Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 1, 2011

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 1, 2011 


CHUCK HENRY GETS KEY TO THE CITY

STATE SUPREME COURT DENIES MOTION TO LIFT STAY

by Scott Ochoa, City Manager

Last week, we received the disappointing news 
that the California Supreme Court would not lift 
its stay order on redevelopment agencies such 
as Monrovia, which have adopted the requisite 
“Continuation Ordinances” indicating our willingness 
to pay the State’s ransom if only to get 
much-needed infrastructure and economic development 
projects underway.

The California Redevelopment Association 
and the League of California Cities filed the motion 
asking the Court to release cities from the 
stay if those cities had in fact adopted the continuation 
ordinances; the idea being that the 
State would not suffer any injury because, if AB 
26 and 27 were upheld by the Court, the cities had 
already agreed to pay. Conversely, if the Court 
strikes down the Governor’s anti-redevelopment 
bills, then the cities would not be forced to pay. In 
any event, there is no jeopardy for the State’s coffers 
- if the Court rules in their favor in January 
2012, they get the money; if not, then they never 
had a claim to it in the first place.

Alas, the Court decided it would leave everything 
status quo until it rules this winter.

The specific impact for Monrovia - and the 
region - is that the City Council/Redevelopment 
Agency Board’s consideration of the purchase 
and sale agreement (PSA) for the proposed Gold 
Line Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Facility 
is stalled until the ruling is rendered. This, 
in turn, means that the Gold Line Construction 
Authority - which has already approved the PSA 
- cannot advance the construction of the main 
alignment of the light rail line because they need 
at least 50% of the proposed M&O Facility property 
before METRO will release the bulk of their 
funding.

Thus, we are forced to wait out the Court’s decision. 
Again, the Court has committed to rendering 
a decision not later than January 15, 2012. 
Still, presuming that the Legislature returns to 
Sacramento this fall in a special session to begin 
addressing the State’s current fiscal year budget 
- which is reportedly $4 to 5 billion out of whack 
already - we will again try for special legislation 
that will protect Monrovia’s interests in light of 
these complex and volatile factors.

Duarte’s Route 66 Parade Grand Marshal, Chuck Henry is presented with the Key to the City at a 
pre-parade breakfast. The veteran NBC4 news co-anchor led a parade of marching bands, classic 
cars, and more than 1,000 community members in celebration of the Mother Road’s 85th anniversary 
and Duarte’s 54th anniversary of Incorporation. From left: Councilman John Fasana; Route 66 Parade 
Chair, Lisa Magno; Councilwoman Lois Gaston; Kay and Chuck Henry; Mayor Tzeitel Paras-Caracci; 
Councilwoman Margaret Finlay; and City Manager, Darrell George.

OPEN HOUSE HOSTED BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER 

PORTANTINO TO FEATURE FOOD DRIVE FOR 

FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER, FRIENDS IN DEED

DUARTE NAMED FINALIST FOR L.A. COUNTY’S 

MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY AWARD

Finalists Picked for Commitment to Job Creation and Economic Development

September 27, 2011 — A food drive benefiting 
Foothill Unity Center and Friends in Deed will 
highlight an open house to be hosted by Assemblymember 
Anthony J. Portantino on Wednesday, 
October 5,. from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will be 
held at Walnut Plaza, 215 North Marengo Avenue 
in Pasadena.

 The public is invited to enjoy lemonade and 
cookies and learn about resources that can help 
them access state government agencies and navigate 
the state website.

 “Recognizing that too many of our friends 
and neighbors throughout our communities 
are heavily impacted by food insecurity, we are 
asking the community to join us in contributing 
non-perishable food items to Foothill Unity 
Center and Friends in Deed at this event,” said 
Portantino. “It’s an immediate way for us to help 
them continue the wonderful work they do to 
combat hunger.”

 Suggested food donations include non-perishable 
items like canned peanut butter, tuna, chicken, 
chili, beef stew and soups; dry beans, pasta, 
oats, rice and cereal; plus jelly, tomato sauces, 
cooking oil and baking ingredients.

 For more information, call Assemblymember 
Portantino’s office at (626) 577-9944.

 

About Foothill Unity Center

 Foothill Unity Center, Inc., has been serving 
low-income families and those in crisis for over 
30 years. Founded in 1980, the Center has become 
the major source of food, health services 
and crisis assistance for over 4,000 low-income 
families in eleven local cities. In 2008, it was federally 
designated the Community Action Agency 
for the Foothill Area.

 

About Friends in Deed

A program of the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena 
Area Congregations (ECPAC), Friends In 
Deed is a nonprofit organization that facilitates 
religious, community, business and government 
partnerships aimed at providing coordinated and 
effective social services to local low income and 
homeless people.

DUARTE, CA, September 26, 2011 – For the 
second consecutive year, the City of Duarte 
has been named one of five finalists for the 
Los Angeles County Economic Development 
Corporation’s (LAEDC) Most Business-Friendly 
City Award in the category of cities with a 
population of 60,000 and under. 

“It is an honor to be selected again as a finalist,” 
said Mayor Tzeitel Paras-Caracci. “It validates 
the excellent work that both the Duarte City 
Council and staff are doing to assist business and 
promote job creation.” 

Other finalists in the category are Commerce, 
Gardena, La Mirada, and Monrovia. The winner 
will be announced at the LAEDC’s 16th Annual 
Eddy Awards on Nov. 3 at the Beverly Hilton. 

 “During these difficult economic times, 
Duarte is doing everything it can to retain, 
attract and expand our local business base,” said 
City Manager, Darrell George reflecting on the 
recent announcement. 

 LAEDC created the “business-friendly” 
award category in 2006 to recognize cities with the 
County that are proactively promoting business-
friendly programs and services. Finalists were 
selected based on:

• Demonstrated commitment to economic 
development as a priority.

• Excellence in programs and services 
designed to facilitate business entry, expansion, 
and retention.

• Economic development activity over the 
past three years.

• Competitive business tax rates and fee 
structures.

• Availability of economic incentives.

• Effective communication with and about 
business clients.

Duarte prides itself on maintaining its “small 
town” feel and business-friendly atmosphere. 
Duarte provides cutting edge business 
development strategies and professional 
assistance, including a one-stop permit center, 
an updated strategic plan, an Economic 
Development Element in its General Plan and 
a hands-on City Council regularly in touch 
with businesses. Duarte’s incentives include 
an effective Redevelopment Agency, no utility 
user tax, free business seminars, business, 
residential and youth surveys, a low crime rate 
and distinguished schools. 

“The 2011 finalists stand out as model 
communities in Los Angeles County that 
are proactively engaging and working with 
businesses and the private sector to create jobs 
for their residents,” said LAEDC President and 
CEO, Bill Allen. “In the midst of prolonged 
economic crisis, these cities have shown they 
truly understand the importance of attracting, 
retaining and growing businesses to create much-
needed jobs and generate necessary tax revenue 
for important public programs,” he said.

The LAEDC also announced finalists in the 
Business-Friendly City competition in the 60,000 
population and over category. They are the cities 
of Burbank, Carson, Glendale, Torrance, West 
Covina, and Whittier. 

Each of the total 11 cities named as finalists in 
the competition has created a business-friendly 
environment that encourages businesses to locate 
or expand in their respective communities, noted 
the LAEDC.

Established in 1981, the LAEDC is an economic 
development leadership organization dedicated 
to promoting job growth, economic expansion, 
and the overall global competitiveness of Los 
Angeles County, it’s surrounding regions, an the 
state of California.

DUARTE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS:

A DIFFICULT DECISION

By Joan Schmidt

Last Tuesday, September 20, I attended a Forum 
at the PAC Center for the Duarte School 
Board Candidates. The three incumbents, Francisco 
Figueroa, Rose Books and Pamela Kawasaki 
were nowhere to be seen, MISSING IN ACTION! 
Invitations to this forum had gone out in August. 
Mr. Figueroa had a business meeting in Chicago. 
What I can’t comprehend is Where the other two 
candidates were, and if they knew a month ahead 
of time, WHY did they not make arrangements 
to attend? That evening at the Monrovia-Arcadia 
Duarte Town Council meeting, there also was 
mention of the three school board incumbents 
not attending the forum. Our Duarte County 
residents were NOT happy- someone said that 
the incumbents didn’t want to answer questions! 
The next morning at the HIV/AIDS Summit at 
City of Hope, two Duarte city officials also expressed 
dismay that the incumbents did not attend 
the forum. After all it was sponsored by two 
Duarte school unions who represented not only 
teachers, but employees.

The challengers, David Hall, Tom Reyes, and 
Dolores Ortiz attended the forum. They expressed 
their concerns with middle school, high 
school, college attendance and performance. All 
three called for an audit of the budget. “Where 
is the money going?” Mr. Reyes emphasized 
communication between teachers, parents and 
administrations. Mr. Hall pointed out if budget 
cuts were necessary, start with administration, 
not our classrooms and programs. Ms. Ortiz felt 
policies needed to be evaluated and members 
need to work side by side with teachers. Mr. Hall 
has experience as a mediator and handling issues. 
Mr. Reyes is well known for involvement and volunteerism 
in his Church, school, and community. 
I personally can vouch for both these men 
as I have seen them in action. I have never met 
Ms. Ortiz but she has business and management 
acumen and experience. Mr. Figueroa, I have 
known several years from my work with the Duarte 
Ed Foundation and he is competent and caring. 
I cannot comment on the other incumbents. 
I don’t personally know them. They didn’t attend 
the forum, so I don’t know their views.

In Duarte, much has been said about API (Academic 
Performance Index) test scores. Last week, 
a daily paper’s article mentioned Rosebud Charter 
School, (Grades K-4) in Altadena. Its students 
scored 890 on the API tests, up from 793! These 
students of working class parents were 80% African 
American and 20% Latino. Their Principal 
did not consider herself a “Miracle Worker”, but 
noted “their formula-hard work, high standards, 
strong curriculum, small class sizes AND tremendous 
parent involvement.” 

Recently, Duarte School Board Member Reyna 
Diaz also relayed the importance of parent involvement. 
Having taught for thirty-two years, I 
can reiterate that. I have had children come into 
my 6th grade from other cities, not being able to 
read. When a parent heeded my advice and spent 
even fifteen extra minutes helping their child 
oral read, great improvement occurred. 

There’s been MUCH said about the Duarte 
API scores. On the Internet, I viewed Duarte’s 
elementary school results and those of surrounding 
areas. 

The lowest Duarte School was Maxwell at 731; 
Beardslee, 774; Andres Duarte, 804; Valley View, 
840; Royal Oaks, 870.

 In Arcadia, all elementary schools I reviewed-
Camino Grove, Baldwin Stocker, Longley Way, 
Holly Ave., Hugo Reid and Highland Oaks were 
in the 900’s.

Arcadia has a high affluent Asian population; 
education is the TOP priority.

In Monrovia, I viewed Plymouth,782; Bradoaks-
818; Monroe, 829, Mayflower, 865. (Two 
Monrovia schools scored below Valley View, 
three below Royal Oaks!)

El Monte’s elementary schools had Cleminson 
at 800. Six other schools scored in the 700’s and 
Thompson had 397. The El Monte Schools were 
half and half. Half the schools scores improved; 
half went down. 

When we lived In Manassas, Virginia, my thirty-
six year old daughter learned to read in Kindergarten! 
Back then it was unheard of. The area 
was affluent, NO mothers worked-they had time 
to spend helping their children with homework. 
We had a mother volunteer BESIDES an aide in 
ALL the lower grades!

The point I am trying to make is that SEVERAL 
factors influence API scores. 

Of course the teacher and her methods are an 
integral factor. But parent-teacher communication 
and parental involvement are also important. 
Helping with homework, setting aside a 
time for silent reading, taking your child to the 
library- these also are a prerequisite for your 
child’s success. I don’t feel API issues should influence 
this election. Quite frankly on the elementary 
level, Duarte’s aren’t bad. However there 
are concerns on the higher levels. What I would 
do is, look at the candidates and their qualifications- 
education, employment, involvement in 
the community. Is he or she a person available to 
reach if someone has a question. I was a teacher 
for 32 years, but that doesn’t qualify me to be a 
school board member. I even am a “people’s person.” 
What is needed is someone who HAS THE 
TIME to commit themselves to the improvement 
of Duarte’s schools. If there are candidates who 
constantly do volunteer work at their Churches 
or non-profit organizations, that’s a plus. Also if 
I knew a person who was an integral part of an 
area changing from a war zone to a decent family 
community, I’d consider them. Do your homework, 
Duarte voters. Find out all you can about 
the candidates. If you aren’t registered voters, do 
so. The last day to register is October 24th. (Voter 
registration forms are available at Duarte City 
Hall.) Lastly, plan on attending the Candidate 
Forum!

CANDIDATE FORUM!

THURSDAY: OCTOBER 20.

SCHOOL BOARD FORUM: 5 to 6:30 p.m

CITY COUNCIL FORUM: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Monrovia Police Blotter

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department 
handled 548 service events, resulting in 
98 investigations. Following are the last week’s highlighted 
issues and events:

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Possession of a 
Dangerous Weapon / Criminal Threats - Suspect 
Arrested

On September 15 at 3:10 p.m., an officer on patrol 
heard a commotion in the area of the 700 block of 
West Colorado. The officer observed two subjects 
who appeared to be fighting. As the officer approached, 
he saw that one of the subjects was bleeding 
from the face, and the second subject had fled 
on foot. During the investigation, it was learned 
that the subject who fled struck the other subject 
in the face with a nunchaku. The suspect was later 
located down the street at his residence and was arrested 
without incident. The weapon was recovered 
at the suspect’s residence. The victim was seen by 
Monrovia paramedics but declined further medical 
treatment.

Vehicle Burglary

On September 16 at 6:15 a.m., police received a 
call reporting a suspect smashing the window of a 
vehicle on the street in the 400 block of Stedman. 
The possible suspect was last seen in a gold Nissan 
driving east. The incident appears to be an attempted 
burglary to the vehicle but there was no loss. The 
suspect was not located.

Drug Activity - Suspect Arrested

On September 16 at 5:20 p.m., an officer stopped 
a vehicle at Foothill and Fifth. The female occupant 
was not wearing her seatbelt and claimed she had no 
way to identify herself. A pat-down search revealed 
she was in possession of a used glass methamphetamine 
pipe. No narcotics were found. She was arrested 
for being in possession of drug paraphernalia, 
a misdemeanor, and was taken to the Monrovia 
City Jail, where she was booked, identified, and then 
released with a citation to appear in court.

Residential Burglary / Hot Prowl

On September 17 at 2:45 a.m., officers responded 
to a residence in the 300 block of North Mountain 
regarding a burglary that occurred while one of the 
residents was inside the home. The wife had left at 
approximately 11 a.m. Her husband, who is hard 
of hearing, remained at home. The wife returned 
home at 2 a.m. and found the rooms on the second 
story of the house ransacked and a starter pistol had 
been taken. After the initial investigation, it was 
determined that the suspect had jumped a wall to 
get into the yard. The suspect then stacked a plastic 
tub and plastic chairs so he could reach the roof 
of the home. He then climbed onto the roof, pried 
a screen off a window, and entered the home. The 
suspect ransacked the upstairs rooms only, and then 
fled through the same open window. The husband 
did not hear anything other than a loud bang at approximately 
3 p.m. The investigation is continuing.

Suspicious Circumstances - Suspect Arrested

On September 18 at 2:21 a.m., an officer on patrol 
in the area east of Myrtle and south of Huntington 
heard what sounded like shots fired. Several other 
people heard the sounds as well. An area search was 
conducted, but no victims were found. Two male 
subjects were observed by the officer walking in 
the middle of the street in the 200 block of East Cypress. 
When the officer attempted to contact them 
regarding the possible shots, one of the two subjects 
refused to stop. Assisting officers confronted the 
subject, but he still would not comply with their demands 
and began cursing at them. The subject was 
detained and arrested for resisting and delaying a 
peace officer. He was identified as a documented 
gang member. Ultimately, no evidence of shots having 
been fired was found.

Parolee-at-Large - Suspect Arrested

On September 19 at 9:05 a.m., officers responded 
to the 100 block of North El Norte regarding a subject 
taking recyclables from the trash. When they 
arrived, the reporting party told them the subject 
had taken recyclables and went to the recycling center 
on Duarte Road. An officer contacted the subject 
at the recycling yard. A computer check revealed he 
was wanted by state parole. The subject was arrested 
and taken into custody.

Domestic Violence - Suspect Arrested

On September 19 at 9:29 p.m., police received a 
call reporting domestic violence at a residence in 
the 1700 block of South Fifth. A man was arguing 
with his live-in girlfriend. She attempted to leave the 
location in her car. He stood in front of the car as 
she drove down the driveway. He was hit by the car, 
causing an injury to his leg. The female subject was 
arrested for domestic violence.

Residential Burglary

On September 20 at 8:05 p.m., a resident who lives 
in the 200 block of East Olive reported a burglary 
to his residence. He left his residence at 5 p.m. and 
returned at 8 p.m. to discover his television set, 
DVDs, and CDs had been stolen. It appears the suspect 
used the victim’s ladder to access an unlocked 
second-story window to gain entry to the home. Investigation 
continuing.