Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, October 10, 2020

6

ARCADIA/MONROVIA-DUARTEARCADIA/MONROVIA-DUARTE

Mountain View News Saturday, October 10, 2020 

UPPER SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MWD RECOGNIZED FOR A 

SECOND YEAR AS A WATERSENSE® PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Monrovia, CA —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) announced this week that the Upper San Gabriel 
Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) has been 
honored with the 2020 WaterSense Partner of the Year 
Award for its heroic efforts to defeat water waste and promote 
WaterSense in 2019. 

Upper District was honored as a 2020 WaterSense Partner of 
the Year winner for spreading the water-efficiency message 
through public education and awareness while transforming 
the marketplace to include WaterSense labeled products. 
Upper District’s noteworthy efforts included initiating 
a collaborative effort to translate some of the WaterSense 
materials into Mandarin. Upper District also engaged the 
commercial sector through water-smart landscape equipment 
retrofits and offering new workshops on finding and 
fixing leaks for San Gabriel Valley businesses. Financial 
incentives for WaterSense labeled products in Upper District’s 
service area included rebates for approximately 400 
tank-type toilets, over 200 flush valve toilets, and nearly 400 
weather-based irrigation controllers. 

In keeping with its innovative leadership, Upper District 
introduced a Residential Plant Voucher Program that provided 
175 vouchers, each redeemable for up to $250, to encourage 
homeowners to choose native, climate-appropriate 
plants to create attractive landscapes that require less frequent 
watering.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized in water conservation 
for a second year in a row as Upper District celebrates its 60th 
Anniversary,” said Ed Chavez, Board President for Upper District. 
“We have come a long way in water management for our region 
with water conservation programs and outreach becoming key 
components of our water supply portfolio. We look forward to 
providing more innovative conservation programs to the San Gabriel 
Valley with WaterSense as a key partner.”

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to 
protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering consumers 
and businesses simple ways to use less water with water-
efficient products, homes, and services. For more information 
about WaterSense, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. 

Upper District’s mission is to provide a reliable, sustainable, diversified 
and affordable portfolio of high-quality water supplies 
to the San Gabriel Valley; including water conservation, recycled 
water, storm water capture, storage, water transfers and imported 
water. Upper District services nearly one million people in its 
144 square mile service territory. (Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, 
Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, 
Irwindale, La Puente, Monrovia, Rosemead, San Gabriel, South El 
Monte, South Pasadena, Temple City, and West Covina).

 Governed by a five-member elected board of directors, Upper 
District is a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District 
of Southern California. Annually, more than 78 billion gallons of 
water is used in Upper District’s service area. For more information 
about Upper District, please visit our website www.upperdistrict.
org or call 626-443-2297

DUARTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
CLASSROOM REPAIR/UPGRADE, STUDENT 
ACHIEVEMENT MEASURE S

 

Measure S Voter Information

Measure S is a school bond measure that is on the ballot this election seeking 
voter authorization for local funding to repair and upgrade DUSD school 
facilities and technology. Please read the background information and frequently 
asked questions regarding Measure S below.

Background: 

 Duarte Unified School District public schools are the foundation of a 
healthy, thriving community. We focus every day on helping our students 
thrive. However, our classrooms are aging and were built before the “digital 
age.” Although well maintained, these schools require significant repairs and 
upgrades after decades of constant use. 

 Meanwhile, today’s teaching and learning standards have changed, requiring 
more and different instructional spaces, and all our schools need ongoing 
safety and security upgrades. Additionally, the ongoing impacts of the 
COVID-19 pandemic are creating additional challenges for school districts 
trying to meet current health and safety standards.

 Over the past years, Duarte Unified School District has received feedback 
from the community, parents, and teachers on our Local Control Accountability 
Plan (LCAP), Competitive Advantage Plan (CAP), and Facilities Master 
Plan.

 Measure S is the result of these community conversations and provides a 
prudent, responsible plan to address our most critical facilities needs. NO 
other funding currently exists to repair and upgrade these facilities. 

Measure S DEFINED:

 Measure S is a school bond measure on the November 3, 2020 ballot seeking 
voter authorization for local funding to repair and upgrade DUSD school 
facilities. A “YES vote” approves funding for the District’s plan to repair and 
upgrade schools; a “NO vote” rejects the plan. All voters living within Duarte 
Unified School District boundaries of who are registered to vote will be 
eligible to vote on this ballot measure.

Measure S Official Ballot Question: 

 “DUARTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASSROOM REPAIR/UPGRADE, 
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT MEASURE. To upgrade all neighborhood 
schools, provide safe drinking water, remove asbestos/lead paint, 
improve fire safety, leaky roofs, natural disaster/emergency preparedness, retain/
attract quality teachers by acquiring, constructing, repairing sites, facilities, 
equipment, shall Duarte Unified School District’s measure authorizing 
$79,000,000 in bonds, at legal rates, levying 5 cents per $100 assessed valuation, 
raising on average $4,475,000 annually while bonds are outstanding, be 
adopted, requiring citizens oversight, all funds for local schools?”

Measure S protects property values. Good schools protect property values 
and contribute to a quality community.

Measure S Summary – Measure S will:

Repair deteriorated roofs, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

Improve school safety – cameras, door locks, fire alarms, and communication 
systems

Modernize science, engineering, and math classrooms and labs

Expand technology - for both classrooms and safe, healthy online/distance 
learning

Prepare schools, including nursing facilities for rapid-response in disasters/
emergencies

Expand vocational and career technical education (CTE) classrooms for expanded 
job-training

Taxpayer Protections:

ALL Measure S funds STAY LOCAL for Duarte USD public schools ONLY.

By law, the State CANNOT take Measure S funding away.

Measure S is for classroom and school facilities repairs, improvement, and 
equipment upgrades ONLY.

NO funds are allowed for administrators' salaries, benefits, or pensions.

Independent Citizens' Oversight and mandatory financial audits ensure 
funds are spent properly.

S Frequently Asked Questions that are also attached and visit duarteusd.
org, email communications@duarteusd.org or call (626) 786-1494.


ALTADENA-SO. PASADENA-SAN MARINOALTADENA-SO. PASADENA-SAN MARINO

Vroman’s 
Books in 
Danger of 
Closing

The Power of Theater: Fall 
Term of the Masters Series

 By Dean Lee 

 As with most struggling 
small businesses in Pasadena, 
Vroman’s Bookstore has seen 
foot traffic and sales plummet 
due to COVID-19 shutdowns. 
The 126 year old bookstore 
saw sales down 40 percent in 
the last few months something 
company officials said cannot keep them in business. 

 “If Vroman’s is to survive, sales must increase significantly from 
now through the holidays,” they said bluntly.

 Vroman’s is the oldest independent bookstore in Southern 
California.

 The bookstore staff made a plea with the community asking 
them to return to shopping at the store, making four requests.

 To shop online with curbside pickup or call us to place an order; 
Return to shop in our stores with our new health and safety 
measures in place, understanding that capacity must be limited 
to ensure social distancing; Shop in-store on weekday mornings, 
rather than busy weekends or afternoons; And shop early before 
the December holiday crowds – the stores will be far less crowded 
in October and November. 

 “We first opened our doors in Pasadena in 1894, and we’re proud 
to play an important role in our community - Our customers and 
community are at the heart of all we do,” they said. “There is no way 
we can adequately express to you our great appreciation for your 
loyalty and business. We are indebted to the many generations of 
customers who have made our 126-year legacy possible and we 
want to be here for you, for generations to come.” 

 Vroman’s is also a Community Partner of Pasadena Humane. 
Over the years, they have raised thousands of dollars for animals 
in need. 

 “They have stood the test of time..., through a variety of disasters 
and crises, but COVID-19 is proving to be the worst setback yet, 
Pasadena Humane officials said adding, “When you check out, 
make sure to tell the clerk that Pasadena Humane is your Give 
Back Program nonprofit of choice.”

 For more information about Vroman’s visit: 

 vromansbookstore.com or information about Pasadena Humane 
visit: pasadenahumane.org.



 The fall term of The Masters 
Series presented by the 
Pasadena Senior Center will 
be virtual via Zoom Tuesdays 
to Oct. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. 
and will be titled The Power of 
Theater. 

 The four sessions of The 
Masters Series, which embraces 
lifelong learning, will explore 
topics from adaptations and 
playwrights to Greek origins, 
socially relevant musicals and 
plays based on fact. 

 Beverly Olevin, director, 
playwright, teacher and award-
winning novelist, will present 
the weekly, interactive classes 
which will include scenes from 
plays that explore the conflicts, 
joys and journeys of our lives 
and reveal what makes us 
laugh, touches our hearts and 
helps us live richer lives. 

Oct. 13: Plays That Bring 
Famous People to Life – 
Explore plays that transform 
true events into intellectually 
exciting theater. 

 The cost for the full series 
of four presentations is $50 
for members of the Pasadena 
Senior Center and $60 for non-
members. This online series is 
not available for payment for 
individual sessions. 

 To register for the fall term 
of The Masters Series or 
for more information visit: 
pasadenaseniorcenter.org and 
click on Online Classes, call 626-
795-4331 or email AnnieL@
pasadenaseniorcenter.org. 
Everyone who registers will 
receive email instructions for 
joining each week’s Zoom class 
online. 

 For more information 
about other Pasadena Senior 
Center programs and services, 
including online options for 
classes, events and activities 
during the COVID-19 crisis, 
visit: pasadenaseniorcenter.org 
or call 626-795-4331. 

 The center, at 85 E. Holly 
St., is an independent, 
donor-supported nonprofit 
organization that has been 
deemed an essential service 
provider for older adults, so its 
doors are open five days a week 
for social services and other 
assistance to older adults in 
need. Hours during this period 
are Mondays through Fridays 
from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 


CALTECH LAUNCHES A VIRTUAL

2020-2021 WATSON LECTURES

Caltech Professor of Political and Computational Science, R. 
Michael Alvarez, will launch the 2020-2021 Watson Lectures season 
by asking, “Can America Have a Safe and Secure Presidential 
Election?” The Zoom event will take place on Wednesday at 5 p.m. 
Advance Zoom webinar registration is required.

 In this lecture, Alvarez will share how the scientific detection of 
election problems helps election officials improve their procedures 
and technologies, giving voters the information that they will 
need to bolster their confidence in the integrity of this and future 
elections.

 This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration 
is required as capacity is limited. The lecture begins at 5 p.m. and 
runs approximately 40 minutes, followed by live audience Q&A 
with Alvarez. Those unable to attend the 5 p.m. event can view the 
lecture (without Q&A) on-demand starting at 8 p.m. that same 
evening on Caltech’s YouTube channel. 

 Alvarez’s talk is the first of eight Earnest C. Watson Lectures for the 
2020-21 season, which runs monthly from October through May. 
The Watson Lectures spotlight the pioneering research of Caltech’s 
faculty and represent the broad array of innovative and impactful 
research being done at the Institute. A full list of the dates, speakers, 
and topics is available on the Watson Lectures website.

 “Historically, the Watson Lectures were presented on our Pasadena 
campus to a local audience,” says Michael Alexander, director of 
Public Programs, which presents the Watson Lectures. “The virtual 
format creates a rare opportunity for anyone interested in Caltech’s 
cutting-edge research to take a ‘deep dive’ with Caltech researchers.

 “These lectures are a fascinating way to learn about the innovative 
tools and out-of-the-box thinking our faculty use to address critical 
issues facing our society,” Alexander continues. “As we approach the 
November general election, I can think of no better example than 
the work of Michael Alvarez and his research team.”

 A professor in the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 
and the co-director of the Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project, 
Alvarez, along with his team, uses data science methods and tools 
to help improve the security of important election infrastructure 
and provide transparent and rapid monitoring and auditing of the 
integrity of elections.

 Alvarez notes that, in the states and counties that use such 
methods, voters can be more confident in the integrity of reported 
election results. To learn more about the science and technology 
behind voting and elections before Alvarez’s lecture, visit the 
Caltech Science Exchange, an online resource committed to the 
public understanding of science and informed by Alvarez and other 
experts.

 “Through initiatives like the Caltech Science Exchange, public 
programming like the Watson Lectures, and performing arts events, 
we are excited for more people to discover the many ways in which 
science intersects with our daily lives,” says Alexander.

 For more information, or to register for the Zoom webinar, visit: 
events.caltech.edu/watsons

 Reservations cannot be made over the phone or in person for the 
Watson Lecture Series.

South Pasadena Halloween 
Spooktacular goes Mobile

 
City officals announced a 
free, fun, and safe drive thru 
trick-or-treat event with the 
City of South Pasadena! They 
encourage you to come dressed 
in your costumes and show 
us your Halloween spirit by 
decorating the exterior of your 
car! Registration is required to 
register goto: southpasadenaca.
gov.

 Know before you go

Arrive only during your 
registered 15 minute time slot.

 Upon arrival you will be 
asked how many participants 
are in the vehicle and be given 
that number to display in your 
windshield.

Follow designated treat trail, 
only stopping at each treat 
booth.

 All participants must wear 
a face covering if any of the 
windows on the vehicle are 
open.

 Participants must remain in 
their vehicle for the duration 
of the event and may only leave 
their vehicle in the event of an 
emergency.

 For more information 
or questions please call 
626.403.7380 or email: 
recreation@southpasadenaca.
gov.

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