Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 14, 2015

5

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 14, 2015 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

 

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

REP. NAPOLITANO: 

“WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO PROTECT OUR WATER”


(Washington, DC) Today, at a joint House and 
Senate hearing, “The Impacts Of The Proposed 
Waters of the United States Rule on State and 
Local Governments,” Rep. Grace F. Napolitano 
(CA-32) called for protection of clean water while 
providing regulatory certainty to water agencies, 
residents, and businesses. 

 “The proposed rule is an attempt to undo 
the confusion and uncertainty created by the 
former administration in a way that protects 
both the nation’s economy as well as its water-
related environment,” Napolitano said. “This 
rulemaking is necessary because nearly 125 
million Americans, over one-third of the total 
population, rely on public drinking water systems 
that draw from surface waters. In California alone, 
over 7 million rely on intermittent, ephemeral, 
and headwater streams for their daily drinking 
water supply.”

 She argued if private interests are successful in 
blocking this rule, it is the public who will suffer, 
adding,

 “In my state, it will mean less publicly available 
drinking water, less protection over those drinking 
water sources that remain, and an increased 
likelihood of flooding for our communities. We 
must do all we can to protect these water resources, 
because this is all we have. When the water dries 
up, our way of life and our local economies will 
dry up with it.”;

 Today’s bicameral hearing between the House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 
and the Senate Environment and Public Works 
Committee was the first of its kind. Napolitano is 
the Ranking Member on the Water Resources and 
Environment Subcommittee. Her full opening 
statement from today’s hearing can be viewed at 
http://1.usa.gov/1CwnF0f.


THE RETIREMENT OF CHIEF ROBERTA ABNER

By Joan Schmidt

Although petite in stature, Roberta Abner is a 
“MEGA LADY” in every sense of the word! In 
2000, after Neal Tyler promoted and transferred, 
Captain Abner assumed command of Temple 
Station. Everyone from staff to civilians soon 
realized what an exceptional woman Roberta 
was She held Temple Station together after Dave 
March’s tragic death. Her Eulogy at the funeral 
was heart-wrenching, yet she retained her 
composure. To this day, Dave’s parents, John and 
Barbara hold her dear to their hearts. Roberta 
never gave up till Dave’s coward murderer was 
found, convicted and sentenced.

 When questioned, all past/current LASD 
personnel will have the highest praise of Roberta. 
Her 35 year career in the Sheriff’s Department is 
unmatched. She was the first female to be promoted 
to Chief; Sheriff Lee Baca chose her to work in his 
office after her promotion to Commander. (Lee 
and Carol attended festivities.)

 Her assignments include Sybil Brand Institute, 
West Hollywood, Century and Temple Stations, 
Internal Investigations Bureau, Office of 
Professional Ethics and Standards, Safe Streets 
Bureau, Internal Affairs Bureau, Court Services 
Division, Leadership and Training Division, and 
Homeland Security Division.

 Besides her exceptional career with LASD, 
Roberta became involved in the annual Baker 
to Vegas Competition. She ran in station coed 
competitions and played an integral role in 
the Women’s Team’s success. (Roberta was 
an inspiration to the many female runners as 
witnessed by the many who came to her retirement 
party.)

 Many may not realize Roberta’s dedication to 
Special Olympics. After assuming charge, the 
event went from annually raising a little over a 
thousand dollars to over a million annually! Rafer 
Johnson, past Olympic Track Star and many from 
Special Olympics attended. 

 The venue was the beautiful Vertigo in Glendale. 
Upon entering, we met Duarte’s Rodney Jefferson, 
retired Sheriff’s Photographer Buddy and lovely 
wife Brenda, Fowler. Also old friend Chief Bill 
Sweeney, retired Lieutenant JP Harris and Burt 
and Kim Brink.

 Roberta’s wonderful family was there-her 
devoted husband Phil (retired from LASD), her two 
children, their spouses, precious granddaughter, 
mother, and siblings and in-laws.

 
There were 300+ in attendance including 
Glendale’s Police Chief Rob Castro, Assistant 
LASD Chiefs Barrantes (and wife Nora), Rodgers 
and Rothans. Temple personnel included Tom 
McNeal and Arleen Gray. 

 There were many awards, plaques, a Tiffany 
Bracelet and a donation in her name. All the 
presenters told of this remarkable woman. There 
was a social hour, wonderful dinner and dancing; 
truly a spectacular party to honor an exceptional 
woman.


ARCADIA WOMENS REPUBLICAN CLUB FEDERATED

The Educational Arm of the Republican Party

On Thursday,February 19th Rebecca Fredericks will be speaking to us about a case she has pending 
to end compulsory union dues in California for California public school teachers. Rebecca's 
websiteis http://www.cir-usa.org. You are invited to come and learn and make new friends. We 
meetin the Sunset room at the Santa Anita Golf Course at 10:30am for coffee,a short business 
meeting at 11:00 and the speaker goes on at 11:30. Lunch is $18.00. Call Carolyn Papp for more 
information at 626- 353-7443


WHO YA GONNA 
CALL! 
MAURICE AND SUE ORME 
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 
California Properties 
626-826-8511 
Your local realtors for over 
35 years, helping you make 
all the right moves with your 
best interest always coming 
first. Saving you time and 
money. 
CAL BRE #00685650 
CAL BRE #00587436 
THE KINDNESS OF 
STRANGERS

Have a story to share 
about an unexpected 
kindness?

Call 626-355-2737 or 
email: 

editor@mtnviewsnews.com