Temple City Tribune » Around the Valley

Rosemead Officials Make a Big Splash Saturday

Terry Miller — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:49:48 +0000

Rosemead's young Mayor was the first to try out the new Splash Zone - Photos by Terry Miller

Hundreds attend The Grand Opening of Splash Zone in Rosemead held Saturday, July 9 10:00 a.m.Garvey Park

There was Free Swimming! Food!Giveaways at Rosemead’s new one dollar a day Splash Zone to keep the city cool on a hoy July morning.

First down theSplash Zone slide was the mayor, Saturday at Garvey Park.
Two Large Waterslides, two multi-age splash play areas, a1500 sq ft Lesson Pool
plus a New Bath House plus a Shade Shelter are all the result of a grant.

No taxpayer dollars were spent of this community resource.

Temple City High Graduate Commands Final Flight on Shuttle Discovery

Terry Miller — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:49:18 +0000

Discovery Takes Off Thursday - Photo courtesy of NASA

Temple City High Graduate Commands Final Flight on Shuttle Discovery

Discovery, blasted off last week into orbit for the final time, commanded by Temple City High School graduate Steve Lindsey, on a journey that marks the end of the shuttle era.
The six astronauts on board, all experienced space fliers, were thrilled to be on their way to the International Space Station after a delay of nearly four months for fuel tank repairs. Discovery is the oldest of NASA’s three surviving space shuttles and the first to be decommissioned this year. Two missions remain, first by Atlantis and then Endeavour, to end the 30-year program.
Launch director Mike Leinbach anticipated it would be “tough” to see Discovery take off for the 39th and final time, and even harder when it returns March 7.
Lindsey, 50, a retired Air Force colonel from Temple City, is making his fifth shuttle flight and his third aboard Discovery.
He flew alongside Mercury astronaut John Glenn on Discovery in 1998, and then traveled twice to the space station before taking a turn as NASA’s chief astronaut. He has been an astronaut since 1995 and is uncertain about his future plans.
He and wife Diane have three children ranging in age from 18 to the mid-20s.

67th Camellia Festival Kick-Off Breakfast Announces Grand Marshal and other dignitaries

Terry Miller — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 20:29:23 +0000

Jerry Jambazian is the 2011 Grand Marshal

Mary Sneed, 2011 General Chairman of the Camellia Festival, thanked the many volunteers who take their valuable time to be part of the Camellia Festival each year at a Saturday morning breakfast at City Hall Saturday.
This year’s theme “ Dreams May Come True” was submitted by 7th grade Oak Park student Tiffanie Jie. The theme, interestingly ties in closely with the Tournament of Roses Parade for 2011 which is Building Dreams, Memories and Friendships.
While the TOR big brother parade is televised worldwide – the Camellia Festival is a small wonder of floats built entirely by children and the parade for and about children. No commercial floats are allowed.
At Saturday’s breakfast the official announcement of Grand Marshal was made. The 2011 Grand Marshal is ace shutterbug who is no stranger to the Temple City Camellia Parade, Mr. Jerry Jambazian. Jambazian is the consummate volunteer of Temple City who is at every event in town, come rain or shine, with his trusty Canon digital camera capturing those special moments.

What began in 1944 started by the Women’s Club of Temple City as a small parade of youngsters who tossed camellia blossoms to parade watchers, has now become a signature event in Temple City attracting an estimated 5000 children and more than 20,000 visitors to Temple City each year.
The Camellia Festival is held on the last weekend in February which is only a part of the three day festival. A carnival in Temple City Park as well as an Art show.

Senator Carol Liu Tours Small Businesses in Temple City

Terry Miller — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 22:02:22 +0000

Senator Carol Liu visited local Temple City businesses Saturday morning. The businesses toured represent different industries and services within thecity, including LA Tax and Financial Services, Casa Del Rey Mexican Restaurant, Wonder Cleaners and Draperies, You and Me Findings Jewelry, and two of the city’s newest businesses – Anca Realty and Café Roulé.
The Temple City Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception at the Chamber office to kick off the walk.

Photos by Terry Miller

Council Keeps Eye on State Lawmakers as Budget Issues Threaten to Trickle Down

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:40:57 +0000

Sierra Madre City Councilman John Buchanan briefly discussed the effects of the latest proposed state budget on Sierra Madre at the Sierra Madre City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Buchanan was dubious about what the state’s actual final budget might actually look like and how it will affect the states counties and municipalities, saying, “Like any of us can really tell.”
Currently, an 8% takeaway of property tax is proposed. This reduction of property tax, the leading contributor of revenue to the city’s general fund, will have a strong negative impact the city’s budget. Additionally, the governor’s office recently proposed a three-quarters reduction of the gas tax. This gas tax is to the per gallon tax, not the sales tax. The amount from this reduction, which is effectively a seizure of funds traditionally earmarked for municipalities to fill the worsening state budget gap, would add up to $750 million. That translates to around a $250,000 potential loss for Sierra Madre’s general fund.
More information on the state budget to come as we track the latest developments in print and on our website, www.sierramadreweekly.com.

No Protective Barriers Needed for North Baldwin Dining Area

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:40:42 +0000

After a member of the community expressed concern for the safety of patrons dining on the sidewalk on north Baldwin Ave, the Sierra Madre City Council was presented a report by Director Bruce Inman of Public Works at the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. The department staff contacted the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA), a traffic engineer, the police, and other cities. JPIA said that they “did not believe [sidewalk dining] is an inherently dangerous practice.”
The city’s traffic engineer reported that a standard curb is generally considered an acceptable barrier to prevent accidents, especially when vehicles are travelling at speeds typical to urban areas. The police had no record of accidents involving sidewalk-dining patrons and vehicles, and the majority of other cities contacted said that a minimum setback from the street was adequate. Sierra Madre currently requires an 18-inch setback from the street.
While the given report did not recommend any necessary action, it did investigate bollards, which could potentially be used to prevent vehicles from injuring patrons. The bollards would be installed at each parking stall, with the total cost being $41,000. However, it was unclear whether the bollards would actually provide protection, or pose another possible hazard. Additionally, it could further reduce the already-limited sidewalk space.
The Sierra Madre City Council decided to receive and file the report, given that there was no present need and the sidewalk was not actually deemed unsafe. The council requested enforcement of the 18-inch setback by walking police officers, and agreed to revisit the item if it became an issue.

By Morgan Carpenter

APD Adds To Thin Blue Line

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:28:35 +0000

Friends, family, and future co-workers gathered in Arcadia Council Chambers on Thursday, June 11, 2009 to observe the swearing in and badge pinning ceremony of two new officers to the Arcadia Police Department.
Though the department is operating under a hiring freeze, due to City budget cuts, natural attrition sometimes necessitates hiring replacements to maintain numbers at the level allowed under the freeze.
Chief Bob Sanderson said, “One of the very few upsides to the current economy is that, with more and more applicants available, it provides us an even better opportunity to attract the cream of the crop. That is what we feel we have in these two officers.” Both graduated from Rio Hondo Police Academy.
Officer Cameron Link was a Navy Corpsman from 10/2003 to 10/2008. He served with Marines and was decorated with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his service as a Line Corpsman with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines in Iraq from 7/2005 to 9/2007.
He graduated from Rio Hondo with a 93% GPA.
Officer Jay Lee holds a Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University(1995) and a Master of Fine Arts from University of Southern California(2000). He worked in the entertainment industry and as an adjunct instructor at Citrus Community College before deciding to change careers to law enforcement.
He graduated from Rio Hondo with a 94% GPA.

By Dorothy Denne

Symphony Unveils Plan to Overcome Obstacles

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:21:32 +0000

“We have supported the Pasadena Symphony for years,” I was told by a woman at an opening recently. “But,” she continued, “no more after the mismanagement there.”
That is exactly the perception that CEO, Paul Jan Zdunek, must overcome in order to keep his organization, The Pasadena Symphony Association, from becoming stalled in a morass.
To accomplish the dual goals of changing attitudes both inside and outside the Association, Zdunek announced his plan last week which he calls a “Recovery Plan for a Sustainable Future”. He made the presentation before press and community representatives on the steps of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last week. Zdunek conceded that, as many in the community had worried, the organization was on a downward spiral caused by both the Symphony and the Pasadena Pops living beyond their means. He also admits that the combination of the Pasadena Symphony Association and the Pasadena Pops Orchestra was handled poorly since economies of scale that were promised did not occur and the two camps had distinctly different goals leading to conflict among board members. Ever the optimist, Zdunek swept the situation under the rug: “Neither the economy nor the combining of these two organizations caused the crisis, they only exacerbated the situations mentioned above.”
The recovery plan is a roadmap to restore fiscal balance now and in the future, restore consumer confidence in staff and Board while hanging on to the corporate sponsorships the Pops has developed and widening support among individuals, the hallmark of support for the Pasadena Symphony.
To save money and to inspire greater audience attendance, the plan calls for a more popular repertoire choice, cheaper guest artists, and smaller orchestras. The plan calls for “significantly marketable and fiscally responsible” programming that will reduce the budget needs by 33%. The report says this style of programming will still be artistically satisfying.
Jorge Mester, the conductor of the Pasadena Symphony for the past quarter-century, indicated his support of the program, perhaps knowing that orchestras across the country are tightening belts in similar ways, but it’s no doubt tough medicine for him to swallow, since he is well-known nationally for progressive programming—having received awards for the introduction of modern works. Mester has also accepted a 10% pay cut for the 2009-2010 season, along with the conductor of the Pasadena Pops, Rachael Worby. CEO Zdunek announced he will also receive a 10% pay cut.
No mention was made of the orchestra’s musicians and any affect the recovery program may have on them. Contract negotiations with Local 47 are scheduled to begin soon. When concerts were cancelled late last year by what was then called The Orchestras of Pasadena, stunned musicians took to blogs to voice their complaints.
Laurie Niles, a member of the violin section of both the Symphony and the Pops orchestras, stated in October, 2008, on her blog, violinist.com, “It was like a punch in the stomach.”
The orchestra members were asked to perform at least one concert without pay. She said that other orchestras she performs with, facing economic hardship, had also asked for reduced fees for performing, in turn creating hardship for her and her colleagues.
“The November concert was one of just five planned for this season, so losing it [the performance] means a significant pay cut for the musicians,” the professional freelance musician said.
Other concerts were also curtailed later, and whether or not the musicians’ paychecks are up-to-date at this point is not known. The Recovery Plan says that past-due bills will be honored over time with 5% owing to be paid from May, 2009 to September, 2009 and then increased to 10% per month from October 2009 to September 2010 on all open balances. The plan pledges to keep future invoices current.
The Pasadena Pops Orchestra will perform at Descanso Gardens this current summer season but will see several changes in next summer. The orchestra, under conductor Rachael Worby, will be separately “branded” from the Pasadena Symphony, the plan says. The orchestra will move from its present home at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge to a grassy area near Lot H of the Rose Bowl beginning in summer of 2010. The reasoning, according to the plan, is that the larger open area will draw the same number of fans that might regularly attend – about 3,500 for its two-night performances – to the much larger venue in only a single night instead. Additionally, ticket prices will be adjusted, with higher prices for better tables towards the front and more reasonably priced offerings in the expanded lawn seating at the rear.
For their part, the City of Pasadena is expected to give the Pops a special deal for moving to Lot H, the designated tailgate party spot for UCLA Bruin games at the Rose Bowl. Zdunek promises to come up with a better sounding name for the Pops’ new concert venue than “Lot H”.
The Pasadena Symphony will remain at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for its concert season. As with the Pops, Symphony tickets will be scaled according to the best seat locations and also introduce special package offers. The Plan envisions a Family Package for children under 17 at $10 if purchased with an adult full-price admission; a student all-concert card for $30 that will allow attendance at all concerts for the entire season—with a commitment to find good seats for students.
Like most everywhere else, staff reductions have already been implemented and those who remain have accepted a 5% pay-cut. An aggressive marketing campaign will attempt to bring revenues from ticket sales and contributions to a 50-50% level, rather than the current 28-72% mix. Partnerships with The Agency and a class at the Art Center College of Design, plus numerous fund and friend-raising events are anticipated. Fund raising, according to the plan, will be smaller affairs hoping to enthuse audiences by bringing musicians and audience closer together. Gala events have been totally axed.
The 2009-2010 budget has been reduced from around $5 million to $3.2 million, an amount Zdunek previously announced must be raised by Sept. 30.
A portion of the Association’s revenue will be earmarked to fortify endowments for the future. These funds will have strengthened controls to assure a sustainable future for the Pasadena Symphony Association. The Board of Directors will be increased from the current 35 members to a total of 45, the maximum number allowed under the by-laws of the Association. Each new director will be expected to demonstrate a genuine interest in the goals of the Association and arts in general; be from the region served by the orchestras; be able to network with professional, community and personal peers; and be representative of the geographic and socio-economic demographics of the area.
Association educational programs will continue, but only those which are fully-funded. The popular fee-based Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra will continue.
Paul Jan Zdunek came to the Pasadena Symphony Association as a crisis-management consultant, but as the endowment fund was depleted by the economic downturn, the Board turned to Zdunek to take charge of the organization, naming him Chief Executive Officer on Nov. 21 of last
year. His recovery plan comes at a difficult time for orchestras and other non-profit organizations all across the country. Last year’s reported decline of charitable donations for all groups nationally was about 2%, while donations for Arts and Humanities have declined 6.4%. But despite the national trend, support remains relatively generous for music groups in the San Gabriel Valley.

By Bill Peters

Beacon Media’s Photo Caption Contest

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:01:17 +0000

We are not quite sure what Congressman David Dreier (left) was talking to Sierra Madre Councilman Don Watts about during last week’s dedication of the Mira Monte reservoir in Sierra Made.

However with the recent controversy over Don Watts’ decision to “toss a nickel” on his Mayoral selection at Sierra Madre city council, the possibilities are endless. Therefore we decided to leave to fun of writing a caption to our fun loving readers.
Please email your best captions to: letters@beaconmedianews.com

The winner’s entry will appear next week on our website and in the printed edition.

Brown Bag Lunch Talk: By Mitchell Bishop, New Curator at the LA County Arboretum

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:01:17 +0000

The Arcadia Historical Museum is excited to have new curator at the Los Angeles County Arboretum talk at our Brown Bag Lunch Talk from 12 noon – 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.

Mitchell Bishop will speak about “The Cultural Landscape of Rancho Santa Anita.” Free “brown bag” lunch talks about various aspects of Arcadia history are held on the third Thursday of every month at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum. Bring your own lunch or enjoy our free pizza and drinks (first come, first served!).

The Arcadia Historical Museum is located at 380 W. Huntington Drive, immediately behind the Community Center and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is always free.

For further information on each talk please call the Museum in advance at (626) 574-5440.