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ALTADENA - SOUTH PASADENA - SAN MARINO

Mountain View News Saturday, April 6, 2024 

National Poetry Month 

at the Pasadena Library

Fast Food Workers Gather to 
Celebrate Historic Pay Raise

San Marino Upcoming 
Events & Programming

 
April is National Poetry 
Month. Pasadena Public 
Library is offering many ways 
to celebrate, create and enjoy 
poetry. Themed programs 
for all ages will be held at 
Pasadena’s branch libraries 
throughout the month. For 
more ways to explore poetry, 
visit the Library’s website and 
browse the poetry collection. 
There is something for every 
interest.

 The Academy of American 
Poets started National 
Poetry Month in April 1996 
to celebrate poetry’s ability 
to capture and enrich our 
daily lives. Over the years, 
it has become a well-loved 
literary celebration. Readers, 
students, teachers, librarians, 
booksellers and poets around 
the country spend April 
lauding poetry’s vital place 
in our culture. This April, 
celebrate the power of poetry 
with the Pasadena Public 
Library at any one of our free 
community events.

POETRY EVENTS

Pasadena Rose Poets: Weave 
Poetry into Life’s Tapestry

Monday, April 8 • 5 - 6:30 
p.m. • Zoom

Weave Poetry into Life’s 
Tapestry presented by 
Pasadena Rose Poets for 
National Poetry Month 
Pasadena Rose Poets share 
their two Poetry Collections 
2019: Reflection. Resistance. 
Reckoning. Resurrection. 
and 2022: Not So Perfect 
Storm. Edited by Gerda 
Govine Ituarte. For ages 18+.

Andrea Ambler: Igniting The 
Poetry Flame

Saturday, April 13 • 3 p.m. 
• Lamanda Park Branch 
Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.

Igniting the Poetry Flame is 
Andrea Ambler’s first book 
of a three-volume set that 
contains Stoking the Poetry 
Flame and Keeping the Poetry 
Flame Alive. The books were 
created to assist teachers and 
home-schooling parents in 
helping students experience 
the power of the poet and 
poetry and to discover the 
poet within themselves. For 
ages 18+.

Blackout Poetry

Monday, April 15 • 4 p.m. 
• Hastings Branch Library, 
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

Celebrate National Poetry 
Month by creating your 
very own blackout poem 
using discarded book pages, 
magazines, and newspapers! 
Make one to take home or 
add yours to our Poetry 
Board! Take home a fun kit 
with more poetry prompts 
and activities! For ages 5+.

Notes & Letters

Saturday, April 27 • 3 p.m. 
• Lamanda Park Branch 
Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.

Join us for a collaboration 
of music and poetry with 
Chuck Corbisiero and Bill 
Cushing, interspersed with 
an open mic for attendees. 
Come early to sign up and set 
your own words to Chuck’s 
musical improvisation. 
Readings are limited to four 
minutes or less. Please choose 
your pieces responsibly. For 
ages 13+.

 For more information 
about the library and to view 
all upcoming events, visit: 
PasadenaPublicLibrary.net.

2024 Advisory Body Recruitment

 The 2024 Advisory Body Recruitment is now open! The City is 
seeking volunteers for the Planning Commission, Design Review 
Committee, Recreation Commission, Public Safety Commission, 
and the Library Board of Trustees. For the Planning Commission, 
there are three (3) full member terms ending this year, and one (1) 
alternate member term ending this year. For the Design Review 
Committee, there are three (3) full member terms ending this 
year, and one (1) alternate member term ending this year. For 
the Recreation Commission, there are two (2) full member terms 
ending this year. For the Public Safety Commission, there are two 
(2) full member terms ending this year. For the Library Board of 
Trustees, there are two (2) full member terms ending this year. 
Applications are due to the City Clerk by 12:00 PM, April 22, 2024, 
for all positions. Please contact City Clerk Walker at CityClerk@
SanMarinoCA.gov or at (626) 300-0705 with questions or for 
further information.

6th Cycle Housing Element Update Community Conversation

 Join us for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update Community 
Conversation at the San Marino Community Center on Tuesday, 
April 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Learn about the draft Housing 
Element and share your input on state laws and requirements, 
citywide housing needs, rezoning opportunities for accessory 
dwelling units (ADUs), mixed-use developments, missing middle 
housing, multifamily housing, and more. Be a part of shaping 
the future of our community! More information at: https://www.
SanMarinoCA.gov/HousingElement

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey

 Help shape a safer tomorrow for San Marino! As we update 
the 2019 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), community 
involvement is vital. San Marino, like any city, faces the threat 
of natural disasters. Your input will be crucial in identifying 
hazards, assessing current measures, and devising strategies to 
reduce risks. Participate in our survey to share your insights for 
the LHMP update.

 Your cooperation is essential in protecting our community. 
Access the survey in English or Chinese and learn more about 
the LHMP at www.SanMarinoCA.gov/HazardMitigationUpdate.

 Surveys are due by 11 PM on April 24.

Maker Mondays

Monday, April 8 at 3:30 PM, Barth Community Room

 Is your child a budding engineer or LEGO fanatic? Then join us 
for this new monthly STEM program where kids ages 4-11 will 
build unique and open-ended creations with a surprise material 
each time. Will it be LEGOs or KEVA planks? Straw builders or a 
marble run? Only one way to find out! Registration is not required.

Smarter Living Series: The Choice is Yours

Wednesday, April 10 at 1 PM, Barth Community Room

In this free workshop, Maggie Thomas, LCSW will discuss how 
the choices we make affect our outcome in life and how to make 
positive and influential choices. Registration is not required.

Chinese Club Workshop

Thursday, April 11 at 10:30 AM, Barth Community Room

 In the spirit of cultural exchange and appreciation of diversity, 
educational development, and community service, the Chinese 
Club of San Marino holds monthly lectures and workshops. 
Registration is required.

Senior Trip: Dodger Game

Wednesday, April 17 from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Cost: R: $71 / NR: $85

 Get your popcorn ready and your cheering voice warmed up! 
Experience the thrill of a Dodger game at Dodger Stadium. Active 
adults ages 55+ are invited to join us to show some love to our 
home team as they play against the Washington Nationals. This is 
an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and have a great 
time! Food will be on your own at the concession stands. Please 
be aware that all purchases at Dodger Stadium are now cashless. 
Registration is required.

Meetings

City Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 10 at 6:00 PM; City Hall Council Chambers and 
Zoom (Public Access)

Special Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Monday, April 15 at 8:00 AM; Barth Room and Zoom 

Public Safety Commission Meeting

Monday, April 15 at 6:00 PM; City Hall Council Chambers and 
Zoom.

Design Review Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00 PM; Barth Room and Zoom.

 

 This week, a celebration took 
place featuring Fast Food 
Workers, SEIU, and several 
supporters of Assembly 
Bill 1228. On Monday, 
Assemblymember Holden’s 
historic bill went into effect, 
raising the minimum wage 
for fast food workers across 
the state to $20 an hour and 
creating livable wages for 
more than 500,000 fast food 
workers across California. 

 “Every historic move toward 
equity has been met with 
backlash. The criticisms 
were loud but the cries of the 
people in need were louder. 
I am proud to see us reach 
this day and confident that 
Californians will look back 
on this moment and realize 
that all working parties, 
supporters and opposition, 
came together to make 
livable wages possible for the 
fast food workers of this state. 
They deserve to celebrate and 
they deserve a life where they 
work full-time and are not 
left struggling.”

 For more information visit: 
a41.asmdc.org/

Chris Holden Bill Addressing 
Lead Levels In School 

Water Passes Committee

 This week, Assemblymember 
Chris Holden’s bill, AB 1851, 
School-site Lead Testing and 
Mitigated Pilot Program, 
which would require the 
Superintendent of Public 
Instruction to contract with a 
nonprofit technical assistance 
organization to sample all 
potable water system outlets, 
passed the Assembly’s Education 
Committee.

 “When it comes to the health 
and safety of our children, we 
are never being too careful. 
Even small amounts of lead in 
the drinking water can lead to 
lifelong health and learning 
issues for our children. Let’s get 
in front of this problem now,” 
said Assemblymember Holden.

 While there is no safe amount 
of lead content in drinking 
water, children are particularly 
vulnerable to elevated levels of 
lead exposure, which can lead 
to adverse cardiovascular, renal, 
reproductive, immunological, 
and neurological effects, and 
cancer. A US Environmental 
Protection Agency analysis 
found that minority and low 
income populations experience 
disproportionate risk of lead 
exposure in drinking water. 
A hearing held in 2018 by 
the California State Assembly 
Committee on Environmental 
Safety and Toxic Materials 
highlighted the heightened risk 
these populations face.

 The federal government 
and state of California 
have enhanced lead testing 
standards and processes, but 
the misalignment of lead testing 
standards for childcare centers 
and TK-12 schools leaves room 
for important improvements for 
long-term results and safety.

Chambers Second Renewal 
and Resilience Free Webinar

 Seventeen San Gabriel 
Valley Chambers of 
Commerce continue their 
webinar collaboration with 
a webinar presentation on 
April 18 at noon by Dr. 
Ramsan Amiri. Renewal and 
Resilience: Navigating the 
Future of Business in 2024 
series is free and open to 
anyone interested in taking 
part. The series continues on 
the third Thursday of each 
month thereafter.

 There is no cost to join the 
webinar series and it is open 
to the public. Preregistration 
for each webinar is required.

 Dr. Ramzan Amiri is an 
accomplished strategic 
leader with over 25 years of 
executive-level experience 
and a track record of 
transforming organizations 
with a demonstrated 
commitment to operational 
excellence using effective and 
efficient models.

 Dr. Amiri received his 
Executive MBA degree from 
Pepperdine University and 
a few years later pursued 
his Doctoral Degree, 
which he completed in 
October, 2020. He founded 
i2strategy, LLC, in 2013, 
a management consulting 
company specializing in 
growth strategy, operational 
effectiveness, and supply 
chain management, which he 
currently manages.

 Dr. Amiri also lectures on 
organizational management 
and strategy development at 
California State University, 
Los Angeles.

 The San Gabriel Valley Area 
Chamber Executives (VACE) 
are collaborating to bring 
this free series of webinars to 
our members. The Chambers 
of Pasadena, Alhambra, 
Altadena, Azusa, Claremont, 
El Monte/South El Monte, 
Glendora, Greater West 
Covina, Monrovia, Pomona, 
Regional Chamber (Walnut/
Diamond Bar), Rosemead, 
San Dimas, South Pasadena, 
Temple City and Whittier 
Area are presenting Renewal 
and Resilience: Navigating 
the Future of Business in 
2024.

 “Our first webinar was a 
tremendous success, with 
robust participation and a 
terrific program by executive 
leadership coach John Burt,” 
said Paul Little, President 
and Chief Executive Officer 
of the Pasadena Chamber 
of Commerce and Civic 
Association. “Dr. Amiri 
continues the series bringing 
his insight and experience 
to help local business 
owners and operators cope 
with change in an evolving 
economic landscape.”

 The webinars are free 
and open to the public. 
Attendance is limited, so 
those interested in attending 
should sign up right away at: 
pasadena-chamber.org.

 The Valley Area Chamber 
Executives (VACE) is an 
informal group made up 
of the staff leadership of 
Chambers of Commerce 
from throughout the San 
Gabriel Valley. VACE meets 
monthly to discuss issues 
of mutual concern. They 
collaborate on regional 
mixers and showcase events. 
They also support each other 
with ideas and assistance. 
Their meeting are often 
focused on brainstorming 
ideas to enhancing the 
Chamber experience for 
members.

 The Pasadena Chamber 
of Commerce and Civic 
Association is a professional 
business organization. 
Since the earliest days of 
Pasadena, the Chamber 
has played a major role in 
the development of this 
internationally renowned 
city. Founded in 1888 as 
the Board of Trade, the 
Chamber’s primary purpose 
has been the enhancement 
of the economy, business 
climate and the quality of life 
in Pasadena. The Pasadena 
Chamber of Commerce 
currently serves more than 
1250 members.

Volunteer: South Pasadena 
Summer Reading Program

 

 Summer Reading Program: 
Volunteer Applications Due 
April 12

Applications are now being 
accepted for 2024 Summer 
Reading Program volunteers!

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone completing 6th 
grade this school year, up to 
18 years of age. 

Visit to view the application 
and apply. 

Applications are due no later 
than Friday, April 12!

South Pasadena Public 
Library Summer Reading 
Program volunteers 
engage with the public and 
represent the Library and the 
recruitment is a competitive 
process. Volunteers will 
be selected based on their 
application and in-person 
interviews. The most 
qualified applicants will have 
the following characteristics: 

Reliability/Initiative

Punctuality

Ability to Communicate 
Effectively

Maturity

Patience/Flexibility

Integrity

Enthusiasm

Important Dates for SRP 
Volunteers

April 9: In-person interviews 
begin 

April 12: Applications Due! 

April 25: Applicants will be 
notified of their status 

May 9: Volunteer Orientation 
Session* (Option 1)

May 10: Volunteer 
Orientation Session* (Option 
2)

May 20: Volunteering Begins 
(and Reader pre-registration 
begins)

June 3: First Day of SRP! 

June 5: SPUSD last day of 
school and SPHS graduation

August 3: SRP ends 

August 10: Last day of 
volunteering

August 14: SPUSD first day 
of school

*All applicants that are 
offered a volunteer position 
must attend one of the 
two Orientation Sessions 
in order to serve as a 
volunteer. For more info 
Email childrenlibrarian@
southpasadenaca.gov or call 
626-403-7358.


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