May 2016 Section A - Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

05/2016
East Los Angeles College will officially unveil its new Campus Center
Bookstore, Student Success Center, and Campus Quad at a ceremony
on Thursday, May 5.
ELAC to unveil new Campus
Center Bookstore, Student
Success Center, Campus Quad
E
ast Los Angeles College
will unveil its new
Campus Center Bookstore, the Student Success
Center, and the new Campus
Quad at a ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the college’s
Cinco de Mayo celebration
at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 5,
on the Campus Quad, 1301
Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park.
President Marvin Martinez
will be joined by leaders from
the Los Angeles Community
College District, as well as local
elected officials, members of
the surrounding community,
and students and faculty to
showcase East Los Angeles
College’s newest buildings.
As part of ELAC’s Cinco de
Mayo celebration, the East Los
Angeles College Foundation
will also feature El Bracero
Mariachi Opera at 7:30 p.m.
in the Ingalls Auditorium. At
5:30 p.m., the Foundation will
host a Taste of East L.A. food
and drink sampling and a silent
auction in Ingalls Auditorium.
A Taste of ELAC food tasting
Last year, Mayor Gary Yamauchi asked all veterans at the Memorial Day Ceremony to come forward to join him
in honoring those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
City, American Legion to host
Memorial Day Ceremony
A
lhambra’s annual Memorial Day celebration, sponsored by the City of Alhambra
and American Legion Post # 139, will
take place at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, in the
Veterans Memorial area of Alhambra Park at the
corner of Palm Avenue
and Alhambra Road.
Following the ceremony, light refreshments will
be served in the park, and
>> see MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY Page 8A
>> see ELAC UNVEILS Page 13A
CITY NEWS PAGE 2A
CHAMBER NEWS
PAGE 10A
COMMUNITY NEWS
PAGE 16A
ACADEMIC NEWS
PAGE 25A
Century High School new campus.
AUSD High School Bond Measure
proves to be District-wide success
BY ANTONIO GONZALES
O
n Nov. 2, 2004, voters passed the High
School Bond Measure
“C” which allowed the District
to make a multitude of improvements to the schools that
would never have been possible
otherwise. Through years of
dedicated planning and execution, the District exhibited to
the community that it could
spend the money effectively and
>> see BOND MEASURE Page 26A
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CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA05/2016
Registration opens for
Superstars, Basketball
Sports Camp
Registration is open for Superstars
Club for children 5 to 8 years old and
Basketball Sports Camp for children 7 to
13 years old online at www.cityofalhambra.org; in person at the Almansor Park
Recreation Division Office, weekdays
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and by phone at
626-570-5081.
Superstars Club teaches youngsters the
rules and skills of eight popular sports:
kickball, flag football, baseball, dodge
ball, soccer, badminton, basketball, and
field hockey. They also learn important
aspects of participation, teamwork, and
sportsmanship.
Two Superstars Clubs — one at Almansor Park and one at Granada Park —
will meet from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for eight
weeks beginning on Monday, June 6, and
ending on July 19. No club on July 4.
First come, first served registration
is open until Friday, June 3, or until the
Superstars Club is full. The fee is just $30
and includes a free Superstars T-shirt.
Superstars parents will meet with program leaders at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June
2, in the Almansor Park Gymnasium.
Basketball Sports Camp teaches
7- to 13-year-olds how to become better
basketball team players, giving partic-
ipants
practice
in ball-handling,
dribbling,
and
defense, but also teaching them important lessons about
self-esteem, teamwork, and the value of
hard work.
Two summer sessions of Basketball
Sports Camp are scheduled at the Almansor Park Gymnasium four days each
week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday — for two weeks from 9:30 a.m. to
11:30 a.m. Session I begins on Monday,
June 27, and ends on Friday, July 8. No
camp on July 4. Session II begins on
Monday, July 11, and ends on Friday, July
22.
First come, first served registration
is highly recommended well in advance
of the beginning of each session since
registration will close when the Basketball
Sports Camp is full. The registration fee is
just $30 and includes a free Sports Camp
T-shirt.
Superstars and the Basketball Sports
Camp are two of the most popular recreational programs of the year, so early
registration is recommended.
For information about these two
programs, please phone 626-570-5081
weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
05/2016
AROUND ALHAMBRA
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is a monthly publication with a total circulation of
40,000. It is mailed to every business and residence in
the city of Alhambra. Around Alhambra is also mailed
to all interested local, state and county officials.
We welcome comments, press releases and
community interest stories and will make every
effort to include all appropriate information.
For advertising rates and other information, contact
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
104 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801
Tel: 626 282-8481 Fax: 626 282-5596
www.alhambrachamber.org
Executive Committee
President:
Robert Fukui, High Point Marketing
Vice President:
Evike Chang, Evike.com
Immediate Past President:
Lee Lieberg, Landz Real Estate
At-Large members:
Frank Chen, Law Offices of Frank W. Chen
Valarie Gomez, West San Gabriel Valley YMCA
Megan Moloughney, The Ratkovich Co./The Alhambra
Mark Paulson, Anthony Venti Realtors
Board of Directors
Nickie Chan, LifeWave
Iris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medical Center
Rafael Garcia , Republic Services
Joe Pavon, Al’s Towing
Todd Sakamoto, The Mailbox Shop
Helen Romero-Shaw, So. California Gas Company
Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern California
Dr. David Snyder, Optometrist
Walter Tang, Superior Scientific
Joanna Vargas, The Fit Factor Studio
Ambassadors
Nickie Chan, president
Sam Yue
Eddie Garcia
Phoebe Lew
Kay Lee Fukui
Mary Ann Torres-Co
Richard Jones
Frances Lo
Jewelyn Co
Staff
Executive Director: Sharon Gibbs
Membership/Advertising Sales: Stan Yonemoto
Legislative Affairs: Owen Guenthard
Office Manager: Irma Hernandez
Editor: Dulcy Jenkins
Writers: William Kinman, Gary Frueholz, Adriana Maestas
Office Assistant: Rosemarie Valerio
Published by: Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
AROUND ALHAMBRA is not responsible nor liable for any claims or offerings,
nor responsible for product availability that may be advertised. Opinions
expressed in columns, letters and guest editorials are those of the authors.
All rights reserved. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission
is prohibited.
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA05/2016
Sen. Ed Hernandez honors
City Manager Mary Swink,
YMCA CEO Valarie Gomez
Alhambra City Manager
Mary Swink and Valarie
Gomez, CEO of YMCA
of West San Gabriel Valley,
were honored by Sen. Dr. Ed
Hernandez, O.D., at his annual Women of Achievement
awards ceremony in March to
recognize outstanding women
and their contributions to
their respective communities.
Each of the honorees was
chosen for her public service
and dedication to inspiring
girls and women to achieve
their full potential.
“Back when I was an
assemblymember, this award
was given up in Sacramento.
In the Senate, there was no
budget for it, but I felt it was
important to still hold this
event,” said Sen. Hernandez.
“This year’s honorees represent the very best of the 22nd
Senate District. From public
safety to social services, health
care to sports to exceptional
volunteerism, each honoree
has profoundly and positively
impacted her respective communities. This celebration
acknowledges their individual
contribution and recognizes
the extraordinary determination and tenacity of women.
It is with respect, pride, and
admiration that we are honoring these women and their
achievements today.”
Call for nominations were
announced in early January,
and official flyers and nomination forms were dropped
off at city halls, community
centers, and public libraries
throughout the district. Additionally, e-blasts were sent
through e-mails and nomination forms made available on
the SD-22 Web site. Through
an open community nomina-
Sen. Ed Hernandez, O.D., honors outstanding women
of the 22nd Senate District, Alhambra City Manager
Mary Swink, left, and Valarie Gomez, CEO of YMCA
of West San Gabriel Valley, at the 2016 Women of
Achievement Awards.
tion process, Sen. Hernandez received nominations
across the district from community members, elected
officials, business associations, and family members.
Alhambra construction
projects in progress
Project
Description
Dates
Sewer Line Replacement
Sewer line replacement on Ross
Avenue, Edgewood Drive to
Campbell Avenue
Valley Boulevard and Seventh
Street
Almansor Street, Los Higos
to Valley; Valley Boulevard,
Almansor Street to Garfield
Avenue
Replacement of the 4” and 14”
Water Mains on Westmont Drive
between Sherwood and Norwich
Avenues
Started April 2016 - July
2016
High-intensity Activated
Crosswalk (HAWK) System
Sewer Replacement Project
Water Main Replacement
Project
Completed & Operational
Ongoing - May 2016
Start May 2016 - August
2016
VISIT THE CHAMBER ONLINE AT
alhambrachamber.org
05/2016
CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
Alhambra police officers finished in second place in the race category involving agencies with
less than 100 officers in the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay.
Alhambra Police place second
for agencies with less than 100
officers in Baker to Vegas Relay
Officers from the Alhambra Police
Department finished in second place in
the race category involving agencies with
less than 100 officers in the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay. Their overall
time was 16 hours and 37 minutes. They
have participated in the 120-mile relay
in the heart of the desert since 1987.
The event is the most prestigious and
unique law enforcement foot race in the
world.
The 20-officer team members each
ran varying distances, aided by a support
team who looked after the runners,
keeping them safe, healthy, and hydrated
throughout their ordeal.
The City of Alhambra congratulates
Alhambra’s runners: Robert Marshall,
Sally Dominguez, Russell Rongavilla,
Michael Hennes, Efren Tamayo, Gerardo Diaz, Joel Ramirez, Kristopher
Flores, Byron Garay, Wilfredo Ruiz,
KhashayarMoghadam, Brian Chung,
Taichi Seki, David Tran, Carlos Donato,
Derrick Lew, Jesus Romero, Eduardo
Cervantes, Marissabel Orozco, and
Kean Oda.
Alternate runners included Jose Quinones, Dany Fuentes, Eric Ybarra, and
Michael Placencia.
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101 S. First St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-570-5008
www.alhambralibrary.org
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
11 am - 9 pm
10 am - 9 pm
10 am - 9 pm
10 am - 5 pm
10 am - 5 pm
10 am - 5 pm
1 pm - 5 pm
05/2016
Alhambra Civic Center Library
gears up for summer reading fun
Summer Reading Programs for children,
teens, and adults begin on Tuesday, May
31.
May is chock full of activities that will
please all library addicts, including children’s story times, family films, author visits
via Google Hangouts, and more.
Family Story Time continues at 7 p.m.
Wednesdays in the Story Time Room offering stories and other activities for families
with children ages 3 to 12.
Registration for a new session of Early
Literacy Story Times for 0- to 3-year-old
children begins Tuesday, June 7, and is
scheduled for Alhambra residents on Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29. Non-resident registration begins on Tuesday, May
31. See full registration and requirement
details at www.alhambralibrary.org/kids/
kids.html. Click on “Story Time.”
May film programs include Jet Li’s
Once Upon a Time in China, for adults, on
Tuesday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m., and for the
whole family — The Wizard of Oz, based
upon L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s fantasy novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, will
entertain viewers of all ages on Saturday,
May 14, at 11 a.m. In addition, for teens
only, the movie Grease will be shown on
Thursday, May 19 at 3 p.m., supplemented
by some summertime ice cream treats at
the old-fashioned ice cream stand.
Masterfile Premier, the library’s magazine database, provides access to Consumer
Reports and other magazines from home.
Learn how to do this at tutorials scheduled
for Thursday, May 5, at 3 p.m. and on
Wednesday, May 18, at 4:30 p.m.
The Teen Advisory Board meets at 3:30
p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in Reese Hall.
Author visits, via Google Hangouts,
include Kingkiller Chronicle author Patrick
Rothfuss on Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30
p.m. and Leigh Bardugo, author of the
young adult Grisha series and Six of Crows,
on Wednesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m.
Andres Rivera leads a Storytelling Workshop at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, helping
attendees share their personal stories.
For an early taste of summer fun, check
out these Summer Reading Program activities for children, all on Tuesdays at 3:30
p.m.:
• Juggler David Cousin on May 31.
• Abbit the Average, Comedy Magic,
on June 7.
• Best Bubble Parties bubble show on
June 14.
• Wildlife Wendy & Her Tropical
Birds on June 21.
• Cars, the “G” movie, on June 28.
• Buster Balloon’s Kaboom Balloon
Game Show on July 5.
• Noteworthy Puppets’ Sherlock
Homerun Puppet Musical on July 12.
• Marcus Miller, Drums from Around
the World, on July 19.
Due to limited space, wristbands will be
required for both children and accompanying adults to attend these events. Free
wristbands may be picked up at the library
starting at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays for each
week’s program.
Teen Summer Reading Program activities — under the theme “Get in the Game
– Read!”— will take place at 2 p.m. every
Thursday beginning on June 2 and will feature movie screenings, Wii gaming, crafts,
a “Chocolate Olympics, and much more.
The summer reading will earn participants
weekly incentives plus opportunities to
win grand prizes, including gift vouchers,
an Apple watch, a pair of Beats Solo2 wireless headphones, and Knott’s Berry Farm
season passes.
05/2016
Swim programs begin
in June; register in May
Most city swim programs at
Granada Park and Alhambra Park
begin during June, but online resident registration begins on Sunday,
May 1, and non-residents on Sunday,
May 8, at www.cityofalhambra.org.
Click on Online Services; click on
Recreation, Leisure & More. Swim
program officials recommend that
those interested “dive into” summer
swim sessions by registering early.
Walk-in registration day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday,
May 21, at both the Granada Park
Pool, 2233 W. Whitney Drive, and
the Alhambra Park Pool, 500 N.
Palm Ave.
Weekday swim lessons, Monday
through Thursday, are conducted at
9 a.m., 9:35 a.m., 10:10 a.m., 10:45
a.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:05 p.m., 5:40 p.m.,
and 6:15 p.m. Saturday lessons are
offered on four consecutive Saturdays
at 9 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.
Weekday swim sessions are scheduled for:
• Session 1 – Monday, June 6,
through Thursday, June 16.
• Session 2 – Monday, June 20,
through Thursday, June 30.
• Session 3 – Tuesday, July 5,
through Thursday, July 14.
• Session 4 – Monday, July 18,
through Thursday, July 28.
Saturday swim sessions begin on:
• Session A – June 11.
• Session B – July 9.
• Session C (at the Alhambra
pool only) – Aug. 6.
• Session D – Sept. 3.
Swim lesson programs for
youngsters — Guppy Guards, for
swimmers 7 to 11 years of age, and
Jr. Lifeguards, for swimmers 11 to 14
years of age, are scheduled the week of
Monday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Aug.
5. These skill-enhancing programs
will put newly developed swim skills
to the test and enhance them even
further by focusing on water safety,
endurance, and stroke development
in a fun aquatic environment. A
swim test is required to determine
participant’s skill level.
Guppy Guards meet each day
from 9 a.m. to noon at the Granada
Park Pool. The fee is $80.
Jr. Lifeguards meet each day from
9 a.m. to noon at the Alhambra Park
Pool. The fee is $100.
Novice Swim Team is an additional youth program, for children
ages 8 and up, during which participants learn stroke development,
conditioning intro to flip turns,
stroke refinement, relays, and mock
swim meets. The fee is $90, and
children must be able to pass a swim
test swimming front crawl 25 yards
without stopping.
Two Novice Swim Team sessions
are available: Session I runs Monday
through Thursday, June 1 through
June 30, and Session II runs Monday
through Thursday, July 1 through
July 31, at the Granada Park Pool
from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at the
Alhambra Park Pool from 4 p.m. to
5:30 p.m.
Lap Swim/Aqua Aerobics is a pro-
gram for adults of any age who want
variable impact exercise for trimming
and toning and is being offered at
both the Alhambra Park pool and the
Granada Park pool from Wednesday,
June 1 through Wednesday, Aug.
31 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays — low impact from 6 p.m. to
6:45 p.m., high impact from 7 p.m.
to 7:45 p.m.
In addition, a fall Aqua Aerobics
program is being offered at the Alhambra Park pool (only) from Sept.
2 through Nov. 30, Mondays and
Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:45
p.m.
Recreation Swim is a time during
which families can enjoy time in the
pool without competing with swim
lessons or other program participant
activities.
Alhambra Park Pool recreation
swim is scheduled on Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from
12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Granada Park Pool recreation
swim is scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12:30 p.m.
to 3 p.m. and on Tuesday night from
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Summer cooling is also available
outside Alhambra’s two swimming
pools. Wet Play, adjacent to the Alhambra Park Pool, is open daily from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 1 through
Sept. 25 for family cooling fun.
For prerecorded information
concerning aquatic programs, please
phone 626-570-5093.
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How to Contact
Your Representatives
CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS
626-570-5010
Mayor Barbara Messina
Vice Mayor Dr. Steven Placido
Councilmember Luis Ayala
Councilmember Stephen Sham
Councilmember Gary Yamauchi
City Hall Art Gallery presents English,
Chinese hybrids to stretch imagination
The imaginative art works of Lin Feng, associate professor at the Fashion Art Design Institute in Shanghai, China,
grace the Alhambra City Hall lobby walls during May.
Professor Feng has created what he calls “hybrids”— combinations of traditional Chinese Han characters and the
Western alphabet, that when combined, create a hybridization of a word, legible in both English and Chinese. The
combined writing styles are presented in a simple black and
white format and create stunning and thought-provoking
pieces of art.
“You will see not only how the differences clash but also
how they complement and eventually fuse into one another,” said Mr. Feng. He calls his collection “Mixing Blood”
because it shows how, with planning, the crossing cultures
can represent people from different ethnicities, countries,
or cultural backgrounds, allowing cultures to communicate
and bridge conflicts created by the differences of traditions,
customs, or habits by providing a new level of understanding previously undiscovered.
This unique exhibit will be available for viewing from
Monday, May 2, through
Monday, May 30, during
City Hall’s open hours —
Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on those
Monday evenings when either
the City Council or Planning
Commission meet.
Meet the artist at 6 p.m. Artist Lin Feng combines traditional Chinese Han characters
on Monday, May 9, during a and the Western alphabet to create a hybridization of a word
legible in both English and Chinese.
special artist’s reception.
TO THOSE WHO COURAGEOUSLY GAVE THEIR LIVES...
AND THOSE WHO BRAVELY FIGHT TODAY...
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05/2016
Alhambra 710 Day 7K
Run to take place July 10
BY THE 710 COALITION
The City’s fourth in a series of 710 Day
events — once again seeking to send a loud
message to “Close the Gap” — will take
place on Sunday, July 10. The festive and
family-oriented 710 Day celebration, as
in previous years, will include educational
booths with the latest information about
Closing the Gap and fun activities such
as face-painting, children’s games, live
entertainment, and the first-ever 7K 710
Day Run.
Anyone affected by traffic snarls on and
off the freeway needs to attend this event
to learn what will be necessary to move
forward with Closing the Gap. Learn why
it is believed that the freeway tunnel is the
best option for finishing three freeways:
the I-210, the I-10, and the SR-110 —
reducing traffic congestion more than 20%
and benefitting all surrounding freeways,
including the I-5.
Also learn why it is believed that Closing the Gap will eliminate local surface
street congestion produced by an estimated
200,000 vehicles daily that must exit the
freeway at the Valley Boulevard terminus
each day in their quest to travel north/
southbound to reach nearby freeways.
Closing the Gap is also imperative for
reducing air pollution, which leads to
smog, acid rain, and a host of health
concerns including respiratory diseases and
cancer — thereby significantly decreasing
the quality of life for those living in the San
Gabriel Valley and beyond.
So mark your calendar, and hope to see
you there.
Find out more about Alhambra’s “Close
The Gap” campaign and Metro’s SR-710
North Study at www.cityofalhambra.org and
www.710coalition.com.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY From Page 1A
American Legion Post #139 will host
a reception at its headquarters, 24 N.
Stoneman Ave. All are welcome.
Originally established as “Decoration
Day,” following the Civil War — honoring both union and confederate forces as
a means of unifying the nation — this
national holiday was later titled “Memorial Day” and is celebrated in communities throughout the nation each spring.
Memorial Day is an annual opportunity to honor and give thanks to those
who have unselfishly served the nation
in times of conflict, many of whom
sacrificed their lives.
Please contact the City of Alhambra
Community Services Department at
626-570-2342 for more information
concerning the Alhambra’s Memorial
Day ceremony.
05/2016
Free summer lunch,
recreation programs
for kids ages 1 to 18
In conjunction with the California Department of Education, the City of
Alhambra provides a free lunch for children ages 1 to 18 each summer weekday
and combines that with an arts and crafts program and a selection of fun recreational activities.
This year’s program begins on May 31 and runs through Aug.5 at Alhambra
Park, Almansor Park, Granada Park, and Story Park.
The lunch and snack schedule is as follows:
Alhambra Park
Almansor Park Granada Park
Story Park
Lunch
Noon to 2 p.m.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Noon to 2 p.m.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks
3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lunches and snacks are served on a first come, first served basis and must be
consumed on the site, in the designated area. They are served regardless of race,
color, national origin, sex, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has
been discriminated in any CDE-related program should write to Secretary of
Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
Free, drop-in recreational programs are schedule Monday through Friday and
include tournaments and games supervised and conducted by trained recreation
leaders. Arts and crafts activities are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Recreation
Alhambra Park
Almansor Park
Granada Park
Story Park 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
1:30 p.m.to 4 p.m.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
1 p.m.to 4 p.m.
Arts & crafts, Tuesday
and Thursday only
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information, please phone 626-570-5081 weekdays from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
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CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA05/2016
Tax Tips
Itemized deductions
BY MICHAEL ASTON, E.A.
ALHAMBRA TAX CENTER
Do you own a home? Do
you have mortgage interest
and property taxes to deduct
on your income tax return? If
not, the IRS allows a standard
deduction.
What is a standard
deduction?
A standard deduction is a
gift the IRS gives to taxpayers
to help lower the tax liability.
For the year 2016, the standard
deduction will be:
Single (S) or married filing
separate (MFS) $6,300.
Married filing joint (MFJ)
and qualifying widower (QW)
$12,600.
Head of household (HOH)
$9,300.
There is an additional
amount for age 65 or older
and for a blind person. This
additional amount is:
MFJ, QW or MFS $1,250.
Single or HOH $1,550.
The IRS also allows taxpayers
to itemize their deductions. If
itemized deductions are higher
than the standard deduction,
most will use Form Schedule A.
Below is some information on
the main categories for itemized
deductions. To get a detailed
list of the deductions, go to
www.irs.gov, or contact your
tax preparer.
Medical expenses has a
threshold of either 7.5% if
either spouse is born before Jan.
2 1950, and 10% for all others
of the adjusted gross income
(AGI). For example, somebody
born in 1960 who has an AGI
of $50,000 will not be able to
deduct the first $5,000 of medical expenses. So, if they have
$8,000 in qualified medical
expenses, only $3,000 will be
used on the Schedule A.
Taxes paid does not have a
threshold; qualified taxes will
be fully deductible. There are
five taxes that may be deductible: state and local income
tax, state and local general sales
tax, real estate taxes, personal
property tax (usually the DMV
license fee), and income tax
paid to a foreign country or
U.S. pocession.
Please note for the first two
taxes, state income tax and
general sales tax, only one or
the other can be used.
Interest paid does not have
a threshold; qualified interest
It’s all about networking
Join the Chamber for an informal social where business people get together,
exchange ideas, and develop new relationships. These monthly networking
programs are sponsored by and hosted at Chamber member establishments.
Networking is one of the most affordable means of marketing resulting in invaluable
personal referrals and word-of-mouth advertising.
So, don’t hesitate. Bring plenty of business cards and a winning handshake to the
next Business After Hours and develop a synergistic group of business contacts.
This month’s Business After Hours mixer
will take place
Wednesday, May 25
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
will be fully deductible. Some
of the following expenses fall
under the interest paid category; home mortgage interest,
points or origination fees, and
mortgage insurance premiums.
Charitable contributions
to a qualified charity can be deductible if it is cash or property.
There is no threshold for this
deduction.
Casualty and theft loss
does have a 10% threshold like
the medical expenses, plus there
are some other rules that need
to be applied.
Miscellaneous
itemized
deductions subject to 2%
threshold and miscellaneous
itemized deductions not subject to the 2% threshold are
other expenses like union dues,
job expenses, gambling losses,
OUR
Douglas Auto Body & Paint
2453 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-795-7577
douglasautobody.com
Douglas Auto Body offers honesty,
quality, exceptional service, and assists its
customers in time of their misfortune by
providing a painless repair experience.
400 S. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra 91801
The Wondries family has been in the automotive business serving the
San Gabriel Valley and Southern California since 1949. Bob Wondries
Ford says their customers’ complete satisfaction is their number one
priority.
Cost: $10 for members
$15 for non-members
For more information about the Business After Hours Mixers,
phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.
Thursday, May 19
“Resourceful Marketing on a Limited Budget”
Presented by Valarie Gomez, CEO of the YMCA of
West San Gabriel Valley
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce board room, 104 S. First St.
Partner, align, and collaborate with great companies, leaders, and foundations to
promote your business all while on a limited budget. You will succeed! Valarie R.
Gomez, CEO of the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley, will share effective ideas
on maximizing marketing and advertising for your business. Valarie emerged as an
entrepreneur at the age of 25, owning and operating a startup business that, against all
odds, turned a net profit of $175,000 in four months.
The Chamber’s monthly business training program is offered on the third Thursday
of each month and is facilitated by Alhambra business leaders with a track record
of success. They will share relevant business strategies that have helped them build a
profitable business.
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 Secrets for YOUR
Success program, contact Irma Hernandez, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, at
626-282-8481 or ihernandez@alhambrachamber.org.
and many more expenses.
Most of the itemized deduction
categories I listed above will be Tax
Tips articles in future months in
which there will be more details.
WELCOME
CHAMBER MEMBERS!
New
Hosted by Wondries Ford
Michael Aston is an Enrolled Agent
engaged in his family business at
Alhambra Tax Center, 1009 E.
Main St., Alhambra. Alhambra
Tax Center has served Alhambra
residents since 1970. He can be
reached at 626-282-1084. Tax
questions, or any other questions,
can be e-mailed to michael@
alhambrataxcenter.com. To view
previous topics, read his blogs at
www.alhambrataxcenter.com.
GL Restaurant Inc., DBA Jasmine House
11 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-284-8000
Kasmatsu, Ken S.
Individual Member
Alhambra, CA 91803
PHP Agency
1005 E. Las Tunas Drive, #506
San Gabriel, CA 91776
866-329-3016
Financial services
The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
thanks these members for renewing their memberships
and for their continued support:
Advanced Promotional Products
2818 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
636-282-7001
Member since 2009
Alhambra American
Little League
P.O. Box 3534
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-230-9646
Member since 2011
Alhambra SDA Church
The Grace Place
220 S. Chapel Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-289-6137
Member since 2010
Bunker, Mary Louise
Member since 1995
Rybicki, Fame
Member since 1993
California Institute of
Advanced Management
9550 Flair Drive, #201
El Monte, CA 91731
626-350-1500
Member since 2012
San Gabriel Fine
Arts Association
Glass Gallery
P.O. Box 1123
626-282-1448
Member since 2014
Central Health Plan
of California
806 Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-388-2300
Member since 2013
Central SGV
Worksource CenterGoodwill Industries
Allied Waste/Republic Services 11635 E. Valley Blvd., Unit G
9200 Glenoaks Blvd.
El Monte, CA 91732
Sun Valley, CA 91352
626-258-0365, ext. 265
818-974-5136
Member since 2014
Member since 1995
City Ventures
Bell Tower Bilingual School
3121 Michelson Drive
3116 W. Main St.
Suite #150
Alhambra, CA 91801
Irvine, CA 92612
626-943-9970
562-230-9874
Member since 2008
Member since 2014
Bethany Church of Alhambra
21 N. Olive Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-9124
Member since 2010
Emcore Corporation
2015 Chestnut St.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-293-3770
Member since 2012
Bleu Physical Therapy
Pacific Medical Imaging &
1819 W. Valley Blvd., Unit B
Oncology Center
Alhambra, CA 91803
707 S. Garfield Ave., Suite B-001
626-988-6211
Alhambra, CA 91801
Member since 2015
626-227-2727
Member since 2008
Sanz Construction, Inc.
2724 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-872-2150
Member since 2008
Simpson & Simpson
Management Consultant, Inc.
1000 S. Fremont Ave.
Unit 64, Bldg. A1, Suite #1100
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-282-4000
Member since 2010
Special Signs
115 N. San Gabriel Blvd.
626-285-8870
Member since 2001
The Jacmar Companies
2200 W. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-576-0737, ext. 310
Member since 2009
William B. Hentosz
Orthodontics
320 S. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-458-8898
Member since 2008
To renew your membership with a credit card, please phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.
05/2016
AROUND ALHAMBRA
11A
12A
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA05/2016
Elevate isn’t your ordinary barbershop. Along with a team of talented barbers, the shop is
The Chamber’s Secrets for Success program featured Jerome Horton, chairman of the organized to accommodate both appointments and walk-ins with a modern online booking
California State Board of Equalization, who spoke on “Building Your Business Domestically system. Co-founder Joshua Lewis, left, and Manager Giselle Ramirez helping a customer “feel
and Internationally.” Chairman Horton, left, welcomes Bruce Chen from Exact Tax.
good in order to do good.”
State Board of Equalization
‘Elevate’
revolutionizing
Chairman Jerome Horton shares
strategies to assist businesses barbershop experience
Jerome Horton, chairman of the
California State Board of Equalization
presented “Building Your Business
Domestically and Internationally” at the
Chamber’s “Secrets for Your Success” on
Thursday, April 21. He shared a variety
of strategies and techniques that can assist
business owners to position their business
operations for success, minimize their tax
liability, and expand their opportunities
for growth both within the state and
internationally.
He stressed the fact that many Califor-
nia-based businesses do not take advantage
of the fact that California attracts numerous international businesses and foreign
government representatives looking for
opportunities to expand their operations
both locally and abroad. Chairman Horton said that many of the programs offered
by the Board of Equalization go unused.
He noted in particular the “Workforce
Investment Program” offered by the Board
which is designed to assist local businesses
to register to do business with the State of
California.
COURTESY OF ELEVATE
Elevate is the new modern barbershop
gracing the streets of Alhambra. Co-founder Joshua Lewis is an Alhambra resident,
entrepreneur, and existing barbershop
owner serving his community. Being introduced to Alhambra is his business partner
and longtime friend, Daniel Ordonez.
Mr. Ordonez is a UCLA alumni, creative
director, and entrepreneur. Together they
are looking to revolutionize the barbershop
experience for their clients and the community alike.
With more than three years of currently
running a successful barbershop, Mr. Lewis
wants to “elevate” his positive influence in
the community by expanding his business
and reaching within the city. As you drive
along the east end of Main Street, it’s hard
to miss Elevate. From the outside looking
in, the shop has a special glow around it.
The attention to detail both inside and out
is undeniable. The sleek matte black walls,
warm birchwood flooring, and chandeliers
hanging between stations radiate the
positive energy created by the shop. “The
music, the smell, the ambience — all these
things stem from the core principle that
inspired us to create this barbershop,” said
Mr. Ordonez. “When you look good, you
feel good, and ultimately you do good. This
is the story we want to tell our community;
this is the story we want to tell the world.”
Elevate isn’t your ordinary barbershop.
Along with a team of talented barbers
capable of suiting any hair style — urban,
edgy, or classic — the shop is organized
to accommodate both appointments and
walk-ins with a modern online booking
system. A beautiful slideshow graces the
TVs before your haircut. The messaging
on the screens reads, “It all starts with
you. You look good, you feel good, you do
good.” The positivity is contagious as the
team emphasizes these values. “We really
believe with every haircut, we’re helping
change the world. When you leave here
you feel reinvigorated, confident, energized
— all that positive energy is contagious.
It influences the people around you,” said
Giselle Ramirez, manager at Elevate.
Part of Elevate’s goal to change the
world is recognizing how important the
young leaders of this community are.
Education has played a fundamental role
in both owners’ lives, and this is why they
have created a very unique promotion
where they will give 50% off to any student
who comes in with a B, or above average,
grade. “We want to do something special,
something to give back to a community
that influenced my success. Education is a
platform that can ‘elevate’ our minds to do
things we only dreamed of. This is what we
hope to encourage for our future leaders of
this community,” said Mr. Lewis.
Overall, Elevate is truly living up to its
name. But don’t take our word for it; make
your appointment today at wewillelevate.
com, and follow our instagram, twitter,
and facebook @elevateitall for unique
content and updates.
05/2016
CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
13A
The Chamber’s monthly Coffee Talk was hosted by Bun ‘n Burger, 1000 E. Main St., Alhambra, on April 14. Bun ‘n Burger serves tasty, homemade Mexican dishes,
breakfast treats cooked to perfection, tempting combination plates, and burgers stacked with fresh ingredients offered in a warm family atmosphere. The Coffee Talk events are
opportunities for members of the business community to increase their visibility and promote their businesses. The Coffee Talks are offered from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. the
second Thursday of each month.
2016 job killer bills
identified by state
Chamber Of Commerce
BY OWEN GUENTHARD, DIRECTOR OF
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
The California Chamber of Commerce
recently published its initial list of “job
killer bills” to be considered by the California State Legislature this coming term.
Allen Zaremberg, president and CEO of
the California Chamber of Commerce, has
stated “These job killer bills represent the
worst of the legislative proposals currently
under consideration by lawmakers. As
everyone knows, California has areas that
are booming economically and others that
are stagnating. Each part of California has
unique problems, and these job killers will
negatively impact future economic growth.
Whether they create barriers to providing
affordable housing for workers, or increase
costs for companies trying to grow and stay
in business, these job killers should not
become law.”
One example of the 18 bills listed is
SB 878 (Leyva; D Chino). It eliminates
worker flexibility and exposes employers to
costly penalties, litigation, and government
enforcement by mandating employers in
the retail, grocery, or restaurant workplace,
including employers who have hybrid op-
erations that include a retail or restaurant
section, provide a 21-day work schedule
and then face penalties and litigation if
the employer changes the schedule with
less than seven days notice, even when the
change is at the request of the employee.
Another is SCA 5 (Hancock, D-Berkeley) Split Roll. Here they are attempting to
undermine the protections of Proposition
13 by unfairly targeting commercial
property owners and increasing their property taxes by assessing their property based
upon current fair market value instead of
acquired value. Such costs will ultimately
be passed on to consumers and tenants
through higher prices and will result in job
loss as businesses struggle to absorb such
dramatic tax increases.
These are a few of the job killers on
the list of business unfriendly legislative
proposals under consideration by our state
lawmakers. The complete list can be seen
on the Chamber’s Web site. The Chamber
board of directors will assess the complete
list and publish their positions of approval
or opposition as they progress through the
legislative process in Sacramento.
ELAC UNVEILS From Page 1A
event will take place at noon on the
Campus Quad.
For more information about the ribbon cutting ceremony, contact Alejandro
Guzman at 323-265-8944.
To purchase tickets for El Bracero
Mariachi Opera, visit one of these box
office locations: ELAC Learning Assis-
tance Center (E3-280), ELAC Fiscal
Office (G1-103), or ELAC Corporate
Center (ELAC Foundation Office),
1055 Corporate Center Drive, Monterey
Park 91754.
For more information about El
Bracero Mariachi Opera, phone
323-265-8901.
VISIT THE
alhambrachamber.org
14A
AROUND ALHAMBRA
05/2016
05/2016
AROUND ALHAMBRA
15A
16A
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA05/2016
Big T owner Trent Yamauchi, left, and store manager Eric Ohye offer friendly service.
Big T Mini Mart sells
essential items to get
everyone through the day
Big T Mini Mart, 240 W. Main St.,
Alhambra, is one of the nicest convenience
stores that one will ever walk into. Owner
Trent Yamauchi prides himself on keeping
an immaculate and well-stocked store.
When customers walk into Big T Mini
Mart, they will notice neatly arranged aisles
of food items, household and personal necessities, and over-the- counter medicines.
“I worked in the grocery industry for 10
years and in the vending industry for 15
years. I’m a big fan of convenience stores
because you can sell the essentials that
make life easier for local residents,” said
Mr. Yamauchi.
When it comes to food and beverage
items, Big T has quite a range of products
that include Asian snacks, locally sourced
tortillas, the typical candies and chips,
bread, ice cream (including mochi), and
even baking essentials.
“I want to make it easier for people who
live in Downtown if they run out of eggs
or are doing some baking and need more
flour or sugar. I just don’t stock soda and
snacks. We have the essentials to help you
get through your day,” Mr. Yamauchi said.
Along the wall of coolers with beverages,
there are big screen televisions. There is a wide
selection of bottled and canned soft drinks,
sports drinks, bottled water, juices, and energy drinks. Big T sells fountain soda drinks as
well as ICEE slushes and iced coffee.
Big T opened in May of 2015 and is
already a top store for selling lottery tickets.
Mr. Yamauchi said that the store has sold
several thousand dollar scratchers and has
had some daily three and daily four hits.
The most that any customer has ever won
was $1,600.
Big T Mini Mart has eight employees.
It is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday
through Thursday. On Fridays, the store
is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. On
Saturdays, the store is open from 8 a.m.
to midnight. And on Sundays, the store’s
hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, visit the store’s
Web site at http://www.bigtminimart.com,
or phone 626-289-2448.
Every year, Asian American Economic Development Enterprises awards scholarships to high
school seniors. From left are Vicky Mak, Phuong Tran, Sherry Quach, AAEDE founder David
Woo, Yuqiao Zhao, Amy Giang, and Katherine Delgadillo Soto. Not pictured is Rachael Kam.
Asian American Economic Development
Enterprises awards annual scholarships
Asian American Economic Development Enterprises (AAEDE) awards
yearly scholarships to a few high school
seniors who are furthering their education by attending college. These students
typically excel in school and are chosen
because AAEDE believes in promoting
economic growth.
Asian American Economic Development Enterprises gives out multiple
$1,000 and $500 scholarships so students
can worry less about money and focus
on their academics and help stimulate
economic development later on in their
lives.
The 2015 scholarship recipients were
Amy Giang, San Gabriel High School;
Sherry Quach, El Monte High School;
Yuqiao Zhao, Arcadia High School;
Katherine Delgadillo Soto, Montebello
High School; Rachael Kam, Gabrielino
High School; Vicky Mak, Mark Keppel
High School; and Phuong Tran, El Monte High School.
05/2016
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
Alhambra Woman’s Club to
celebrate Cinco De Mayo
The Alhambra Woman’s Club will meet
at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Almansor
Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra.
Mariachi Di Odessa, a Mariachi family
of six, will entertain.
The cost is $15 for members and $20 for
non-members.
Please make reservations by May 1 at
626-289-5914.
Last month, the club received a thank
you letter from St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital for a donation. This is one of the
charitable organizations to which the club
contributes.
The Alhambra Woman’s Club has been
an active organization for more than 100
years, providing mature women an opportunity to make new friendships.
Pumpkin Run
The City’s third annual Pumpkin Run will take place Oct. 1 at Alhambra Park.
In addition to the 5K and the kids’ 1K, there will be a 10K for all.
17A
18A
05/2016
Kindergarten students observe live butterflies in class.
All Souls World Language
Catholic School presents
rain barrels, green learning
All Souls World Language Catholic
School, 29 S. Electric Ave., Alhambra, will
have a free public Rainwater Harvesting
Class and Rain Barrel Fundraiser for the
school from 2 to 3 p.m. and a rain barrel
distribution from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday,
May 14. The event is sponsored by Whole
Foods.
The class topics offered will cover rainwater harvesting, water saving techniques
in the home, and the benefits of a rain
barrel along with how to install one and get
a rebate for doing so. Attending the classes
is not mandatory to participate in the
Rain Barrel Rebate Program being offered
through the Metropolitan Water District
and San Gabriel Valley Water District.
All Souls students are conserving water
by learning how to capture rain water
and learning what they can do to preserve
the planet. Capturing rainwater prevents
flooding, erosion, and ocean pollution, and
it can be used in the garden as well.
The Gardening and Healthy Living
parent committees at All Souls helped
students plant fruits and vegetables in the
school garden. Children learned the basics
about seeds, planting, and growing food.
They are learning about the proper time to
harvest the foods they’ve planted and how
to use it to make healthy meals.
In class, teachers are giving lessons on
environmental awareness. Students in kindergarten and first grade are learning about
the lifecycles of butterflies. Second-graders
are focusing on preserving natural habitats
as well as the importance of frogs and ladybugs in the ecosystem. The third- through
fifth-grade students are learning about
pollution and how to ensure that the earth
is free of garbage and waste.
The third- through fifth-grade Spanish
class did a project on the effects of global
warming. “Beyond language barriers and
beyond country lines, we are all citizens of
the same endangered planet. We as adults
can also learn from our kids how to be
ecologically global citizens,” said Xoxhitl
Gutierrez, third- through fifth-grade Spanish teacher at All Souls.
All residents are eligible for a rain barrel
rebate up to $100 for the purchase of a rain
barrel. Each service address is eligible for
four rain barrel rebates with one submission allowed. Each rebate is different and
depends on the regulations of the water
service provider.
More information about the Rain
Barrel Rebate Program can be obtained by
contacting the local water agency or info@
RainBarrelsIntl.com. The rain barrels must
be purchased in advance for $100 at www.
RainBarrelsIntl.com under the Events tab.
Click on All Souls School. After picking up
the rain barrels, please complete the rebate
application and qualify for the rebate. For
example, LADWP, Pasadena, and San Gabriel Valley Water District residents qualify
for the entire $100 rebate making the rain
barrels free.
05/2016
19A
Alhambra resident named
as Cal State LA’s interim
associate dean for Diversity,
Student Engagement
Cal State LA has selected Dr. Rita Ledesma, a resident of Alhambra, to serve as the
College of Health and Human Services’
interim associate dean for Diversity and
Student Engagement. She will begin her
interim appointment this spring.
“I was raised in the City Terrace
neighborhood of East Los Angeles, and I
have lived in Alhambra for many years,”
Dr. Ledesma said. “So, I am excited about
working with the College faculty and staff
to promote creative, collaborative, and
research based interventions that support
students, faculty, and the mission of the
University and College. I appreciate the
opportunity to promote the academic
aspirations of all students. “
Dr. Ledesma served as chair of the
Department of Child and Family Studies at
Cal State LA for six years and was appointed to the University’s School of Social Work
in fall 1995.
She played a significant role in the development of the Master of Social Work program and served as the first director of field
education. She has participated in grant
activities and developed a number of community partnerships to address educational
equity issues as well as community-campus
interventions.
Dr. Ledesma also worked with the Pat
Brown Institute at Cal State LA, where she
developed the Health Policy Outreach Center. She was affiliated with the Partnership
for Academic Learning and Success (PALS)
Peer-Mentoring Program for many years.
She developed the Pathways to Graduation
Program in the Department of Child and
Family Studies. She also has a long history
of participation on the Academic Senate
and Senate Executive Committee at Cal
State LA.
As a life-long resident of the communities immediately adjacent to the University,
Ramona Convent students welcome author Lisa See. From left: Emily Covarrubias, ’19;
Annelise Deusch, ’19; Victoria Romero,’19; Izel Varela, ’19; Ms. See; Lydia Nunez,’19;
Sophie Reyes, ’18; and Elisa Herrera, ’17.
Alhambra resident Dr. Rita Ledesma will
serve as Cal State LA’s College of Health and
Human Services’ interim associate dean for
Diversity and Student Engagement.
Dr. Ledesma possesses a deep appreciation
for the role Cal State LA plays in nurturing
the academic achievement of students and
improving local communities. Her academic and culturally focused social work career
has been informed by her commitment to
social justice, equity, and opportunity.
“The urban mission of the University
resonates with Dr. Ledesma’s personal and
professional narrative as well as her values
and experiences as a leader, practitioner,
and scholar,” said Ron Vogel, interim dean
of the University’s College of Health and
Human Services. “I look forward to her
help, leadership, and focused attention
on increasing diversity within our faculty
ranks and improving student success in the
College.”
Dr. Ledesma is a licensed clinical social
worker and a member of the Oglala Lakota
Tribe, Pine Ridge South Dakota. She received a BA, MSW, and Ph.D. from UCLA.
Author Lisa See inspires
Ramona Convent Secondary
School students to search for
their own Gold Mountain
The Ramona Community welcomed
best-selling author Lisa See on April 6. Ms.
See shared how her curiosity and determination fueled her quest to document her
Chinese-American family’s history.
The focus of Ms. See’s presentation was
her acclaimed book On Gold Mountain:
The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family. The novel chronicles
the journey of Ms. See’s great-grandfather,
Fong See, who in the 1870s made his way to
Gold Mountain (the Chinese name for the
United States) and overcame many hardships and obstacles, such as racist laws and
discrimination. As the family patriarch, he
used his entrepreneurial genius to become
the godfather of Los Angeles’s Chinatown
and one of the most prominent Chinese in
the nation.
Ms. See shared the steps that students
can take to research and document their
own family history and traditions. “Don’t
ask a family member about a challenging
or difficult situation right away,” Ms. See
advised. “First ask your elder relatives
questions about the games they played as
children.” She said the games ancestors
played as children and the foods they ate
give people a view into the culture, socio
economic conditions, and historic events
that surrounded their lives.
The presentation started with a prayer
about social justice by Carolina Barbosa,
’17, followed by an introduction of the
author by Elisa Herrera, ’17.
Prior to Ms. See’s visit, members of
the Book Club and the Peace and Justice
Society promoted the author’s visit with a
creative writing contest.
The winner of the contest was awarded
copies of Ms. See’s books and a $20 Starbucks
gift card during the luncheon and book
signing event that took place in the library
immediately following the author’s assembly
presentation. Sophomore Sophie Reyes was
presented with the main prize, and sophomore Subashni Rajiv received an honorable
mention and copies of Ms. See’s books.
11 Critical Home Inspection
Traps to be Aware of Weeks
Before Listing Your Home for Sale
Lift North (Learning Independence for Transition) launched its organic herbs
micro business this spring. Alhambra Unified School District’s LIFT, a fouryear program, is designed for adult students with disabilities and teaches life
skills and job skills. The students enrolled in this program work hard to become
as independent as possible. The Lift North
Micro business is sponsored by The Academy of
Special Dreams. From left are Ivan Gutierrez,
Erik Garcia, and Karina Hluz.
Alhambra - According to industry
experts, there are over 33 physical
problems that will come under scrutiny
during a home inspection when your
home is for sale. A new report has been
prepared which identifies the eleven
most common of these problems, and
what you should know about them
before you list your home for sale.
Whether you own an old home or a
brand new one, there are a number of
things that can fall short of requirements
during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items
could cost you dearly in terms of repair.
That’s why it’s critical that you read this
report before you list your home. If you
wait until the building inspector flags
these issues for you, you will almost
certainly experience costly delays in the
close of your home sale or, worse, turn
prospective buyers away altogether. In
most cases, you can make a reasonable
pre-inspection yourself if you know
what you’re looking for, and knowing
what you’re looking for can help you
prevent little problems from growing
into costly and unmanageable ones.
To help homesellers deal with this
issue before their homes are listed, a free
report entitled “11 Things You Need to
Know to Pass Your Home Inspection”
has been compiled which explains the
issues involved. To order a FREE Special
Report, call toll-free 1-888-300-4632
and enter 1003. You can call any time,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your
free special report NOW to learn how
to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost
you the sale of your home.
This report is courtesy of Rudy L. Kusuma Real Estate Broker Lic# 01820322.
Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2012
20A
05/2016
A slate of leasing updates at The Alhambra serves to further extend The Alhambra’s partnership
with long-standing community institutions and to welcome new tenants to the community.
Community cornerstones
deepen roots at The Alhambra
New leasing activity accounts for nearly 200,000 square feet at
the mixed-use urban campus
Los Angeles-based developer The
Ratkovich Company announced a slate
of leasing updates accounting for nearly
200,000 square feet in space at The
Alhambra, a 45-acre mixed-use urban
campus in the heart of Alhambra. Including an expansion, renewed leases, and new
additions, the recent activity serves to
further extend The Alhambra’s partnership
with long-standing community institutions and to welcome new tenants to the
community.
“We pride ourselves on working with
our partners to support their long-term
success. When they renew their leases or
expand their footprint at our properties it
tells us we’re doing something right and
that they value being part of the urban
community we’ve worked so hard to
build,” said Wayne Ratkovich, founder
and president of The Ratkovich Company.
“Likewise, we look forward to nurturing
long-term relationships with new tenants
and strengthening the connection they
have with the community at large.”
Existing tenant Eastern Los Angeles
Regional Center for the Developmentally
Disabled (ELARC) has opted to expand
its footprint more than six times over,
increasing the total lease space from just
under 32,000 square feet to just over
100,000 square feet. A tenant since 1996,
ELARC is one of 21 Regional Centers
in the state, coordinating and providing
community-based services to individuals
with developmental disabilities. The move,
which makes ELARC The Alhambra’s sec-
ond largest tenant, will help the Center to
grow and add more service coordinators to
provide additional support in the region.
“Our expansion will allow us to better
serve many more individuals with developmental disabilities and their families,”
said Gloria Wong, executive director at
ELARC. “We are appreciative of the flexibility provided by The Alhambra and look
forward to continuing our partnership in
service of the greater Eastern Los Angeles
region for years to come.”
The Alhambra’s largest tenant, The
County of Los Angeles, has extended its
148,447-square-foot lease through 2020.
The premises will continue to house the
Department of Public Health, Health
Services, Auditor/Controller, Internal
Services, and the Department of Public
Works. AHMC Healthcare, which has
been with The Alhambra since 2005,
has also renewed its 16,676 square feet
of space through 2020. The hospital will
continue to serve more than 200,000
patients annually.
New tenant FirstSteps for Kids will
occupy 6,348 square feet to help further
support children diagnosed with Autism
and related developmental and behavioral
disorders and to expand the organization’s
presence to service Eastern L.A. County.
Adding to the slate of academic institutions on site, the Falls Church, Virginia-based American College of Commerce
& Technology joins The Alhambra with
6,630 square feet to house ACCT’s faculty,
students, and classrooms.
05/2016
Alhambra High School student Alexandria Vasquez-Hernandez was selected as the Alhambra
American Legion Post Auxiliary Unit 139 delegate to attend the 73rd annual session of
California Girls State program. From left are last year’s delegate Vanessa Gutierrez; Elaine
Elizalde and Mary Schmidt, ALP 139 Auxiliary; Sharon Huynh, first alternate; delegate
Alexandria; Katarina Aguayo, second alternate; and Barbara Berry, ALP 139 Auxiliary.
Alhambra High School
student to attend California
Girls State program
Alhambra American Legion Post Auxiliary Unit 139 selected Alhambra High
School student Alexandria Vasquez-Hernandez as the Post’s delegate to attend the
73rd annual session of California Girls
State program at Claremont McKenna
College from June 27 through July 2.
The delegates receive instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mythical political parties.
They campaign, hold rallies, debate, and
vote to elect city, county, and state officials.
Once elected to office, delegates are
sworn in and perform their prescribed
duties. Delegates not elected to office are
given appointments to visit the offices of
those elected to share their viewpoint as
citizens.
“This a wonderful learning experience
for Alexandria, Alhambra Auxiliary unit
139’s Girls State Citizen,” said Mary
Schmidt, auxiliary member.
21A
22A
To inquire about these
adoptable animals, contact
the San Gabriel Valley
Humane Society at 626286-1159, or visit at 851 E.
Grand Ave., San Gabriel.
Adoption hours are 10 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through
Sunday. The shelter is closed
on Mondays. Directions and
photos of many more dogs
and cats can be found online
at www.sgvhumane.org.
The adoption fee for
cats is $99, which includes
spay/neuter,
vaccinations,
de-worming,
FIV/FELV/
heartworm testing, and
microchip. A $130 - $145
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).
The 2016 calendars are
available at the shelter for a
$10 donation. The photos
were selected among hundreds submitted by shelter
supporters. They make great
holiday gifts for animal lovers.
Order a 2016 calendar online
by going through Paypal.
Go to the shelter Web site
at sgvhumane.org for more
information.
Save money with the Buddy Program. Adopt two pets
at the same time for a reduced
fee.
The Senior for Senior Program offers pets for $39 each.
The San Gabriel Valley
Humane Society is the local,
affordable choice for spay
and neuter, vaccinations,
and TNR (trap, neuter,
and release) for feral
cats. Check out the Web
site for information on
the adoptable pets and
adoption programs: www.
sgvhumane.org.
05/2016
Precious
Earl
Teeter
Domestic short hair mix • Adult
• Female • Medium • ID#19847
American Staffordshire mix •
Adult • Male • Large • ID#21227
Jack Russell terrier mix • Adult •
Male • Small • ID#21178
Precious is a gorgeous 2-year-old
calico cat who is as special and sweet
as her name. She is a little shy at
first, but when approached loves
to have her super soft hair pet. She
especially enjoys a gentle massage of
her head and ears. Once she gets to
know someone, she settles into a lap
for some love. Precious is a quiet girl
who seems to prefer interacting with
humans instead of the other cats
she has met so far at the shelter. She
would be fine as an only cat or as an
additional cat with an equally calm
sibling. She loves nestling into a bed
to nap or observe what is going on
around her. Her playing style is calm,
and she will play with her human
bringing dangling things for her to
swat. Precious will bring beauty and
serenity to her forever home.
Earl is a handsome 3-year-old “Blue”
American Staffordshire mix. He has
a beautiful gray coat with a silly
personality that will make anyone
smile. Earl was found walking the
streets of Rosemead and although
his previous owners were located,
they decided to abandon Earl at the
shelter. Despite this heartbreak, Earl
is still a loving boy with a positive
outlook in life. He is smart as he has
quickly learned the “sit” and “shake”
commands and is gentle when taking
treats. Earl enjoys brisk walks around
the park, receiving belly rubs, and
posing for pictures and “selfies.” He
is also a curious boy and is often on
two legs investigating his surroundings
while looking for treats. Earl definitely
deserves a truly loving and forever
home where he can be a beloved family
member whose goofy antics and puppy
love can be appreciated by all. Please,
come to meet this handsome boy.
Teeter is a 6 ½- year-old Jack Russell
Terrier mix, with a tan and white
colored fur coat. He weighs around 8
pounds. Teeter was found as a stray in
San Gabriel with no identification.
He arrived at the shelter needing some
dental work and limping from an
old leg injury. After having his teeth
cleaned and receiving medication for
the pain in his leg, he is now ready
for adoption and feeling much better.
Teeter is a friendly boy, wagging his
tail non-stop when he meets new
friends. He enjoys walks, loves being
with people, and likes cuddling in a
lap while receiving pets. Teeter would
like to spend his days in his own yard,
where he can run and play, and his
nights inside with the rest of the
family in his own nice, warm bed.
Come to meet this charming boy.
Community Calendar of Events
May
May 2 – Monday
Planning Commission
7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers
111 S. First St.
May 3 – Tuesday
• Alhambra Chamber Executive Committee
8:30 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
• HCDA Citizen Advisory Committee
7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
May 5 – Thursday
• Salsa Cook Off at 6 p.m.
Cantina Crawl at 7:30 p.m.
Fountain area between Lovebirds
10 S. First St., and Alhambra
Utilities Dept., 68 S. First St.
• Parks and Recreation Commission
7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park
210 N. Chapel Ave.
May 9 – Monday
Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
City Hall, 111 S. First St.
May 12 – Thursday
Coffee Talk
Chamber business networking event
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hosted by YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley
401 E. Corto, Alhambra
Cost is free
RSVP 626-282-8481
May 16 – Tuesday
Planning Commission
111 S. First St.
May 18 – Wednesday
• Arts & Cultural Events Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
• Survivors of Murdered Children, SGV Chapter
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Third Wednesday of each month
Alhambra Police Department
211 S. First St., room EDC on second floor
Contact Tina Yamashiro at 626-298-9054 or
tinayyama@att.net
May 19 – Thursday
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
“Secrets for Your Success”
May 10 – Tuesday
Topic: “Resourceful Marketing on a Limited
• Alhambra Chamber Board of Directors
Budget,” presented by Valarie Gomez, CEO of
8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley
• Library Board of Trustees
The cost of the program is free to Chamber
6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.
members and a modest $15 charge for non• Youth Commission
members. A complimentary lunch is included.
Phone the Chamber for more information or to
• Design Review Board
make reservations: 626-282-8481
7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
May 23 – Monday
Alhambra City Council, 7 p.m.
Transportation Committee
7 p.m., City Hall, conference room
May 24 – Tuesday
111 S. First St.
• Government Affairs Committee
9 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.
111 S. First St.
Business After Hours Mixer
Hosted by Bob Wondries Ford
400 S. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$10 members, $15 non-members
May 30 – Monday
Memorial Day Ceremony
11 a.m.
Veterans Memorial area of Alhambra Park
500 N. Palm Ave.
June
June 2 – Thursday
Parks and Recreation Commission
7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park
210 N. Chapel Ave.
June 6 – Monday
Planning Commission
111 S. First St.
June 7 – Tuesday
• Alhambra Chamber Executive Committee
8:30 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
• HCDA Citizens Advisory Committee
7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
June 9 – Thursday
Coffee Talk
Chamber business networking event
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Diner on Main
201 W. Main St, Alhambra
Cost is free
RSVP 626-282-8481
June 13 – Monday
City Council, 7 p.m.
June 14 – Tuesday
• Alhambra Chamber Board of Directors
8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.
• Library Board of Trustees
• Youth Commission
111 S. First St.
June 15 – Wednesday
Arts & Cultural Events Committee
7p.m., City Hall, conference room
111 S. First St.
June 16 – Thursday
No “Secrets for Your Success” this month
June 17 – Friday
Chamber’s 113th Installation Dinner
Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St.
6 p.m. Cocktails
7 p.m. Dinner
$65 per person
June 20 – Tuesday
Planning Commission
111 S. First St.
June 22 – Wednesday
There will be no mixer this month
June 27 – Monday
City Council, 7 p.m.
June 28 – Tuesday
• Government Affairs Committee
10 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.
112 S. First St.
Tuesday: The Exchange Club meets at 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra. The Rotary Club and Soroptimist Club meet at noon every
Tuesday at Almansor Court. The Civitan Club meets at noon every first and third Tuesdays at Azteca Restaurant, 717 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. The Kiwanis Club of Alhambra
meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays at noon at Denny’s Restaurant, 369 W. Main St., Alhambra (for information, phone 626-943-2542).
Wednesday: The Alhambra Historical Society presents its program meetings at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of January, March, May, September, and November (November
meeting takes place after Thanksgiving) at the Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward Ave. The Alhambra Woman’s Club meets at noon on the first Wednesday each month (except for June
through Sept.), write to P.O. Box 473, Alhambra 91802. Toastmasters meets from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays each month at the Colonial Kitchen Restaurant,
1110 Huntington Drive, San Marino. The League of Women Voters meets on the third Wednesday each month (626-798-0965 for info.). The Lions Club meets at 6:15 p.m. on the third
Wednesday each month at the Regent Café, 1411 S. Garfield Ave., Alhambra.
Thursday: American Legion Post 139 meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday each month at the Legion Hall, 24 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra. San Gabriel Valley New Generation
Rotary Club meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Fronteras Mexican Grill & Cantina, 118 W. Main St., Alhambra.
05/2016
23A
All Souls Catholic School Alhambra Historical Society
brings Electric Asian Night to present talk on Latino
Baseball History Project
Market to community
All Souls World Language Catholic
School recently hosted Electric Asian Night
Market, bringing ethnic food and activities
to the community to enjoy. The Night
Market was modeled after the late-night
street markets popular across Asia.
The Electric Asian Night Market included culinary dishes from the gourmet food
trucks of Kogi BBQ, Streets of Thailand,
Phantom, Okamoto Kitchen, Big Wave
Grill, India Jones Chow Truck, and Fluff
Ice, as well as treats by WaffleLand, Zen
Tea, and KingDing. There was an Asian-inspired craft brew in the beer garden, and
for the kids, night market games Mancala,
Chinese garter, and others. The USC Pacific-Asia Museum provided storytelling.
“This event fully represents the school’s
mission and vision of diversity,” said Mayor
Barbara Messina, who attended the event.
“It’s great to see the community gather to
experience cultures that help make our
City so great.”
“What a blast,” said Principal Carrie
Fuller. “The food was delicious and the
positive energy even better. Early in the
evening, more than 300 people had already
walked inside the schoolyard, and the
crowd continued to grow throughout the
night. The children enjoyed the games as
well as the storytelling.”
The school is now open for tours.
Anyone interested in dual language Catholic education is welcome at 10 a.m. every
Wednesday to observe the classes in action.
Please phone ahead to schedule.
“All Souls is a welcoming and inclusive
Catholic school with a distinct global perspective that provides students a Christ-centered education that is academically
innovative, rigorous, and comprehensive,”
said Ms. Fuller. “We prepare our students
to become bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural learners who are critical thinkers,
effective problem solvers, compassionate
leaders with an unwavering commitment
to service, and productive global citizens in
a diverse 21st century world.”
For more information, please contact
the school at 626-282-5695.
To Advertise in Around Alhambra
call
626-282-8481
Professor Richard A. Santillan will give
a talk about the Latino Baseball History
Project at the Alhambra Historical Society
meeting on Wednesday, May 25, at the
Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward, at the
corner of First Street in Alhambra.
The project has produced several books,
such as Mexican American Baseball in Los
Angeles and others about the women’s and
men’s teams on the Central Coast and in
Southern California.
Admission is free. Refreshments are
included.
Meet and Greet begins at 7 p.m. with
refreshments and viewing of the Museum’s
historical items on display. The meeting and
program will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the
installation of new officers of the Society.
For further information about this
meeting or the Alhambra Historical Society, please phone 626-300-8845.
24A
COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA05/2016
Jayvee Dance Center’s last recital, “Adaptations,” featured 250 dancers and their instructors.
Jayvee Dance Center presents
10th anniversary recital ‘Homecoming’
Jayvee Dance Center will take a
trip down memory lane with its 10th
annual dance recital, “Homecoming,”
at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Glendale
High School auditorium.
The recital will explore themes that
are reminiscent of the high school
years. “Picture in your mind a familiar
scene of running through the halls
to get to class, the excitement of pep
rallies, the band marching down the
field right before the football game and
remember the good times like it was
our own high school reunion,” said
studio Manager Tu DeVera.
The recital will showcase a variety of
dancers aged 2 and older, with performances by Jayvee’s instructors and the
parents of dancers.
“It promises to be an exciting show
in celebration of 10 years of past
recitals,” said Ms. DeVera. “For 11
years, Jayvee Dance Center has been
committed to providing the highest
level of quality and professional dance
training, maintaining a community-first, family-like atmosphere while
instilling in their students self-esteem,
discipline, honor, confidence, character, and a sense of responsibility.”
For more information about the
studio or tickets, visit jayveedancecenter.net.
Downtown Alhambra to present
MainFest Music Festival Sept. 17
Downtown Alhambra will host
MainFest Music Festival on Saturday,
Sept. 17, on Main Street from Garfield
to Second Street.
Tickets are on sale at www.mainfes-
talhambra.com.
“Downtown Alhambra is excited
to bring this new music festival to the
Downtown,” said Downtown Association President Tu DeVera. “MainFest
will feature local and well-known indie
rock bands.”
Follow on Facebook and Instagram
at @mainfestalhambra for more information, photos, and updates.
Paul B. Watkins (March 7, 1970 – April 3, 2016)
Alhambra resident
Paul Watkins dies
Alhambra resident Paul Brian Watkins, 46, died on
April 3, 2016, on “Divine Mercy Sunday.”
Paul died at Saint Vincent Medical Center, Los
Angeles, due to complications from diabetes and viral
cardio myopathy.
Paul was born on March 7, 1970, at Hollywood
Community Hospital to Barry and Mary Watkins.
He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad from
1987 to 1996 as a Switchman, Brakeman, and was
promoted to Conductor until his health made it
difficult to work.
He enjoyed sports and was active in boxing, football, basketball, and soccer during his formative years.
Paul’s interests were spending time with family and
friends and traveling. He loved his morning Starbucks
Café Latte.
He is survived by his parents, sister, nephew and
niece, and many cousins.
Paul’s friends and acquaintances were touched by
his generosity, love, and friendship during his short
life.
Four things parents can do to prepare
kids for financial success
BY SANDY WALIA, WELLS FARGO
GREATER SAN GABRIEL AREA
PRESIDENT
When was the last time you
thought about money? Chances are,
it was probably today, since most
adults deal with money — in one
way or another — on a daily basis.
We pay bills and buy groceries. We
consider money when weighing job
opportunities, when determining
where we’ll live, and when, or for
some, if, we might be able to retire.
We are faced with financial decisions
constantly. And yet, the vital skills of
money management, budgeting, and
saving are often missing from the
curriculums at our children’s schools.
It’s one of the reasons why National
Financial Literacy Month, observed
each April, and the American Bankers
Association’s Teach Children to Save
Day on April 29 are so important.
Few states require financial education courses for high school students,
which often leaves our young people
woefully unprepared when it comes to
understanding finances. When 2,459
students aged 15-18 participated in
a test of financial literacy standards
last year, more than half scored at
or below 69.9%, the equivalent of a
D+. And yet, a Harris Poll Financial
Literacy Survey found that of families
who have had discussions with their
kids about money, more than half of
those discussions were initiated by the
kids. This tells us two things: Our kids
need to know more about money, and
thankfully, our kids actually want to
learn more about money.
So what should you be doing to
help prepare your kids for a successful, healthy, lifelong relationship with
money? Here are four things you can
begin to talk with them about now.
1. Help your child establish a savings account. The sooner your child
makes saving a habit, the better, and
the more likely it will become a habit
that lasts into adulthood.
2. Help your child to create a
budget. Budgeting is one of the key
components for financial success.
Whether you’re helping a 10-year-old
create a budget for his $10 allowance
or a 17-year-old create a budget for the
weekly paycheck from her part-time
job, if your child understands — and
lives by — the concept of budgeting,
it’s a significant step in preparing him
or her for the larger budgets they will
need to manage later in life.
3. Help your child understand the
difference between needs and wants.
It’s ok for your child to spend money
on those things that are “wants.” The
idea is for them to be aware of the bal-
ance between the two, so that spending on the “wants” isn’t excessive. This
lesson can be particularly important
to help your child understand, since it
is one that many adults often struggle
with as well!
4. Help your child to set financial
goals. Whether it’s having enough
money to buy a new gadget, the
latest pair of sneakers, or even a car,
helping your child establish a plan to
reach that goal — and celebrating the
moment they achieve it — can be one
of the greatest financial teachers.
On Friday, April 29, volunteers
from Wells Fargo and other banks
across the country visited classrooms
and worked with young people as a
part of Teach Children to Save Day.
It’s an important first step toward
encouraging financial education, and
Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time for parents to continue the
conversation at home. Look for books
on the topic of kids and money, or talk
to your local banker for suggestions.
You can also check out Wells Fargo’s fun, interactive and free Hands
on Banking program. The online
curriculum is easy to use, and lessons
are specifically tailored by age-group.
(There are lessons for adults as well.)
The Wells Fargo children’s financial
success resource center also offers
important information, as well as access to products and
services that can support your financial goals.
These are just a few of the ways you can get started.
Whichever methods you choose, start now. Your child’s
financial future is at stake. Getting them on the road to
financial success now can increase the likelihood that the
ride has as few bumps as possible. As a public service,
Wells Fargo provides free and fun financial education
programs without commercial content.
05/2016
ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
Marguerita hosts
annual open house
BY ANTONIO GONZALES
On the eve of March 24, parking
was scarce on Glendon Way as
people walked for blocks to attend
Marguerita’s annual open house. The
overwhelming number of visitors
included a variety of interested
guests including current parents and
families of future Huskies eager to see
all of the student project-based learning displays, view the Science Fair
exhibits, and attend presentations on
LCAP and SBAC preparation.
Also in attendance were new
parents in the Mandarin Dual
Immersion program, who came to familiarize themselves with the school.
Dual Immersion, a district-wide
program that will begin in the 20162017 school year, is a program that
teaches students to read, write, and
speak in English and Mandarin.
Parents of future Dual Immersion
students learned that this is a great
opportunity for their children to
not only become bilingual, but also
achieve higher academic standards as
well as have a better understanding of
different cultures.
In addition to visiting classrooms
to view displays of students’ work
that revealed Marguerita’s academic
rigor, families indulged in sweet treats
Seventh-grader shows off his science project
storyboard.
and fried delights offered by the eighth-grade
bake sale, food trucks, Twohey’s, and Fluff Ice,
sponsored by PTA and ASB.
Families left Marguerita that night with a
renewed sense of the hard work both students
and teachers put in on a daily basis and were
reassured that Marguerita is living up to the
standard of excellence that the school has become known for.
Students, parents, teachers
connect at Brightwood’s
Family Library Nights
BY ANTONIO GONZALES
Typically, the school library will have
been been closed for hours come nightfall,
but one evening a month, the library at
Brightwood School has its lights on and
seats full. For the last five months, teachers
have invited first-graders and their parents
to attend a series of fun-filled Family
Library Night where parents and teachers
enjoy good books, delicious snacks, and
each other’s compnay.
Each Family Library Night begins
with a presentation by one of the firstgrade teachers. The teacher reads one of
his or her favorite books to the students
while demonstrating strategies to solicit
student responses and discussion. Instead
of the teachers evaluating their students’
reading as they do during the school day,
Family Library Night gives students the
opportunity to lightheartedly critique their
teachers and make comments about how
well their teachers presented. Fortunately,
the teachers usually get high marks from
their students. Ezequiel Lechuga critiqued
his teacher, May Lee, proclaiming, “Ms.
Lee read My Teacher is a Monster with lots
of expression!” Afterward, the first-graders
are given the opportunity to select books
from the library shelves and then settle to a
spot at a table to read with their friends and
family members.
Family Library Night is not a new
development for Brightwood, but rather
a resurgence of a past tradition, as it has
been a few years since they hosted this
event Parents with older children recall the
original Family Library Nights with appreciation and fondness. “I’m really glad the
teachers brough back Library Night,” said
parent Linda Wong, mother of first-grader
Sierra Wong. “We really enjoyed it with our
older daughter, and I am glad our younger
daughter got to experience it too.”
Students seems to enjoy and appreciate
the night more each month, and they
understand that the more they read, the
better they become. Aislin Kwan explained,
“I like Library Night because I like to listen
to stories from teachers, and I love to read
books because they make me a better
reader.”
Parent Greg Gee, who has attended
all five Family Nights with his son Ryan,
agrees with the value of these monthly
events. “Library Night is an opportunity to
explore different types of reading material
with your child and stress the importance
of reading time.”
Not only do the Brightwood’s Family
Library Nights help students become
more fluent readers, they also give families
the opportunity to bond together over a
mutual love of stories and books. Many
of the students report that they love being
able to use the school library and hear their
teachers read to them, but when asked
about their favorite part of Family Library
Nights, the overwhelming response was
how much they really enjoy reading to
and spending time with their mothers and
fathers.
25A
26A
05/2016
Mark Keppel Dance Company receives national honors
BY ANTONIO GONZALES
Congratulations to the MKHS Dance
Company for an outstanding performance
at the 49th annual Miss Dance Drill Team
USA National Competition held at the
UCI Bren Events Center. Under the direction of first-time teacher Activate Arroyo,
the dance company received a multitude of
honors.
The Dance Team won the first place
U.S. National Championship in the Small
Military category. All Male won the first
place U.S. National Championship in the
Medium/Large Male Hip Hop category,
and also finished as first runner-up in the
overall Grand National Championship final round. All Male Hip Hop also won the
Producer’s Award for Best Choreography.
Mark Keppel High School science lab.
These honors are especially significant due
to the fact that this is MKHS’ first national
championship in Dance Arts since 1968.
Dance Team also won second place
in the High Kick division, fourth place
in Small Jazz, and fifth place in Medium
Female Hip Hop. In regard to dance solos,
sophomore Eric Dinh made national history when he won second runner-up in the
Mr. Dance USA/International solo title
division, beating all three competitors from
Japan. Other award-winning soloists from
the event were Henry Yik, second place,
12th-Grade Hip Hop Solo; Edward Tsai,
first place, 11th-Grade Hip Hop Solo;
Melissa Vong, second place, Ninth- and
10th-Grade Jazz; and Kristie Quan, third
place, Ninth- and 10th-Grade Jazz.
San Gabriel High School Football Stadium.
Alhambra High School science building.
upgrades, Career Tech additions, and gym lockers
replacement. The multi-purpose room was revamped to
become an inviting arena for both students and staff.
The Matador athletic fields and track were upgraded
with synthetic surfaces as well as upgraded sound and
lighting systems. Technology upgrades exhibit digital
projection and sound, upgraded data ports, and electrical. The auditorium received new seating as well along
with a new control room, theatrical lighting, and rigging system. The tennis courts were resurfaced and restriped with drainage to direct surface water away from
the courts. The bus drop-off area received waterproof
canopies to shelter the students from adverse weather
conditions while waiting for their transportation. Also
recently completed are bleacher modifications in the
two gyms.
Mark Keppel High School
Mark Keppel High School had the first major renovation to the campus from its original construction
done in 1954. Initial project priority scope included
three major building additions to the existing campus:
a gymnasium, a three-story classroom and music
build¬ing, and a two-story science classroom building.
Total added square footage was 80,000 of teaching
space. The gymnasium expansion included restroom
facilities, two classroom/team rooms, storage, and
provided seating for 500 people through expandable
bleachers on a court capable of accommodating basketball, badminton, and volleyball. The auditorium was
upgraded with new seating, theatrical lighting, rigging
systems, and finishes. Renovations at MKHS included
the girl’s team/locker rooms and its circulation tied into
the existing locker facilities, old gym upgrades, and
new coaches’ offices, library remodel, and science wing
modernization. A new phone and public address system
has been installed, along with a campus-wide wireless
access infrastructure and security camera system. The
lunch courtyard is accented with shade canopies, sound
system, and comforting landscaping. The maintenance
building has a new home, while the additional parking
lot entry and drop-off south of the newly painted administration building accommodates parents, staff, and
visitors alike.
Century High School – new campus
A new campus for a continuing high school was built
to replace the previous 1960-era modular buildings. The
work included demolishing the existing campus and
the construction of the three new two-story buildings
housing nine classrooms, an administration building,
a library and media center, a student lunch building,
and site work on a reconfigured 1.1-acre parcel. As
part of the project, the existing site was re-oriented
and the transportation center was moved to the central
district offices. The remaining parcel was sold and the
additional monies went back to the District coffers.
The library and media center provided bookshelves and
displays around the perimeter of the room and a computer and learning center for 30 stations in the center
of the library. Total square footage for the buildings was
approximately 14,277. The buildings are connected by
a covered walk¬way at the first and second floors. The
vertical circulation is from two main stairs and an ADA
accessible elevator.
Without this board’s proactive gestures and the community’s support, this bond measure would not have
happened and these advancements in infrastructure
and betterments in the learning environment for the
four high schools would not be a reality today. We
can say with satisfaction and surety that the Alhambra
Unified School District High Schools are much better
off today than eight years ago.
BOND MEASURE From Page 1A
make the necessary improvements that would benefit
the greatest amount of students.
The strategic goals of the High School Bond were to
close the achievement gap among schools and demographic groups and to provide an equitable distribution
of learning opportunities for students across the four
high schools. This would lead to a sufficient flexibility
in curriculum and facilities at each high school to accommodate different learning models as they develop.
These goals were achieved through a well thought-out
plan developed based on the needs established by the
stakeholders who determined the most critical need at
each site. Committee members then voted on the issues, and a complete list was generated and distributed
for final approval.
Alhambra High School
At AHS, the project started with the construction of
six CIF approved tennis courts with 12’ high fencing
and windscreens. Complementing the property adjacent to the new tennis courts, the portable classroom
structures were removed from site and replaced with
a new two-story high-tech Science Building with 10
laboratories, six workrooms, an elevator, and restrooms.
The gym received upgrades including new bleachers,
doors, sport flooring, finishes, and restroom and foyer
renovations. Alhambra’s Career Tech program was
accented with a Culinary Arts Classroom renovation
including amenities to assist with teaching students
commercial kitchen skills. Team rooms were upgraded
to meet Title IX requirements while Buildings C and D
received an upgraded HVAC system, and the auditorium was upgraded with new seating and finishes.
San Gabriel High School
SGHS received numerous improvements in both the
educational and athletic sectors. These transformations
included HVAC and electrical improvements, seismic
05/2016
27A
Barbara Salzman of The Jester & Pharley Phund presents Fremont staff with a Jester doll
and copies of The Jester Has Lost His Jingle. From left are Leann Huang, Ed.D, instructional
specialist; Barbara Saltzman, mother of the author; and Ignacio Muñiz, Ed.D, principal.
Fremont Elementary students
dive into Read-A-Thon
Repetto students
Seventh-grade students enjoy the thrill of a virtual reality field trip.
BY ANTONIO GONZALES
The 564 students of Fremont Elementary are hoping to set a new personal record
— a record in the number of pages read
and a chance to be crowned the school’s
Top Reader. On Read Across America Day
on March 2, students began the non-profit
Jester & Pharley Phund’s Reading Makes A
Difference Read-A-Thon to donate copies
of The Jester Has Lost His Jingle children’s
book to local hospitalized children.
The program, sponsored by the Joseph
Drown Foundation, revolves around The
N.Y. Times’ best-selling children’s book
written and illustrated by David Saltzman.
The Yale University graduate died at 22 on
March 2, which coincidentally is the birthday of David’s favorite author, Dr. Seuss.
Students will read daily for five weeks,
keeping track of the number of pages they
read on a Jester reading log to help David’s
parents keep a promise they made to David
— to give ill children copies of his book and
a doll to lift their spirits.
Over the duration of three assemblies,
Barbara Saltzman, David’s mother, talked
to students about how her son created the
story, for which Maurice Sendak wrote the
Afterword. “David’s favorite childhood
authors were Sendak and Dr. Seuss,” she
said. “It was appropriate that the Reading
Makes A Difference program started on the
day that David and Dr. Seuss share in such
a meaningful way. Every student from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade
listened so intently as I read David’s story
and talked about the ‘secrets’ of the book’s
creation. I anticipate that they’ll create new
reading records,” said Mrs. Saltzman.
David’s book is celebrating its 20th
anniversary in print and has inspired
students around the country to read more
than 40 million pages in Jester & Pharley
Phund read-a-thons to give the book and
its accompanying Jester & Pharley Doll to
local hospital patients.
The Jester & Pharley Fund has its genesis
in David’s uplifting story, which entrances
children and helps ignite an interest in
reading and compassion among students
participating in the literacy program. “It was
wonderful for the students to hear about David’s journey in writing and illustrating the
book,” noted Leann Huang, Ed.D, instructional specialist. “We hope this exposure
will inspire our students to explore possible
careers as authors and illustrators.”
The Jester Recognition Assembly honoring
the top readers and top-reading classrooms at
each grade level will take place May 13, with
a long list of surprises in store for Fremont
student readers. The benefiting hospital will
be revealed at the pep rally for reading.
This reading program has been extremely
beneficial for the students of Fremont
School, and future participation seems
probable in the district. “We’d love to
bring this program to more schools in the
Alhambra Unified School District, where
David’s father, USC Professor Joe Saltzman,
and I attended school,” Mrs. Saltzman said.
Needless to say, this competition will prove
to be beneficial for both the readers and the
children in need, just as David Saltzman
intended.
For more information about The Jester
& Pharley Phund, visit www.thejester.org or
phone 310-544-4833.
experience virtual field trip
through Google Expedition
BY ANTONIO GONZALES
On April 4, Repetto School was one
of several Alhambra Unified Schools
privileged enough to participate in the
Google Expeditions Pioneer Program,
a cutting-edge education platform designed to complement students’ everyday
studies. This program allows teachers to
take their classes on virtual field trips,
immersing students in experiences that
bring abstract concepts to life and give
students a deeper understanding of the
world beyond the classroom.
The day began with a Google representative meeting with Repetto’s faculty
and staff to give them a tutorial on how
to properly administer the Google Expedition and explain the advantages that
Google is offering through this program.
A select group of teachers then split up in
two classrooms, which were designated
to host third- through eighth-grade students to attend a30-minute expedition.
Google provided each student with a
Google Cardboard, which is a unique
pair of (cardboard) goggles equipped
with a high-resolution screen. These
goggles allowed students to experience
expeditions consisting of virtual reality
panoramas, 360 degree photo spheres,
3D images and video, ambient sounds,
annotated with details, points of interest,
and questions that make them easy to
integrate into curriculum already used in
schools.
Teachers chose the focus of the virtual
reality prior to the virtual field trip based
on the topics that each class was studying
in their social studies classes. Students
participated in the lesson as teachers
narrated and navigated their students
through the virtual tour with the assistance of a tablet.They were mesmerized
and thoroughly embraced this program.
While nothing replaces the excitement
and anticipation of hopping on the bus
for a field trip, the Google Expeditions
provided an unparalleled opportunity for
supplemental learning, which allowed
teachers to integrate virtual reality in
their lessons and give students a visual
representation of the people, places, and
historical events that they have been
studying throughout the year.

May 2016 Section A - Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

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