08/2014
Serious drought
requires water use
reduction by all
residents and employers
What residents should know about new water use restrictions in Alhambra
Alondra Hot Wings was recently honored as one of the U.S. Chamber’s small
businesses of the year. From left are Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president
and CEO; Danny Kazarian; and Garo Kazarian.
Alondra Hot Wings
named Small
Business of the Year
by U.S. Chamber
A
londra Hot Wings
was recently honored
as one of the U.S.
Chamber’s small businesses of
the year.
This year’s winners were
chosen from a record number
of applicants and distinguished
themselves through their
professional accomplishments,
community leadership, philanthropy, customer service, and
employee relations. The annual
program recognizes companies
for their dedication to the
principles of free enterprise
and contributions to restoring
jobs and supporting economic
growth.
Linda T. Sánchez, the U.S.
Representative for California’s
38th congressional district, also
awarded Alondra Hot Wings
for being one of this year’s U.S.
Chambers’ small businesses of
the year.
“America needs successful
small businesses. They are the
driving force behind stronger
economic growth and job
Are Alhambra and the San
Gabriel Valley in a drought and
water crisis?
Yes. Alhambra and the San
Gabriel Valley are located in a dry,
arid region and are in a serious
drought. Precipitation, reservoir
levels, snow pack/moisture content and groundwater/well levels
are all much lower than desired
and getting worse with each
passing day. In addition to water
shortages, the drought may impact our area with increased fire
and flooding danger, declines in
water and air quality, and job losses. As water gets more expensive,
costs for farming, food, residents,
and businesses will also increase.
Alhambra’s water supply is not
in immediate jeopardy. And it’s
true that the San Gabriel Valley’s
water supply is in better shape
than other parts of the state due
to smart planning, past investments in water infrastructure
(wells, pipelines, dams, reservoirs,
water treatment plants, recycled
water, and storm water capture),
and effective water conservation.
But we only have enough water
in reserve to meet local needs
for another year or two (some
cities will see their wells run dry
even sooner). All indications are
the drought will continue and
worsen.
Is water conservation voluntary or mandatory in California
and in Alhambra?
For the past few years, and
earlier this year, water conservation was voluntary in California.
Throughout California, people
reduced consumption levels.
The San Gabriel Valley reduced
water use by more than 15%. In
Alhambra, per the City’s “Water
Shortage Plan,” Alhambra has
been in “Level 1,” which called
for voluntary conservation.
>> see WATER CONSUMPTION Page 11A
>> see ALONDRA HOT WINGS Page 14A
CITY NEWS PAGE 2A
CHAMBER NEWS
PAGE 12A
COMMUNITY NEWS
PAGE 17A
ACADEMIC NEWS
PAGE 21A
Congressional Art contest winner Jonathan
Le in Washington D.C. with the U.S.
Capitol building in the background.
Jonathan’s artwork “Falling” is on display “Comfort” by Jonathan Le, ink. This piece was part of Jonathan’s AP studio art: 2-D
inside the building.
design submission.
Portrait of an artist: Jonathan Le
I
n the fall, Jonathan Le will head off to the
Rhode Island School of Design in Providence,
RI, leaving the San Gabriel Valley “bubble”
that he grew up in. Jonathan, who graduated
in May from Alhambra High School, chose the
prestigious East Coast art school because he
wanted to face new challenges.
“I’m comfortable here [in Alhambra] because it’s
Asian,” Jonathan said. “I feel like it kind of limits
me. I’m not really exposed to different cultures;
that’s why I made the decision to move. I want to
experience different things.”
>> see PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST Page 23A
Summer Serenade every Friday in August, see Pg. 9
Farmers Market moves, celebrates 30 years, see Pg. 10
2A
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
Picnic, Night Out,
Summer Serenade
are fare for August
By Mayor Stephen Sham
There is always something interesting
going on in Alhambra. Try to attend
these events to be better informed about
our city and to just have fun.
Alhambra Community Picnic
Come meet our wonderful service
men and women from the Alhambra
Police Department at the National Night
Out on Aug. 5 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on
the Police Department lawn. It will
be a night of fun for the whole family,
including informational programs, safety
displays, Safe Moves City, Safe Escape,
police demonstrations, and police station
tours. There will even be free hot dogs,
snacks, and entertainment.
Summer Serenade
The series of summer concerts are back!
Join us at Summer Serenade, where we
invite great musical artists to perform at
the Alhambra Park Bandshell. There will
be a live concert every Friday from 7- to
9 p.m. in August. Bring your own picnic
basket, or enjoy the variety of food trucks
to have a lovely evening at the park.
Conserve Water
Water is a precious resource. It’s
been plentiful and inexpensive for a
long time. We’ve taken it for granted.
Times are changing, and we must be
educated about water use to change our
behavior, short and long term. The new
rules do not mean residents can’t have
a beautiful lawn or nice plants in their
yards. Residents are not being required
to stop watering. But we are encouraging
smarter water use from everyone. It’s
important to reduce wasteful habits.
The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water
District’s mascot, H2Owl, has a saying
we all should follow: “Know Your H2O!”
Save water, save money, and save the
environment. I encourage everyone to
take action now because it takes a long
time to get into a drought and a long
time to get out!
Let’s work together to help Alhambra,
Mayor Stephen Sham
the San Gabriel Valley, and California.
Thank you.
Alhambra Farmer’s Market 30th
Anniversary
Sunday, Aug. 17 marks the 30th
anniversary of the Alhambra Certified
Farmers Market. At 9 a.m., there will
be free punch and cake, along with activities for the whole family. The Farmers
Market features a wide array of fresh
California fruits, vegetables, flowers, and
plants. It takes place every Sunday, except
Easter. Due to ongoing construction,
the Alhambra Farmer’s Market will be
temporarily moved to Main and Second
streets to increase accessibility. We hope
to see you there.
Community Preparedness
Emergencies can happen at any time,
and Alhambra is ready to ensure all its
citizens are informed about the proper
procedures in the event of one. The
Alhambra Police and Fire Departments
will be presenting a two-hour seminar on
how to prepare for the case of an emergency situation. Stop by the Alhambra
Fire Department Station 71 on Sept. 6,
at 10 a.m. for an important presentation
for all household members.
ChickensWelcome.com
0 8 /2014
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
3A
Alhambra
Dental
Recent City
Council actions
(888) 398-1377
The following are highlights from
the June 23 and July 14 City Council
meetings
Library gifts
The Alhambra Firefighters AssociaWe welcome comments, press releases and
tion has provided the Alhambra Civic
community interest stories and will make every
Center Library with a gift of $2,145
effort to include all appropriate information.
from funds collected at the pancake
breakfast that took place during the
For advertising rates and other information, contact
City’s Spring Extravaganza. The library
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
will use the gift to purchase additional
104 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801
children’s books on firefighting, fire
Tel: 626 282-8481 Fax: 626 282-5596
www.alhambrachamber.org
prevention, and fire safety.
An anonymous Civic Center
Library patron was instrumental in
enabling the library to receive a gift
of $529 through the ScholarShare
“Think Big-Save for College” program, Library Director Carmen receives a check for $2,145 from the Alhambra Firefighter’s Association, as a
which provides 40 randomly selected Resolution is provided to the Association by Mayor Stephen Sham to acknowledge and thank them for
their gift. The funds will be used to supplement the Library’s children’s book collection with additional
program entrants with $529 to open a books on firefighting, fire prevention, and fire safety. Standing in for the Association are, from left,
ScholarShare college savings account, Firefighter Jose Herrera, Fire Engineer Sergio Casanova, and Fire Captain Lawrence Ramirez.
Executive Committee
and then contributes $529 to the pubPresident:
lic library designated on the winners’
Lee Lieberg, Landz Real Estate
entry forms. The Civic Center Library Traffic Signal and Highway Safety ment of two police officers through
Vice President:
will use the gift to purchase College Lighting System – Intersection of Gar- the School Resource Officer Program,
Robert Fukui, High Point Marketing
Preparation and Financial Aide books. field and Talmage Burke Way (PTM which has been recognized as a model
Immediate Past President:
General Engineering Inc.); Alhambra program by the Los Angeles County
Contract/funding approvals
Frank Chen, Law Offices of Frank W. Chen
This
example
shows
how
Dr.
John
Chao
saved
a
hopelessly
ONE
At-Large members:
Transittooth
(ACTin
Bus)
and Juvenile Court Division. From a pubContract awards were approved Communityloose
EASY
COMFORTABLE
VISIT
and
at
a
fraction
of
the
cost
of
implants!
Evike Chang, Evike.com
for the following: Oversight of the Alhambra Senior Ride Contract lic safety perspective, it helps to free
Valarie Gomez, West San Gabriel Valley YMCA
(individual
vary).
Operations (Southland Transit, Inc.); up other patrol officers enabling them
Alhambra
Municipal results
Golf Course
Mark Paulson, Anthony Venti Realtors
(Golf Wisz Inc.); Fair Housing Ser- Janitorial Services for City Facilities to focus on crime reduction efforts in
vices (Housing Rights Center); Water (ABM Janitorial Services); Heating, other areas of the city.
Board of Directors
Completed
Public
Works
Quality Testing Laboratory Services Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Oriana Chan, Wells Fargo Bank
projects
(HVAC)
Services
for
City
Facilities
(Weck
Laboratories,
Inc.);
Professional
Iris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medical Center
Completed projects include a water
Design/Engineering Services for Sew- (Johnson Controls Inc.); and Closed
Elizabeth Martinez, Republic Services
er Lift Station #2 Replacement Project Circuit Television System (CCTV) transmission line from Well #9 to the
Joe Pavon, Al’s Towing
(AKM Engineering); Professional Replacement Project for the Police Groundwater Treatment Plant and a
Todd Sakamoto, The Mailbox Shop
street rehabilitation project on GranaDesign/Engineering Services for the Department (Am-Tec Securities).
Marissa Castro-Salvati, So. California Edison
da Avenue from Alhambra Road to
Funding
has
been
renewed
in
the
Sewer
Mainline
Replacement
Project
Helen Romero-Shaw, So. California Gas Company
Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern California
on Ross Avenue between Edgewood form of an MOU with the Alhambra Mission Road and Clay Court from
Dr. David Snyder, Optometrist
Drive and Campbell Avenue(TTG); Unified School District for the assign- Granada to the east city limits.
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.
100 South First Street • Alhambra, CA 91801
Experience the Difference in One Visit
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Joanna Vargas, The Fit Factor Studio
Victoria Deise Wilson, The Alhambra
Kevin Yamauchi, Tri-Star Vending
Alhambra’s Building Department
Treceives
EETH RESTORED
ICC-Certification
Staff
Executive Director: Sharon Gibbs
Membership/Advertising Sales: Stan Yonemoto
This example shows how Dr. John Chao saved a severely neglected tooth in
Legislative Affairs: Owen Guenthard
achievement
signiand many
The City ofVISIT
Alhambra
is at aThis
Office Manager: Irma Hernandez
ONE EASY COMFORTABLE
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Editor: Dulcy Jenkins
commitment to pro- global markets to construct
pleased(individual
to announce thatresults
the fies avary)
Writers: William Kinman and Sarah Grear
City’s Building Department tecting the public health, safe, sustainable, affordable,
Office Assistant: Rosemarie Valerio
has received a Certificate safety, and welfare of the and resilient structures.
Published by: Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
The Code Council’s
of Achievement by the In- people who live and work
DON’T SUFFER A DAY LONGER!
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.
ternational Code Council
(ICC), recognizing that all
staff members have earned
professional
certification
from the ICC.
in Alhambra and is a significant personal and professional accomplishment for
each of the staff members
who participated in the
certification program.
Through
rigorous
testing, ICC certification
ensures that staff members
have demonstrated competency in the requirements
of the International Codes
that are used in most U.S.
certification program is the
oldest, largest, and most
prestigious credentialing
program for construction
code administration and
enforcement professionals
in the United States.
The Building Department earned the 100%
designation through the
“Get Everyone Certified
Challenge” presented by
the ICC and Target.
Staff members receiving
ICC-certification include
Ayla Erfigen, Dennis Tarango, Craig Melicher, and
William Reed, all employees of Transtech Engineers,
Inc., a firm which has
provided the City’s building and safety services since
1993 and was recognized
by the Alhambra Chamber
of Commerce as the 2014
Business of the Year at its
recent Installation Dinner
in June.
The City congratulates
these Building Department
personnel.
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY and SAVE YOUR TEETH, call
John Chao, DDS, MAGD*
USC School of Dentistry,
Faculty, Anxiety Management
*Master, Academy of General Dentistry
“Less than 2% of General Dentists
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according to the
Academy of General Dentistry
CHICKENSWELCOME.COM
Alhambra Dental
(888) 398-1377
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
4A
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
Summer Food
Program ends Aug. 8
The U.S.D.A. Summer Food Program,
for children ages 1 through 18, ends on
Friday, Aug. 8, at four Alhambra Park
sites: Alhambra Park, Almansor Park,
Granada Park, and Story Park. The times
for the lunches and mid-afternoon snacks
are listed on the City of Alhambra Web
site at www.cityofalhambra.org.
The recreational activities and arts and
craft programs that have complemented
the lunch program all summer also end
on Aug. 8, but a full range of recreational
activities, including team and individual
sports, arts and crafts, table game tournaments, four-square, kickball, new games,
and more, begins on Thursday, Aug. 21,
at the following schools: Baldwin, Emery
Park, Fremont, Garfield, Granada, Marguerita, Northrup, Park, and Ramona.
These playground recreational activities are provided on a “drop-in” basis in
which participants are free to come and go
without restriction. The schedule is 2:30
p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 12:30 p.m.
to 4 p.m. on Thursdays.
Special recreational programs — flag
football, cheerleading, and basketball —
will also take place at the after-school
playground sites. They each require a
$30 registration fee, which is payable at
the Almansor Park Recreation Office,
800 S. Almansor St., during weekday
business hours. Phone 626-570-5081 for
information.
The flag football program emphasizes
teamwork and sportsmanship. Practice
begins in September at the school sites,
and games will be played at Almansor
Park. A mandatory parent’s meeting will
take place at 6 p.m. in the Almansor Park
Activity Room on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Registration ends on Oct. 3.
The cheerleading program teaches the
skills of rhythm, music, choreography,
showmanship, and team cooperation. Participants will cheer at flag football games.
The program will end with the annual
All-City Cheerleading Championships.
There may be additional uniform costs. A
parent’s meeting will take place at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 11, in the Almansor Park
Activity Room.
The basketball program, for students in grades 3 through 8, begins
later in the school year and teaches the
basics of speed, agility, strategy, and
sportsmanship. The parent’s meeting
is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 8, in the
Almansor Park Activity Room. Registration closes Jan. 16.
For more information, please phone
626-570-5081 during weekday business
hours.
08/2014
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
Charter Business announces
contract buyout offer
Taking the worry out of early termination fees
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) announced that Charter
Business will begin to buy out the early
termination fees associated with business
customers wishing to switch to Charter
Business services from their previous
provider. Customers locked into a contract
who are looking for a better alternative
should visit http://www.charterbusiness.
com/ContractBuyout.
“Business Customers who would like to
experience the higher Internet speeds and
robust suite of products offered by Charter
Business often feel trapped in their current
contracts,” said Don Detampel, executive
vice president and president of Commercial
Services for Charter Communications.
“Charter has taken the worry of early termination fees out of the equation for our
new customers so business owners can try
Charter Business with confidence.”
Charter Business is committed to
helping businesses achieve better results by
delivering unmatched value and scalable
business Internet, phone, and TV solutions. This offer provides businesses with a
quick and easy way to escape contracts and
discover an Internet service provider that’s
right for their business.
About Charter Business
Charter Business, a division of Charter
Communications, Inc., provides business
organizations with scalable, tailored, and
cost-effective broadband communications
solutions, including business-to-business
Internet access, data networking, business
telephone, video and music entertainment
services, and wireless backhaul. Catering
to the unique broadband needs of business
customers, Charter Business offers competitively priced bundled products over
its state-of-the-art, fiber-based network,
helping businesses in a variety of industries
maximize efficiency while continuing to
grow. Charter Business is Metro Ethernet
Forum Certified. More information about
Charter Business can be found at charter-business.com.
About Charter
Charter (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading broadband communications company
and the fourth-largest cable operator in
the United States. Charter provides a full
range of advanced broadband services,
including advanced Charter TV video
entertainment programming, Charter
Internet access, and Charter Phone .
Charter Business similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband
communications solutions to business
organizations, such as business-to-business
Internet access, data networking, business
telephone, video and music entertainment
services, and wireless backhaul. Charter’s
advertising sales and production services
are sold under the Charter Media brand.
More information about Charter can be
found at charter.com.
®
®
®
®
®
5A
Before
6A
In One Visit
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
Alhambra Civic Center Library offers events in August
The Alhambra Civic
Center Library, 101 S. First
St., begins the fall season
with a sampling of programs
to entice readers of all ages
to extend their association
with the library.
Some of the activities of
note scheduled for August
include:
• A visit from adult
mystery writers George
Fong and Naomi Hirahara
to discuss their new books
at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.
Mr. Fong spent 27 years
as a special agent with the
FBI, investigating all facets
of violent crimes. He was hunt to capture a murderer conditions and a hilarious gent, at 3 p.m. Wednesday,
snowman named Olaf in Aug. 27 (PG-13). This
a member of the FBI’s Evi- before it’s too late.
dence Response Team and a
Ms. Hirahara, a best-sell- a race to find Anna’s sister film, the first of a series, is
certified undercover agent. ing, local mystery writer of Elsa, whose icy powers have an American science fiction
He is now the Director of the Mas Arai mystery series trapped the kingdom in action film directed by
Security for ESPN. His has issued the first book in eternal winter.
Neil Burger, based on the
ThisFragmented,
example shows
John
Chaoonsaved•a hopelessly
ONE
a newDr.
series
— Murder
book,
features how
novel in
of the
same name by
Family Film,loose
The tooth
EASY
COMFORTABLE
at a Shop
fraction
cost of
implants!
Lane —and
featuring
FBI
Special
Agent Jack BambooVISIT
Veronica
Roth. The story
Aroundofthethe
Corner,
(individual
results
multiracial bicycle
Paris, who didn’t know a female,
the vary).
classic James Stewart/ takes place in a dystopian
why Alvin Cooper killed cop.
Margaret Sullavan film post-apocalyptic version
• Family Film, Fro- from 1940, usually pops-up of Chicago where people
his own family five years
ago. He just knew the man zen, at 3:30 p.m. Monday, on the small screen during are divided into distinct
was guilty. When Cooper Aug. 11, in Reese Hall. the Christmas season. The factions based on human
escapes a minimum-security Rated PG. The whole fam- Alhambra Civic Center Li- virtues.
prison and a young girl goes ily can observe fearless op- brary gives an early season
In addition to summer
missing, he quickly becomes timist Anna team up with peek at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, programming, one of the
the chief suspect, and Agent Kirstoff in an epic journey Aug. 12.
library’s most popular
• Teen Film, Diver- services is the Homework
Paris is back on the man- encountering Everest-like
TOOTH SAVED
NEGLECTED TEETH
Before
In One Visit
Help Program, provided
to assist children with their
homework assignments.
The library’s Children’s
Department is looking for
teen volunteers in grades 10
through 12 to work with
the youngsters during the
2014-15 school year. Volunteer applications will be
available in the Children’s
Room from Monday, Aug.
4 through Sunday, Aug. 31.
Bookmark www.alhambralibrary.org to keep up
with library programs and
services.
Children’s Story
Times offered
Children can get a head start in their ed- 2014 Session I runs from Sept. 4 to Oct. been filled, for non-Alhambra residents.
through 12, is at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the
ucational journey by attending Story Time 10. The schedule includes:
Participants must register for each ses- Story Time Room. This program includes
at the Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101
Baby Story Time, 0 to 12 months of sion and will be selected on a first-come, stories, puppets, and other activities.
first-served basis, with priority given to
S. Main St.
age, at 10:15 a.m. Thursdays.
A special Curious George Story Time,
Early Literacy Story Times, for children
Toddler Story Time, 1 to 2 years of age, Alhambra residents. Registration forms best for ages 3 years and older, is scheduled
This example
shows
how Dr.and
John
severely
must bea filled
out in neglected
person in thetooth
Chil- in
ages 0 to 5, requires advance registration
at 11:15
a.m. Thursdays
10:15Chao
a.m. saved
at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in Reese Hall.
ONE
EASY
COMFORTABLE
VISIT
and
at
a
fraction
of
the
cost
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implants!
dren’s Room by a child’s parent holding a Join this morning of stories and crafts feaand is scheduled on Thursday and Friday Fridays.
(individual
Alhambra Civic Center Library card. turing the famous monkey whose curiosity
mornings. Family Story Time, for children
Preschool Story Time,
3 to 5 yearsresults
of validvary)
Children may only be registered for one sometimes gets him into trouble.
ages 5 to 12, is on Wednesday evenings, age, at 11:15 a.m. Fridays.
For further information concerning
and special Story Times, such as the upRegistration for the Fall Session takes Story Time each session and must meet the
coming “Curious George Story Time,” are place on:
age requirement prior to the beginning of children’s programs and services, phone the
best for ages 3 and older and do not require
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17 the session. Children may be accompanied Children’s Room at 626-570-3215, or visit
registration.
by no more than one adult at each Story their Web site at www.alhambralibrary.org/
for Alhambra residents.
Early Literacy Story Times is offered in
kids/kids/html.
Monday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Time program.
a series of six-week sessions, and the Fall Aug. 24, or until all available spaces have
Family Story Time, for children ages 5
TEETH RESTORED
DON’T SUFFER A DAY LONGER!
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY and SAVE YOUR TEETH, call
John Chao, DDS, MAGD*
USC School of Dentistry,
Faculty, Anxiety Management
*Master, Academy of General Dentistry
“Less than 2% of General Dentists
in the United States are Masters,”
according to the
Academy of General Dentistry
WhatW
It ELCOME
Is Like.to
Go
CHICKENS
COM
to War is focus
of a
Alhambra
Dental
series
of
library
events
(888) 398-1377
27 Quick and Easy Fix Ups to Sell
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Alhambra - Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably
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Beginning in September, and continuing
throughout the fall months, the Alhambra
Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St., will
host a series of events focused on war and
the experience of veterans.
The events are supported by a grant
from California Humanities and co-sponsored by Alhambra’s American Legion Post
# 139 and the highly decorated WWII 442
nd Infantry Regiment, the “Go for Broke”
unit composed of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry, who will be honored on the
City of Alhambra’s 2015 Rose Parade float.
Karl Marlantes’ best-selling book, What
It Is Like to Go to War, will serve as a point
of reference for the series of events and
will be the featured discussion book for a
reading group that will be formed this fall.
Reading group participants will receive a
free copy of the book.
The book is a thoughtful examination
of combat, its effect upon those who live
through it, and society’s understanding of it.
A complete list of activities will be
listed in the September issue of Around
Alhambra.
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
08/2014
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
7A
Why complete the 710?
The 710 Day Celebration took place July 10 at Fremont and Valley, in the heart of the freeway gap, where
thousands of commuters sit in gridlock each day.
Alhambra, other pro710 supporters rally
to ‘Close the Gap’
At the July 10 710 Day Celebration
and Urban Street Jam, red, white, and
blue confetti poured through the sky as
enthusiastic pro-710 supporters waved
signs and chanted “Close the Gap,” after
hearing about the egregious impacts the
incomplete freeway continues to have on
their community. Led by the Alhambra
City Council and other local officials, the
event took place at Fremont and Valley, in
the heart of the gap, where thousands of
commuters sit in gridlock each day.
The program included Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Gary Toebben, a resident of Pasadena, and
Ron Miller, executive secretary of the Los
Angeles/Orange County Building & Construction Trades Council. Both stressed the
important economic and regional benefits
of the proposed tunnel project.
Street banners were hung above Fremont Avenue in an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of completing the
4.5-mile stretch of the 710 Freeway that
ends in Alhambra and picks up at the 210
Freeway in Pasadena. Local commuters
and residents are faced with daily traffic
and congestion as they maneuver through
local streets. Many travelers use surface
streets as their only option to connect
from one freeway to another. “Motorists
sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic spewing
toxic emissions on the same streets where
our children walk and play. We need to
fix this now,” said Adele Andrade-Stadler,
Alhambra school board member.
710 Day provided an opportunity to
raise awareness about the importance of
building a tunnel to benefit the local community and the entire Los Angeles region.
In 2008, an overwhelming majority of
L.A. County voters affirmed their support
for finishing the 710 by approving Measure R, which allocates $780 million and
a mandate to complete the project. Once
completed, it will slash traffic clogging
local streets by 61%, reduce 80,000 daily
cut-through trips, and create an estimated
43,000 jobs. “The 710 tunnel will bring
a much needed boost to our local and regional economies, providing good jobs for
working families and improving everyone’s
quality of life” said Mr. Miller.
Representatives from Cal Trans, Al-
hambra, and the 710 Coalition, as well
as a number of community organizations,
staffed informational booths to answer
questions and provide the community
with information about the proposed
project and related process. Metro will
release the SR-710 Environmental Draft
(EIR/EIS) in February 2015, followed by
a public comment period, selection of a
“Preferred Alternative,” and release of the
Final EIR/EIS Document and Record of
Decision
“L.A.Vation,” a noted U2 cover band,
enlivened the crowd with live entertainment, while carnival games, a jumper and
slide, face-painting, and other activities
were provided for youngsters. There were
also raffle prizes and a line-up of gourmet
food trucks, including Slammin Sliders,
Paradise Cookies, Grill ‘Em All, Rice Balls
of Fire, and Lobster Roll. At the conclusion
of the rally, which took place on the eve of
the City’s 111th birthday, the crowd joined
officials in singing Happy Birthday to
Alhambra followed by the distribution of
hundreds of free cupcakes to all attendees.
The 710 Coalition is composed of the
cities of Alhambra, Monterey Park, San
Gabriel, San Marino, and Rosemead, and
supported by the Alhambra Chamber of
Commerce, Alhambra Unified School
District, San Gabriel Valley Economic
Partnership, San Gabriel Unified School
District, and Garvey School District. The
710 Coalition is endorsed by a number of
public officials, including Gloria Molina;
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors;
Alhambra Councilmember Ed Chau;
California State Assembly; 49th Assembly
District, Gil Cedillo; Los Angeles City
Council, District 1; and Elliott Rothman,
Mayor, City of Pomona. Additional 710
supporters include the cities of Cudahy,
Downey, Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Pomona, South El Monte, Temple City, and
West Covina, as well as the International
Union of Operating Engineers, Local 12,
and Sprinkler Fitters U.A., Local 709.
For more 710 information, visit www.
cityofalhambra.org; sign the petition
supporting the 710 closure at www.710coalition.com; and view related study information at www.metro.net/projects/sr710/
conversations.
Twenty percent of Los Angeles County’s population of more than 10 million
lives in Pasadena, South Pasadena,
Alhambra, San Marino, Monterey Park,
El Sereno, San Gabriel, and Rosemead,
yet there is no major north/south freeway
connection.
Completing the 710 tunnel will slash
traffic clogging streets by 61%, reducing
80,000 cut-through trips.
Increased freeway capacity will address
gridlock not just in the San Gabriel Valley,
but throughout Los Angeles County, in
downtown Los Angeles, and stretching as
far east as the 605 freeway and on many
arterials and highways within the radius.
Traffic experts agree that closing the gap
is the best opportunity to ease congestion
in the region.
Reducing cut-through traffic in local
cities will remove more than 80,000
trips from the local street system which
was never intended to bear this level of
traffic, as well as reduce regional cutthrough traffic from 24% of all cars on
local streets (or approximately one of
every four vehicles) to 10% or one in 10
vehicles).
About 14,000 fewer vehicle miles
will be driven daily by connecting our
freeway system for shorter commutes.
The tunnel option creates the maximum reduction in commute times of
all options studied and will complete
a missing link in the freeway system.
Seventeen percent fewer vehicles will
be stuck in traffic congestion. Good
paying jobs will be created, including
approximately 40,300 construction jobs
in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles
region, resulting in one of the largest
public works projects in California history. Many negative community impacts
associated with a surface freeway would
also be avoided.
In short, closing the gap will reduce
traffic and gridlock, especially cut-through
traffic in our cities, create quality jobs, and
respect the will of voters who approved
the tunnel project and Measure R.
8A
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
08/2014
Three noted local artists to show
It is illegal to remove
work at City Hall Gallery’s ‘Color
recyclables from blue
curbside recycling containers of Nature’ exhibit Aug. 1 – 31.
When rummaged from recycling or
refuse containers, plastic bottles, cans,
cardboard, and other valuable items can
create health, safety, and security issues.
And just like stealing mail or illegal
dumping, scavenging is a crime. The Alhambra Municipal Code prohibits people
from scavenging or removing recyclable
items placed at curbside for disposal. State
law also prohibits scavenging. Therefore,
if someone is seen removing recyclable
materials from a curbside recycling bin or
a commercial trash container, the City of
Alhambra urges residents to contact the
Alhambra Police Department’s general
business line at 626-570-5151 to report
the incident.
Residents are encouraged not to remain
anonymous. The Police Department needs
concerned residents to be witnesses to the
crime. Without a witness to the theft,
the Police Department cannot prosecute
and the thieves are free to return again
and again. Violation of this ordinance is a
misdemeanor that could lead to a fine and/
or possible jail time.
While some view scavenging as a way
for disadvantaged individuals to generate a
little income, in fact, it is a “quality of life”
crime.
If you observe someone in the act of
scavenging, please take down the following
information:
• Date, time, and location of incident.
•Description of vehicle and license
plate number.
• Description of person(s) scavenging.
•What items/materials were being
scavenged.
•Witness’s name and phone number
(optional).
To help prevent scavengers from taking
recyclables, place container(s) out early on
the morning of the collection day rather
than the night before. If bothered by people
scavenging, residents should not deal with
the problem themselves; instead, please
phone the Alhambra Police Department at
626-570-5151.
The State of California dictates policies
for cities to recycle that include penalties if
not followed. When scavengers steal from
containers, they are negatively affecting the
City’s curbside program and the contracts
it has with recycling providers who rely
on receiving revenue from the recyclables
in the trash. Ultimately, the problem costs
taxpayers.
Three noted local artists, Hermann
Chen, Woody Wu, and Ginger Chen, will
show their work at Alhambra’s City Hall
Gallery’s “Color of Nature” exhibit from
Aug. 1 through Aug. 31.
Mr. Chen’s work has rich color, contrasting both character and events in his
landscapes, plein air works, portraits, and
still life subjects. He evokes emotions from
everyday subjects. His art has been exhibited
in shows, galleries, and magazines. His work
in oils received honors recently, and he was
named one of the top 10 artists at the 12th
annual Plein Air event in San Clemente and
an independent gallery exhibition in Linkou, Taiwan. In November 2011, 50 pieces
of his artwork were on display at the Taiwan
Art Show and sponsored by the Pacific
Cultural Foundation in Taiwan. Because of
his artistic excellence, he is a member of the
San Gabriel Fine Arts Association.
Mr. Wu has always loved taking photographs. After joining a photography club,
he learned the technical language and the
criteria to create the correct composition in
a photograph. He focuses especially on the
psychological in his photos. For him, time,
space, light, and shadow are necessary for
a perfectly balanced photo. These elements
merge and are blended with the subjects’
emotions.
Ms. Chen was influenced in her art
by her native Taiwan, everything from the
surrounding hills to the bustling city atmosphere. Ms. Chen, a former Montessori
teacher, came to Los Angeles and pursued
her formal art training. She has trained at
Alhambra and San Gabriel’s Community
Centers’ art programs since 2005 and
PCCC Fine Arts Workshops in 2010. In
2010, she studied architecture, to better
understand the composition of form, at the
Pasadena Art Center. In 2011, she received
first place from The Artists Magazine and
second place from the Alhambra City Hall
Fall Art Show.
Fall Adult Co-Ed Volleyball
& Winter Adult Basketball –
registration ends soon!
With Adult Co-Ed Volleyball and Adult
Basketball leagues beginning play in early
September, the registration deadline for the
two City of Alhambra programs is Friday,
August 29.
Registration has been open for some
time, so teams anxious to play in this season’s league play should act early to avoid
the closing of registration after leagues are
full, which could occur before 8/29.
Registration will be accepted at the Recreation Division Office at Almansor Park, 800
S. Almansor St., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m., or by phone at 626-570-5081 (in-person registration is highly recommended).
Adult Co-Ed Volleyball registration is
$230 per team, schedules and information
packets will be ready on Wednesday,
September 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Almansor
Park Activity Room, and league play begins
on Monday, September 8 and Wednesday,
September 10.
Adult Basketball registration is $460 per
team; schedules and information packets
will be available on Tuesday, September 2
at 5:30 p.m. in the Almansor Park Activity
Room, and league play begins on Tuesday,
September 9 and Saturday, September 13.
Your questions happily answered at
626-570-5081.
It is time to register for the fall Alhambra Leisure Classes.
Registration procedures, as well as
descriptions of all classes, are outlined at
www.cityofalhambra.org.
Some of the newer classes include:
Mommy, Daddy & Me Soccer. Parent/child class for children ages 2 to 3 ½.
Sign-ups are expected to peak following
the recent World Cup. Parents will take an
active part in the activities, and the youngsters will develop motor and socialization
skills.
Introduction to Computers for
Seniors. Explore the basic skills and accelerate computer knowledge with hands-on
practice.
Math Workshop. Children ages 6 to
14. Translation of course description: “It’s
easier when you know what you’re doing.”
Learn how this summer.
Line Dancing to Oldies But Goodies.
Ages 18+. Doo-wop, swing, Latin, classic
rock/pop hits. They are all easy to do in
line.
Shall We Dance? Ages 16+. Step-bystep instruction, making participants better
partners in the cha-cha, salsa, Merengue,
East Coast swing, foxtrot, waltz, and more.
Soccer Skillz and Scrimmages. Ages 7 to
10. Advanced skill-building instruction cov-
ers dribbling, passing, shooting, and more.
Soccer I. Ages 5 and 6. Fun skill games
played at every session. Every participant
will have a ball at his or her feet.
Tot Pre-Soccer. Ages 3 ½ to 5. Encourages large motor skill development
through fun soccer games.
Total Fitness Workout: Muscle and
Cardio Conditioning. Ages 18+. Fun and
ever-changing, these workouts combine
resistance training, weight exercises, cardio
intervals, and core exercises.
Pilates with a Ball. Ages 16+. Pilates
exercise reduces stress, improves strength
and flexibility, and develops strong abdominal and lower back muscles.
Senior Fitness Fun. Comprehensive
low-impact workouts with comfortable
transitions.
Balance and Stretching for Seniors.
Increases muscular and core strength
and improves range of motion and good
balance.
Easy Does It Yoga for Seniors. Ages
55+. “Can-do” Yoga taught in a friendly,
easy, step-by-step manner, linking body,
mind, and spirit.
Tennis Anyone? All ages. From basics
to mastery levels.
Check out the entire list of classes at
www.cityofalhambra.org.
Register for Fall Leisure Classes
08/2014
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
Mestizo L.A. performed at last year’s Summer Serenade. The concert series will take place from 7 p.m. to 9
p.m. every Friday in August, beginning on Aug. 8.
Summer Serenade ’14:
The Bandshell is alive
with the sound of music
The Alhambra Park Bandshell comes
alive with music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in
August as Alhambra residents are invited
to enjoy four summer evenings on the
green featuring four of the hottest musical
performers in Southern California.
Pick an August Friday evening, and
enjoy the music:
Aug. 8 – Adrianna Marie and her
GrooveCutters are nominees for the “Best
New Artist Debut” at the 2014 Blues Music Awards, and they are ready to brighten
up the evening with some of the mellowest
blues sounds alive.
Aug. 15 – Adam’s Attic was the first
runner-up in KTLA’s Battle of the Band
Competition and sold out shows at both
the House of Blues and the Hard Rock
Café. Enjoy this pop-rock band with roots
in New Orleans.
Aug. 22 – Centerfold Hits of the 80s
is both the group’s title and their focus, as
they produce solid memories of the ‘80s
through their big rock show.
Aug. 29 – Chico Band is described as
a Latin band. This group has been entertaining diverse audiences for more than
35 years with their expertly performed
big band music, salsa, cha-cha, merengue,
cumbias, Tex Mex, oldies, and rock.
The concerts are free.
Enjoy these multi-talented musical
groups from the festival bench seating or
“on the green,” while picnicking with food
selections from onsite and gourmet food
trucks or bring something from home.
In the last weeks before “back to school,”
the focus of City of Alhambra pool activity
— recreation swim, lap swim, and swim
lessons — shifts mainly to the Alhambra
Park swimming pool, 500 N. Palm Ave.
Recreation swim, a time to relax and
cool off, is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursdays and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sundays. Lessons and lap swim are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Saturdays.
For a fun way to cool off, the Alhambra
Park Water Playground will be open seven
days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
The Granada Park Pool, 2233 Whitney
Drive, will be open from 1 p.m. to 3
p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, for an Adaptive
Swim Day for children with special needs.
Pre-registration is required with the “Home
of Angels.” Phone 626-570-5093.
For full swim, recreation, and leisure
class information, take a look at the City of
Alhambra Leisure Classes, Activities & Excursions Guide at www.cityofalhambra.org.
Summer swim shifts
to Alhambra Park
9A
10A
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
The Alhambra Certified Farmers Market changes its location and celebrates its 30th birthday this month.
Alhambra Certified
Farmers Market moves,
celebrates 30 years
The Certified Alhambra Farmers Market will relocate to South Second Street,
between Main Street and Commonwealth
Avenue, on Sunday, Aug. 17. The Market’s
hours will remain 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The move was necessary to accommodate
the mixed-use construction project that will
begin in the near future at Alhambra Place.
While it’s not clear whether the Market
will return to its former location after the
completion of the project, it is hoped that
the close proximity of the new location to
Main Street will spur greater interest among
Farmers Market shoppers to visit downtown’s many restaurants, shops, and other
businesses.
The Farmers Market will share with the
community an important milestone on
Aug. 17: the celebration of its 30th birthday.
To kick off the Market’s birthday celebration and new location, there will be a
variety of special events starting at 9 a.m.:
• Games and crafts for children under
age 12.
• Live entertainment.
• Cake and punch for those who arrive
early, until supplies are distributed.
• Raffle tickets for the first 100 visitors
and a chance to win Farmers Market T-shirts
and gift baskets.
• Face painting for the kids.
•Giveaways.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to
stock up on fresh produce and wish the Alhambra Certified Farmers Market a happy
birthday.
For more information, phone 626-5705081, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stay cool at Joslyn Center
Alhambra seniors and disabled adults
are advised by the National Weather Service
to remain in a cooler atmosphere during a
heat emergency advisory, and therefore are
welcome to stay cool at the Joslyn Adult
Recreation Center, 210 N. Chapel Ave. on
weekdays.
In addition to lower temperature within
the center, there are many recreational and
educational opportunities each day to take
seniors’ minds off the sweltering summer
temps outdoors.
For information concerning the Joslyn
Center and its programs and services,
please phone 626-570-5056 during weekday business hours.
Take HHW/E-Waste
to an upcoming
collection event
Gather up household hazardous waste
and/or electronic waste and take them to
one of the upcoming County-sponsored
collection events taking place this month.
The Alhambra event that usually takes
place in September is not on the County’s
schedule of planned events this year.
Each of the collection events listed below
will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There
is no charge for disposal. It takes just a few
minutes to drop off items, and participants
never have to leave their cars.
• Aug. 2 – Rio Hondo College, parking lot “A,” 3600 Workman Mill Road,
Whittier 90601.
• Aug. 16 – Mariposa parking lot,
Mariposa Avenue, just west of Baldwin
Avenue, Sierra Madre 91024.
• Aug. 16 – Santa Anita Race Track,
gate 6, Colorado Place, Arcadia 91007.
• Aug. 23 – Morgan Park, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., rear parking lot, Baldwin
Park 91706.
Household hazardous waste items include any product labeled as toxic, poisonous, corrosive, flammable, combustible, or
an irritant. Never mix materials; if possible,
leave products in their original containers
with original labeling, then place them in a
sturdy cardboard box in the car trunk.
There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125
lbs. per vehicle. No waste from business
will be accepted, along with no tire waste,
ammunition, or radioactive materials.
08/2014
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
11A
WATER CONSUMPTION From Page 1A
However, in recent months, many
people in California either didn’t know
how serious the drought is or they fell
back on bad habits and conservation
declined in many places. Many cities
have already changed to mandatory
conservation. And in July, the State
(State Water Resources Control Board)
approved a mandate requiring water
agencies to adopt mandatory water
conservation rules. This led to the City
Council’s approval last month of a
Resolution, which will go into effect on
Aug.1, triggering “Water Shortage Plan
II; Mandatory Conservation” (Chapter
15.25.090 of the Alhambra Municipal
Code), as well as the Penalty section
(Chapter 15.25.110).
With mandatory restrictions in effect
in Alhambra, effective Aug. 1, the City is
asking residents and businesses to reduce
water consumption as much as possible.
What new water conservation rules
will be enacted in Alhambra?
All water customers in the City of
Alhambra are asked to comply with the
following mandatory rules described in
the City’s Water Shortage Contingency
Plan:
Water Customers shall not:
• Use or allow the use of water from
the City to hose or wash sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, or other
paved surfaces unless the purpose is for
health and safety.
• Use or allow the use of water from
the City to fill or maintain levels in
decorative fountains, ponds, lakes, and
similar structures unless such structure is
equipped with a water recycling system.
• Serve drinking water from the City
(bottled water not included), unless at
the express request of a customer in all
restaurant, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, or
other public places where food is sold,
served, or offered for sale.
• Allow water from the City to leak
from any facility on his premises or on
premises under his control or fail to
effect a timely repair of any such leak.
• Allow water from the City to run
off any landscaped areas into adjoining
streets, sidewalks, parking lots, or alleys
due to incorrectly directed or maintained
sprinklers or excessive watering.
• Use a hose to wash cars, boats,
trailers, buses or other vehicles, or to wash
building exteriors, or other hard-surfaced
areas without an operating shut-off valve.
• Use or allow the use of water from
the City for landscape watering more
often than once every three days.
• Use or allow the use of water for
landscape watering between the hours of
10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Use or allow the use of water from
the City to refill a swimming pool, spa,
or hot tub emptied after the commencement of a water shortage period.
What is Alhambra doing to promote water conservation?
The City of Alhambra has encouraged
residents and businesses to conserve water
on a voluntarily basis. Public education
by the City (www.cityofalhambra.org/
page/24/utilities_division/) and by its
partner, the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (www.sgvmwd.org/
save/index.shtml), has promoted saving
water through water saving tips and
videos, water conservation pilot projects,
bus shelter and newspaper ads, Web sites,
community outreach, and rebates on
water-efficient equipment.
Some of the easiest ways to save water
as identified on our Web site include:
• Fixing leaks indoors and outdoors.
•Installing irrigation timers for
outdoor watering.
• Installing a shut-off valve on hoses.
• Using a broom to clear debris from
driveways and sidewalks.
• Putting a cover on pools and spas.
• Planting California Native Plants,
which use 1/7 the amount of water.
• Installing water-efficient dish and
clothes washing machines.
• Taking shorter showers and turning the water off when brushing teeth or
shaving.
Long term, we should support expansion of long-term water supply solutions
such as recycled water, storm water
capture, and imported water. In the short
term, however, water conservation is the
easiest, most efficient and least expensive
means of fighting the drought and preserving our water supply. Every drop of
water conserved saves money and energy.
Every drop saved remains in Alhambra’s
wells and does not need to be imported
or recycled. About half of all drinking
water in the San Gabriel Valley and
Southern California is used for landscape
irrigation, so residents and businesses can
save the most by changing their outdoor
watering habits and behavior.
How can residents and employers
learn more about water conservation?
There is a lot of information available
to inform residents about the drought
and how to save water. Some of the
best sources of information include the
following:
•City of Alhambra Web site
-www.cityofalhambra.org/page/24/
utilities_division/.
• San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Web site --www.sgvmwd.org/
save/index.shtml.
•Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California Web site – www.
bewaterwise.com.
•State Water Resources Control
Board Web site – www.saveourwater.
com.
What is the City doing at city facilities to save water?
In addition to enforcing the new state
requirements, the City is trying to set an
example at its own facilities. The City is
turning water off at fountains, checking
for leaks indoors and outdoors, making
sure irrigation timers are functioning
properly, and more. The City is partnering with the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and has planned or
started a variety of new public education
efforts including information mailed to
customers, rebates on water-efficient
washing machines, exchange programs
for High Efficiency Toilets, installation
of banners, signage and bus shelters,
water saving videos on Channel 55, and
water saving reminders at restaurants.
The City will also limit outdoor
irrigation at city facilities, including the
park system.
The current regulations imposed by
the State will remain in effect for 270
days unless it is determined they are no
longer necessary or may be renewed if
the drought continues.
What can residents do if they observe water being wasted?
Customers who notice situations
where water is being wasted on private
or City-owned property are urged to
contact the Utilities Division at 626570-5061, or e-mail waterwatcher@
cityofalhambra.org.
The following crimes were reported to the Alhambra Police Department in June.
The areas of occurrence are listed to the nearest block — not exact addresses. By
publishing these reports, it is hoped that Alhambra residents will take the necessary
measures to ensure their individual safety, as well as the safety of their property.
Neighborhood Watch Works! To join Neighborhood Watch, or for more crime
prevention information and safety tips, contact the Alhambra Police Department
Crime Prevention Office at 626-570-5177.
District One
Burglary (3)
1100 N. Stoneman
300 N. Monterey
600 W. Irving
Theft/Burglary from
Vehicle (6)
100 N. Chapel
100 N. Second
200 W. Grand
300 S. Hidalgo
300 W. Main
600 W. Main
Grand Theft Auto (3)
300 N. Stoneman
500 W. Main
00 N. Third
Robbery (0)
District Two
Burglary (3)
2000 S. Fifth
300 W. Ramona
900 S. First
Theft/Burglary from
Vehicle (7)
Valley/Garfield
1500 S. Fifth
1700 S. Second
1200 E. Valley
Valley/Vega
1200 S. Garfield
1000 S. Fifth
Grand Theft Auto (9)
Stoneman/Linda Vista
00 E. Valley
1400 S. Stoneman
1700 s. Fourth
1800 S. Sierra Vista
200 W. Valley
400 E. Glendon
800 W. San Marino
900 W. Valley
Robbery (0)
District Three
Burglary(2)
300 N. Primrose
400 S. Meridian
Theft/Burglary from
Vehicle (6)
2100 W. Commonwealth (x3)
200 S. Marengo
300 N. Electric
700 S. Westmont
Grand Theft Auto (5)
1000 S. Winchester
1100 S. Fremont
1300 W. Main
200 S. Hampden
300 S. Date
Robbery (1)
1100 S. Fremont
District Four
Burglary (2)
1900 S. Primrose
2500 S. El Paseo
Theft Burglary from
Vehicle (10)
1900 W. Ramona
2100 W. Montezuma
2400 S. Charnwood
2000 W. Ramona
2900 W. Ramona
1900 S. Primrose
1300 S. Primrose
1200 S. Edith
2100 S. El Paseo
2700 W. Ross
Grand Theft Auto (5)
1100 S. Marguerita
1300 S. Elm
1300 S. Milton
2600 S. El Paseo
2600 W. Ramona
Robbery (0)
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
ChickensWelc
Alhambra D
(888) 398-
100 South First Street • Alh
Experience the Differe
Music lovers John Marini and his wife, Alana, are co-owners of Marini Music on Main Street.
LOOSE TEE
Before
12A
Marini Music specializes in instrument repair service, and they will restring guitars while customers wait.
Marini Music: Main
TOOTH SAV
Street’s music store
This example shows how Dr. John Chao saved a h
EASY COMFORTABLE VISIT and at a fract
(individual results va
John Marini has specialized in instru- bands. Many of the bands playing on stage
ment repair as well as instrument sales are Alhambra residents and customers of
for more than three decades. The family Marini Music.
Each year, Mr. Marini gives back to
owned and operated Marini Music, 222 W.
Main St., is co-owned by Mr. Marini and the community by raffling off a guitar
with proceeds going to the GIST Cancer
his wife Alana.
Marini Music offers guitars, bass, key- Research Foundation.
Mr. Marini was raised in Alhambra
boards, drums, sheet music, and rentals.
“All of our customers have become like and went to Alhambra High School. He
family to us,” said Mr. Marini. “We have has been in the music retail business since
customers that come in every day just 1978, when he started with the Pedrini
family. Both of his sons’ first jobs were
because they like to hang out with us.”
With an extensive variety of instru- working with him in the music store.
“We are one of the few businesses left
ments to choose from, guitars are the
most popular instrument sold. One of the on Main Street that still captures that
music store’s specialties is in instrument hometown feel,” said Mr. Marini. “We
repair service, and they will restring gui- pride ourselves in meeting the needs of a
tars while customers wait. They are also musician, which separates us from other
musicalshows
stores with
bigger
well known for their band instrument
This example
how
Dr.locations.”
John Chao saved
Marini Music is offering four free lesrental services.
ONE
EASY
COMFORTABLE
VISIT and at a fr
Three employees work in the sons with any guitar sold.
(individual
va
1,250-square-foot store. Customers call it
Marini Music is open
from noonresults
to
the best little music store around. The next 7 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, noon to 6 p.m.
in-store event will be a night with music of Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is
The Beatles performed by Mr. Marini and closed on Mondays.
a variety of his musician customers.
The phone number is 626-289-0241.
For more than a decade, Marini Music Marini Music’s Web site is www.marinhas sponsored the Saturday night concerts imusic.com. Like them on Facebook:
on Main Street on the city stage next to https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Rick’s Main Street Cafe by booking the Marini-Music/338977636024.
NEGLECTED T
Before
TEETH REST
DON’T SUFFER A DA
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY and S
John Chao, DDS, MAGD*
USC School of Dentistry,
Faculty, Anxiety Management
*Master, Academy of General Dentistry
“Less than 2% of General Dentists
in the United States are Masters,”
according to the
Academy of General Dentistry
CHICK
Alh
08/2014
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
13A
58 Facets Jewelry new
member of International
Jewelers Group
58 Facets Jewelry recently announced its membership in the Independent
Jewelers
Organization
(IJO), an international
Buying Group and educational organization of
independent retail jewelers.
58 Facets Jewelry will be
the area’s exclusive Master
IJO Jeweler member.
“We seek out one of the
top two independent retail
jewelers in a market area
for exclusive membership
in IJO,” said Jeffrey Roberts, president and CEO
of the organization. “Our
Buying Group is geared
for stores that offer high
quality at good values.
Our members share the
international purchasing
power of almost 900
members across the U.S.,
plus members in Canada,
the United Kingdom, and
Australia.
“Our
educational,
business, and marketing
programs are unique in the
jewelry industry. They are
designed to put the local
independent jeweler on an
equal footing with the national chains they compete
with today.”
According to Karen
and Rick Fonger, owners
of 58 Facets Jewelry, “The
firm will take advantage of
as many IJO membership
The Law Offices of Wang & Lee, LLP, 1101 W. Valley Blvd., Suite 204, Alhambra, had a grand opening June
27. The law firm practices in four unique areas of law: Immigration Petitions, Family Law, Social Security
Claims, and Unemployment Petitions. From left are Attorneys Solomon Wang and Christina Wang and
Chamber President Frank Chen.
Law offices of Wang & Lee,
LLP, opens in Alhambra
58 Facets Jewelry 36 W. Main St., is now the area’s exclusive Independent
Jewelers Organization member. This Jadeite jewelry and 18k gold and
sapphire rings are only a sample of the beautiful jewelry available at 58
Facets Jewelry.
benefits as possible. Benefits
include direct access to
the international diamond
markets
of
Antwerp,
Belgium, through the IJO
Buying Office located there.
Antwerp, Belgium, is our
gateway to more than half of
the world’s finest diamonds.
It will allow us to act as an
international diamond broker for our customers right
here in Alhambra.”
IJO membership also
includes participation in
the IJO Business College.
Jewelers have the ability to
enroll in a joint gemology
and business curriculum
offered in conjunction with
the Gemological Institute of
America (G.I.A). The G.I.A
is the non-profit organization that certifies diamond
and color stone quality and
also acts as the “Educational
College” for the jewelry
industry worldwide.
Located at 36 West
Main Street, 58 Facets
Jewelry is now the area’s
exclusive IJO member. For
further information, phone
626-569-7289.
Downtown’s First Fridays end
The Downtown Association has concluded its monthly First Friday program.
Stay in touch with Around Alhambra to
learn of other activities sponsored by the
Downtown Association. “We had a lot of
fun this past year bringing First Friday
to Downtown,” said Joanna Vargas, past
OUR
president of the Alhambra Downtown
Association. “We enjoyed meeting new
family and friends from the community,
and we’re going to miss them dearly. We’ll
be back, though. We’re taking a break in
order to see what the community will
enjoy next.”
WELCOME
CHAMBER MEMBERS!
New
Artson Dancesport Center
401 E. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-300-9238
www.artsondance.com
Artson Dancesport Center teaches cha
cha, jive, paso doble, rumba, samba,
foxtrot, quickstep, ballroom tango, waltz,
Viennese waltz, salsa, and line dancing.
Bon Appetea
7 S. Second St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-824-3388
www.bonappeteacafe.com
Bon Appetea is the San Gabriel Valley’s
newest tea, coffee, savories, and sweets spot.
Check out the window bar, chat around
rustic tables, or lounge in the living room.
Circle K
1 E. Hellman Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-569-9932
Circle K’s success in the convenience retailing
industry spans more than 60 years.
Curves of Alhambra – West Main
2718 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-284-2744
www.curvesalhambran.com
The Alhambra Curves was created to give
people a place to connect with weight loss, with
fitness, with health, and with each other.
Project Neo-Monterey Park
1022 E. Garvey Ave.
Monterey Park, CA 91755
626-573-0788
www.projectneo.org
Project NEO is a non-profit organization
that provides a free after school tutor/
mentor program. Project NEO focuses
on a core remedial reading method,
using a select group of high school and
college students to help tutor and mentor
second- through sixth-grade students.
The Law Offices of Wang & Lee, LLP,
recently opened a law office to serve the
Alhambra community. Its mission statement is to “honestly and zealously serve
our client’s needs.”
“Not only do our attorneys bring their
individual talents to the table, they are
extremely passionate about serving the
public,” said attorney Christina Wang.
The law firm practices in four unique
areas of law:
1) Immigration Petitions – Family,
employment, or asylum based petition.
2) Family Law – Have a California
Licensed Certified Public Accountant to
assist when dealing with property division
and support issues.
3) Social Security Claims – Law firm
doesn’t get paid unless client wins the case.
4) Unemployment Petitions – If no
recovery – 100% refund of legal fees.
The law offices of Wang & Lee, LLP,
will provide one-on-one free consultations
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Saturday of the month.
The office is located at 1101 W. Valley
Blvd., Suite 204, Alhambra 91803.
For more information, phone 626-2899264 or 626-ATL –WANG.
14A
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
Heritage
Anthony Venti Realtors
has served Alhambra
for more than 40 years
Anthony Venti Realtors, 1129 E. Main St.,
is an important player
in the establishment
of countless Alhambra
families, through the sale
of their homes, and the
establishment of numerous Alhambra businesses,
through their commercial
real estate work.
Anthony Venti Sr.
established his real estate
business more than 40
years ago following his
part-time,
two-day-aweek work for Herbert Anthony Venti Jr. smiles in remembrance of an article announcing the
Hawkins Realtors and entry of their third generation Venti into the family business.
working on his days off
from his primary business,
barbering at his “Val-Ray” shop located houses and tending to his clients (Tony Jr.
near Valley and Raymond. Though working said he never turned anyone away), Tony Jr.
only part time, Mr. Venti won Salesman of said he always wanted to be in the business
the Year honors three years running.
— a dream come true.
His success in barbering and real estate
Anthony Senior’s brother, Frank Venti,
may well have come from his sense of came into the business early on, and,
family, not only his own blood kin, but although he had his own business for a few
also members of the Alhambra community years, continues to be a part of Anthony
who patronized his businesses. Los Angeles Venti Realtors.
Times columnist Bill Plaschke, in a tribute
Daniel Venti, one of five sons of Tony Jr.,
editorial to Mr. Venti upon his death, de- has recently entered the business.
scribed how freely Mr. Venti shared his own
Anthony Venti Realtors Manager Mark
resources as a helping hand to those who Paulson has been a part of the Venti family
needed one and to clients who had trouble for a long time, growing up as close friends
accumulating sufficient funds for their real with Tony Jr. and continuing his association
estate down payment.
throughout the years.
Anthony Venti Jr., current head of An“As one of the leaders in the sale of Althony Venti Realtors, learned the real estate hambra real estate, Anthony Venti Realtors
business from close contact with his father. has maintained a tradition of strong client
Although Tony Sr. was away from home a relationships and a commitment to the
considerable amount of time working open community,” said Mr. Paulson.
Al’s Towing is located at 905 Westminster Ave., Alhambra, and is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and
365 days a year providing professional emergency service.
Al’s Towing has served
community for 28 years
Al’s Towing serves dealerships and
commercial accounts, with many clients
contracted through the cities, sheriff and
highway patrol units, law enforcement
agencies, and immigration. Located at 905
Westminster Ave., Alhambra, Joe Pavon,
along with his wife and business partner
Gabby Pavon, also provide private impounds, working with apartments, condos,
and shopping centers to remove illegally
parked vehicles from those properties.
“Our towing center has been in
Alhambra since 1986 and in our current
location for 15 years,” said Mr. Pavon,
who is president of Al’s Towing. “The city
has been good to our company, and the
community has always been a good fit for
our company.”
Al’s Towing has two additional locations
in Los Angeles and Gardena. The Alhambra building is about 34,000 square feet.
They serve the community in English and
Spanish.
Many of the 15 employees live in Alhambra or in nearby areas. Mr. and Mrs.
Pavon try to hire locally.
“Al’s Towing is different because we
really focus on customer service and giving
back to the community,” said Mr. Pavon.
“We work closely with community organizations in Alhambra and the surrounding
area.”
Mr. Pavon is past president of the
YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley board
in Alhambra. He has been on the YMCA
board for 16 years. He is a past president
of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
and has been a member of the Rotary Club
for the past 10 years, with plans to serve as
president next year.
“We are grateful to the community, city,
and council people for being so business
friendly and allowing businesses to prosper
within Alhambra,” said Mr. Pavon.
Al’s Towing is open seven days a week,
24 hours a day, and 365 days a year providing emergency service with professional
service.
For more information, phone
626-289-7277.
ALONDRA HOT WINGS From Page 1A
creation, and they are keeping
the American Dream alive and
perpetuating our system of free
enterprise, said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president
and CEO.
In 2002, Alondra Hot Wings
was started by three ambitious
brothers — Garo, Danny,
and Harout Kazarian — in
Paramount, Calif. The brothers
envisioned building a respectable
franchise serving quality food for
families with great service and a
fun family atmosphere. The Kazarian brothers have built a solid
reputation for leadership and
community involvement. They
have received awards from their
local chambers and were recognized by the State of California as
the best small business of the year
in 2009.
The Kazarian brothers’ growing family business is now in four
locations: Paramount, Montebello, Alhambra, and Long Beach.
They hire from within their communities and recently reached
a milestone by creating jobs for
more than 250 employees.
Alondra Hot Wings received
praise from My Fox LA and
Urban Spoon for having the
best Hot Wings, pizza, and
sandwiches in the Los Angeles
area. The Kazarian brothers and
My World Enterprises Inc. said
they are always looking for new
locations in hopes of creating a
broad demographic resulting in
customer satisfaction in taste and
atmosphere, making Alondra
Hot Wings the preferred choice
when dining out.
It’s all about networking
“Increase Your Profitability in Two Months”
Presented by Robert Fukui,
High Point Marketing, Inc.
Thursday, Aug. 21 • Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Board Room
104 S. First St.
This Chamber program, offered on the third Thursday of each month, provides 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.
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 ihernandez@
alhambrachamber.org.
Join the Chamber for an informal social where business people get together,
exchange ideas, and develop new relationships. These monthly networking
programs are sponsored by and hosted at Chamber member establishments.
Networking is one of the most affordable means of marketing resulting in invaluable
personal referrals and word-of-mouth advertising.
So, don’t hesitate. Bring plenty of business cards and a winning handshake to the
next Business After Hours and develop a synergistic group of business contacts.
This month’s Business After Hours mixer
will take place
Wednesday, Aug. 27
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Chonito’s Mexican Restaurant
2505 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra
Chonito’s is a family owned Mexican restaurant near the corner of Fremont and Valley.
The restaurant offers homemade Mexican flavors, popular buffet lunches, and a large
dining area for events. All the reasonably priced menu items are made from scratch.
Cost: $10 for members
For more information about the
$15 for non-members
Business After Hours Mixers, phone
the Chamber at 626-282-8481.
08/2014
Lee Lieberg was installed as Chamber president.
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
15A
The 2014-2015 Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. From left: Executive Director Sharon Gibbs; Oriana Chan; Lorraine Simpson;
Marissa Castro-Salvati; Dr. David Snyder; Jo Pavon; President Lee Lieberg; Helen Romero-Shaw; Mark Paulson; Immediate Past President Frank Chen;
Robert Fukui; Owen Guenthard, Legislative Affairs director; Iris Lai; Valarie Gomez; Stan Yonemoto, marketing director; and Joanna Vargas.
Chamber member Lorelei Gilliam pledged a generous donation of The Community Distinguished Service Award was presented to former The Outstanding Business of the Year Award went to longtime Chamber
$50,000 to the Capital Improvement Campaign, which is aimed at Chamber President and Alhambra Mayor Stephen Sham. Owen member Trans Tech Engineers, Inc. The firm’s principal officer Ali Cayir,
right, accepted the award from Mark Paulson.
upgrading the Chamber’s current facility. From left are Mrs. Gilliam; Guenthard, left, presented the award.
daughter Laura Greenberg; and Peppy Sciarra, honorary chairman of
the Capital Improvement Campaign.
Chamber’s 111th Installation of Officers marks year of progress, tradition
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 111th Installation
of Officers for the 2014-2015 fiscal year
at Almansor Court in July. This year’s
dinner highlighted the Chamber’s many
achievements under the leadership of
President Frank Chen and his board. The
Alhambra Chamber retained its traditional ranking as the 8th largest Chamber
in regard to operating budget among the
116 chambers in the county. Tradition
was further showcased by newly installed
President Lee Lieberg, who will represent
the third generation of Liebergs to lead
the Alhambra Chamber. Lee’s father
Prescott O. Lieberg held the position
in 1976, and his grandfather, R. Orwell
Lieberg, led the Chamber in 1951.
The evening began with President
Chen introducing the master of ceremonies for the evening, Alhambra family dentist Dr. Steven Placido, who also
serves as a member of the Alhambra City
Council. The president of Ramona Convent Secondary School, Sister Kathleen
Calloway, followed with the invocation
and a recognition of prominent community members who passed away during
the year.
The program featured a presentation
by Wayne Ratkovich, principal officer of
The Ratkovich Co. / The Alhambra, who
spoke on Alhambra as “A Special Place
to Do Business” and the importance of
developing a working partnership with
the City. The Alhambra is a 45-acre office
campus and retail center located on the
old C.F. Braun site in Alhambra.
Alhambra Mayor Steven Sham swore in
the new 2014-2015 Alhambra Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors before a
supportive group of members and friends.
The Chamber’s new Executive Committee
for the 2014-2015 fiscal year will be led
by President Lieberg – LandZ Real Estate,
VP/Secretary Treasurer Robert Fukui –
High Point Marketing, Immediate Past
President Frank Chen – Law Offices of
Frank W. Chen, and At Large Committee
members Evike Chang – Evike.com. Inc.,
Valarie Gomez –YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley, and Mark Paulson – Anthony
Venti Realtors, Inc.
Also returning to serve on the board
will be Marissa Castro-Salvati – Southern
California Edison Co., Oriana Chan –
Wells Fargo Bank, Victoria Deise-Wilson
– The Ratkovich Co. / The Alhambra,
Iris Lai – Alhambra Hospital, Elizabeth
Martinez – Republic Services, Joe Pavon
– Al’s Towing, Helen Romero-Shaw
– The Gas Company, Todd Sakamoto –
The Mail Box Shop, Lorraine Simpson
– Credit Union of Southern California,
Dr. David Snyder – Snyder Optometry
Inc., Walter Tang – Superior Scientific,
Joanna Vargas – The Fit Factor Studio,
and Kevin Yamauchi – Tri-Star Vending.
Former Chamber Presidents Mark
Paulson and Peppy Sciarra reported on
the Chamber’s new Capital Improvement Campaign aimed at upgrading
the Chamber’s current facility. They also
gave special recognition to Chamber
member Lorelei Gilliam of Alhambra
who pledged a very generous donation
of $50,000 to the campaign, which was
another example of Alhambra tradition.
In 1982, Ms. Gilliam’s uncle and Alhambra realtor Will Forbes donated the
property where the current Chamber
building is located.
Two of the community’s most prestigious awards, the “Outstanding Business
of the Year Award” and the “Community
Service Award,” were presented. Former
City Councilmember and Mayor Mark
Paulson presented the “Outstanding
Business of the Year Award.” This year’s
selection went to longtime Chamber
member Trans Tech Engineers, Inc. The
firm’s principal officer Ali Cayir accepted
the award. Also presented was the
prestigious “Community Distinguished
Service Award,” which recognizes the individual who has demonstrated effective
leadership and participation in activities
beneficial to both the Chamber and the
community. This award was presented
to former Chamber President and Alhambra Mayor Stephen Sham.
Entertainment for the evening was
provided by The Los Angeles River Jazz
Quartet and a special presentation by a
talented group of young musicians from
The Classical European Music Academy
Los Angeles.
Photography was provided by Bob
Greenberg of Alhambra Camera and
Photography by Regan Hudson.
Special thanks were given to Chamber
staff Irma Hernandez, Rosemarie Valerio, Dulcy Jenkins, Stan Yonemoto, and
Owen Guenthard under the direction of
Sharon Gibbs, as well as the Almansor
Court staff.
16A
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
thanks these members for renewing their memberships
and for their continued support:
Alhambra Car Wash
707 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-5666
Member since 1975
P.O. Box 1131
Alhambra, CA 91802
626-289-3591
Member since 1962
Alhambra Dental Group
100 S. First St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-308-9104
Member since 1980
Burke, Williams &
Sorenson, L.L.P.
444 S. Flower St., #2400
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-236-2736
Member since 2007
Alhambra Family
Medical Center
1336 W. Valley Blvd., Suite A
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-281-2232
Member since 2013
Carlos A. Arcos, A
Law Corporation
333 N. Santa Anita
Ave., Suite 8
Arcadia, CA 91006
626-284-9003
Member since 2000
Alhambra Healthcare
& Wellness Centre
415 S. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-3151
Member since 2013
Carroll’s Brake Service
2360 W. Main St.
626-281-0993
Alhambra, CA 91801
Member since 2009
Alhambra Valley Properties #1
11812 San Vicente Blvd., #500
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-471-4300
Member since 1962
Coldwell Banker
George Realty
1611 S. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-695-624
Members since 2013
Al’s Towing
905 S. Westminster Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-289-7277
Member since 1997
Denny’s Restaurant
369 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-281-6701
Member since 2011
K & L Properties
1117 Westminster Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-576-8493
Member since 2012
San Gabriel Hilton
225 W. Valley Blvd.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-270-2717
Member since 2013
Luckman Fine
Arts Complex
California State
University
5151 State
University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
323-343-6616
Member since 2000
San Gabriel Valley
Water District
P.O. Box 1299
Azusa, CA 91702
626-969-7911
Member since 1983
Messina, Mike
& Barbara
1101 S. Second St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-289-9720
Members since 1999
Michael S. Yu, A
Law Corporation
2 E. Valley Blvd.,
Suite 270
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-289-2833
Member since 2000
Partyline Event Rentals
2472 Mariondale Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90032
323-222-7115
Member since 2012
Pasadena Star News
Asian Youth Center
911 E. Colorado Blvd.
100 W. Clary Ave.
Firstlight Homecare of WSGV Pasadena, CA 91106
San Gabriel, CA 91776
200 S. Garfield Ave.,
626-578-6300, x4472
626-309-0425, x116
Suite #102-D
Member since 2008
Member since 2011
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-427-3688
Perry, Stephen
Atherton Baptist Homes
Member since 2013
Member since 1989
214 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
Gilliam, Lorelei
Safco Realty &
626-289-4178
Member since 1982
Investment, Inc.
Member since 1993
238 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Guenthard, Owen
Alhambra, CA 91801
Bob Wondries Ford #1
Member since 1998
626-289-4088
Member since 1981
To renew your membership with a credit card,
please phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.
Siu, Tina Marie
& Annie DDS
2595 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
626-796-0615
Member since 1955
Snyder Optometry, Inc.
22 S. Chapel Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-8493
Member since 1929
St. Thomas
More School
2510 S. Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-284-5778
Member since 2004
Team Nuvision/
Remax Elite
1024 E. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
888-258-3508
Member since 2012
Tompkins &
Parrington, Attorney Law
P.O. Box 589
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-289-3727
Member since 1991
West Main Animal
Hospital
2216 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-2179
Member since 1981
08/2014
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
Stas Chelnaoff, Formation World Champion 2002,
is a new dance instructor at Artson Dancesport
Center.
17A
Taisiia Babiuk, World Amateur Champion 2010,
now teaches dance at Artson Danceport Center.
Artson Dancesport Center
adds two dance instructors
Artson Dancesport Center, 401 E.
Main St., Alhambra, has added two dance
teachers, Stas Chelnaoff and Taisiia Babiuk,
to its dance instructor staff.
Mr. Chelnaoff was Formation World
Champion in 2002 and National Professional Multi Champion of Moldova, 20122014. He is a licensed dance teacher and
adjudicator of the World Dance Council.
Ms. Babiuk was World Amateur Champion in 2012 and a Ballroom and 10 Dance
Champion of Moldova, 2013-2014. She is
a licensed dance teacher and adjudicator of
the World Dance Council.
Artson Dancesport Center’s mission
is to promote International Standard
Ballroom and Latin dances as a recognized
sport, with techniques and criteria that
may qualify for the Olympics in the future.
The center provides high quality dance
instruction at all levels, from beginner to
advanced by instructors who are passionate about dance and eager to share their
knowledge with students.
For more information, phone
626-300-9238.
Alhambra Educational Foundation to thank 2013-14
donors with yard signs in September
The Alhambra Educational Foundation’s (AEF) board of directors
and volunteers are getting ready to
fan out across Alhambra, Monterey
Park, Rosemead, and San Gabriel
this September to thank their generous donors for helping AEF meet
its ambitious fundraising goal for the
“Music & More” campaign.
AEF will thank and acknowledge
each and every family/donor that
made a tax-deductible donation to
the Foundation between Aug. 1,
2013, and July 31, 2014, by placing
a colorful “We Support AEF – Thank
You” sign in the front yard of their
residence in mid-September. The
yard signs will remain up for two
weeks and then be collected by AEF
volunteers at the end of the month.
In addition, AEF will thank all
donors by name in a full-page ad in
local newspapers in September.
“If you have not yet made your
donation to AEF, but want to ensure
you receive a yard sign this September, please make your donation to
AEF by Aug. 15,” said AEF President
Steve Perry. “This year, we will put
up hundreds of yard signs across our
communities to thank our donors
for their generosity with our “Music
& More” campaign.” Donations to
AEF can be made on the Web site
at www.aef4kids.com, or by mail to
P.O. Box 1188, Alhambra 91802.
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, AEF has donated more than $1.5 million to the District to provide funding for a
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, vaccinations, de-worming,
FIV/FELV/heartworm testing,
and microchip. A $120-$135
dog adoption fee includes
microchip, vaccinations, spay/
neuter surgery, and de-worming, as well as a free health
check-up at a participating vet
(some breeds slightly higher).
variety of educational programs, curriculum,
and equipment that benefits all students and
schools. All proceeds from AEF’s fundraising
efforts, including the summer school program, the annual Service to Education gala
dinner, AEF’s annual appeal, and the Taste of
Black domestic short haired
female kitten. ID# 11848.
Blackberry is an adorable kitten girl.
She is sweet, friendly, and likes to play.
She gets along with her many kitten
friends. She is house trained and ready
to move in. Please stop in to meet her
and consider adopting.
Alhambra community event, benefit all the
schools and students of AUSD.
For more information, or to make a
tax-deductible donation to AEF, please go
to www.aef4kids.com, and follow AEF on
Facebook.
Small adult male terrier mix.
ID# 12829.
Large adult male German
Shepherd. Neutered. ID# 11985.
Regis is an adorable little guy who
enjoys being on people’s laps more
than chasing after toys. He has a
calm, mellow energy and is very
friendly with people and loves laps
and belly rubs. He sits on command
and looks forward to finding a
family of his own. Stop by to meet
him.
Steven is estimated to be between 1
and 1 1/2 years old. He weighs 79
pounds. He arrived at the shelter
after having been hit by a car. His
hip was damaged, and his tail had to
be amputated, but Steven has healed
and is ready to find a loving home
and family. He loves being around
people, likes going for walks, and
loves to play tug of war. Come in to
meet this sweet, handsome boy and
consider adopting.
18A
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
Alhambra Girl Scout Troop 181 recently participated in “Operation Shoebox,” a community service project
that benefited the YWCA’s Women & Children’s Domestic Violence Shelter of San Gabriel Valley. From left
are some of the Girl Scouts who took part: Athena Ngo, Morgan Ly, Megan Ly, Madison Ly, Rocio Castro,
and Julia Osterman. Not pictured are Isabella Delgadillo and Michelle Morales.
No Holds Barre fitness class is offered at The Fit Factor.
Girl Scouts complete
‘Operation Shoebox’
The Fit Factor offers
unique fitness class
Alhambra Girl Scout Troop 181 recently participated in “Operation Shoebox,” a
community service project that benefited
the YWCA’s Women & Children’s Domestic Violence Shelter of San Gabriel Valley,
located in Covina.
The scouts and their parents collected
toiletry items in order to create emergency
boxes for battered women and children
who have fled their homes.
“The boxes are donated to the shelter
and as women and children arrive they
are handed a box that has been filled with
items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, tissue, razors, soap,
deodorant, notebooks, pen, hair ties, etc.,”
said troop co-leader Kacey Do.
Prior to packing the boxes, the girls
decorated and personalized the boxes with
stickers, drawings, paint, and stamps.
Girl Scouts Troop 181 is a multilevel
troop consisting of four Juniors, ages 9 and
10; three Brownies, ages 7 and 8; and one
pre-Daisy, age 4. The other co-leader of the
troop is Reyneiro Castro.
The Fit Factor Studio, 38 W. Main St.,
offers a unique and fun fitness class called
No Holds Barre, which uses ballet barre
techniques, weights, mat Pilates work, and
music.
Joanna Vargas, owner of The Fit Factor,
developed the class in 2009 at Jayvee Dance
Center. With her combination of fitness
and dance experience, she developed this
low impact and high intensity 50-minute
full body Pilates class.
“This class is conducted barefoot, but
don’t let that fool you into thinking this is
an easy class to conquer,” said Ms. Vargas.
“This fat-burning and muscle sculpting
class lengthens and strengthens your
muscles as you’re burning fat. Work on
your center of balance and maximize your
body’s full potential. Your butt will thank
you for it.”
For more information about No Holds
Barre, please contact The Fit Factor Studio
at 626-310-7454. The Web site is www.
thefitfactorstudio.com.
08/2014
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
19A
Educational Foundation donates $300,000 to School District
Thanks to the generosity of local
parents, businesses, and community
members, the Alhambra Educational
Foundation (AEF) has met its goal of
raising $300,000 to fund vital new educational and enrichment programs at all 17
Alhambra Unified School District schools
this fall.
The Foundation’s successful “Music &
More” campaign will provide a variety of
instructional and enrichment programs,
including a new instructional music
program for all kindergarten through
third- grade students, two additional high
school college/career counselors, plus
support funding for the popular fourththrough eighth-grade band and orchestra
programs.
AEF will present the funds to the
District at the Aug. 26 meeting of the
Alhambra Unified School District Board
of Education.
Donations to AEF also included a
$10,000 gift from the Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel and support from The
Ratkovich Company/The Alhambra, The
Nazerian Group, ML Architecture, the
Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Foundation, and the Pasadena Showcase House
for the Arts.
AEF’s Music & More campaign will
provide vital educational and enrichment
programs that benefit all K-12 students
at Alhambra School District schools,
including:
• A new, in-class Instructional Music
curriculum for all kindergarten, first-,
second-, and third- grade students attending the school district’s 13 elementary
schools.
• Two additional College & Career
Counselors, who will be available to help
high school students with all aspects of
college counseling, including research,
the application process, and acceptance.
•College Field Trip Adventures
program, which will offer students the
opportunity to visit many local colleges
and universities, including UCLA, Cal
State campuses, and other public and
private colleges.
•Support funding for Alhambra
School District’s popular fourth-through
eighth-grade band and orchestra program.
“We’re thrilled and proud that our
community came together to support the
Foundation and our wonderful Alhambra
Unified public schools,” said AEF President Steve Perry. “Reaching our $300,000
goal was possible because of the generosity
of our entire community. Special thanks
go to the Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel
and to all our Service to Education Gala
and Taste of Alhambra sponsors and
attendees.”
AEF’s “thermometer” signs in Alhambra, on Marengo Avenue near Mission
Road, and Monterey Park, on Garvey
Avenue in front of Ynez Elementary, will
be raised to the $300,000 mark to note
the campaign’s successful completion.
In addition, to show appreciation to
the community and their donors, AEF
volunteers will erect colorful “We Support
AEF – Thank You!” yard signs in the front
yards of 2013-14 donors in mid-September. After two weeks, the signs will
be removed by volunteers to be recycled
for next year’s “Thank You” program.
Donations received by AEF by Aug. 15
will receive a yard sign, and all 2013-14
donors will be included on AEF’s full
page “Thank You” ads to appear in local
newspapers in September. A tax-deductible donation to AEF can be made on
the AEF Web site at www.aef4kids.com,
by phoning AEF at 626-943-3080, or
by mailing a donation to P.O. Box 1188,
Alhambra 91802. All donations, large or
small, are gratefully appreciated.
“The Alhambra Unified School District is grateful to AEF and its donors
for providing these essential educational
programs to the students of our District,”
said Laura Tellez-Gagliano, Alhambra
Unified School District Superintendent.
“We are very excited about the new K-3
music instructional program and all
the wonderful programs in the Music
& More initiative that will benefit our
students greatly. These programs would
not be possible without AEF, its dedicated
volunteers, and generous donors.”
5K Pumpkin Run coming to Alhambra Oct. 4
The Fit Factor Studio and the
City of Alhambra will sponsor
Alhambra’s first 5k Pumpkin Run
Oct. 4 at Alhambra Park, 500 N.
Palm Ave.
The run will benefit Alhambra’s Parks & Recreation sports
scholarships for students.
There will also be a festival
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the
park. Bring a blanket, picnic basket, and a camera to take pictures
and share them on social media.
Register on-line: http://
www.active.com/alhambra-ca/running/races/
alhambra-5k-pumpkin-run-2014.
Team registration, five to 10
runners: $30 per runner before
Aug. 31.
Pre-sale, single runner: $35
before Aug. 31.
Regular, single runner: $40
before Sept. 30.
Community Calendar of Events
August
Aug. 4 – Monday
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers
111 S. First St.
Aug. 5 – Tuesday
HUD - Housing Committee
7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Aug. 7 – Thursday
Parks and Recreation Commission
7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park
210 N. Chapel Ave
Aug. 11 – Monday
City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St.
Aug. 12 – Tuesday
•
•
•
•
Alhambra Chamber Board of Directors
8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
Library Board of Trustees
6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.
Youth Commission
6 p.m., Joslyn Center, 210 N. Chapel Ave.
Design Review Board
7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Aug. 18 – Monday
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers
111 S. First St.
Aug. 20 – Wednesday
•
•
Arts & Cultural Events Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Classic Car Show
2014 Summer Series Classic Car Cruz and
Vintage Rides car shows
5 p.m. to dark every third Wednesday through
October
Diner On Main restaurant, 201 W. Main St.,
Alhambra
Contact John Chappell at 626-483-9522 for
information
• Survivors of Murdered Children, SGV Chapter
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Third Wednesday of each month
Alhambra Police Department
211 S. First St., room EDC on second floor
Contact Tina Yamashiro at 626-298-9054 or
[email protected]
Aug. 21 – Thursday
Chamber Lunch & Learn Program
Noon to 1: 30 p.m.
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, 104 S. First St.
Presentations by local business leaders who
address important issues related to small
business success. Lunch is provided.
August presentation by Robert Fukui, High Point
Marketing: “Increase Your Profitability In Two
Months”
Chamber members free
Non-members $15
Phone the Chamber to make reservations:
626-282-8481
Late, single runner: $45 Oct. 1
to day of race.
Race day: $50.
On the day of the run, registration begins at 8 a.m. There will
be a Runners Group Warm-Up at
8:45 a.m., and the 5K Run begins
at 9 a.m. The 5K Walk begins at
September
Sept. 2 – 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. 4 – Thursday
Parks and Recreation Commission.
7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park.
210 N. Chapel Ave.
Sept. 8 – Monday
Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St.
Sept. 9 – Tuesday
City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St
•
•
•
•
Aug. 26 – Tuesday
Sept. 10 – Wednesday
Aug. 25 – Monday
•
•
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.
Aug. 27 – Wednesday
Business After Hours Mixer
Hosted by Chonito’s Mexican Restaurant
2505 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$10 members, $15 non-members
Alhambra Chamber Board of Directors
8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
Library Board of Trustees
6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.
Youth Commission
6 p.m., Joslyn Center, 210 N. Chapel Ave.
Design Review Board
7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Transportation Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Sept. 15 – Monday
Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St.
9:15 a.m. A 1K Kids Run WarmUp & Run begins at 10:30 a.m.
Runners will receive a T-shirt,
a runners bib, and an end-of-race
medal.
For more information, please
e-mail alhambrapumpkinrun@
gmail.com.
Sept. 17 – Wednesday
•
•
Arts & Cultural Events Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
Classic Car Show
2014 Summer Series Classic Car Cruz and
Vintage Rides car shows
5 p.m. to dark every third Wednesday through
October
Diner On Main restaurant, 201 W. Main St.,
Alhambra
Contact John Chappell at 626-483-9522 for
information
Sept. 18 – Thursday
•
Chamber Lunch & Learn Program
Noon to 1: 30 p.m.
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
104 S. First St.
Presentations by local business leaders who
address important issues related to small
business success. Lunch is provided.
September presentation by Brookside Property
Management: “Property Management”
Chamber members free
Non-members $15
Phone the Chamber to make reservations:
626-282-8481
Sept. 22 – Monday
• Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St.
Sept. 23 – 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. 24 – Wednesday
Business After Hours Mixer
Sierra Acura
1701 W. Main St., Alhambra
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$10 members, $15 non-members
Alhambra Service Clubs and Organizations
Tuesday: The Exchange Club meets at 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra. The Rotary Club and Soroptimist Club meet at noon every Tuesday at Almansor Court. The
Civitan Club meets at noon every first and third Tuesday at Azteca Restaurant, 717 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. The Kiwanis Club of Alhambra meets at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday and the third Tuesday at noon
at Denny’s Restaurant, 369 W. Main St., Alhambra (for information, phone 626-943-2542).
Wednesday: The Alhambra Historical Society presents its program meetings at 7:30 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.
20A
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
Top tips for financial
fitness this summer
Insights to personal and small business success
A recent Wells Fargo survey shows
Los Angeles residents rated their physical health to be in better shape than
their financial health. The majority of
respondents acknowledged they spend
more time watching television than
they do thinking about their finances.
Those surveyed said conversations about
personal finances are more challenging
to discuss than religion or politics. Even
among married couples, nearly 40% admitted to having a tough time discussing finances. Wells Fargo Greater San
Gabriel President Sandy Walia offers the
following six tips to get more financially
fit this summer and all year long:
1. Know your goal — Create a
financial plan by determining, setting,
and following your goals. Talk to your
banker or financial adviser about how to
create one, or check out wellsfargo.com
for advice.
2. Budget your money — Create
a budget of your monthly income and
expenses and stick to it. Speak to your
banker or check your bank’s Web site
for advice and tools about how to track
spending and monitor your progress
toward your savings goals.
3. Review expenses — Review
your expenses monthly and reduce
unnecessary ones. Repeat the process
monthly, and cut back where you can.
4. Start saving — No matter
your age, now is the time to start saving
for your retirement. Take advantage
of any retirement savings plan your
employer offers. Many employers offer
a match — if you don’t contribute, you
are essentially leaving free money on
the table. 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plans
are simple and convenient. The money
is automatically withdrawn from your
paycheck, allowing you to save, not be
tempted to spend.
5. Understand credit — Whether
you’re considering purchasing a home or
a new car, ask your banker about what
lenders look for when reviewing a loan
application. Find out how to improve
your credit score to increase your chances of borrowing money at an affordable
interest rate.
6. Pay down debt — Have credit
card debt? Always pay at least your
minimum monthly payment. Paying
more than the minimum, or better yet
the full balance each month, will reduce
the finance charges you may incur. Be
sure not to skip any payments.
Small business owners also have their
own unique set of financial concerns
above and beyond their personal finances. Only half of all new businesses survive
five years or more, and about one-third
survive 10 years or more, according to
the U.S. Small Business Administration.
But despite the many challenges of
starting a business, the business owners
say the rewards are plenty.
In the second quarter of 2014, Wells
Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index
surveyed small business owners across
the U.S. and asked them to look back
Students from Ramona Convent Secondary School recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica. From left:
Melissa Morado, Anna Keledei, Marina Salazar, tour guide, Amber Bugarin, Samantha Montes, Erika
Gomez, and Jourdan Zelaya (kneeling).
Ramona Convent Secondary
School students visit Costa Rica
Sandy Walia, Wells Fargo Greater San Gabriel
president
to when they began their businesses.
Here are the areas they said aspiring
entrepreneurs should consider before
starting and owning a business:
1. Do your research — Have a
solid business plan that includes doing
research to learn about your customers,
your competitors, and your industry,
and meeting with a financial adviser to
review projected cash flow. Surveyed
business owners were asked to identify
the most important challenge they
faced at the time they opened their
business: The number one challenge
was securing accounts and customers
(23%).
2. Get your finances in order
first — Starting any business or buying into a franchise requires you to
make a large initial investment, so it’s
important to ensure that your current
and future finances are in order. In
terms of funds small business owners
used when opening their businesses,
personal savings (77%), loan or credit
(41%), and family and friends (33%)
are the most cited sources of funds.
3. Prepare for profit to take
time — Most small businesses do not
turn a profit immediately, so you need
to make sure you have enough reserves
on hand to cover your expenses. Plan
on having enough working capital on
hand to cover payroll, operations, and
other unplanned expenses for at least a
year.
4. Know what you want —
Think about why you want to start a
business and what the potential opportunity could be. In the survey, the
independence of being your own boss
was by far the most rewarding aspect
of being a business owner identified by
respondents (42%). Interestingly, only
7% said making money was the most
rewarding aspect.
For more information on personal
or professional financial guidance, visit
wellsfargo.com or get to know your
banker.
Students from Ramona Convent Secondary School recently returned from a
trip to Costa Rica.
The eight-day trip was organized
by STEM teacher Aulikki Flagan and
sponsored by the Science Department. It
was an opportunity for students to apply
their knowledge received from their STEM
courses at Ramona. STEM is an acronym
for Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math education.
Ramona Convent offers girls the opportunity to excel in these areas both in and
out of the classroom. Specialized classes
include engineering, physical computing,
forensics, as well as a number of computer
courses and AP and honors level math and
science courses.
In addition to the educational experience, the students spent part of their trip
participating in community service activities at a remote local elementary school.
They poured a new concrete floor in one of
the classrooms, built a new walkway, and
painted the school inside and out.
The students also enjoyed hiking
through the rain forest and seeing waterfalls and an organic farm where students
were able to help local farmers extract sugar
directly from sugar cane. A few students
tried white water rafting.
“This was truly a chance for the students
to cultivate an informed and sensitive awareness of this part of the world in order to
better co-exist with other nations across the
globe,” said Aulikki Flagan, STEM teacher.
Ramona Convent Secondary School
teaches each student “to think about ideas,
people, the world, and themselves as integral parts of a much larger whole. As we
have for 125 years, Ramona kindles each
girl’s intellect, college readiness, and poise
through critical reading, thinking, writing,
and problem solving, and accompanies
each young woman on her self-internalized
journey toward full development.”
San Gabriel Fine Arts Assoc.
to host photography exhibit
San Gabriel Fine Arts Association will
host its annual Photography Exhibition
from Sept.13 to Oct.11 at the Glass Room
Gallery, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel,
which is adjacent to the historic Mission
Playhouse.
This year’s theme is Natural Wonders.
Registration for entries is from noon to 4
p.m. Sept. 10 through Sept. 13 at the gallery. A complete copy of the rules for entry
is available at the gallery, open from noon
to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays.
For more information, phone 626-2821448, or e-mail [email protected].
Visit www.facebook.com/SGFAA or www.
twitter.com/SGFAAArtist.
08/2014
ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
21A
School starts on Aug. 13 for AUSD
Front row, from left: Ryan Dunning, Brandon Wong, Raymond Tran, and Kevin Tong.
Second row, from left: Armando Escandor, Dominic Wimberly, Pranil Dahal, Ricky Armenta, Jacky Liang,
Eyan Calderon, Matthew Lemus, Sebastian Ibarra, Yoppie Noer, Michael Bolanos, and Steven Bonus.
Third row, from left: Michael Sanchez, Alan Nhan, Dmitri Madyomo, Charles Reyes, Joshua Cueva, Andy
Pei, Byron Ng, Raymond Lam, Brian Nguyen, and Nikolai Capili.
Alhambra High School
All Male Dance Team
triumphs with perfect season
In English literary terms, a “situational
irony” involves the unexpected or opposite
outcome at the tail end of a story.
For the 24 members of the Alhambra
High School All Male Dance Team, this
past year proved to be their own situational
irony.
Following a tumultuous 2012-2013
season in which the team participated in
only two competitions, the season looked
pretty bleak at the start of the year. But
after winning first place for the Large All
Male category at the annual Street Dance
USA at Glendale High School in February,
perspectives began to change. The win gave
the team some much-needed confidence.
By the next competition, Cal Pac
Championships at Sonora High School,
the team committed to focusing on cohesion and fixing mistakes made during the
previous week’s competition. The efforts
paid off with another first place trophy for
the Large Male Hip Hop category, which
made the team realize that this year could
prove to be different.
One difference was the capable leadership team, which included Captains Brandon Wong and Raymond Tran, and leader
Ryan Dunning, all three of whom were
seniors. Little did they know at the time
when they would graduate, they would be
leaving the team with the best record ever
for All Male since its founding at Alhambra
High School in 2000.
Adviser Kevin Tong, who took on the
role of adviser in June 2012, recalled the
situation two weeks into the competition
season. “The team faced many obstacles,
including a few left over from the previous
season. But at the end of the awards ceremony, the guys were in tears because of
how hard everyone worked to get to this
point.”
At the following competition, Spirit
Day at West High School in Torrance, the
squad captured its third first-place trophy
along with the High Point Sweepstakes
and the Judge’s Hip Hop Award — an
amazing feat of three top trophies at one
tournament. First- place wins at Wilson,
Glendale, and Fountain Valley High
Schools in addition to UC Irvine solidified
the perfect season. In addition, the guys
won a Judge’s Award at Glendale for Best
Crowd Appeal — an award given for the
performance drawing the most enthusiasm
from the packed audience.
Reflecting on the year’s experience,
Leader Dunning said, “This year has been
one of the few years of my life where I have
been able to say that I have accomplished
something. Winning seven first places for
large has been a fantastic closer for my high
school years and has made me realize how
difficult and rewarding being in charge can
actually be.”
With the triumphant season coming
to a close, Captain Tran reflected on the
successful year: “Through my experiences
as captain, I realize that hard work really
does pay off. At the beginning of the
season, I never would have thought a team
of random guys would be able to work so
well together. However, as time passed, the
bond grew between each member and with
that, our ability to perform as one unit. Being captain of this team has been a once in
a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad it was
this year that I had that chance to lead.”
As for the future of the team, recruitment and tryouts occurred near the end of
the school year, and summer practices and
conditioning have already commenced.
Captain Wong knows all too well the
importance of training the newest of
members. “I honestly didn’t think we were
going to do well at all this season. Raising
this team from the ground up was a real
pleasure, and I hope the guys had as much
fun as I did raising them.”
To Advertise in Around Alhambra
call
626-282-8481
Repetto Elementary’s Roadrunner Super Bowl IV.
School begins
Aug. 13 for AUSD
Alhambra Unified begins its 20142015 school year on Wednesday, Aug.
13. For new students, each school
site handles its own enrollment. An
enrollment packet with instructions
is available on www.ausd.us; click on
Enrollment. Parents complete and take
this enrollment packet, along with proof
of residence (three things: typically a
utility bill, cellular phone statement,
and driver’s license/ID card. See Web
site for other options); student’s immu-
nization record; and birth certificate, to
the school. Each school can answer any
questions about special circumstances.
Parents are encouraged to enroll students
early.
To see the 2014-2015 AUSD student
calendar, please visit www.ausd.us.
To learn about required immunizations for California schools, please visit
www.shotsforschools.org, a site created
by the California Department of Public
Health.
22A
ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA08/2014
The AUSD will fully implement the new Common Core State Standards starting Aug. 13.
Common Core State
Standards in AUSD
The first day of school for the Alhambra
Unified School District is Aug.13, which
will also be the first day of Common Core
State Standards (CCSS) full implementation by the District. Throughout the past
school year, AUSD teachers and administrators have diligently prepared for the new
CCSS through all-day workshops and collaboration periods. In the fall, Educational
Services will host Common Core Parent
Summits for parents to learn more about
the CCSS. The elementary school summit
will take place Sept. 27, and the secondary
school summit will take place Oct. 4; locations and times to be announced.
The Common Core State Standards are
new educational standards that will be universal to the more than 40 states that have
adopted them thus far. The CCSS were
developed to keep consistent and high expectations among U.S. public schools and
to provide an easier transition for students
who transfer schools. The standards were
internationally benchmarked, meaning
they were developed to be competitive with
schools internationally.
Previously, each state developed its own
standards; now there is greater collaboration and a sharing of resources among
states. The CCSS aim to prepare students
for college and careers with curriculum that
emphasizes problem solving, critical thinking, project-based learning, and real world
application to the 21st century workplace.
For language arts, there is a greater focus
on exploring text complexity, addressing
reading and writing across the curriculum,
emphasizing informational text, and focusing on writing arguments anddrawing
evidence from sources. States are allowed to
modify some of the CCSS, and California
chose to keep cursive writing as one of its
standards for elementary school. Math
standards were adjusted, allowing teachers
to explore topics with more depth than
with previous standards.
The CCSS were designed for students
to prove their work, instead of merely
just providing a fill-in-the-blank response.
Complementing this objective, a new
standardized test was developed by the
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
(SBAC) that replaces the bubble-in California STAR tests. The new test, all taken
on computers, “allows students to respond
in new ways, such as editing text or drawing an object,” according to California
Educator magazine. “Students are asked in
some cases to demonstrate and explain how
they arrived at their responses. The test is
‘adaptive,’ which means that the complexity of the questions increases or decreases
based on student responses. There is also a
performance task component, which asks
students to complete a series of steps, culminating in a final product,” the magazine
stated.
AUSD field tested the SBAC last year
and will have a three-year adjustment
period to the new test before its results can
be used for accountability purposes, per
Assembly Bill 484.
Throughout the summer, groups of
AUSD teachers have been engaged in
>> see COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS Page 23A
08/2014
ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
23A
AUSD students win first, second
place in the 2014 Congressional
Artistic Discovery Competition
Incoming second-year SGHS Speech and Debate team member
Carolina Garcia performs her speech to returning alumnus Stanley
Ho, who will attend UC Berkeley in the fall.
Jonathan Le, center, with his first place artwork “Falling,” art teacher Connie
Yim, left, and Congresswoman Judy Chu. Jonathan, who graduated in May
from Alhambra High School, won the 2014 Congressional Artistic Discovery
Competition for the 27th District, sponsored by Congresswoman Chu. He received
a $1,500 scholarship and an all expenses paid trip for two to Washington, D.C.
to attend the National Artistic Discovery Unveiling Ceremony in June. Jonathan’s
artwork, along with the other winning entries, is being displayed in the U.S.
Capitol building in Washington D.C. for the next year. Ms. Yim, who teaches
drawing and painting at AHS, received a $100 gift card to purchase art supplies.
Karen Ng, left, poses with her artwork “Utada Hikaru”
and Congresswoman Chu. Karen, who graduated in May
from Alhambra High School, placed second in the 2014
Congressional Artistic Discovery Competition. She received
a $1,000 scholarship. Her piece is being displayed in
Congresswoman Chu’s Washington D.C. office. She was
also a student of Connie Yim’s.
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST From Page 1A
Jonathan, who was also accepted
into the top art schools of the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, Otis College of Art and Design
in Los Angeles, and the Art Institute
of Chicago, certainly had his pick of
art schools. He chose not to apply
to nearby Art Center because it was
“too close.”
Getting out of his comfort zone
and taking flight have been themes
that Jonathan has explored in his artwork. His ink and water color piece
“Falling” recently won first place
in the 2014 Congressional Artistic
Discovery Competition for the 27th
District, sponsored by Congresswoman Judy Chu. The abstract work
with streaks of red and blue depicts
a bird dying of bullet wounds and
escaping turmoil.
“It’s beautiful even though he’s
getting hurt,” Jonathan said of the
bird, which is a metaphor for him.
“There’s a contrast between light and
dark. He’s going to the unknown.
You always have to challenge yourself, and you can’t just always stay on
the safe side. You always have to go
somewhere you’re not comfortable.
That’s the only way you can improve
as an artist and a person.”
“Falling” is the most abstract
piece the young artist has created so
far. “Typically, I’m really technical. I
draw classically trained, very structured and careful. That was the first
one I tried to do anything random.
I dripped the ink and let it flow… I
think it’s important to have control
and let it flow. It’s really nice when it’s
unpredictable,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan’s art teacher for two years
at Alhambra High School, Connie
Yim, helped him expand his artistic
vision. “She taught me to be creative,
to let loose, to be less technical and
more inspirational. It was a good
year,” Jonathan said.
With Ms. Yim’s guidance and
support, Jonathan, along with two
other students, took the AP studio
art: 2-D design exam without a
formal class. The exam asks for a
portfolio of 20 works, with 10 pieces
centering on a narrative. Jonathan’s
“Falling” was number eight in the
narrative series which was essentially
a self-portrait symbolically exploring
the idea of flight using bird imagery.
Jonathan earned a 5 mark on his
portfolio, which meant “extremely
well qualified.”
Before taking Ms. Yim’s drawing
and painting classes, Jonathan was
not sure of his future path. “I’ve
always liked drawing, but I didn’t
think I could do it seriously because
of the starving artist stereotype. But I
really enjoyed the class and decided,
‘This is something I could do for the
rest of my life.’” In his junior year, he
began producing art in earnest and
through Ms. Yim’s recommendation
enrolled in Ryman Arts, a free art
training program for motivated and
talented teens in Los Angeles. At
Alhambra High School, Jonathan’s
senior year curriculum, which he got
after “really annoying his counselor”
heavily favored arts and humanities:
AP art history, digital media, drawing
and painting, AP English literature,
trigonometry, and government.
And he prepared for the AP studio
art exam on his own with Ms. Yim.
His extracurricular activities were
Kokua Lima, an animal service club;
ERAS, an environmental research
club; and AcaDec. For his clubs,
Jonathan designed their T-shirts and
advertisements.
Jonathan thanks his teachers for
all their support. “Looking back,
teachers try to help you a lot. The
ones I asked for recommendation
letters – they put their all into
helping me get into college.” The
previously self-described “shy and
moody” student offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help if
you need it. I started opening up
in high school and in senior year.
I started asking. There’s this weird
wall between teachers and students,
and everyone is shy. But you need to
build relationships. This year, I had
more opportunities because I started
speaking up.”
Ms. Yim is proud of Jonathan’s
accomplishments.“The
quality
that separates Jonathan from most
students is that he understands art at
a deep conceptual level,” she said. “I
always tell my students that in order
for anyone to have a shot at being a
successful artist, they need to have an
exceptional talent combined with an
exceptional work ethic; Jonathan has
both.”
Jonathan also appreciates his
parents for being supportive of his
choices. “I’m really lucky. [My parents] were OK with art but not quite
sure at first, until I started winning
things. And now they are on board,”
he said with a smile. His parents, twin
brother, and older sister traveled with
him to Washington D.C. in June to
see his winning piece “Falling” be
unveiled in the U.S. Capitol where
it will be on display for a year. His
prizes included a $1,500 scholarship
and an all expenses paid trip for
two to Washington, D.C. Jonathan
comes from a family that appreciates
the arts and social sciences – his sister
is majoring in communications and
film, and his brother plans on studying English and anthropology.
Jonathan is thinking about majoring in graphic design but perhaps will
change to animation and illustration.
As he prepares to leave his SGV nest,
he looks forward to life as an artist on
the East Coast.
To learn more about the
Congressional Art Competition,
please visit http://chu.house.gov/
how-i-can-help/art-competition.
To learn more about AP studio
art: 2-D design, please visit https://
apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-studio-art-2-d-design. The
site has links to other AP art classes
such as art history, music theory,
drawing, and 3-D design.
To learn more about Ryman Arts,
please visit http://www.ryman.org.
SGHS Speech and
Debate looks forward
to new season
The San Gabriel High School Speech and Debate
Team will end its summer practice and start a new competition year this August.
“We adopted a new practice model this year and
assigned each event one week out of the summer where
they were mandated to come,”Coach Andrew Nguyen
said. “Although this has allowed us to give students more
individual attention than they would get during the
school year, it means practice is now held nearly every
day of the summer. Still, hard to argue with results.”
The team started the year by recruiting its largest
freshman class since 2005, and ended it by earning its
first sweepstakes trophy in four years, placing second out
of the 10 medium-sized schools in its division.
“I’m also extremely grateful that many recent graduates, as well as alumni from as far back as the class of
’12, have volunteered to help the team this summer,”
Mr. Nguyen said. “Their sense of service and dedication,
even after they’ve completed the program, has been
humbling.”
The team will have 36 returning debaters, 27 of whom
were recruited last year. Mr. Nguyen cited additional
practice space and adult judges as the biggest hurdles for
next year. Speech tournaments require each school to
bring a certain number of parents or volunteer adults to
judge based on the size of the team.
When asked about goals for next year, Mr. Nguyen
said he would focus on the well-being of the team first
and trophies second.
“There’s a danger in speech of only ‘focusing on the
winners,’ when your goals become narrowly defined by
competitive results. I believe in building a strong team
overall, in which every dedicated member can give and
receive support for their events. Many of our top competitors were not star speakers when they came in, but hard
work, in tandem with a supportive and resource-rich
environment, breeds success,” Mr. Nguyen said.
Students sign up for the team by enrolling in the
seventh-period class, which meets after school. The team
has a five-week period in which students can try Speech
and Debate before deciding to finalize their membership.
For more information and volunteering opportunities,
please contact Coach Nguyen at [email protected].
COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS
From Page 22A
developing curriculum, site leadership teams, and
appropriate lessons in preparation of CCSS implementation. On Aug. 11, all certificated personnel
will be involved in a one-day CCSS training in
preparation for first day of school.
To learn more about the CCSS, attend the
Parent Summits in the fall and visit www.ausd.us
for resources under the Common Core link. To see
a sample SBAC test, please visit www.smarterbalanced.org/sample-items-and-performance-tasks/
The California State PTA also has developed
Common Core parent guides: www.capta.org/
sections/programs/e-standards.cfm
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