Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 23, 2014

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014

SECTION B

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT 
REVISED $7.5 BILLION WATER BOND PASSED BY 
LEGISLATURE FOR NOVEMBER 2014 BALLOT

Legislation Transmitted to Governor Brown for Signature

 Late last week, just hours before the California Secretary 
of State was to begin printing election voter guides, the 
Assembly and Senate each approved new legislation entitled 
the ‘Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement 
Act of 2014’ (AB1471 - Atkins/Rendon approved by votes of 
77-1 in the Assembly and 37-0 in the Senate) which will lead 
to a $7.54 billion water bond being placed on the statewide 
November 2014 ballot, replacing the $11.14 bond that had 
previously been slated. 

 The compromise vote by the legislature is nothing less than 
historic in the midst of the State’s severe drought as it ends 
a multi-year stalemate on addressing the State’s imminent 
water needs, reflects a broad range of support from diverse 
stakeholder groups including water interests, business, labor 
and agriculture, and recognizes the fiscal limitations facing 
California.

 Among the factors that came together to enable passage 
of the compromise legislation were the Governor raising his 
support from his recent $6 billion borrowing proposal to the 
$7.5 billion level, allowing for an increase in funding for water 
storage, local water supply and water quality assistance, and 
agreement that the Water Bond would be “neutral” relative 
to the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. A key objective of the 
legislation is greater regional self-sufficiency statewide.

 This long-awaited action reflects growing concern about 
the severe drought which is causing a myriad of water supply, 
environmental and economic impacts statewide, and a 
growing awareness that climatic conditions do not favor a 
short-term end to the drought. California’s severe drought is 
resulting in historically low levels of groundwater, reservoirs 
and snow pack, and these conditions are worsened by 2014 
being the warmest year on record in the State and further 
impacted by 2013/2014 being amongst the driest years on 
record . Here in the San Gabriel Valley, thanks to long-term 
planning and improved water conservation, we have enough 
water in storage for 1-2 years, even if the drought continues. 
Even though that is the case, enhanced conservation is 
essential to ensure those supplies last.

 In January of this year, the Governor called for greater 
voluntary water conservation and for a while, the State made 
progress as water use declined. The progress was short-lived, 
however and consumption levels began to increase in the 
Spring. Consequently, in late July the Governor called for 
mandatory water use reductions and enforcement. A variety 
of penalties for excessive water use went into effect on August 
1.

 Outline of the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure 
Improvement Act of 2014

Total Funding

• $7.54 Billion Components:

• Regional Water Reliability - $810M

• Integrated regional water management - $510M

• Stormwater capture - $200M

• Water Conservation - $100M

• Safe Drinking Water – $520M

• Small Community Wastewater Program - $260M

• Drinking Water Public Infrastructure - $260M

• Water Recycling- $725M

• Groundwater Sustainability – $900M

• Prevent and reduce groundwater contaminants 
- $800M

• Provide sustainable groundwater management 
planning and implementation - $100M

• Watershed Protection, Watershed Ecosystem 
Restoration, State Settlements - $1.495B

• Conservancies - $327.5M

• Wildlife Conservation Board - $200M

• Department of Fish and Wildlife - $285M

• Department of Fish and Wildlife - $87.5M

• State settlements and obligations including CVPIA 
- $475M

• Rivers and creeks - $120M

• Storage- $2.7B

• Statewide Flood Management – $395M

• Statewide flood management projects and activities 
- $100M

• Delta levee subvention programs and delta flood 
protection projects - $295M


“What’s Going On?” 

News and Views from Joan Schmidt

MUTUAL AID AND FIRE SERVICE:

A GREAT PARTNERSHIP

 I live in the 
county area 
of Monrovia 
just east of 
Myrtle Avenue. 
When I helped 
form the 
Monrovia-Arcadia- Duarte Town Council in 1993, 
the constant complaint/issue was “Why can’t the 
Monrovia City Fire Department-Station 105- just a 
few blocks north- serve us?”

 I got blue in the face explaining that years ago- 
in the 1950’s- the residents of Mayflower Village 
WERE GIVEN the opportunity to incorporate and 
receive City services but refused to because they 
didn’t want to pay city taxes! I had proof of this. 
Shortly after our election, an original homeowner 
Hugh Campbell gave me paperwork from the 
“Mayflower Village Association” warning residents 
NOT to vote to incorporate!

But forget our boundaries! Doesn’t matter whether 
you are in the City of Arcadia, the City of Monrovia 
or Los Angeles County! We have AWESOME fire 
service- not only because of our great individual 
departments – but because of Mutual Aid. (There 
are several other cities that participate in this great 
program.) 

 Since last Saturday, there have been two REALLY 
DANGEROUS fires in the City of Arcadia. Not 
in the “regular” city limits, but just south and 
southeast of Monrovia County. Since we are two 
houses from Myrtle, I hear A LOT of sirens. If the 
fire is in my area, LA County Engine #169 (Peck/
Hemlock) responds first; after a few minutes #167 
(Peck/ Bryant) Paramedics follow. 

When there is a fire in the little “City of Monrovia” 
pocket south of my street, Monrovia Fire #105 
responds going south. By the direction of the trucks, 
I can ascertain whether it’s a county or city fire. 

 On Saturday afternoon, the sirens began and 
there were really many responders. I learned it 
began at the Peck Road Park and then the wind 
spread it to “Pick-a-Part” where a few cars caught 
fire. 150 firefighters fought the blaze. Now this is 
where Mutual Aid comes in. Technically the site 
was the “City of Arcadia” but Monrovia #105 and 
LA County #169 (Captain Larry Burke and the “A” 
shift) were first responders because of proximity 
to the site. Of course Arcadia was there and in 
charge, but I also saw engines from San Gabriel, San 
Marino, and LA County 244 (From Duarte). A LA 
County Fire Helicopter and the “Quint” from LA 
County #166 (Captain Alex Haua) also assisted in 
the effort. We are SO FORTUNATE that all of these 
great Departments work so well together.

 About 5:20 AM Monday, I heard a loud “Boom” 
followed by sirens traveling south. I looked outside 
and saw smoke in the sky. What had happened 
was there was a mechanical problem with a street 
sweeper-then an explosion. This occurred in An 
Arcadia city yard on Goldring Rd. LA County 
#169(Captain Burke and the “C” Shift) and 
Monrovia #105 also were on scene as well as LA 
County #29 (Baldwin Park) assisting Arcadia. 

 I would like to thank Beth Stogner and Battalion 
Chief Barry Spriggs from the Arcadia Fire 
Department for their assistance. Every time I have 
called her, Beth has provided me with information 
on how the fires began and who assisted Arcadia 
Fire Department. Chief Briggs also issues press 
releases. I also would like to thank LA County 
Captains Burke, and Haua , Station #169 for their 
input.

 City of Arcadia, City of Monrovia, LA County: 
Doesn’t matter where you live. Not only do all three 
areas have their “own” outstanding Department/
Service, but we also benefit from the great Mutual 
Aid.

SGVMWD DIRECTOR TOM LOVE TO 
DISCUSS WATER BOND 

AND WHY ITS NEEDED

on Tuesday at the Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club meeting.

33 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. (The Lodge), Sierra Madre, Ca.

Parking In The Rear of the Building

Lunch: Noon $10 for non members

Program: 12:35 FREE

Call 626-355-0728 to reserve your seat

CUSTOMERS CONSERVING WATER IN 

RESPONSE TO STATE MANDATES

 Foothill Municipal Water District would like to thank 
residents in its service area for their conservation efforts 
and urges to continue reducing demands on potable water. 
Demands for July have dropped about 13% in comparison to 
the same period in 2013 and 16% for the same period in 2012 
as shown in the graphic below:

 “With the decreasing likelihood of an El Niño bringing 
wet weather to the State this winter, it is important that 
customers continue to conserve,” said Board President 
Richard Atwater.

 To that end, FMWD offers rebates on a variety of 
devices that can help customers conserve water. “Devices 
and other measures that conserve and use more water 
efficiently are an easy way to conserve,” said General 
Manager Nina Jazmadarian. “For example, about 70% 
of water use in the FMWD service area is for outdoor 
irrigation. Replacing thirsty lawns with drought tolerant, 
native plantings will help the consumer save a significant 
amount of water.”

 For a list of all water-saving rebates offered, please 
visit www.socalwatersmart.com or www.fmwd.com/
conservation.aspx. Residents and businesses must register 
and prequalify for rebates prior to starting any work.

 Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported 
water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada 
Irrigation District, Mesa Crest Water Company, Valley 
Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las 
Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water 
Association. Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail 
agency, takes no water from Foothill.


PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF RECREATION, ACCESS AND 
RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE HELD AUG. 26 

Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests to host event

The Contractors State License Board 

invites you to a 

SENIOR SCAM STOPPER SEMINAR

Friday, September 12, 2014

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

South Pasadena Senior Center

1102 Oxley Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Protect Yourself

One in five seniors has been a victim of fraud.

Seniors are the most targeted group.

New scams are developed constantly.

Join us and learn how to protect yourself.Seniors, 

their families, and are welcome to attend 

this free seminar.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit my website.

Arcadia, Calif. -- The U.S. Forest Service will host a panel 
of local user groups, youth corps, cultural preservation 
experts, land management specialists and elected officials 
to explore opportunities for enhancing access, recreational 
use and protection of scenic, cultural and historic areas of 
interest on the Angeles National Forest and portions of the 
San Bernardino National Forest. The public discussion will 
be held Aug. 26, 2014, from 4:00-7:30 p.m. at the Baldwin 
Park Performing Arts Center- 4640 North Maine Avenue, 
Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

 The historic and cultural significance of the San Gabriel 
Mountains and the surrounding forests are recognized by 
forest users, the public at large and elected representatives. 
Over the past decade, studies have been conducted to assess 
the way some of the last remaining open space should be 
protected and managed in the future. The Angeles National 
Forest is surrounded by a patchwork of intense urban 
development. It is the scenic mountain backdrop for the Los 
Angeles basin; includes over 70 percent of the open space for 
Los Angeles County and one third of the county’s drinking 
water; and is one of the largest and most diverse population 
centers in the world. The portion of the San Bernardino 
National Forest west of Lytle Creek is part of the contiguous 
San Gabriel Mountains range and shares the same unique 
natural character and significant recreational use by forest 
visitors.

The managers of the most urban forest in the country must 
reassess how to remain committed to forest and watershed 
conservation while meeting the challenge of increasing 
recreational demands. The Forest Service will engage the 
public to explore opportunities to achieve our shared goals to 
enhance protection of wildland and watershed values.

About the U.S. Forest Service: The mission of the Forest 
Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 
to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s 
forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future 
generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public 
land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and 
maintains the largest forestry research organization in the 
world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute 
more than $13 billion to the economy each year through 
visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent 
of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 
billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role 
in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested 
acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban 
forests where most Americans live. 

# # #

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To 
file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or 
call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 
(Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


Inside This Section:

The World Around Us * Business News & Trends * 
Opinion * SMTV CHANNEL 98 GUIDE * Legal Notices


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com