City of Glendora (626) 914-8200

Special Pullout - Drought & Glendora’s Water Conservation
Glendora Report
Published by The City of Glendora
June/July 2015
Teen Center Summer Activities/Trips
New Water-Wise Landscaping!
The City of Glendora Community Services Department recently completed water conservation projects at the following three locations: 1) Parks Nursery (240 W. Dawson Ave.); 2)
Glendora Historical Museum (314 N. Glendora Ave.); and 3) Financial Way median island (off
Route 66, east of Lone Hill Ave.) Over 7,000 square feet of turf was removed and beautiful
drought tolerant landscaping, including drip irrigation, was installed. Drip irrigation, also
known as trickle irrigation or micro-irrigation, is an irrigation method that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or
directly onto the root zone, through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. It is done
through narrow tubes that deliver water directly to the base of the plant. Here are some of the
many benefits of drip irrigation:
• Can be applied at any time of the day or night without interfering with human activity;
• Water application efficiency is high if managed correctly;
• Easily conforms to unique and irregular planters;
• Irrigation is not applied to imperious surfaces reducing collection and run-off;
• Weed growth is lessened;
• Usually operated at lower pressure than other types of pressurized irrigation, reducing
energy cost.
By utilizing drip irrigation, staff estimates these projects will save approximately 230,000
gallons of water per year!
The City hopes these changes will inspire residents and business owners to explore drought
tolerant landscaping whenever possible. In addition, given the limited rainfall we’re currently
experiencing, the City will continue to attempt to reduce water usage in areas with minimal to
low foot traffic.
Library Bookmark Contest Winners
The Glendora Public Library held its eighth annual Bookmark Contest. Participants were
asked to create a bookmark inspired by the theme Read to the Rhythm at the Glendora Public
Library. The contest was open to all students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who live or
attend school in Glendora. Winning bookmarks will be reproduced and distributed during the
2015 Summer Reading Challenge, beginning June 1st. All entries will be on display in the
Library’s Children’s Room. Everyone is welcome to view the wonderful artwork that
Glendora’s youth created. And the winners are…
Fourth Grade
Kindergarten
1st place: Kassandra Magsino
1st place: Anushree Phadnis
2nd place: Naomi Chen
2nd place: Emma Grycel
Fifth Grade
First Grade
1st place: Keila Nelson
1st place: Melinda Chen
2nd place: Emily Bowman
2nd place: Austin Xiao
Middle School
Second Grade
1st place: Karina Gray
1st place: Alan Barnes
2nd place: Mihir Anand
2nd place: Jemma Clum
High School
Third Grade
1st place: Melinda Hendrix
1st place: Allison Chung
2nd place: Katelyn Skye Porter
2nd place: Kimberley Wu
Annual Senior Barbecue at Finkbiner Park
Entertainment sponsored by Glendora Community Hospital
Lunch provided by YWCA Intervale
Friday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m.
The Teen Center’s summer program begins on Monday, June 8 and will run
through Friday, August 14. Summer programming hours are Monday through
Friday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For a fourth year in a row the Glendora Community Services Department
has partnered with the Glendora Unified School District for a free summer
lunch program. Any child ages 1 through 18 can receive a free lunch from June
9 through August 15. In addition to the daily activities at the Center itself, the
Teen Center is also sponsoring a series of day trips during the months of June
and July for Glendora Teens in the 6th grade and above for a minimal cost.
Participants must have a current consent form on file at the Teen Center.
Registration for all trips will be taken at the Teen Center; cash or check only,
please. Sign up at least 24 hours in advance, as no registration will be taken the
day of a trip. For more information, call the Teen Center at (626) 914-2357.
Huntington Beach, Wednesday, June 10, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cost: $10
Raging Waters, Wednesday, June 17, 2015
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cost: $25
Knott’s Berry Farm, Wednesday, June 25, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost: $35
Santa Monica Pier, Wednesday, July 1, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cost: $25
Beach Bonfire, Thursday, July 9, 2015
12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Cost: $10
Huntington Beach, Thursday, July 16, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cost: $10
Magic Mountain, Thursday, July 30, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Cost: $35
Metrolink Commuter Shuttle Route and
Station Stop Changes
Due to the construction project underway at the Covina Metrolink Station
the shuttle route and station drop-off location have been altered. See the
adjusted route and timetable on page 9 or found online at
www.cityofglendora.org. We will drop off and pick-up passengers on Front
Street located just south of the station. The station project is expected to be
completed mid to late July.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause over the next few
months. Contact the Glendora Transportation Division with any questions or
concerns at (626) 914-8233 or email Justine Garcia at jgarcia@ci.glendora.ca.us or Brian Connell at bconnell@ci.glendora.ca.us. You
may also contact Anne Perkins-Yin at the City of Covina with any questions
about the project at (626) 384-5520 or aperkins-yin@covinaca.gov.
City of Glendora
(626) 914-8200
www.ci.glendora.ca.us
City of Glendora
116 E. Foothill Blvd.
Glendora, CA 91741-3380
Entertainment begins at 11:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $4 (must be purchased by June 19)
Tickets must be purchased at the La Fetra Center
from May 26 to June 19 (no phone reservations.)
For additional information, please call (626) 914-0560.
Postal Customer
Glendora, CA 91740-91741
PRSRT. STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT# 92
GLENDORA
ECRWSS
Glendora Report Page 2
Meet Your
Local Authors
at the
Glendora Library
The Glendora Public Library and the
GPL Friends Foundation will host
“Meet Your Local Authors” as part of
their Authors & Artists series. The event
will take place on Saturday, June 13,
11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Glendora
Public Library, 140 S. Glendora Avenue,
Glendora, CA.
There are many local authors who
are emerging onto the literary scene.
This is an opportunity to meet and interact with authors who have published
such genres as Non-fiction, WWII
History, Local History, Inspirational,
Self-Help, Children’s and Poetry.
Authors will display their book(s) and
their work will be available for purchase
and autographs.
Come and gain firsthand insights
about the journey from writing to publishing a book. You will also find new
and exciting books to read.
For more information, visit
www.gplff.org or call 626-852-4872.
National Night Out
The Glendora Police Department
will be holding its 10th annual National
Night Out Against Crime event on
Tuesday, August 4th from 5:30-8:30
p.m. in the Glendora Village at the Bus
Transit center, Glendora Avenue north
of Foothill. Join them for a night of fun
which will include free hot dogs provided by the Glendora Police Officers
Association, music, free child fingerprinting, raffle prizes, Police vehicle
displays and more. The Glendora
Police Department has won an outstanding participant award for the past 8
years for their outstanding participation
in this event. Everyone is welcome!
This national event was created as a
“Going Away” party for crime and
drugs. Residents can turn on their porch
light that evening to send a message to
burglars that they will call the police if
they see anything suspicious in their
neighborhoods.
For more information, contact
Community Services Officer Nita
Ulloa-Pedroni at 626-914-8268.
June/July 2015
Glendora - Still the Best!
On May 24th the San Gabriel Valley Newsgroup released the results of their annual Readers Choice Awards for 2015. For the
fourth consecutive year, readers of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star News and the Whittier Daily News have voted the
City of Glendora and the Glendora Village the “Best Friendly City” and the “Best Downtown”.
For three weeks in March, the publisher opened the voting period collecting ballots from inside its newspapers and available
online. The Readers Choice Awards are a collection of the best products, services, neighborhood establishments and destinations
selected by the news group’s readers.
“This is quite an accomplishment - no other city has won these awards for two consecutive years, while Glendora now holds the
title for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015!” said Mayor Davis. “Glendora really does provide a friendly and inviting atmosphere, whether
at a community event, a park, a local business or just hanging out around town. Receipt of this award, not just for one, but for four
years, symbolizes just how special our City is.”
The Glendora Village has also worked hard to continue its “Best Downtown” status. The Glendora
Village, with its picturesque setting among the Foothills hosts many annual anticipated events, including the Wine Walk, the
Chalk Art Festival, the Halloween Walk and the Holiday Stroll. Of course, an event is not a necessity to visiting the Glendora Village.
Just about any day is a perfect day to visit the Village and enjoy personalized customer service and quality products.
The City of Glendora would like to thank all those who voted for Glendora as the
“Best Friendly City” and the “Best Downtown”
Congratulations To The Glendora Businesses
Voted as “Best” in the San Gabriel Valley!
Best Travel Agency
AAA Travel Glendora
1301 S. Grand Ave.
(626) 857-5870
Best Donut Shop
Donut Man
915 E. Route 66
(626) 335-9111
Best Carpet Cleaner
Higgin's Carpet Care
Glendora, CA
(626) 335-2774
Best Dentist
Stephen W. Bowen DDS
175 N. Pennsylvania Ave. #2
(626) 963-1703
Best Garden Center
Armstrong Nursery
1350 E. Route 66
(626) 963-0328
Best Dermatologist
Dr. Daniel Gormley, MD
412 W. Carroll Ave. #207
(626) 963-7684
Best Mortuary
Oakdale Mortuary
1401 S. Grand Ave.
(626) 691-2000
Best Sushi
Sushi N I
201 N. Glendora Ave. #200
(626) 335-9911
Best Hair Salon
Bobbi Pins
201 N. Glendora Ave. 300
(626) 914-4709
Best Daycare Center
Foothill Christian
301 E. Route 66
(626) 963-8216
Best Bakery
Cake Mama's
865 W. Route 66
(626) 335-4999
Best Carpet & Floor Cover
Glendora Floor Store
131 N. Glendora Ave.
(626) 387-3602
Best Community College
Citrus College
1000 W. Foothill Blvd.
(626) 963-0323
Best Glass & Mirror Store
Glendora Glass & Mirror
712 E Route 66 # A
(626) 335-3699
Best Coffee Shop
Classic Coffee
148 N. Glendora Ave.
(626) 335-3313
Best Attorney
Cloyd Havens
333 W. Foothill Blvd.
(626) 335-6884
Best Dance Studio/School
Best Orthodontist
& Best Music Instruction
Pawley Orthodontics
Top Billing Entertainment
175 N. Pennsylvania Ave. #6
165 N. Glendora Ave.
(626) 963-4173
(626) 675-4439
Best Mortgage
Best Insurance
Banker/Broker
Warner Insurance Agency
Prime Lending – J. Hirth
125 N. Glendora Ave.
124 N. Glendora Ave. #101
(626) 963-3244
(626) 387-6012
Best Real Estate Office /
Best Martial Arts Studio
Agent
Red Dragon Karate
Century 21 Masters
1826 E. Route 66
The Mark and Al Team
(626) 914-0342
140 S. Grand Ave. Suite F
(626) 963-9337
Best Barber Shop
SportClips
1385 E. Gladstone St. #100
(909) 305-2547
We would also like to Congratulate the Many Glendora Favorites:
America’s
Tire Co.
Coldwell Banker
Millennium
Auto Club
Maureen Haney
Boys Cleaners
Clubhouse 66
Century 21
Marty Rodriguez
Cypress Heating
& Air
Domenico’s Jr
Dr. Mahfoud
Amjad MD.
Foothill Christian
Preschool
Foothill Credit
Union
Grand Florist
MTO Carpet
John Henny Music
Miyako Sushi
Academy
MUSE Salon
Kara’s Corner
Peaches & Cream
LA Fitness
Laurie M.Woll,D.O. Peppertree Cafe
Spaghetti Eddie’s
So Cal Pools
Undercovers
Intimate Apparel
Congratulations!
Read on the go with your
smart phone or tablet
Looking for the latest bestsellers on the go?
Try the Glendora Public Library’s 3M Cloud Library e-book collection. To access
and browse the collection, visit the Library’s website, www.glendoralibrary.org
and click on e-books and audio books, look for 3M; or download the free app
through the app store.
For more assistance with downloadable books, please contact the Library at
(626) 852-4891 or Library@glendoralibrary.org.
Glendora Report Page 3
June/July 2015
Camp Cahuilla
Ages 6-12 years (Children must have completed 1st grade)
Fee: $100 per week, *$85 (June 29-July 2, no camp July 3)
To register go to www.ci.glendora.ca.us and scroll down to the bottom of home page and click on online services.
For more information please call (626) 914-2357 or (626) 914-8228.
Day Camp will be conducted in Big Dalton Canyon and features nature hikes, camp crafts, archery, skits, and camp songs,
in and around our rustic cabin. The Community Services Department will operate the camp for eight, one week sessions. Fee
includes camp shirt and 5x7 group photo.
Parents will join campers for a program and picnic (bring your own dinner) at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday. CAMPERS WILL
BRING THEIR OWN LUNCHES AND WATER TO CAMP EACH DAY. No open-toe shoes allowed at camp. Tennis shoes
are highly recommended.
Session Date
Themes
Session Date
Themes
June 15-June 19
Race to the Summit
July 13-July 17
Cahuilla Fun Fair
June 22-June 26
Cahuilla Myths and Legends
July 20-July 24
Splash Showdown
June 29-June 2 (No camp July 3)* Olympic Games
July 27-July 31
Camp Innovation
July 6-July 10
August 3-August 7
Cahuilla Clue
Camp Treasure Hunt
BUS PICKUP (Parents, Please be prompt!)
Transit Parking Plaza (Corner of Cullen Ave and Mountain View across from Finkbiner Park.)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. Thursday: 1:00 p.m.
BUS RETURN (Parents, Please be prompt!)
Transit Parking Plaza (Corner of Cullen Ave and Mountain View across from Finkbiner Park.)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 4:00 p.m. Thursday: No bus return
Join the Summer
Reading Challenge
How much will you read this summer?
Who will be Glendora’s top readers this summer? Are you going to read more than your
friends and family? Join the Glendora Public
Library’s Summer Reading Challenge and find
out. Register online at www.glendoralibrary.org,
or come to the Library June 1-July 25, 2015, and
visit the Library weekly. All participants will
receive a free incentive upon registration. The
more you read, the more incentives you will
receive. Check the Library’s website throughout
the summer to find out who the top readers are!
The Glendora Public Library and GPL
Friends Foundation are excited to also offer programs for readers of all ages throughout the summer.
Please contact the Library at
www.glendoralibrary.org or 626-852-4891 for
complete program information.
Students who continue to read during the
summer have been shown to maintain or
improve their reading skills. A study conducted
of Glendora Unified School District students
showed students who participated in summer
reading programs increased their reading levels
on average by 3 months. Those who didn’t participate did not show improvement. Join the
Summer Reading Challenge to help your students succeed.
Glendora Report Page 4
Upcoming Trail Activities
Saturday Morning Trail Hikes
Colby - Colby Dalton Trail ~ June 27, 2015 ~ 8 a.m.
This is a moderate to strenuous 2.3-mile walk. Park at the
north terminus of Loraine Avenue at the south trailhead of
Colby Trail. The hike begins here and travels north and east
to the junction of the Colby-Dalton Trail. The group descends into Little Dalton
Canyon and turns west back to the starting point.
Little Dalton Canyon (Lower Monroe Motorway) Mystic Canyon Trail
July 25, 2015 ~ 8:00 a.m
This is a strenuous five- mile hike. Park at the first horseshoe curve on Glendora
Mountain Road, 1 mile north of Big Dalton Canyon Road. There is limited roadside
parking here. There used to be a campground at this location. If the gate on Glendora
Mt. Road is closed, park at the gate parking lot, approximately ¾ mile north of the
junction of Big Dalton Road. We will hike up the Lower Monroe Motorway along the
Little Dalton Canyon stream bottom. The motorway turns southward and continues to
the junction of the Mystic Canyon Trail. The group will follow this trail down to Big
Dalton Canyon and follow the roads back to the parking area.
Tuesday Evening Trail Hikes
South Hills Wilderness Trails - June 9, 2015 7:45 p.m.
This is a moderate 1.5-mile walk, starting at the South Hills City Park at the east
terminus of Mauna Loa Avenue off of Glendora Avenue. The group will be walking
the Toyon, North Spur, Alosta Canyon and Big Dalton Wash Trails.
Little Dalton Canyon Via the Motorway Trail ~ July 14, 2015 ~7:30 p.m.
This is a 1.6 mile, relatively flat walk along the Little Dalton Canyon bottom; however the ground is rocky with several shallow stream crossings. Park on the east and
north sides of Glendora Mountain Road at approximately 0.9 miles north of Big
Dalton Canyon Road. The road crosses Little Dalton Canyon at this point at the first
horseshoe curve. In case Glendora Mountain Road is closed north of Big Dalton
Canyon Road, park as near to the gate as possible. We will hike up the Lower Monroe
Motorway, as the dirt road meanders along the Little Dalton Canyon stream bottom.
We will return the same way.
June/July 2015
A Report to Glendora Res idents
State Passes New Water Restrictions
At the May 5th meeting, the State Water Board approved new water restrictions as directed by Governor Brown’s Executive Order issued in April. The Executive Order was signed
by the Governor after his visit to the Sierra Mountains to witness first hand the record low
snowfall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Officials from the California Department of Water
Resources say statewide the snowpack measure is about 6 percent of normal.
The Executive Order required the State Water Board to develop regulations that would
achieve an aggregate 25% savings statewide in potable urban water by February
2016. The Order also directed the Water Board to implement new reporting
requirements for the over 400 water agencies in the State and to update, with
increased water efficiency standards, the State’s Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance that limits water that can be used on new development.
The State has placed the 411 water suppliers into nine tiers in which their
conservation savings is determined. Based on information filed from the period of July through September
of 2014 by those agencies, the state has established a benchmark called Residential Gallons per Capita
per Day or “R-GPCD”. Data from this period was chosen according to the State because it represented a
mixture of weather variables considered best to compare the diverse areas throughout the State, such as
warmer weather, less rain and usually about the medium production month for the water companies based
on their data. These three months, according to the State Water Board, also reflect the amount of water
used for summer outdoor irrigation, which provides the greatest opportunity for conservation savings.
Glendora experienced significant water being consumed by residents those months according to the data
filed with the State of California. Our average R-GPCD was 242 and ranked as significantly above average.
As a result of the data, Glendora will be required to reduce their production 36% by February 2016 which
means the R-GPCD will have to average 121 for the reporting months between June and February 2016.
According to City Officials, they lobbied with the State Water Board for a different approach as the RGPCD was not a fair method to compare given the numerous variables it relies upon. “We indicated that
our State was too diversified for a one size fits all solution as weather plays a role and being a suburban
community is at a disadvantage against a dense urban area,” said City Manager Chris Jeffers.
Over 200 water agencies filed comments to the State Board raising similar objections and urging a different approach to achieving conservation.
“In the end, their hands were somewhat tied by the Governor’s Executive Order directing them to specifically target urban users and setting such a high standard,” Jeffers said.
Glendora also sent letters to their State Representatives urging them to look at a more global response to
the drought as urban users only account for about 11% to 15% of all water used in State. Saving 25%
from this group means overall that about 3-4 percent is saved statewide. Jeffers added that it does not
seem like saving so little in the big picture sends the message that we have a problem; and putting the pressure on 38 million residents while agriculture and environmental laws account for nearly 85% of the water
used is missing the policy point.
Glendora water customers are encouraged to visit the City’s web page to read the emergency regulations
adopted by the City Council to meet the State regulations approved at the May 5th meeting of the State
Water Resources Board as directed by Governor Brown.
R-GPCD Data for various
Municipal Operators
Below is a chart listing the R-GPCD from various
municipal operators of water systems, including
Glendora, calculated by the California Water Board
based on the reporting for their July through
September 2014 production of water. Given that the
use of water across the state is based on so many
variables, from weather and density, to social economic factors, this data was decided to be the best
representation of fairness in the eyes of the State.
R-GPCD City Comparisons
Municipal Operations
Average
July - September 2014
La Verne – 177
Fresno – 154
San Francisco – 45
Long Beach – 84
Whittier –104
Pomona – 96
South Pasadena – 131
Santa Barbara – 81
Glendora – 242
Los Angeles DWP – 91
Santa Clara – 88
San Diego – 82
Redlands – 313
Monterey Park – 225
Pasadena – 139
Yorba Linda – 220
These reported production numbers, along with the
water suppliers estimated allocation credited to residential use within the service area was used by the
California Water Resources Board to place suppliers
within one of the nine tiers of conservation ranging
from 4% to 36%. Glendora fell within the 215 and
above tier so the mandated conservation will be
36%. This will be measured both monthly against the
same period from 2013 and cumulatively until
February 2016.
“While we lobbied to have the measurement stick
altered to reflect a more fair allocation and account
for the differing variables that make it impossible to
measure one community against another, the State
has chosen this path as meeting their needs in monitoring,” said City Manager Chris Jeffers. “We have
a tough task in front of us but we are confident that
our customers will be diligent and at the end of the
day we will have complied.”
Visit www.CityofGlendora.org/WaterConservation for more information and to utilize a data entry tool that will determine your approximate R-GPCD.
Glendora Report Page 6
June/July 2015
Who uses California Water?
This is often a very misunderstood
question by both the public and
policy makers. According to the
California Department of Water
Resources, during dry periods
urban users use only about 13% of
the water.
Agriculture and
Environmental Water account for
87% of water use. On an average year the disparity is even
greater with urban use at 11%
and agriculture and environmental
water using 89%
• Urban water use includes everything from personal uses such as drinking,
watering the garden to industrial use.
• Agricultural water use accounts for use on the 250 different crops and other
commodities produced in the State.
• Environmental water incudes wild and scenic river flows, required Delta
outflow, and wetland water. Environmental water is important to maintaining the ecosystem.
Most water industry officials believe residential
use accounts for most of the urban use but no
known data exists to show how much industry,
commercial or even institutional use contributes
to the 13% stated above. To help gather more
factual data, the California Water Board has
mandated that water suppliers provide information on the various uses and their consumption starting this June.
With the State focusing in at this time on just
residential use and their conservation mandates, many studies indicate that for most residential customers – especially single family
properties – the largest use of water is outside
the home itself. The chart below demonstrates
the average use of water for single family
homes.
City Officials pointed out that the high use of
water by most residential customers outside of
the home is the primary factor for the City
imposing new restrictions on landscape watering to no more than two days a week. “At this
time, we have not specified which two days
watering can occur but if our data over the
next few weeks shows we are not meeting the
State conservation mandates, we will likely
have to put such restrictions in place so that we
can better monitor for violations,” indicated
Public Works Director Dave Davies.
All water customers are encouraged to visit the City’s web page for up to date information and incentives
being offered to assist in conservation at: www.CityofGlendora.org/WaterConservation
City Helps with
Landscape Design
City officials announced the implementation of another
unique conservation incentive program to help residential
customers deal with planning for landscape changes.
“We realize that for many trying to see what a new
drought tolerant landscape might look like and how to
properly care for such can be intimidating,” said Dave
Davies, Glendora Public Works Director.
The program is multi-faceted in nature with both a listing of
local licensed landscape architects that residents may contact to assist with the design and possible implementation
of agreed upon design. In addition, the City has entered
into a unique partnership with Armstrong Nurseries which
has both in-house and referrals for such services. Under this
partnership, Armstrong’s program provides the following:
• Initial consultation within 10 business days
• One design for up to 2,500 square feet of landscape
• $100 gift card for use at an Armstrong Nursery
This service costs $400 of which the City of Glendora will
reimburse the Glendora participant $200 upon completion
of landscape project of at least 500 square feet.
If the resident uses another Glendora licensed landscaper
to design and do the work, the City will still reimburse up
to $200 for just the design work. Participants with either
the Armstrong Nursery program or another licensed landscaper can also participate in the turf-removal program and
if 75% of the material (plants, drip system, etc.) are purchased at a Glendora store receive up to $4 per square
foot for materials and work performed for the first 1,000
square feet with $2 per square foot for the remainder of the
project.
Residents are reminded to check any person performing
work on your property to be sure they have proper and up
to date workers compensation insurance. Keep in mind
workers injured while completing your project could file a
claim against the property owner if the contractor does not
have such insurance. Also, residents should check references verifying contractors positive work performance and
to question previous clients regarding any other concerns
with contractor. Finally, as a general rule, never advance
money before at least 20% of the work is completed. Most
contractors should have financial capability to start the
work and order most materials to get started; otherwise you
run the risk of a less than scrupulous person taking the
money and never doing the work.
To learn more about this program, call the Water
Conservation Department at (626) 852-4838.
Glendora Report Page 7
June/July 2015
California Water Supply – Where does it come from?
History
Water is an essential part of our lives, and providing the precious resource is a task
that the City Council of Glendora takes very seriously. California is likely to be the
most hydrologically transformed land area in the United States. Its water landscape
resembles little of what it looked like in the 1800’s. Today there are reservoirs where
before stood a desert; a desert where cropland was once seen, and marshes now
transformed into croplands. California has changed from a sparsely populated area
into the world’s leading agricultural and food region due to the development of an
integrated water system. Water development projects – storage & distribution –
have transformed deserts into farmland and support large cities and small towns.
California’s climate is also one of the most diverse in our country, where parts of
northern California receive on average 100 inches of precipitation annually, while
the far southern areas are likely to receive just a few inches . Approximately 65%
of the State experiences only about 18 inches of precipitation on average annually,
with most of that falling in the winter months. Water officials commonly point to 75%
of precipitation occurring in the northern part of our State, while 75% of the population and farmland is south of Sacramento.
Water is the backbone of our economy, and managing it is one of the most critical
tasks of elected officials, whether in the north, south, urban, rural, environmental, big
cities or small communities like Glendora. This management has also been a political fight for a hundred years between these varying interests. Everything seems to
depend on the manipulation of water by capturing, storing and re-routing it.
According to the Water Education Foundation, California receives about 200 million acre-feet of rain water annually. An acre foot is the amount of water that would
cover one-foot in depth over a single acre, or about the size of a football field.
About 55% of this water will evaporate, or be used by vegetation. The remaining
45% of our precipitation flows into the streams and lakes or makes its way into the
groundwater table. Of this amount, we use about 11% - 16% for urban use, with
the remaining supply going to agriculture and environmental use.
Sources of Water
For California, the water supply comes from two main sources: surface water (water
that travels or gathers on the ground, like rivers, streams and lakes) and groundwater, which is water that is pumped out from the ground. While some areas of
California include other sources of water, such as desalination plants or sanitation
plants that purify and re-use water, those sources remain a tiny fraction of the overall
available water supply due to exceptionally high costs incurred.
Surface water makes up the majority of the State’s water supplies while groundwater provides as much as 40% of California’s water supply, with some regions utilizing as much as 60 percent or more. For surface water, a large portion is the result
of the runoff from the Sierra Mountain snow pack, which is the state’s largest source
of fresh water during the year. Public and private agencies have built nearly 1,400
reservoirs in California to capture seasonal runoff, protect against floods and allocate water supplies throughout the year.
California’s enormous groundwater reservoirs/basins are estimated to hold about
10 times the amount of water that is stored behind dams in the State. Groundwater
does not exist in underground lakes but in pores and spaces between alluvial materials (sand, gravel, silt or clay)–bearing formations called aquifers. Most of this water
is inaccessible.
Glendora’s Water comes from
On average, Glendora obtains about 75% of its water from groundwater wells within the general vicinity of the City. Like most other users of groundwater over the years
we have pumped more water out of the aquifer than Mother Nature has put back
in. At times we have met our water needs by using water from other surface water
sources to replenish or even supplement water needs during the summer months.
The surface water is supplied by the Water District we belong to – Three Valleys
Water District, a member of the Metropolitan Water District (“MWD”) which supplies water for about 19 million individuals in the Southern California area. That
water comes from the State Water Project which voters approved in 1960. It
includes 22 dams and reservoirs, a Delta pumping plant, and a 444 mile long
aqueduct that carries water from the Delta through the San Joaquin Valley to southern California. The project begins at Oroville Dam on the Feather River and ends
at Lake Perris near Riverside. At the Tehachapi Mountains giant pumps lift the water
from the California Aqueduct some 2,000 feet over the mountains and into southern California.
The Colorado River is another source. The 1,440 mile long Colorado River passes through parts of seven states, several Indian reservations and the Republic of
Mexico. California is entitled to 4.4 million acre-feet water annually from the river.
Most of the water irrigates crops in the Polo Verde, Imperial and Coachella valleys.
But the Colorado River is also a vital source for urban southern California via
Metropolitan Water District’s Colorado River Aqueduct.
The sources from MWD both replenish what Mother Nature is short of during any
year and also fill the gap between demand and the City’s well supply. It is important to note that the aquifer the City obtains its well water from is also used by several other water suppliers feeding hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses in the vicinity. So the aquifer is not just Glendora’s by any means.
The Future
Managing water so that enough is available when users need it is a complex and
costly proposition. Yet, even with all the required infrastructure projects and difficulties encountered, water is the cheapest resource commodity around. For Glendora
it averages around $0.0004, a mere fraction of a penny per gallon. Compare that
to the average cost of $1.28 per gallon for bottled water purchased at the store.
The future of water availability is murky due to the issues identified earlier including
political constituent groups, typical federal and state jurisdictional disputes, the complexity of water sources and the delivery to such a vast State like California.
Conservation is a valuable tool in helping assist in water availability from the far
north sections of California to the farthest southerly points.
Saving Water with HERO
The City of Glendora and MWD offer substantial
rebates intended to minimize the financial strain
of accomplishing water efficiency. Even with the
generous incentives, not everyone may have the
ability or want to make the upfront investment
needed to redesign their yards or perform all the
water saving home improvements available. For these homeowners, there is an
additional option, the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Program.
The HERO Program provides financing for 100% of the cost to purchase and install
eligible energy efficient, water efficient, and renewable energy products. HERO
offers low, fixed interest rates with amortization periods of 5, 10, 15, or 20 years
and, unlike other financing options, there are no credit score requirements. HERO
financing is included in your property tax bill, which is delivered and collected by
the County. Repayments are made through your property taxes, with the interest
being tax deductible. There are no fees to apply for the program and applicants
can utilize HERO financing and still receive all available rebates from the City of
Glendora and MWD.
The HERO program will finance the following water saving improvements:
Outdoor Improvements
Weather Based Irrigation Control Systems
Artificial Turf
Water Efficient Irrigation (Drip/Micro/Sensors) Permeable Pavers, Stones,
Decomposed Granite
Rainwater Catchment System (rain barrels)
Automatic Pool Cover
Indoor Improvements
Hot Water Delivery Systems
Faucets
Gray Water Systems
Showerheads
Toilets
For more information on the HERO Program or to apply, please visit
www.heroprogram.com .
Glendora Report Page 8
June/July 2015
City’s Water Rebate Incentive Program Lauded for Innovation
At a recent California Association for Local Economic Development (“CALED”)
panelists talking about niche economic opportunities lauded the City of
Glendora’s water rebate program as an example of finding an economic stimulus opportunity amidst the drought that has impacted our golden state. The
City’s water efficiency rebate incentive program supplements rebates offered by
Metropolitan Water District (“MWD”) with generous payments - as long as the
materials are purchased within the City.
home improvements.
“It was unexpected but exciting to hear our program was used as an example
for communities to think outside the box as we deal with the drought situation
and create policy – helping customers achieve water conservation, and encouraging local shopping which helps us retain and attract business. It is a win-win
situation,” said Assistant to the City Manager Valerie Escalante who was attending a recent conference.
The program that has infused nearly $400,000 back to local merchants like
Armstrong Nursery, ACE Hardware and Home Depot has been a success,
especially during the Recession when many customers slowed their spending in
To learn more about the City’s incentive rebate program, visit the city’s web site
at wwww.CityofGlendora.org/WaterConservation or call the Water
Conservation Division at (626) 852-4838.
Protect Glendora’s Trees
Trees offer numerous benefits and provide great value to our environment. Trees,
unlike grass and plants, are not easily replaced they take years to grow and
mature. It is for these reasons that we must take caution to ensure that trees survive this current dry spell.
As the drought continues, we are all asked to use less water, primarily through the
reduction of water that is applied to our lawns; many will decide to remove their
grass altogether and replace it with drought tolerant plants and materials. In
doing so, for most trees this means that their normal source of water will be
removed. A tree’s health is dependent on water, if it does not receive water as it
is normally accustomed to, the tree can become stressed and more susceptible to
diseases and insects.
Instead of suddenly eliminating the water supply to trees, consider gently transitioning them off regular watering. Start by watering your tree(s) once every two
weeks, then try once every three weeks until you reach a month or more without
watering. Keep an eye on signs of stress to prevent irreversible damage.
Weather is the most influential
factor when deciding how
often to water. After periods
of rain, watering should cease
for at least 48 hours or until
soil begins to dry up a few
inches below the surface.
Winds tend to steal moisture
from leaf surfaces and high
temperatures with dry air can
increase evaporation. Soil
types are also a significant
factor when considering
watering needs. Sandy soils
are have large porous spaces
that allow water to filter through much faster, whereas clay is super fine and can
retain moisture for a longer period.
General Tree Watering Recommendations
New Trees
Newly planted young trees will require more frequent watering. Check moisture at a depth of about 3-6 inches
into the soil. Typical watering needs will be between 7-14 days, depending on weather conditions.
Mature Trees
Deep watering once a month is usually sufficient, however recent watering patterns may have altered the tree’s
needs, monitor the tree for signs of stress and adjust as necessary.
Citrus Trees
Deep watering down to 36 inches is preferred, typically every two weeks.
Avocado &
Other Fruit Trees
Watering needs will range from weekly to monthly depending on weather. Check soil moisture 6-8 inches
below the surface.
If possible, consider installing a drip irrigation system around the tree. Watering with
drip tubing is ideal because the entire root
zone is watered at a very slow rate, conducive for deep rooting and eliminating run.
Drip tubing is spaced at 12, 18 or 24 inches apart and can be adjusted as the tree’s
canopy grows. Pairing such a system with
a thick layer of mulch can retain moisture
and hide the plastic tubing.
Keeping all these factors in mind when determining
your tree’s watering schedule will help you be more
water efficient while helping trees stay healthy.
Remember trees are a valuable asset to the entire community and must be preserved and protected. Together
the community can conserve water and maintain our
trees.
June/July 2015
Glendora Report Page 9
Glendora Report Page 10
Library Happenings
Glendora Public Library has something for everyone!
Join the excitement by attending one of these events,
proudly presented by the
Glendora Public Library and
GPL Friends Foundation:
June 1 through July 25
Join the Summer Reading Challenge for Children,
Teens, Young Adults and Adults. Save time and register
online at www.glendoralibrary.org or register at the
library beginning June1. For a complete listing of programs and events call 626-852-4891 or check the
library’s website.
June 4-13 / Main Floor
“Super 8 Day Sale” Come to the library starting on
Thursday and browse the sale tables for bargains on
Paperback Fiction & Travel books.
June 13, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm / Bidwell Forum
“Authors & Artists” Come Meet your local authors as
they share their work and experiences. Books will be
available for purchase and signing.
June 24, 5:30 pm / Friends Room
“Novel Idea” Book discussion group on The Secret
Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
July 3 & 4 Library Closed in Observance of
Independence Day
July 6-11 / Main Floor
“Super 8 Day Sale” Come to the library starting on
Monday and browse the sale tables for bargains on
Diet, Health & Exercise books.
July 18, 6:00 pm / Library Plaza
“Night on the Plaza Celebrates 15 Years” Enjoy a
wonderful opportunity to spend the evening with
friends and support your library at the same time.
Reservations are $75 per person, which includes an
elegant dinner and dancing under the stars. For information about this fundraiser, auction donations, program advertising or tickets, visit www.gplff.org or call
the Foundation Office at (626) 852-4894.
August 6-15 / Main Floor
“Super 8 Day Sale” Come to the library starting on
Thursday and browse the sale tables for bargains on
Children’s, Parenting & Educator books.
August 26, 5:30 pm / Friends Room
“Novel Idea” Book discussion group on The Lowland
by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Weekly Children’s Storytimes / Friends Room
Mondays at 10:30 am –Infant & Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 am –2-3 year old Storytime
Wednesdays at 10:30 am –3-5 year old Storytime
Friends Book Loft / Plaza Level
Visit the Bookstore for great bargains on gently used
books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and new greeting cards.
Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Unless otherwise noted, events are free to the public
and will take place at the Glendora Public Library, 140
South Glendora Avenue. For more information, call
the Library at (626) 852-4891 or check out the web
sites at www.glendoralibrary.org or www.gplff.org
June/July 2015
Glendora Report Page 11
June/July 2015
Andrews, Inc.
Congratulations Vobecky Enterprises Inc.
43rd Anniversary
It is with great
honor that Gary and
Connie Andrews are
celebrating the 43rd
anniversary
of
Andrews, Inc. As the
oldest original owner
operated business in
the Glendora Village,
they have created one
of the finest traditional
clothier stores in the
San Gabriel Valley.
They are always looking for new ways to
better serve their customers.
At Andrews, Inc.
they pride themselves
in offering the very best
in custom tailoring.
Their unique Made-ToMeasure program ensures the best fit and look possible. With
great attention to detail, Gary (at the young age of 69!) and
Connie offer excellent customer service and a warm, welcoming environment to all who enter their shop.
Congrats on 43 years in business!
Use your smartphone to get
connected to the City’s website
Scan Me
The City of Glendora congratulates Vobecky Enterprises, Inc. on their nomination
and selection of the “Construction Firm of the Year” Award. On May 19th, 2015 the
Los Angeles Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) operated by the
University of Southern California in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s
Office of Economic Development, held their 20th Annual Minority Business Awards
celebration.
The purpose of the MBDA’s Annual Minority Business Awards Program is to recognize the role that minority entrepreneurs play in building the American economy through the creation of jobs, products, and services, in
addition to supporting their local communities. The MBDA selects honorees based on their historical financial
success, economic impact, and involvement in community activities. Awards are given for outstanding achievement in one of six industries: construction, distributor, green energy, technology, global/export, and professional services. The MBDA is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The City is honored to have such a distinctive and accomplished company amongst its business community.
There are many businesses in the City doing great things every day, and while we are proud of all our businesses when one receives such a distinguished award, recognition is due. Vobecky serves as a role model for our
growing businesses and we wish them continued growth and success.
Vobecky Enterprises, Inc., founded by Bianca Vobecky, is a Glendora based woman and minority owned
business established in 2006 providing a wide range of services from general building construction to construction management. The company’s numerous projects include government buildings, maintenance facilities and
private residences. Vobecky approaches construction, based upon a disciplined strategic process wherein clients
are provided with quality workmanship and exemplary project performance. Vobecky has a long list of wellknown customers including MGM Grand Group, Las Vegas, LA Live Project, Los Angeles World Airport, US
Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Angeles National Forest Service, Department of Homeland Security and
Southern California Edison, just to name a few. Vobecky Enterprises was also the 2011 MBDA recipient of
“Professional Services Firm of the Year.”
Rumors – City of Glendora Response
Social media blogs are sometimes misleading or worse yet, altogether wrong. In the past, media outlets
required 2-3 independent sources to verify a story before it was published in the paper or announced on TV.
Unfortunately, that standard is no longer the case for today’s social formats like Facebook, blogs and Twitter. In
today’s electronic world, statements are sent to hundreds and even thousands of people while the event is still
taking place.
City officials recognize that residents and non-residents are entitled to their opinions. Yet, there is concern
when publically shared opinions that are only partially accurate or completely false are used by others as fact to
form their opinion without the benefit of knowing the full accuracy. This column provides information along
with sources that individuals can review for themselves to verify or obtain more information.
There are leaks in the streets that have not been fixed, the City does not care.
Not true – We do care about leaks. First, has the leak been reported to the City? More often than not, residents presume it has or they believe we have some way of knowing where leaks exist. Unlike Edison or the Gas
Company, whose customers will immediately call them when they have a leak or are without service, a water
leak very rarely means customers are without water.
In addition, there are state requirements that must be followed when digging to repair items. By state law, if
a utility wants to dig in the public right of way, they must notify other utilities via Underground Service Alert.
The utilities must be given time to come out and mark the location of where their underground utility lines are
in the area. The only time this is not required is when the public’s safety is at stake. The law ensures the repair
work does not damage other infrastructure and most importantly, repair crews are not put in danger by digging
into a gas line or electrical line.
They are wasting water, letting it run into the flood control channels.
No – when there is water in the flood control channel during non-rain events this water is being sent to the
spreading grounds by Three Valleys Water District. This water is needed to replenish or replace the groundwater pumped out through wells by the various water suppliers for their customer’s use. Much like the California
Aqueduct which takes water from Northern California to supply water here in the southern part, we use these
local channels to distribute that water to replenish or replace water being used.
We should stop all building until the drought is over?
No – Water is more complex as is our climate. The State of California has officially declared a State of
Emergency due to a drought two times covering four years in just the time Governor’s Schwarzenegger and
Brown have held office. Droughts are a fact of life for our mostly semi-arid region. If the State froze development where a new supply for water was required, economists say our economy would be impaired severely. The
construction industry would be impacted by the loss of jobs; new retail could not be built, nor office or industrial complexes because it would require a new water supply, eliminating jobs for Californians. The lack of housing, which is already in short supply, would force more overcrowding and prevent families from moving up in
the housing stock. Most new housing permits are necessary to meet the need of existing housing demands
according to a recent report by the Orange County Business Council. Even Sierra Club California Director,
Kathryn Phillips, indicated in a May 3, 2015 article in The Orange County Register that a moratorium was not
the right action, especially for housing.
Water saved in San Diego cannot benefit Glendora nor can water saved in Riverside; similarly water we conserve cannot benefit these communities. In addition, the ground water area our wells pump from is also accessed
by other water suppliers and serves communities in addition to Glendora, including Azusa, Covina, San Dimas
and unincorporated areas nearby.
Glendora Report Page 12
June/July 2015
Glendora Meeting Dates:
City Council Meeting
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
BID Advisory Board Meeting
1st Thursday, 8:30 a.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
Community Services Commission
3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
Investment Advisory Committee Meeting
Meets Quarterly, call (626) 914-8210
City Hall, Council Chambers
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
3rd Monday, 7 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
Planning Commission Meeting
1st Tuesday, 7 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
Water Commission Meeting
Meets Quarterly, call (626) 852-4838
City Hall, Council Chambers
Credit Cards are accepted for payment at
City Hall, Library, Police Department and the
Community Services Department.
Stay informed about Colby Fire Restoration/Preparedness:
www.cityofglendora.org/colbyfire
Nixle 360
www.facebook.com/cityofglendora
Contact Information
Glendora City Council
Karen K. Davis, Mayor
Gene Murabito, Mayor Pro Tem
Gary Boyer, Council Member
Judy M. Nelson, Council Member
Mendell Thompson, Council Member
www.ci.glendora.ca.us
Animal Control - IVHS………....909-623-9777
Building Permits/Inspection…...……914-8222
City Clerk ………….………........……914-8210
City Council …………….....…………914-8201
City Manager ……………….......……914-8201
Code Enforcement …………........…. 852-4825
Non-Emergency Police ...…....…….. 914-8250
Graffiti Hotline ……………….....….. 963-8540
Household Hazardous
Waste Collection…….…….....1-888-253-2652
Housing Programs ...……………..... 914-8214
City Job Line ……………….....….….914-8206
La Fetra Senior Center ……...….….. 914-8235
Glendora Library ……………....…... 852-4891
City Mini Bus System ……….....…… 914-8233
Overnight Parking Information ….... 914-8279
(recorded message)
Community Services ……....……….. 914-8228
Planning ..............................…......… 914-8214
Public Works (Streets/Engineering) ....… 914-8246
Teen Center ……………………....…. 914-2357
Water Emergency (8 am to 5 pm) .....… 914-8246
Water Emergency (After 5 pm) ….....… 914-8250
Utility Billing (City) …………..……. 914-8239