Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, September 30, 2017

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 
SECTION B 


AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY 
CONGRESSWOMEN CHU’S AND NAPOLITANO’S KICKOFF FOR 
14TH ANNUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN 


By Joan SchmidtCongresswoman Chu told us how much the collection has grown since

September 20 was the official kick-off for the Domestic Violenceits inception. In addition, last year there was a “Day of Pampering”, thanks 
Campaign. For fourteen years, Congresswoman Judy Chu and Kaiserto the Baldwin Park Unified School District’s Adult Education. (PhotoPermanente have worked together and in recent years, have been joinedincludes Kaiser’s Maggie Pierce, both Congresswomen and members of theby Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. October is Domestic ViolenceBaldwin Park USD.
Awareness Month and during that time, they collect new and gently used The women had their hair done, manicures and pedicures. They enjoyedclothing, toiletries, household cleaning products and even children’s schoola special lunch and were given flowers. Chu said the victims were so gratefulsupplies to help provide resources for women and children in local shelters.Congresswoman Napolitano said, “A person’s mental wellness can beThese shelters include House of Ruth, Women and Children Crisis Center, impacted by any number of life factors, so no one is immune. Some struggleYWCA-WINGS, San Gabriel Valley, Crossroads Women, Door of Hope,managing their anger, stress, often targeting and hurting those they love…
Elizabeth House, Foothill Family Service, Shepherd’s Door and Unionno excuse for resorting to violence…in addition to physical harm…victimsStation Homeless Shelter.of domestic violence suffer emotionally and psychologically…yet shame

 Maggie Pierce, Executive Director of Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park,and fear prevent many victims from seeking the support they and theirwelcomed us and thanked the Congresswomen for partnering with Kaiserfamilies need.” 
Permanente who also donates $1000 to the shelters for new linens, towels or We also heard from Mavis Hansen, the Domestic Violence Awareness 
any other needed items.and Prevention Chair of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs. 

The First speaker was Dr. Victor Cheng, Physician in Charge, DiamondDrop-off places include both Congresswomen’s District offices,
Bar Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Cheng has been involved with this campaignAltadena Community and Senior Centers, Arcadia Community Centerseveral years. As a physician, he has seen firsthand many victims. He asksand Woman’s Club, Bradbury City Hall, Garvey Community Centerthree questions and often patients are willing to confide in their doctor.in Rosemead, Joslyn Adult Recreation Center in Alhambra, Monrovia

Congresswoman Chu said, “I’m proud to once again be hosting thisCommunity Center, Monterey Park City Hall, Pasadena City College,
Domestic Violence Drive with my colleague, Congresswoman GraceSan Gabriel City Hall, Sierra Madre Women’s Club and PasadenaNapolitano. The goods we collect this month will go directly to the sheltersWoman’s Club. Also donations may be dropped off at Baldwin Parkand groups that are on the front lines of battle against domestic violence…Medical Center, Diamond Bar Medical Offices, Montebello Medical 
We know that helping a victim of domestic violence, when they have madeOffices, San Dimas Medical Offices and West Covina Medical Offices. 
the difficult choice to leave their abuser, can be the difference between life Please go through your closets and donate any clothing items no longerand death.” used. Thank you. 

SUPERVISOR BARGER CALLS 
FOR AQUATIC CENTERS TO 
BE OPEN YEAR-ROUND AND 
LONGER SEASONS/HOURS 
FOR COUNTY POOLS & 
LAKE SWIM AREAS 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – A motion by Supervisor 
Kathryn Barger, co-authored by Supervisor Solis, directs 
county agencies to identify ways to expand access to and 
utilization of the County recreational resources at our 
aquatic centers, swimming pools, and lake swim beaches.
“I would like to see our county’s aquatic centers open all 
year round, extend the time seasonal pools are open by 
two weeks and open swim beaches at lakes seven days a 
week,” said Supervisor Barger. “Our county’s swimming 
pools are vital amenities for children, seniors, families and 
community organizations – considering our mild climate, 
active lifestyles and culture of heathy living, they should be 
accessible to the public as long as possible during the week 
and during the year.” 

County agencies will report back to the Board in 60 days 
with recommendations. 

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! 


Foothill Unity Center needs your help in sorting food. This 
activity takes place Monday through Friday at our agency’s 
Annex in Monrovia. 

Please visit our website www.foothillunitycenter.org to 
register. Go to the green tool bar and click where it says “Get 
Involved”, select Volunteer Food Sorting from the drop-
down menu. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 626-3583486 
or by email volunteer@foothilllunitycenter.org

Thank you for keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive and 
being the heart of change! 

JENEE’ CHILD 



DON’T FALL VICTIM TO A 
CONTRACTOR SCAM 

As a home or commercial building owner, you would think you could trust acontractor referred to you by a home remodel repair service center or a localplumber you hire. As an Insurance Claims Expert with 30 years’ experience,
having witnessed numerous contractor scams, my recommendation is “thinkagain.” 

Given my background, I know how to find reputable plumbingcontractors like Gem Plumbing in Sierra Madre who provide great customerservice and that do not accept kickbacks. Most people are not aware that manyrestoration contractors pay kickbacks for referral of their services. These types of

JAN GRETEMAN 
TOP PRODUCING AGENT 2016 
Podley Properties® does not guarantee the property information obtained from public records or other sources. Equal Housing Opportunity. ©2017 
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REALTOR®, SRES, GREEN 
626.975.4033 | Jan@JanGreteman.com 
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contractors are known to remove more materials, place more equipment and tocharge for equipment or labor that may not be warranted. These are just a few of the ways in which they inflatetheir bill to cover the referral fee paid. Of course, there are also those contractors who overcharge just becausethey are greedy.

Under Home and Commercial Insurance Policies, the insurance company is obligated to pay what is “fair andreasonable”. This often means that you are responsible to pay out-of-pocket for the excessive costs charged bythese contractors, which may exceed $5,000. Some insurance companies leave their insureds to fight the arduousbattle of negotiating the contractor’s bill on their own, which can take months and may not be successful.

In California, it is standard for the contract you sign to include verbiage that allows “your contractor to place alien on your property if they do not receive full payment for their services”. Unfortunately, this is legal for them todo, regardless of whether their charges are deemed “reasonable” by you or your insurance company. Reading thefine print in the contract before you allow work to begin is key. It is also important to know that you can canceltheir contract within 3-days of signing it, which if you do so in writing will create a paper trail.

I have seen unsuspecting homeowners, property managers, businesses, building owners and Associations(HOA’s) become victims of contractor scams after calling the first contractor who comes up in an on-linesearch or who place large ads. The best way to avoid contractor scams is to be informed. Having an experiencedprofessional navigate this process for you can also help.

For home repair and insurance claim resources and to learn more about avoiding contractor scams, visit SOSSolutions’ website (www.TrustSOS.Solutions/Home-Help). 

Jenee’ Child is CEO of SOS Solutions, Inc., an Expert Witness, Public Speaker and Sierra Madre resident. SOSSolutions offers free assistance in managing the entire repair process for property owners (including plumbing leaks,
water, mold and fire damage). 


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