, bicycles and wheeled toys, CDs, DVDs, records and videotapes, small tools, lamps, sporting goods, and jewelry. All proceeds from the drive will be donated to the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley. For more information, phone 626-570-5010, or visit www.cityofalhambra.org.

Know what to do before an earthquake

• Have periodic practice drills to identify the safest places in each room to “drop, cover, and hold on”; instruct every-one in the household where the emergency supply kit and emergency contact list are kept. Get a home fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

• Check the home structurally to find and correct any weaknesses, such as struc-tures not anchored to the foundation, weak crawl space walls, unbraced pier-and-post foundations, and unreinforced masonry walls or foundations.

• Check for unsecured objects – these can be more dangerous and prone to dam-age than the structure itself. Check each room of the home for items that could move, break or fall, paying particular attention to tall or heavy objects such as bookcases, home electronics, appli-ances (including water heaters), and items hanging on the wall or ceilings. Secure these items with flexible fasteners, such as nylon straps or closed hooks, or relocate them away from beds and seating to lower shelves or cabinets with latched doors. Ensure that flexible connectors have been installed on all gas appliances.

• Take a class in first-aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) available through the American Red Cross. Then, join the Alhambra Community Emer-gency Response Team (CERT) offered through the Alhambra Fire Department. CERT-trained members learn how to prepare for and survive a disaster until professional agencies can respond. For more information about the Wednesday evening training sessions, phone 626-588-CERT, or e-mail name, address, and phone number to [email protected].

What to do during an earthquake• When indoors, stay there. “Drop,

cover, and hold on.” Get under a sturdy desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a hallway or get against an inside wall. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. Get out of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place during earthquakes since it’s full of things that can fall. Don’t run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or when there is danger of falling or being hit by falling glass or debris.

• When outside, get into the open, away from buildings, power lines, chim-neys, and anything that might fall.

• When driving, stop, but carefully. Move the car as far out of traffic as pos-sible. Do not stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. Stay inside the car until the shaking stops. After it’s okay to resume driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road.

• When near a steep hillside, watch out for landslides, falling rock, trees, and other debris.

What to do after an earthquake• Administer first-aid and call for

emergency medical assistance if anyone is hurt, and check for hazards in and around the home caused by the earthquake, such as small fires or larger blazes. Shut off the water supply if there are broken water pipes, shut off the electricity if damaged wiring threatens to spark a fire, shut off natural gas if a leak is suspected, or evacu-ate if any of these or other hazards are too great, such as structural damage.

• Be prepared to wait for emergency help. This could possibly take up to seven days depending on the severity of the earthquake and community damage. Use the water, food, and other supplies in the emergency supply kit to keep going until help arrives.

September is National Preparedness Month


The following crimes were reported to the Alhambra Police Department during July. 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 OneBurglary (9)200 E. Commonwealth200 N. Stoneman300 E. Alhambra400 N. Vega500 N. Monterey500 S. Chapel600 N. Hidalgo600 N. Monterey700 E. GrandTheft/Burglary from Vehicle (6)100 N. Garfield200 N. Fifth20 E. Main600 N. Stoneman800 N. Stoneman80 E. BaystateGrand Theft Auto (4)Alhambra/Chapel100 N. Second 300 S. Chapel 700 W. MainRobbery (3) Seventh/CommonwealthWoodward/Chapel100 N. First

District TwoBurglary (3)1000 S. Fourth1500 S. Garfiled400 E. Los HigosTheft/Burglary from Vehicle (4)1700 S. Garfield1700 S. Stoneman800 S. Garfield900 S. GarfieldGrand Theft Auto (7)Park/Garfield00 W. Valley1000 S. Cordova1000 S. Fifth1600 S. Monterey2000 S. Second400 E. RamonaRobbery (6)1400 S. Garfield1300 E. Valley1500 S. Monterey200 E. Valley00 E. Valley800 S. Garfield

District ThreeBurglary(3)100 S. Westmont2400 W. Main800 S. WestminsterTheft/Burglary from Vehicle (10)100 N. Huntington1000 S. Meridian

100 N. Marengo1300 W. Alhambra00 S. Marguerita200 S. Olive00 N. Marengo300 N. Marguerita00 N. Fremont900 S. FremontGrand Theft Auto (5) 100 N. Marguerita1600 W. Commonwealth3100 W. Midale300 N. Electric800 S. WestboroRobbery (0)

District FourBurglary (2)1600 W. Hellman2400 W. BaltusrolTheft Burglary from Vehicle (2)1800 W. Garvey2300 W. ValleyGrand Theft Auto (8)1100 S. Ethel1600 S. Marguerita1900 S. Elm2700 W. Carlos2900 W. Norwood2900 W. Ramona3000 W. Montezuma900 S. BenitoRobbery (2)Marengo/Valley1100 W. Valley

10A CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 09/2013

Vice President Richard Hanner, left, and Operations Coordinator Gus Garcia.

Rainbow International provides community with restorationRainbow International Restoration has served the San

Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles since 2011. Lo-cated at 957 S. Meridian Ave., Alhambra, near Mission and Fremont, the company offers restoration services for fire, water, smoke, or mold damage in the home or business.

“Alhambra is a great place to work, live, shop, and do business,” said co-owners Alex and Judith Simich. “The city is very clean and safe. We love it!”

The most popular service Rainbow provides is clean-up for water damage insurance claims. With a 24-hour emergency services operation, the technicians are IICRC Certified (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They also use the state of the art drying process called Rapid Structural Drying for water claims.

Some of the other services include air duct cleaning, crawl space mold remediation, board-up and tarp-over ser-vice, carpet cleaning, and drapery and upholstery cleaning.

With nine employees, Rainbow Interior Restoration prides themselves on being an industry leader by hiring passionate people, investing in constant education, and us-ing advanced tools paired with the latest technology. They serve the community in both English and Spanish.

Based on years of experience in flood restoration, fire restoration, smoke damage, and mold removal, Rainbow International has put into practice a comprehensive and customer care-focused protocol system.

Adopted, practiced, and embraced by Rainbow Interna-tional emergency response, the protocol system is a great

New Member Spotlight -

reminder that the latest in technology, equipment, and training matters little if a genuine and compassionate concern and respect for the customer isn’t shown on every job.

Some of the highlights of the restoration specialty includes always working with the customer’s best interest in mind, thoroughly explain-ing the restoration process and encouraging questions, providing full documentation and job scope before any work starts, and welcoming feed-back with an opportunity to complete a survey at the end of the job.

For the last two years, the company has provided expert fire, water, smoke, and mold restoration along with carpet

replacement and construction services. Rainbow’s services have been used throughout the Los Angeles area includ-ing Burbank, Malibu, Calibasus, and the San Fernando Valley.

“We would like the community to know that we re-store while you recover,” said co-owners Alex and Judith Simich. “We also have a code of values that we operate by at all times.”

Rainbow Interior Restoration is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. The phone number is 626-284-9000. The Web site is http://www.Rainbowintl.com/LosAngeles.

09/2013 CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 11A

WELCOME OURNew CHAMBER MEMBERS!

4G Wireless, Inc.333 E. Main St., Suite DAlhambra, CA 91801www.4gwireless.com626-308-1144Founded in Southern California in 2006, 4G Wireless, a retailer for Verizon Wireless, has endeavored to be a driving force in the wireless industry. 4G Wireless offers more than 125 locations in California and Nevada.

ARPlus Technologies726 S. Stoneman Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-375-4894www.arplustechnologies.comARPlus Technologies helps clients leverage the best technology to improve business processes and drive high performance. Whether it is a network infrastructure, data center, unified communications system, or virtualization solution, ARPlus’ focus is always on identifying and implementing technology and IT processes that are central to their clients’ goals.

Clement K. Lee, ND670 Monterey Pass Rd., Suite #100Monterey Park, CA 91754626-551-5155www.drleend.comNatural Medicine for the Modern Age specializing in natural and complementary solutions to medical and health care needs.

Corner Notary35 N. Lake Ave., Suite 670Pasadena, CA 91101www.cornernotary.comCorner Notary offers affordable mobile notary services in the Southern California area. Clients can expect friendly, professional, prompt services at their door.

Cowa Café521 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-272-8825Main Street’s newest coffee house opened its doors on July 23, serving cappuccinos, iced lattes, frappes, and espressos. Cowa Café, which replaced Roasters Family Coffee on Main and Fifth streets, also offers iced teas, smoothies, panini, and desserts.

FirstLight HomeCare of WSGV200 S. Garfield Ave., Suite #102-DAlhambra, CA 91801626-427-3688www.firstlighthomecare.comFirstLight HomeCare provides affordable non-medical in-home care for adults. FirstLight wants to ensure that community members are able to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Signarama1385 N. Lake Ave.Pasadena, CA 91104626-794-1625www.signarama.comSignarama’s award-winning network of sign centers is approaching 800 locations in 50 countries. For more than 25 years, the company has been serving communities with quality products and customer service. Harry Moy, owner of FirstLight HomeCare of West San

Gabriel Valley, said he started the business because he wanted to ensure that community members were able to live safely and comfortably in their homes.

New Member Spotlight -FirstLight HomeCare offers non-medical assistance for adults

FirstLight HomeCare, pro-vider of quality, affordable, non-medical in-home care for adults, is now open at 200 S. Garfield Ave., Suite 102-D, Alhambra. FirstLight HomeCare of West San Gabriel Valley is owned and operated by local resident Harry Moy, who has a passion for providing members of the community with trustworthy in-home care services. FirstLight HomeCare will service residents of Alhambra, Arcadia, Rosemead, San Gabriel, and Temple City.

Prior to opening FirstLight HomeCare, Mr. Moy spent 25 years in the health care private sector, including hospitals, Inde-pendent Physicians Association, Senior Care Action Network, and other non-medical care companies. Looking to start a new chapter in his life, Mr. Moy knew he wanted to own his own business, one that he could pass down to his daughters.

His extensive experience in the health care industry made FirstLight a natural fit for him. By opening FirstLight HomeC-are of West San Gabriel Valley, Mr. Moy said he will be able to provide services to the growing senior population in the area.

“I am looking forward to becoming a valuable resource for the community,” he said. “There is a need for non-medical in-home care in the area, and I want

to ensure that community members are able to live safely and comfortably in their homes.

For more information on FirstLight HomeCare of West San Gabriel Valley, please phone 626-427-3688, or visit alhambra.firstlighthomecare.com.

About FirstLight HomeCareFirstLight HomeCare offers a new standard in non-

medical, in-home care customized for seniors, new mothers, adults with disabilities, and those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. The demand for high-quality in-home care is at an all-time high, with more than 12% of Americans 65 years and older wanting to remain independent for as long as possible.

FirstLight HomeCare combines the best practices of a dynamic senior leadership team with more than 80 years of collective senior care experience and inno-vative approaches to make this franchise an emerging market leader in a fast-growing industry.


The Alhambra Chamber of Commercethanks these members for renewing their

memberships and for their continued support:Alhambra Dental Group100 S. First St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-308-9104Member since 1980

Alhambra Firefighters AssociationP.O. Box 7110Alhambra, CA 91802-7110562-822-0868Member since 1982

Alhambra Golf Course630 S. Almansor St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-5059Member since 1987

Alhambra Hospital Medical Center100 S. Raymond Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-1606Member since 1991

Alhambra Police Officers AssociationP.O. Box 7339Alhambra, CA 91802-7499626-376-3253Member since 1977

Alhambra Valley Properties #111812 San Vicente Blvd. #500Los Angeles, CA 90049-5081310-471-4300Member since 1962

Alhambra Veterinary Hospital1501 W. Mission RoadAlhambra, CA 91803626-289-9227Member since 1969

Almansor Court700 S. Almansor St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-4600Member since 1986

Angels Montessori Preschool150 N. Garfield Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-457-5927Member since 2006

Azul Ultra Lounge129 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-282-6320Member since 2003

Brown, Lloyd & StevensonP.O. Box 389Alhambra, CA 91802626-289-5273Member since 1963

Burke, Williams & Sorenson, L.L.P.444 S. Flower St., #2400Los Angeles, CA 90071213-236-2736Member since 2007

California Bank & Trust230 E. Valley Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91801626-457-9666Member since 1990

California Mission Inn8417 Mission DriveRosemead, CA 91770626-287-0438Member since 2005

City Bail Bonds230 S. Atlantic Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-2245Member since 2011

County of L.A. Department of Public Works900 S. Fremont Ave., 9th FloorAlhambra, CA 91803626-458-4070Member since 2011

Diversified Alarm Service, Inc.1001 Monterey Pass RoadMonterey Park, CA 91754323-980-9528Member since 2008

East West Bank/W. Valley Branch403 W. Valley Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-7447Member since 2007

Emeritus At Alhambra 1 E. Commonwealth Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-3871Member since 1996

Enterprise Rent-A-Car1300 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-457-2828Member since 2011

Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries17800 Castleton St., Suite 338City of Industry, CA 91748626-221-9601Member since 2012

Francis, Merrill W.626-281-7522Member since 2009

Indoff Solutions Unlimited700 Novelda RoadAlhambra, CA 91801626-308-3420Member since 2010

K & L Properties1117 Westminster Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803626-576-8493Member since 2012

Karen Chao, O.D., Inc.121 S. Del Mar Ave., Suite ASan Gabriel, CA 91776626-287-0401Member since 2008

La Parrilla Mexicana Restaurant, Inc.2938 W. Valley Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91803626-289-2412Member since 1999

Luckman Fine Arts ComplexCaliforia State University5151 State University DriveLos Angeles, CA 90032323-343-6616Member since 2000

Lyoness1128 S. Third St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-300-8534Member since 2003

Marini Music222 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-0241Member since 2004

MCS West SGV Worksource Center1000 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 550Monterey Park, CA 91754323-647-6500Member since 2009

Miwa Auto Service2524 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-308-3677Member since 2004

National Builders Control1110 E. Main St. #202Alhambra, CA 91801626-281-8883Member since 1989

New Century BMW1139 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-8444Member since 1993

New Omni Bank1235 S. Garfield Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-284-5555Member since 2012

Pasadena Star News911 E. Colorado Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91106626-578-6300 X4472Member since 2008

Prober’s Shoes215 E. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-5363Member since 1963

To renew your membership with

a credit card, please phone the Chamber

at 626-282-8481.

PSA Private Storage Areas600 S. Garfield Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-3232Member since 1978

Rainbow International957 S. Meridian Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803626-284-9000Member since 2011

Ramona Convent Secondary School1701 W. Ramona RoadAlhambra, CA 91803-3099626-282-4151Member since 1991

Recyclebank95 Morton St., 7th FloorNew York, NY 10014323-810-2401Member since 2012

Rick’s Drive In & Out132 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-8519Member since 1983

Rose Hills Mortuary550 E. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-299-3000Member since 2008

School of Fashion and Design212 E. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-1632Member since 1989

Sierra Acura of Alhambra 1700 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-284-8533Member since 1987

Siu, Tina Marie & Annie DDS2595 Huntington DriveSan Marino, CA 91108626-796-0615Member since 1955

Smart International Service430 S. Garfield Ave., Suite 402Alhambra, CA 91801800-500-2899Member since 2001

Steven’s Steak & Seafood House5332 Stevens Pl.Commerce, CA 90040323-723-9856Member since 2009

Team NuVision/Remax Elite1024 E. Valley Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91801888-258-3508Member since 2012

Tompkins & Parrington, Attorney LawP.O. Box 589Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-3727Member since 1991

West San Gabriel Valley YMCA401 E. Corto St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-0226Member since 1990

Wondries ToyotaP.O. Box 1311Alhambra, CA 91802626-289-3651Member since 1982

Yonemoto Physical Therapy55 S. Raymond Ave. #100Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-0591Member since 1982


BY TEDDY CHADWICK

CHADWICK, HWU & HUANG, LLP

Sadly, almost all of us know someone who has a DUI in their criminal record. Because it has become so commonplace, many people push it and drive when they may have had one too many. As I will explain, doing so would be one of the worst decisions of your life.

If you get caught DUI, even if you didn’t cause an accident or any other problems on the road, you are looking at fines and fees that will cost more ethan $2,000. This, of course, doesn’t even in-clude any lawyers’ fees, which for a DUI can range from $2,000 if you take a plea to around $10,000 if you go to trial.

Additionally, if you get caught DUI, you will have to register, and pay for, at least one alcohol training class. In total, you could end up spending an additional $500 on mandatory classes.

Another cost that people typically forget to take into account is the very considerable bump in your auto insur-ance. Insurance companies will use any excuse to raise your rates, and a DUI gives them a great one. This could end up costing you thousands of dollars extra every year for car insurance.

Finally, there are many incidental monetary costs that can add up with a DUI, including costs of getting your car out of impound if it was towed, costs of taxis when your license is suspended, the cost of reinstating your driver’s license, and costs of getting all the proof of com-pliance paperwork.

Aside from the monetary consequenc-es, there are also many non-monetary consequences.

First, with a DUI, you will have your license suspended for a period of time. Depending on the situation, you may be able to get a restricted license, but there will be a suspension for at least a month.

Second, you will have a criminal record. This can affect your ability to get jobs, and be used to increase penalties if you are ever convicted a second time.

Third, if you are not a citizen, the DUI could be used to take away your

green card or visa, and can be used to deport you.

Fourth, you will be in jail for at least the time immediately after the arrest, and may be sentenced to more jail time in the future.

Finally, by driving while intoxicated, even if not over the limit, you are endanger-ing yourself and all other cars and pedes-trians on the road, because any amount of alcohol in your system will slow down your reflexes. With a DUI, you could be charged with manslaughter if you kill somebody, or murder if you’ve ever been convicted of an alcohol offense in your past.

Don’t think that you can avoid this by simply not submitting to the blood or breath tests either. When you apply for a driver’s license, you sign that you will agree to submit to blood or breath tests at any time when requested by the police, and you can be charged with a separate crime for not doing so.

As you can see, there are many conse-quences to a DUI and you should never drive when intoxicated. If you or someone you know is arrested for DUI, however, it should be obvious at this point that professional legal help is needed. I would encourage you to contact any experienced DUI attorney should this situation happen to you.

People do business with people they know.The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce makes it easy to meet new business contacts every month at its Business After Hours Mixers.These networking events attract 50 – 100 people who are ready to make new connections.

It’s all about networking

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 next Business After Hours mixer will take place

Platt College Los Angeles has provided education services to Southern California residents since 1985. There are more than 400 students enrolled in Medical Assisting, Graphic Design, Web Design, 3D Animation, and Paralegal programs.

Wednesday, Sept. 255:30 – 7:30 p.m.Platt College1000 S. Fremont Ave., Suite A9, Alhambra

What you need to know about DUIs

Teddy Chadwick is an Immigration and Criminal Law attorney and managing partner of Chadwick, Hwu & Huang, LLP, located at 200 S. Garfield Ave., #105, Alhambra. He can be reached at 626-539-5377.

The Community Development Commission/Housing Authority building, 700 W. Main St., officially opened Aug. 21 with a ribbon cutting. From left are CDC Executive Director Sean Rogan, Chamber President Frank Chen, L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Councilmember Barbara Messina, City Manager Mary Swink, and Councilmember Gary Yamauchi.

Officials cut ribbon for new county buildingArticle originally appeared in Alhambra Source (www.alhambrasource.org)

BY ALFRED DICIOCO

Alhambra and Los Angeles County officials commemorated the opening of the Community Development Commis-sion/Housing Authority (CDC) building on Main Street and Atlantic Boulevard on Aug. 23. L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and members of Alhambra City Council and Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon and declare the building officially open.

The Housing Authority moved to Al-hambra from its former building in Mon-terey Park because it wanted a more central location in the county, according to CDC officials. “We have over 23,000 Section 8 voucher holders spread across L.A. County. Alhambra was the location centralized to them,” said CDC Executive Director Sean Rogan.

Although the CDC considered other cities in L.A. County, Rogan said the avail-ability of public transportation, city services, and nearby amenities are the main reasons the commission chose Alhambra. “I think that when you look at Main Street and how they have developed this area in and around Main Street, they have really created a walking community,” he said. “I can tell you that at lunchtime here, you will see the employees taking advantage of the

shops and restaurants in walking distance. They are patronizing the business.”

The CDC fully opened for business at the former location of the Edwards Theater on Dec. 26, 2012. The three-level, 120,000-square foot building houses over 500 employees, some of whom have chosen to move to Alhambra.

“I know folks have made some personal decisions and moved closer to or into Al-hambra,” Rogan said. “I know some of the employees are taking advantage of the Al-hambra School District. So it’s really been a win-win for everyone.”

Alhambra Councilwoman Barbara Mes-sina emphasized the CDC’s role in revital-izing Alhambra’s business district. “We understood the importance of getting this corner back as a viable corner,” she said during the press conference. “It had been underutilized for so many years with the theater.”

The building, which has received a U.S. Green Building Council Gold Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmen-tal Design (LEED), will also serve as a home to the University of California Cooperative Extension program, which provides classes and resources to seniors and low-income families, including financial literacy courses and family counseling.

The purpose of this Chamber program is to provide informative and educational seminars pertinent to small businesses.The cost of the program is free to Chamber members. There is a $15 charge for non-members. A complimentary lunch is included.To make reservations, or for more information about the Chamber’s Lunch & Learn program, contact Irma Hernandez, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, at 626-282-8481 or [email protected].

Thursday, Sept. 19 at noonAlhambra Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 104 S. First St.

“Reaching the Goal of Owning a Home”Presented by Credit Union of Southern California


Owen Guenthard, Republic Services honored at Chamber installation

Republic Services was honored with the Outstanding Business of the Year award. From left: outgoing Chamber President Valarie Gomez; Director of Legislative Affairs Owen Guenthard; Elizabeth Martinez, Susanne Passantino, and James Pledger of Republic Services; and Sharon Gibbs, Chamber executive director.

Chamber Legislative Director Owen Guenthard received the Chamber’s presti-gious Past Presidents’ Award and Republic Services was honored with the Outstanding Business of the Year award at the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce’s 110th installation dinner July 26.

The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce installed its 110th president and board of directors at Almansor Court. Frank Chen, of Law Offices of Frank W. Chen, was sworn in as president along with the new 2013-2014 board of directors by Vice Mayor Stephen Sham.

Former Chamber president Mark Paulson served as the master of ceremonies directing the evening’s program that celebrated the Chamber’s accomplishments under the leadership of outgoing president Valarie Gomez, CEO of YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley. Ms. Gomez thanked her board and the Chamber staff for their support.

Ms. Gomez received congratulatory cer-tificates from the offices of U.S. Congress-man Adam Schiff, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, and California State Board of Equalization member Jerome Horton. Also offering congratulations were Henry Lo

from State Assemblymember Ed Chau’s office, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich representative Rita Hadjimanoukian- McNamara, the Rotary Club of Alhambra, and the Alhambra Uni-fied School District.

In addition to President Chen, the executive committee will include Secretary/Treasurer Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern California; Immediate Past President Gomez; and at-large members Walter Tang, Superior Scientific, and Mr. Paulson, Anthony Venti Realtors, Inc.

Also helping to lead the Chamber in 2013-2014 will be board members Oriana Chan, Wells Fargo Bank; Evike Chang, Evike.com; Robert Fukui, High Point Mar-keting; Iris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medi-cal Center; Lee Lieberg, Landz Real Estate; Elizabeth Martinez, Republic Services; Joe Pavon, Al’s Towing; Todd Sakamoto, The Mailbox Shop; Marissa Castro-Salvati, So. California Edison; Helen Romero-Shaw, So. California Gas Company; Dr. David Snyder, Snyder Optometry, Inc.; Joanna Vargas, The Fit Factor Studio; and Victoria Deise Wilson, The Alhambra.

Mr. Guenthard made the Outstand-ing Business of the Year presentation to

Susanne Passantino for Republic Services. “While Republic Services is the second largest waste manage-ment business in the entire United States, with more than 30,000 employees, Republic Services stresses a very important part of its corporate culture and that is to be supportive of the communities they serve. Hardly a public event takes place in our city with-out some contribution from Republic Services and the direct involve-ment of their local representative,” Mr. Guenthard said.

Mr. Paulson presented the Past Presi-dents’ Award to Mr. Guenthard. “Owen has been the driving force that catapulted

the Alhambra Chamber into the top 10 of Chambers in Los Angeles County, and, along with staff, he started the Chamber’s popular

Owen Guenthard, director of the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs, receives the Past Presidents’ Award from emcee Mark Paulson at the Chamber’s 110th installation dinner July 26.

newspaper, Around Alhambra,” Mr. Paulson said.

In unison with the dinner’s theme, “Dancing with the Future Stars,” The Granada dance instruc-tors Daniele Cavallo and partner Doris Hsieh performed.

President Chen thanked every-one for their support, including the “Judges” table sponsors: Republic Services, Evike.com, and The Al-hambra/Ratkovich Company and the “Future Dancers” table sponsors: So. California Edison, Transtech Engineers Inc., Law Offices of Frank W. Chen, Law Offices of Cheng & Associates, Superior Scientific, and Alhambra Hospital Medical Center.

President Chen also thanked dee-jay Esco, who provided the musical entertainment.

Thanks was given to the Cham-ber staff, and in particular, event coordinator Irma Hernandez, for their contributions to the evening’s success and to Almansor Court for the outstanding food presentation.

New Tasty, 301 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, had its grand opening July 24. New Tasty serves Cantonese comfort food, such as its signature honey walnut pork with mayonnaise and rice rolls made from scratch. There are nearly 150 authentic Asian dishes on the menu. From left: Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich representative Rita Hadjimanoukian-McNamara, Vice Mayor Stephen Sham, Assemblymember Ed Chau district representative Henry Lo, Mayor Steven Placido D.D.S., New Tasty Manager Jason Cai, New Tasty owner Janet Wah, New Tasty Manager Bo Lin, Councilmember Barbara Messina, Monterey Park Councilmember Peter Chan, and Chamber Legislative Affairs Director Owen Guenthard.


YMCA of West San Gabriel supports military veterans Armed forces veterans can apply

for sponsored memberships from the Department of Defense to work out at the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley. Alhambra resident and veteran Tamieko Joi Martin was reading a military Web site when she discovered that the De-partment of Defense would assist her with enrolling at the YMCA.

“When I first joined the YMCA more than two years ago, I had just healed from an injury causing me to reach the weight of more than 180 pounds at 5 feet 5 inches,” said Mrs. Martin. “Since then, I have lost more than 40 pounds exercising here.”

Mrs. Martin served in the Iraq war as a supplies sergeant, and she retired in 2008. The Los Angeles native loves to lift weights, and she has been exercising since high school. Her passion for exer-cise was rooted in her dance background, and when she joined the army she devel-oped even more of a love for keeping in shape.

With plans to pursue employment with the YMCA later this year, Mrs. Martin is eager to join the team and the YMCA is ready and willing to hire veterans in need of employment.

Since Mrs. Martin and her husband Conrad Lindsay live nearby, they can eas-ily frequent the YMCA, and they come in six times a week to rotate between cardio and weight lifting. “I always feel great when I work out at the YMCA,” said Mrs. Martin. “It’s like a big family, more intimate and personable than other large fitness centers.”

Alhambra residents Tamieko Joi Martin and Conrad Lindsay work out at the YMCA six times a week.

“I applaud the Y’s efforts to sup-port veterans and their families,” said Assemblymember and YMCA member Ed Chau (D – Monterey Park). “There are approximately 1.9 million veterans living in California, one-fifth of whom are in Los Angeles County. It is our obligation to assist our brave men and women in the service, and their families, who protect and defend the liberties we enjoy.”

With several classrooms, play-grounds, basketball court, locker room, indoor swimming pool, and workout facility, the modern and organized YMCA is centered on communal development for children, adults, and seniors. The well-designed space fosters exercis-

ing and wellness with programs to measure fitness results.

As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA keeps its membership prices affordable, and every mem-bership gives back to the com-munity. “If you are serious about getting in shape, then the YMCA is a great place to do it,” said Mrs. Martin. “The trainers have time for you, and the all- ages programs are great for the whole family.”

The YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley is located at 401 E. Corto St., Alhambra. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. The phone number is 626-576-0226. Visit them online at www. wsgvymca.org for additional pro-gram information.

16A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 09/2013

Jayvee Dance Center will celebrate its 9th anniversary this fall.

Jayvee Dance celebrates 9th anniversary with fun events

Jayvee Dance Center, 216 E. Main St., will celebrate its 9th anniversary this fall by offering fun events.

During the week of Monday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, Sept.28, Jayvee will offer its annual Free Friend Week. Dancers from Jayvee can bring one friend to try the classes they are enrolled in to see what dancing is all about.

The annual Spirit Week from Oct.14 through Oct. 19 is a week of themed dress up days such as Monster Monday, Decades Tuesday, Animal Wednesday, Crazy Hair Thursday, Freedom Friday, and Disney Saturday.

Jayvee’s two performance groups, Rated G and Pink Ladies, will make their debut performance at this year’s Hallowscream event

on Saturday, Oct. 26. The two groups are still accepting applica-tions for dancers.

“If you know dancers from ages 6-10 years who love to strut their stuff, visit JV’s front desk for more information and have them join an experience of a lifetime,” said Tu DeVera, studio manager.

For more information, phone 626-281-JVJV (5858).

Fire Department to host pancake breakfast

Hanging out with Sparky at the Open House Pancake Breakfast.

In honor of National Fire Prevention Week, the Alham-bra Fire Department will host a benefit open house and pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Alhambra Fire Station #71, 301 N. First St.

Members of the Alhambra Firefighters’ Association, who are co-hosting the event, will cook and serve breakfast. The open house will include fire station tours; aerial ladder operations; vehicle rescue tech-niques and demonstrations, including the “Jaws of Life” tool; and firefighters will show and explain the functions of fire and medical apparatus.

National Fire Prevention Week is offered during the sec-ond week of October each year in order to increase awareness of fire safety concerns and pre-vention based on fire statistics during the previous year. This

year’s theme, Prevent Kitchen Fires, will stress the importance of preventing house fires that start in the kitchen.

Kids attending the break-fast can hang out with Sparky the Fire Dog and take a tour of the Department’s Fire Safety House, wherein they can prac-tice calling 9-1-1 and escaping through simulated smoke during a potential fire. A home hazard hunt is also conducted in the house, encouraging kids and adults to prevent kitchen fires and to be their own junior fire safety inspector at home.

The breakfast and all events at the open house are free of charge; however, donations will be accepted, which will be given to this year’s good cause recipient, the Alhambra High School Athletic Department. The athletic department is in need of funds to update sports equipment.

Copyright © 2012This report is courtesy of Rudy L. Kusuma Real Estate Broker Lic# 01820322. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

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09/2013 COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 17A

Front row, from left: Jennie Ta, Dr. William Cohen, Penny Li, Professor Miriam Almestica. Back row, from left: Robert La, Bright China; Rick Wartzman, executive director, Drucker Institute; Minglo Shao, chairman Bright China and CIAM BOT; Professor David Hurlic; Professor Rick Johnson, Professor Robert Kirkland, Professor Michael Cortrite, Professor Wenli Jen, and Professor Shirley Stretch.

California Institute of Advanced Management graduates first class

The California Institute of Advanced Management graduated its first class for new MBAs in Executive Management and Entrepreneurship on June 22 at the Penske College classroom of Longo Toyota, El Monte.

More than 100 guests celebrated gradu-ates Jennie Ta of Monterey Park and Penny Li of Alhambra and Dalian, China. The ceremony recognized their achievements in completing a rigorous, innovative program, which was the equivalent of a 24-month MBA program that they completed in 11 months. The program included 12 differ-ent consulting projects, numerous papers, and ad hoc and formal presentations which they made in every class.

“Their growth as confident, talented leaders is captured not only in the port-folios of their accomplishments as CIAM students, but was clearly on display in their self-assured, short presentations at the ceremony where they spoke about their experiences at CIAM and the support they received from family and friends,” said Carl Selkin, director of Communications. “It was particularly moving to hear Penny re-late how her 7-year-old daughter, Jocelyn, visiting from Dalian, made sure she focused on her homework and rewarded mom with a hug when she finished an assignment.”

Minglo Shao, chairman of Bright China Group Ltd and chairman of the board of trustees of CIAM, received the Presidential Award for his philanthropy and his exem-plary business success founded on principles of his friend and mentor, Peter F. Drucker, “the father of modern management.” He also presented the graduation speech that recognized the accomplishments of the graduates and reminded the audience that many important universities have started with two graduates at their first graduation, including the university from which Sun Yat Sen, founding father of the Republic of China, graduated, which has evolved as the University of Hong Kong.

Guests included visitors from as far away as India and China, CIAM faculty and students, representatives of major universities, community leaders, and high level military officers, including CIAM trustee, Leonard Kwiatkowski (re-tired Brigadier General, USAF). Edmund Kwok Sin Tong of the Peter F. Drucker Academies of China presented CIAM with a calligraphy scroll he created. El Monte Mayor Pro-tem J. Gomez presented a certificate to CIAM. The UC Irvine Color Guard and CSULA Jazz Combo provided the opening and closing portions of the ceremony.


Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Post 139, 24 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra, featuring dancers, music, crafts, food, and much more.

The month-long activities continue at Alhambra Park with performances on Sept. 22 and 29 and Oct. 6. The closing ceremony will be on Oct.12. The events’ entertainment will be provided by the different consulates or the community organizations represent-ing each country that is participating.

Sept. 15 is the anniversary of the inde-pendence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hon-duras, and Nicaragua. During this time, Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their Independence Days.


Educational Foundation launches ‘Music&More’ fundraising campaign

The Alhambra Educational Foundation’s board of direc-tors announced it is launching a fundraising campaign to bring music instruction to all kindergarten, first-, second-, and third-grade students in Alhambra’s 13 elementary schools.

The campaign will also provide necessary support funding for K-12 instructional programs and curriculum at all 18 schools in the district.

The foundation has set a goal of $300,000 for the Music&More campaign, beginning this month and culminating on June 30, 2014. Funds must be raised by this date to ensure that the programs will be implemented by the district for the 2014-15 school year. The campaign marks the first comprehensive

fundraising campaign in the foundation’s 20-year history.

“We are very excited that AEF will raise funds to bring a K-3 standards-based music program to our elementary schools in 2014-15,” said Laura Tellez-Gagliano, superinten-dent of the Alhambra Unified School District. “Research indicates that early music education for our students is vital and necessary for their complete academic develop-ment, and we are grateful that AEF has agreed to raise the funds so that K-3 students at all our schools will benefit.”

In addition to a creative music curriculum for kinder-garten through third-grade

students, the Music&More campaign will also raise funds for vital support programs in Grades four through eighth at all 13 elementary schools, including the current band and orchestra programs and others.

The foundation will raise funds to enhance and strengthen the college and ca-reer counseling programs and help all students in grades 9-12 with their college research, application process, and career counseling opportunities at the district’s five high schools: Alhambra, Mark Keppel, San Gabriel, Century, and Independence.

“AEF is asking our entire community to come together and help us raise the bar at our 18 schools,” said Stephen Perry, president of the foundation’s

board of directors. “AEF needs your support to implement these programs and to provide excellence in education to all our schools and students. We believe that great schools equal great communities.”

The Alhambra Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the official fundraising partner of the Alhambra Unified School District. Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has donated more than $1.5 mil-lion to the district to provide funding for a variety of educa-tional programs, curriculum, and equipment that benefits all students and schools.

For more information, or to make a tax-deductible dona-tion to the foundation, please go to www.aef4kids.com and follow them on Facebook.

Alhambra’s First Friday takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the first Friday of every month. The event features activities, vendors, and entertainment at the Renaissance Plaza, northeast corner of Main and Garfield. The next First Friday will take place Sept. 6. The theme is “Jazz.” Admission is free. To be part of this event, e-mail [email protected].

First Friday

Historical Society presents a history of Los Angeles

Historian Bruce Phillips will speak about the history of Los Angeles at the Alhambra Historical Society’s meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward Ave., Alhambra.

Before the program, enjoy refreshments and the display of many historical items. The collectors of the historical items will answer questions.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

The Alhambra Historical Society Mu-seum is located at 1550 W. Alhambra Road. The museum is open every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m., and on the second and fourth Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Tours are available upon request. For more information, phone

626-300-8845.


To

Advertise

in

Around

Alhambra

call

626-

282-8481

To inquire about these adoptable animals, contact the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society at 626-286-1159, 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, vac-cinations, de-worming, FIV/FELV/heartworm testing, and microchip. A $120-$135 dog adoption fee includes microchip, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and de-worm-ing, as well as a free health check-up at a participating vet (some breeds slightly higher).

Ink is approximately 4 months old and adorable. He used to play with his sister, Penny, but she has been adopted, so he has been making new friends. Ink loves people and will come right over to be picked up. This happy, social little boy needs a loving home and family, so please stop in to meet him.

Chihuahua puppy. Male. Black and white. ID# SG10299.

Thea can be a little shy at first, but when she warms up to people, she leans right in and is their best buddy. She is a beautiful 2- to 3-year-old chihuahua girl of average energy. She loves to go on walks and play with her kennel mate. Thea is searching for a loving, forever home. Please stop in to meet her and consider making her part of the family. She is already spayed and ready to go.

Miniature pinscher/chihuahua mix. Adult female. Black and brown. ID# MPK13591.

Jersey has the prettiest black and white coat and a cute, pink nose. She is friendly and likes attention. Jersey gets along with the other cats in teen girls, but she is really people oriented. Sit down on the floor and she will come right over to sit in a lap. Please stop in to meet her and consider making her part of the family.

Short hair. Adult female. Black and white. ID# SG07732.


ents select which track their child will follow through the course of their schooling.

“The students will be challenged by a rigorous curriculum in a nurturing environ-ment,” said Principal Fuller. “Credentialed teachers will focus on the education of the whole child with the goal of leading students to become individuals who are ready for the challenges of the 21st century with the abil-ity to read, write, think, and communicate in two languages.

All Souls School is located at 29 S. Electric Ave., Alhambra.

For more information, phone 626-282-5695, or e-mail [email protected]. Visit the school’s Web site at www.ascschool.org.

All Souls School expands Chinese, Spanish Language Immersion

All Souls School has expanded its Chi-nese and Spanish Language Immersion classes to include students ages 4 to 7.

“Children and their parents can meet the school principal and teachers and may tour the school to see first hand what dual language immersion classrooms look like. We are happy to answer any questions they may have,” said Principal Carrie Fuller.

When All Souls School opened on Aug.14 for the new 200-day school year, full immersion in the Chinese language began with children spending half the day in the Chinese classroom speaking only Mandarin, and the other half of the day in the English classroom speaking English. Children enrolled in the Span-ish/English track likewise alternate half their day in the Spanish classroom and then in the English classroom.

All Souls School has emerged as a leader in Dual Language Immersion programs among Catholic schools across the nation. The principal, a school board member, and the Chinese and the Span-ish language teachers participated in a supportive program this summer at Boston College, which is recognized as a leader in Catholic education throughout the world.

All Souls School is the first school in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, and one of only 20 Catholic schools in the U.S., to offer dual language immersion. It is the only Catholic school in the nation offering two separate tracks: Spanish and English and Mandarin Chinese and English. Par-

Mandarin students at All Souls share their excitement at returning to school.


Public housing, Section 8 participants awarded college scholarships

On Aug. 28, the Community Devel-opment Foundation awarded more than $26,000 in scholarship funds to low-income Public Housing and Section 8 residents. Scholarship awards were made to students attending a four-year university, community college, or vocational program.

Annually, the Community Development Foundation offers the Housing Authority Resident (HAR) Scholarships as it fulfills its mission to “inspire Public Housing and Section 8 residents by providing positive life-changing opportunities.”

The HAR Scholarship awardees were recognized at the Los Angeles County Housing Commission board meeting at the new Housing Authority building, 700 W. Main St., Alhambra.

Scholarship recipients have not only become architects, doctors, counselors, law-yers, among other professions but they have

2012 HAR Scholarship awardees accept their awards at the May 2012 L.A. County Housing Commission meeting.

Nearly $200,000 scholarships awarded by Community Development Foundation since 1997also become positive role models for youth growing up in subsidized housing. As ca-reer professionals, past awardees contribute to the mainstream economy by purchasing homes, investing in savings, and starting new families in the middle class.

“The awarded scholars were selected for their academic excellence, community in-volvement, and their exceptional resiliency in overcoming life challenges to pursue their educational and career goals, and ulti-mately obtain financial independence,” said Community Development Foundation Ex-ecutive Director Jennifer Blackwell-Trotter. “We are extremely proud to support them in their educational and career endeavors.”

To provide scholarship fund donations, please contact Ms. Blackwell-Trotter at the Community Development Foundation: 626-586-1899

Hispanic Heritage Month poster contest deadline is Oct. 2Students in kindergarten through

Grade 12 are invited to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month poster contest by submitting original artwork addressing the theme of the celebration: “Uniting Communities Through a

Celebration.”The medium can be photography,

digital work, collage, watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen, pencil, chalk, crayon, or marker on paper, canvas, wood, etc. The deadline to submit artwork is by

10 p.m. Oct. 2. Early submissions are encouraged, postmarked by Monday, Sept. 30.

Judging will be based on original-ity, creativity, and interpretation of the contest theme.

Prizes include computers to all first-place winners and educational material packets to all other finalists.

For details, please phone 626-236-2374, or e-mail [email protected].


Legionnaire Ray Roscoe keeps Stars and Stripes flying – with prideAmerican Legion member Ray Roscoe has a per-

sonal mission to keep American flags flying in and around Alhambra and ensuring that those flags are in good repair and best appearance.

His most recent beneficiary is the Chamber of Com-merce, where Mr. Roscoe said, “The flag was looking less than vibrant. So I got the Chamber a new one on behalf of the American Legion.”

When Mr. Roscoe sees a flag that needs replacing at a local business, he buys a new one at the West Los Angeles Veterans Association and gives it to the busi-ness. He takes the old flags to the American Legion Post 139, where flags are properly and ceremoniously retired.

Speaking of the new flags he distributes, Mr. Roscoe said “These flags will last a lifetime. They are all nylon and doubled-hemmed so they won’t fray in the wind. They have embroidered stars and brass grommets, and the stripes are hand-sewn.

“It’s been an honor to see those flags fly,” Mr. Roscoe said. “About a year ago, I saw the need to do this. It’s a small thing I can do to help the American Legion and

Legionnaire Ray Roscoe wants to keep American flags flying in Alhambra and at their best appearance.

the community. I don’t want to be reimbursed or take any gifts; I do this from my heart. It is such an honor to hand out the flags.”

Mr. Roscoe joined the Army at 18, right out of high school in 1956. During active duty, he “drove jeeps to 50-ton tanks, and would gladly do it all again.” He was in C Troop, 2nd Recon, 8th Cavalry Regiment in the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He has lived in Alhambra since 1972 and joined the American Legion in 2009.

“I live by the West Point Code: Duty, Honor, Country,” he said.

Mr. Roscoe said veterans from Lebanon/Grenada, Panama, and Gulf War/War on Terrorism are invited to join the American Legion. Post 139 is located at 24 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra.

To leave a message for Mr. Roscoe, or to find out more about the American Legion, phone 626-576-9584.

Visit American Legion Post 139 to see the new mural, dedicated to Vietnam veterans, on the south side of the building.

Sept. 3 – Tuesday• HUD - Housing Committee 7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St. • Planning Commission 7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers, 111 S. First St. Sept. 5 – ThursdayParks and Recreation Commission7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park 210 N. Chapel Ave. Sept. 6 – FridayFirst FridayTheme: “Jazz”5 – 9 p.m., Renaissance Plazanortheast corner Garfield and Main

Sept. 9 – Monday• Alhambra Chamber Executive Committee Noon, Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St. • Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

Sept. 10 – Tuesday• Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Strategic meeting 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., Alhambra Library, 101 S. First St.• Library Board of Trustees 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St. • Youth Commission 6 p.m., Joslyn Center, 210 N. Chapel Ave.

Sept. 11 – WednesdayTransportation Committee7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Sept. 12 – ThursdayBrian A. Campos, representing Aflac, will

present “What Health Care Reform Means for Your Business.”

10 – 11 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.Free for Chamber members; Non-members $15

Sept. 16 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers, 111 S. First St.

Sept. 18 – Wednesday• Arts & Cultural Events Committee 7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Sept. 19 – ThursdayChamber 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. A complimentary lunch is provided.

September presentation by Credit Union of Southern California

“Reaching the Goal of Owning a Home”Chamber members freeNon-members $15

Sept. 23 – MondayAlhambra City Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

Sept. 24 – Tuesday• Government Affairs Committee 9 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.• Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Sept. 25 – WednesdayBusiness After Hours Mixer Platt College1000 S. Fremont Ave., Suite A9, Alhambra5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Members $10; non-members $15

Oct. 1 – TuesdayHUD - Housing Committee7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Oct. 3 – ThursdayParks and Recreation Commission7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park 210 N. Chapel Ave.

Oct. 4 – FridayFirst FridayTheme: “Scream”5 – 9 p.m., Renaissance PlazaNortheast corner Garfield and Main

Oct. 7 – Monday• Alhambra Chamber Executive Committee Noon, Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.• Planning Commission 7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers 111 S. First St.

Oct. 8 – 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. • Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.• Youth Commission 6 p.m., Joslyn Center, 210 N. Chapel Ave.

Oct. 14 – MondayCity Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

Oct. 16 – WednesdayArts & Cultural Events Committee7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Oct. 17 – ThursdayChamber 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. A complimentary lunch is provided.

October presentation by Paychex:“Obama Health Care Reform, Labor Compli-

ance Issues, and Restaurant Payroll”Chamber members freeNon-members $15

Oct. 21 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers, 111 S. First St.

Oct. 22 – Tuesday• Government Affairs Committee 9 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.• Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Oct. 23 – WednesdayBusiness After Hours MixerWells Fargo Bank — Main and Hidalgo branch701 E. Main St., Alhambra 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.$10 members, $15 non-members

Oct. 26 – SaturdayHallowscreamCostume contest registration 9 a.m.Trick-or-treating noon to 2 p.m.Alhambra Renaissance Plaza, northeast

corner Main and Garfield

Oct. 28 – MondayCity Council, 7 p.m.City Hall, 111 S. First St.

Alhambra Service Clubs and OrganizationsTuesday: 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 Tuesday at Azteca Restaurant, 717 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. The Kiwanis Club of Alhambra meets at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday at Bank of America, 160 E. Main St., Alhambra, and the third Tuesday at noon at Denny’s Restaurant, 369 W. Main St., Alhambra (for information, phone 626-293-8032). Wednesday: The Alhambra Historical Society presents its program meetings at 7:30 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.

Community Calendar of Events

September October

Woman’s Club to host tea partyThe Alhambra Woman’s Club will

resume its monthly luncheon meetings at noon Wednesday, Oct. 2 with its annual tea party, “Tea Party with a Message.” It will take place at the Alhambra Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward Ave., Alhambra.

An officer from the Alhambra Police Department will give the club a report

on crime prevention at 1 p.m. The officer will give the club the latest information on computer and telephone scams and theft. Every three seconds, someone in the USA is robbed of identity, bank accounts, cash, or other personal possessions. It is important to know about these popular and common scams and how to avoid falling for them

and becoming victims. The annual Tea Party Hat Show will

also take place. Wear a hat and take part in the Stroll down Memory Lane.

The executive board will prepare pastries, tea sandwiches, and a variety of flavorful teas and coffee to be served at noon.

Admittance is by reservation only. Please

phone 626-548-2209 for information and reservations.

The Alhambra Woman’s Club was founded in1893 to support charitable orga-nizations and to give its members exposure to a variety of cultural experiences.

Visit the club’s Web site at http://sites.google.com/site/thealhambrawomansclub.


PopRock Academy’s Glee Summer Camp students appeared on Good Day L.A. last month. The academy’s students strutted across the studio with their best dance moves during the early morning segment of the TV show.

Good Day L.A. Lifestyle reporter Mar Yvette first took notice of the Glee Summer Camp program when she saw a poster advertising the school. With 50 stu-dents enrolled in the Glee Summer Camp program and another 50 students enrolled in the year-round Poprock Academy, the school also offers music lessons for guitar, drums, piano, and much more.

The summer camp, located next to Alhambra High School at 11 S. Second St., has teamed up with its sister campus Daurden Performing Arts Center in Atwater Village to serve the Alhambra community with voice, dance, and acting lessons.

“We want the community to know they don’t have to have any dance background or acting skills to get started at the Poprock Academy,” said Glee Camp Artistic Director Cassandra Daurden. “We welcome anyone who wants to learn.”

The two-story academy includes a dance studio with floor to ceiling mirrors, two music rooms, and a large lobby complete with a baby grand piano. “Our focus is to create a safe and open environment for the students to be able to flourish and grow their talents,” said Poprock Academy owner Paul Kwo.

Throughout the year, 10 teachers provide an extensive range of classes including music appreciation, vocal performance, music production, acting for the camera, and music theory. Along with the classes, the students are given the opportunity to practice their talents on stage. There will be auditions for the next production called Sugar Rockland the first week in September. The performance will brim with fresh pop songs and modern

Poprock Academy featured on Good Day L.A.

choreography.Mr. Kwo is always looking for opportunities to give

back to the community. Poprock Academy and Glee Summer Camp students will perform at Alhambra’s First Friday through the end of the year. With many of the summer camp students participating in the Triple Threat program at the academy, they are able to showcase their voice, acting, and dance skills for the Alhambra community.

At the start of the summer, six scholarships were awarded to students in the Glee Summer Camp program. “Poprock Academy teaches a wide range of classes, but

students can also focus on individual programs or join the Triple Threat program in Glee Summer Camp,” he said. “With multiple performance opportunities through the end of the year, our goal is to give every student an opportunity to let their inner rock star shine on stage.”

PopRock Academy is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Sign up for classes by e-mail at [email protected], come in to the school, or phone 626-538-ROCK.

PopRock Academy’s Web site is www.poprockacad-emy.com. “Like” them on Facebook, and “Follow” them on Twitter @PopRock_Academy.

From left: Lifestyle reporter for Good Day L.A. Mar Yvette, Artistic Director of Glee Summer Camp and owner of Daurden Performing Arts Collective Cassandra Daurden, dance program coordinator and dance instructor Steven Flores, and voice instructor Jessica Kelley.

Glee Summer Camp students dance on the Good Day L.A. TV show.


Cooking class teaches kids Grades 6 – 12 Ramona Convent Secondary School’s cooking

class enjoyed a figurative culinary journey around the world in four weeks guided by instructor and chef Francois Laborie. Students spent their first week studying French cuisine, a cooking style that relies on high-quality, fresh ingredients and loving preparation of simple recipes. The class then moved on to Asian, American, Latino, and Caribbean cooking.

Students created and sampled recipes for treats such as quiche, puff pastry fruit tarts, cream puffs, éclairs, gelato, and more.

Mr. Laborie, known as Mr. L to his students, also taught about kitchen safety, such as how to hold a knife or hot pot, how to store food properly, and the right techniques for handling food. Students were eager to clean the kitchen each day so they

could prepare for their next cooking adventure. No dish was complete without carefully planning out the proper presentation of the dish in order to enhance its culinary style.

After the four-week course, the students brought in their dishes created from scratch at home to the class for their final exam. Their par-ents were involved in the process by mentoring and supervising them. The dishes included Viet-namese soup with crab, handmade flour tortillas for fajitas, pies, cupcakes, and much more. Not much food was left at the end of class.

The All Baking/Pastry Master course will be offered next summer with Chef Laborie. Ramona’s summer session is available to girls and boys who are entering Grades six – 12. Registration opens in March 2014.

Students at Ramona Convent Secondary School learned how to cook French, Asian, American, Latino, and Caribbean cuisine in a four-week course taught by Chef Francois Laborie. From left: Chef Laborie, Laura Searcy, Emily Verdin, and Isabella Sanchez.

At an evening award ceremony on Oct.17, Alhambra Preservation Group will present its 2013 Heritage Home Awards to the owners of four distinguished Alhambra homes. The event will take place at the Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St. and is free to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and ample free parking is available in the library’s underground parking structure.

The 2013 Heritage Home Awards will mark the fifth year of this pro-gram, which recognizes homeowners who have restored or maintained their older, historical homes in a manner that is sensitive to their architec-tural period and style and that recognizes the value of these properties to the community at large.

“The annual Heritage Home Awards presenta-tion is a popular and well-attended event,” said Preservation Group President Chris Olson.

Preservation Group to present Heritage Home Awards Oct. 17

Alhambra Preservation Group will present its 2013 Heritage Home Awards to owners of four distinguished Alhambra homes on Oct. 17.

“Each of the homes is show-cased in an audio-visual presentation that is both educational and inspiring, offering both exterior and interior views of some of Alhambra’s extraordinary historic residences, along with insights into the his-tory and context of each of the homes.

“This is a virtual home tour, without the walking or the price of a ticket! It’s

a great deal, and it’s always a fun evening.”

Alhambra Preservation Group was founded in 2003 by residents eager to promote and protect Alhambra’s rich and historic architectural heritage. To learn more about APG, please visit the group’s blog at www.proseofpreservation.org, follow them on Facebook, or phone 626-755-3467.

09/2013 ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 25A

School district employees to receive one-time 10% bonus paycheck

At their annual opening picnic in August, Alhambra Unified School District employees received a surprising and welcome announce-ment of a 10% one-time bonus paycheck. The news was delivered by school board President Jane C. Anderson.

Technically not a bonus, the amount is “a one-time off the salary schedule payment,” Supt. Tellez-Gagliano said. “It is for all employees in paid status on a specific date this year (date varies by bargaining unit). New employees are eligible for the payment as well. There is no requirement that they needed to be employed last year. Administra-tors will receive the payment as well.”

The payment will be calculated based on employees’ projected base pay for 2013-2014. A memorandum of understanding be-tween each bargaining unit details the exact calculation. “The district has a solid ending fund balance that it had been holding onto in anticipation of potential revenue reductions from the state,” Supt. Tellez-Gagliano said. “The district’s revenue has stabilized for 2013-2014, so the district is able to spend some of its ending fund balance without concern of current year revenue reductions.”

District employees had not received a cost-of-living-adjustment since the 2007-8 school year. The adjustment is typically 2% per year. The 10% one-time payment represents five years of missed cost-of-living-adjustments.

“The past five years have been so uncertain for funding from the state,” board President Anderson said. “We keep over the suggested recommended amount of money in our reserves to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Board President Jane C. Anderson announces the one-time 10% bonus paycheck for all district employees. From left: Board member Adele Andrade-Stadler, board President Jane C. Anderson, board Vice President Bob Gin, CSEA President Diane Vasquez, ATA President Roz Collier, Alhambra High School Principal and Alhambra Management Association President Duane Russell.

We even went into projected budget deficit spending. When we were informed of the amount of money we had in our reserves, it was suggested we give some of the reserve money back to the employees who were so patient in not having any cost-of-living adjustments or raises for the past five years. Now our funding is more certain, so we felt we could safely do this.”

Mrs. Anderson said that the amount, which is approximately $7 million, will not affect positions and programs at schools. “The money has come from reserves, money

we had saved for a rainy day,” she said. “I do not foresee any more positions cut at this time. We have made cuts in the past, been on cost containment and avoided furlough days. We are proud that we have been able to ride out this economic downturn without cutting services to children.”

District employees were grateful for the news and cheered frequently when Mrs. Anderson spoke.

“This is wonderful news,” Instructional Specialist Cecilia Ibarra of Migrant Educa-tion said. “We’re fortunate to have an awe-

Repetto School wins $2,000 in Big Lots video contest

Repetto Elementary won $2,000 and third place in Big Lots annual Lots2Give video contest.

The school produced a one minute and 32 second video titled “We are Repetto,” which featured students presenting reasons why Repetto needed more computers.

The following fifth-grade students starred in the video: Adrian Alcala, Clarice Wang, Nicholas Ogawa-Monroe, Patricia Chung, Michael Villora, Matthew Cal-

dera, and Emily Chan. Fifth-grade teacher Sheila McCullough coordinated the video project.

The school received its prize in August at a reception in the South Pasadena Big Lots. The video can be viewed here: http://www.biglots.com/lots2give/winners.

some cabinet and caring board who work well together.” Ms. Ibarra plans to use her check to help pay her daughter’s tuition.

Alhambra High School math and leader-ship teacher Abel Bourbois was impressed by the bonus. “I’m very grateful. I wouldn’t have guessed anything this generous. I want to thank Dr. Tellez and the entire school district for recognizing that we’re working hard,” he said.

“The Alhambra Teachers Association is pleased that our unit members have been recognized for their extraordinary efforts to put students first during years of budget cuts and constraints,” said ATA President Roz Collier. “Union members were instrumental in the passage of Proposition 30. The passage of this proposition saved the Alhambra Uni-fied School District from having to make $9 million cuts each budget year had this legisla-tion not passed. The efforts of each of our unit members enabled programs to move forward, and the students they serve benefitted. As with any type of negotiations, the district and the Alhambra Teachers Association work collaboratively to ensure that all terms of any contract are fair and equitable.”

Board members will not receive a bonus check. They receive a stipend, which will be raised in the near future.

Other good news at the picnic was the annual district recognition of Employees of the Year. Nominated by their peers, the Employees of the Year are Albert Kwan for classified; Jocelyn Castro of Alhambra High School for certificated teacher; and Cynthia Martin for management.

26A ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 09/2013

is capable of cooling foods from 160°F to 170°F to below 30°F in an hour and a half, allowing for more efficient food production and storage. “The blast chiller encapsulates [taste] and enables us to store [the food] better,” Mr. Molina said. “Food doesn’t get destroyed, [which] should make our job easier as we can get a better quality item.”

The Central Production Kitchen’s man-ager, Dwayne Dionne, oversees kitchen ef-ficiency and ensures that USDA guidelines are met. A 2005 graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, Mr. Dionne is eager to challenge himself in managing the Central Production Kitchen. “Our primary goal is to feed all of the kids well,” he said. By the end of the school year, the Central Production Kitchen hopes to become fully operational and cater to every school in the district.

As guests toured the facility, Mr. Dionne detailed facility features and functionality. Refrigerated produce and meat preparation rooms, Mr, Dionne explained, fostered an ideal environment and prevented prepara-tion from breaching the “temperature danger zone.” Additionally, Mr. Dionne and the Central Production Kitchen have incorporated the student palate into its menu. “We have a population that enjoys sushi,” Mr. Dionne said as he showcased the kitchen’s state-of-the-art sushi machine and slicer aside platters of spicy tuna, imitation crab, and vegetarian sushi.

With the installation of professional grade appliances, the opening of the Central Production Kitchen marks a change in the

AUSD kitchen opens From Page 1A

Vivien Watts, second from left, and William Fong, first from right, with Central Production Kitchen staff. Ms. Watts is the executive director of Food and Nutrition Services. Mr. Fong is the assistant director.

district’s food services by “centralizing product and allowing for a consistent quality of food with standardized recipes and operating procedures,” Vivien Watts, executive director of Food and Nutrition Services, said.

Previously, AUSD schools would have to cook for students on their own campuses as well as provide for schools that did not have on-site production kitchens. The resources of this Central Production Kitchen allow for improved dis-tribution of quality food for the district’s schools. Parents of students “can rest assured that they

The Alhambra Latino Association invites the community to participate in this year’s Dia de Los Muertos Commu-nity Altar. Bring a picture or altar-related object to place in the Community Altar. Bring the item between 10:30 a.m. and 11

a.m. Saturday, Oct.26 to the San Gabriel High School Multipurpose Room. Pick up all personal items before the end of the Cultural Festival at 5 p.m. on that day. For further information, contact Rosy Aguilar at [email protected].

COREX

Latino Association invites public to Dia De Los Muertos

will receive better quality food that meets nutritional standards,” Ms.Watts said.

In addition to Mr. Molina and Mr. Dionne, the Central Production Kitchen will be staffed by up to 40 “highly trained staff members” who will uphold sanitation requirements and continue production of food that “tastes good and is safe to con-sume,” Ms. Watts stated.

Besides providing for the district’s vari-ous schools, the Central Production Kitchen will also be used for an AUSD catering program. The grand opening showcased dishes like mini quiches, stuffed mush-

rooms, and chicken salad atop baguette slices as examples of its culinary capabilities for catering.

The Central Production Kitchen plans to initially cater for school-related events such as workshops, training events, classroom celebrations, or student group activities. Once its catering program establishes a reach within the district, the next goal will be to expand to community or independent booking. For catering inquiries, one may contact the AUSD Office of Food and Nu-trition Services at 626-943-6590.

In the long run, the AUSD plans to

“centralize the entire district [and] provide more variety, more foods made from scratch, and more fruits and vegetables,” Ms. Watts said. The grand opening of the Central Pro-duction Kitchen fosters the opportunity to fulfill all of these food and health improve-ments for the district and the students in its care.

This article was written by former Editors-in-Chief of San Gabriel High School’s The Matador newspaper, Jonathan Trinh and Jennifer Wong, who are third-year college students. Mr. Trinh is at UCLA, and Ms. Wong is at UC Berkeley, where she writes for Caliber magazine.

09/2013 ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 27A

The Northrup Elementary School community comes together to clear a space for a school garden.

Northrup community helps make way for school gardenBefore school closed for the sum-

mer, Northrup Elementary ASB students, along with ASB Advisers Angel Hong and Jeff Ospital, col-laborated closely with middle school science teacher Pilar Otero to plan a school garden project to which gen-erations of students could contribute and appreciate.

In an effort to give the message that Earth Day should be daily as op-posed to one day a year, the Northrup School ASB invited all student family members to come out on a Saturday to help clear the brush that had ac-cumulated over the course of a decade since the former garden existed.

“If you ever read the book The Secret Garden, this is what Northrup students and their families experi-enced,” Northrup Principal Stacie Colman-Hsu said.

Taking various time shifts, and wearing their gloves in the hot weather, families cleared brush, put together benches, a wheel barrel, as well as a new garden shed.

“It was amazing to see dads, moms, and grandparents volunteer their time to work with staff and students to transform a piece of land that was overgrown with vegetation into a beautiful newborn garden!” Principal Colman-Hsu said. “We couldn’t have done this without the support from our families and staff.”

Mr. Ospital has high hopes for the garden. “I want students to see that hard work pays off,” he said. “They get to see it go from a jungle to an oasis. I also want to show students how to grow seeds to plants they can enjoy and eat.”

Ms. Otero is equally enthusiastic

about the project. “My vision for the garden is a progressive grassroots project that we as a school com-munity build together,” she said. “Since it has been unused for so many years, we have an amazing opportu-nity to build a community garden space together. I foresee all of us working together. When I say all, I mean families, yard duties, teachers, administrators, and students. We as teachers can implement the design contest into our math and science curriculum. One of the joys of having a school garden is the ability to have students make hands-on connections with the curriculum they are learning in the classroom. Seeing those a-ha moments are priceless.”

The ASB plans to have a “Garden Landscape Designing Contest” at the start of the new 2013 school year.

Motivators Amanda Truong and Yadira Macias work with their group on the Alphabet Soup game to spell as many words using the letters from the phrase “San Gabriel High School Matadors.” Photo by Alvian Lam, El Camino Real.

Freshmen Summit introduces new students to San Gabriel High School

Welcoming the class of 2017 with an array of activities, San Gabriel High School offered its annual Freshmen Summit on Aug. 3. The event, which was led by the school’s Motivating Matadors (MoMa), helped introduce the incoming freshmen to an unfamiliar high school environment.

“It’s fun helping the freshmen get com-fortable with the campus and with their upperclassmen,” MoMa Co-President Chhe Tum said.

After the hundreds of freshmen as-sembled into their respective groups of about 20 freshman and three MoMa moti-vators, they participated in four games led by seniors, Steven Ho and Oscar Molina, in the Matador Arena. The games were in-tended to help eliminate the awkwardness among the members of the newly created groups, as well as to bring out friendly competitiveness.

“This experience was all fun and games,” incoming freshman Christian Campa said. “It was the best day ever to go wild and be myself.”

Individual groups continued their learn-ing experience by meeting up in multiple locations across the schools, where motiva-tors played bonding games and gave their students a preview of significant events dur-ing the school year. After about 30 minutes

of discussion, motivators organized their freshmen into pairs and assigned them to complete a scavenger hunt worksheet that in the process of filling out would take them around to the main buildings of the campus.

Once freshmen managed to fill out the sheet, their motivators distributed lunch passes enabling them to receive a hot dog, slices of watermelon, and a water bottle, which were served by ASB and faculty. During the lunch period, freshmen were encouraged to visit the club fair featur-ing 27 different clubs and sports tables, ranging from Academic Decathlon to basketball.

“[The club fair] is a great way to show freshman all the clubs that are available, so they can know what to get involved in,” senior peer counselor David Chen said.

In the end, Assistant Principal and MoMa adviser Jeannie Gutierrez evaluated the Freshman Summit as being a successful event to commence the freshmen’s year. She thanked the community sponsorship of Volkswagen Alhambra for the event’s T-shirts and the San Gabriel Parent Teacher Student Association for the food donation.

--This article was written by Oscar Molina, senior, Editor-in-Chief, The Matador, San Gabriel High School.

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