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Mountain Views News Saturday, November 1, 2025

NEWS BRIEFS

LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESOURCES AVAILABLE 
DURING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN

Los Angeles County has released a list of services available to residents who may be affected by the ongoing federal government 
shutdown. Programs remain active across several departments, ensuring support for individuals, families, and pets 
throughout this period.

CalFresh & WIC: CalFresh benefits may experience delays, but recipients are encouraged to continue submitting required 
reports and renewals to avoid disruption. All California WIC offices remain open; furloughed or unpaid workers who are 
pregnant or have children under five are encouraged to apply online.

Food Assistance: More than 900 food pantries are available countywide through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Visit 
the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank online or call 2-1-1 to find nearby locations. Free meal programs are also available for 
teens, youth, and seniors through County Parks.

Veterans Services: The County’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offices remain open to assist veterans and 
their families. For help, call (877) 452-8387 or visit the Veteran's Services website.

Housing Assistance: Residents with housing concerns related to the shutdown can contact the Department of Consumer 
and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or visit their website for more information.

Aging & Disabilities: Seniors over 60 may qualify for free meals at local senior centers. For assistance, call the Information 
and Assistance Line at (800) 510-2020.

Pet Assistance: Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control offers support for pet owners in unincorporated areas and 
contract cities. Donations of pet food are also welcome at all County Animal Care Centers.

For additional resources and information, please dial 2-11 or visit the 2-1-1LA website.

ROSEBOWL LAWSUIT

PASADENA (CNS) - The city of Pasadena announced today it 
has filed a lawsuit that aims to hold UCLA to its lease agreement 
to play its home football games at the Rose Bowl, with the university 
believed to be exploring a possible move to SoFi Stadium 
in Inglewood.

 ``On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the city of Pasadena took 
the unfortunate but necessary step of filing a lawsuit in Los 
Angeles Superior Court to enforce a lease agreement between the 
Rose Bowl Stadium and UCLA,'' according to a statement from 
the city. ``That lease agreement is unambiguous, explicitly stating 
there is no option for UCLA to terminate the lease prior to

its expiration in 2044.''

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

LA County Educators Named Among 2026 CA Teachers of 
the Year

Two Los Angeles County educators were among the five 
2026 California Teachers of the Year announced Friday.

 ``These extraordinary educators represent the very best 
of our public schools and remind us that great teaching can 
change lives and strengthen entire school communities,'' 
state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond 
said in a statement.

 The 2026 California Teachers of the Year from L.A. County 
are: --Rene Romero, an 11th- and 12th-grade International 
Baccalaureate Language and Literature teacher 
at South Hills High School in the Covina Valley Unified 
School District. State officials said Romero ``uses his own 
background as an English Learner from East Los Angeles to 
make sure that his classroom is an inclusive and supportive 
environment.''

 -- Heather Povinelli, a second-grade teacher at Bradoaks 
Elementary Science Academy in the Monrovia Unified 
School District. ``As someone who has dwarfism, Dr. Povinelli 
uses her own disability as an opportunity to teach 
students about inclusion, equity, and belief in oneself,'' according 
to the state. ``Through her doctoral research, Dr. 
Povinelli has highlighted specific strategies and practices 
used by dwarf teachers that can be applied by any teacher to 
more effectively reach every child.''

 The three other California Teachers of the Year are April 
Raguindin, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher 
Elementary School in the Bakersfield City School District 
in Kern County; Chrizia Dela Rosa, a ninth-grade mathematics 
teacher at Piedmont Hills High School in the East 
Side Union High School District in Santa Clara County; 
and Corina Martinez, a kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary 
School in the Escondido Union School District in

San Diego County.

 Thurmond nominated Raguindin as California's representative 
for the National Teacher of the Year competition. 
She will compete against other state nominees, and the 
2026 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the 
spring.

 The Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor 
outstanding educators and encourage others to enter the 
profession.

 Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.

THANK YOU SIERRA MADRE SEARCH AND RESCUE!

Last week the nation celebrated National First Responders Day and honored the dedication, skill, and sacrifice of first 
responders everywhere — including our own Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team volunteers.

For 74 years, SMSR has answered the call 24/7 to go anywhere in the wilderness someone needs help. In doing so, we’re 
proud to work with our fellow first responders across Los Angeles County and beyond.

To our teammates past and present, and to all who serve on the front lines of emergencies — thank you for your commitment, 
courage, and compassion 

In the photo above, the Team recently purchased 20 new fire shelters. These shelters are heat-reflective tents and are a 
lifesaving last resort if a member finds themselves overcome by flames and radiant heat during a wildland fire. Part of the 
SMSR’s capability is to assist with search and evacuations during fire events, so these shelters are a vital safety tool.

Funding for this project was made possible with a grant in partnership with the California Fire Foundation. 

MVN News/Photo courtesy SMSR


DEPUTY ART VALENZUELA RECOGNIZED 
WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Deputy Art Valenzuela has brought a unique perspective to his 
job in the City of Duarte. His former commander, Joe Fennell, 
shared that when Joe was assigned to their station, his perspective 
was one of "clean things up - arrest them". 

Deputy Valenzuela listened, and then explained what resources 
were needed to begin to prevent youth crime in the first place. 
With Art's help and the DART (Duarte Area Resource Team) 
focusing on community outreach to kids in need, the juvenile 
arrest rate in Duarte has dropped 96% during Art's tenure of 
over 20 years. 

Art was recognized with a Community Service Award from the 
Duarte Kiwanis Club at their annual Installation Dinner. Pictured 
from left – MIT Principal, Kevin Morris, City of Duarte 
Crime Specialist, Duarte Kiwanis President, Mercedes Ruiz, 
Deputy Art Valenzuela, City of Duarte Youth Program Consultant, 
Former LASD Commander, Joe Fennell.

 If you are interested in joining the Duarte Kiwanis or presenting 
at a future meeting, please contact Tina Carey at tinac51@
aol.com. 


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