City Council to discuss a “pay for performance” plan at later date.

Written by YINTING HUANG / Published January 18, 2013  

The city council has agreed to “significant” amendments of the city’s policies governing City Hall employees.

The revision of the personnel rules, approved during the December 18, 2012 city council meeting, comes after Administrative Services Director Tracy Hause led a review of the document.

According to the Ms. Hause, the city last examined the personnel rules and policies in 2008.

“We did find that our current policies were in conflict with current law,” she noted.

The administrative services director proposed 22 modifications, including new job titles and definitions, as well as employee pay and evaluations.

While the city council did approve of the proposed changes, they also provide their own input. The city council, for example, offered four amendments, including grievance and work place violence policies.

However, the city council did not discuss in depth the management staff’s proposal for a “pay for performance” program.

Mayor Pro Tempore Cynthia Sternquist asked, “Is the [city] council going to be involved in any of that process?”

“As a [city] council, we have never discussed how the process is going to take place, how the process is going to be implemented?” she stated.

In response, Ms. Hause noted that the city council would be considering the “pay for performance” at a later date, in January or February.

She said that the “revision of the personnel practices” would be conducted in three phases.

The first phase involved hiring Ralph Anderson and Associates, a consultant, to look into a classification and compensation study. The second phase is a complete review of the personnel policies. The third and final phase is to revise the evaluation process.

One ordinance restricts smoking, while the other requires tobacco retailers to obtain a city permit

Written by YINTING HUANG / Published January 11, 2013  

The city council has passed two ordinances that would restrict smoking, while also requiring tobacco retailers to obtain a city permit.

Ordinances 12-964 and 12-965 were passed last month by a 5-0 and 3-2 vote respectively.

Titled the “Second-hand Smoke Control Ordinance,” Ordinance 12-964 bans the smoking of tobacco and marijuana products from varying locations in Temple City.

The new law would prevent smoking within 20 feet of the following areas: city property, outdoor public events and dining areas, public transit stops, enclosed common areas of multi-unit residential housing, and schools.

Additionally, 12-964 gives the city the ability to enforce the tobacco control regulations, as well as allows for civil suits to be filed against violators, according to a staff report dated December 4, 2012.

The second ordinance, the “Tobacco Retailer Permit Ordinance” requires those who sell tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco paraphernalia to obtain a city permit.

“The proposed ordinance authorizes ‘compliance monitoring’ to allow the city and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to investigate all tobacco retailers to ensure their compliance with local, state, and federal laws,” a staff report states.

Violations of 12-965 could result in administrative fines to the temporary banning of those not in compliance.

“[The] fee would be used to offset underage tobacco retailing,” Public Safety and Services Manager Robert Sahagun said on December 4.

While 12-964 was unanimously approved, the tobacco retailer permit ordinance received a 3-2 vote, with Councilmembers Blum and Vizcarra dissenting.

Ordinances 12-964 and 12-965 have become law, though both are scheduled to take effect on July 1.

For more information about the new ordinances, contact City Hall at (626) 285-2171.

The Tournament of Roses Association kicks off the New Year with their 124th Rose Parade with their theme celebrating optimism and wondrous journey.

Written by PAULINE CHEN / Published January 11, 2013 

The 124th Rose Parade presented by Honda was held on January 1, 2013 at 8:00AM in Pasadena. This year’s theme is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” which is borrowed from the title of Dr. Suess’ book. The parade’s 42 floats will focus on creating a sense of excitement in the joy of adventure.  The Grand Marshal, founder of Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, was Dr. Jane Goodall.  Every year, the Tournament of Roses Association holds interviews for seven spots in the Royal Court.

This year the Rose queen is Vanessa Manjarrez.  Manjarrez, along with six other girls on court, rode gracefully in the Macy’s “Presenting the Royal Court” float.  This float featured decorative and elegant rose gardens and hedges with seven chairs for the court to be seated as they passed by the audience.  The Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio was between the Stanford Cardinals and the Wisconsin Badgers with Stanford winning the Rose Bowl trophy.

Along with the game, there were a number of bands in the Rose Parade including the David High Marching Band from Kaysville Utah and the Bands of American Honor Band from Indianapolis, Indiana.

The opening float of the parade was a 100 foot-long American Honda “Follow Your Dreams” float which explored a child’s imagination and featured a slide running across the float.

Another float was the Farmers Insurance “The Love Float” with a bride and groom on top of a ornate egg centered between two angels, one playing a trumpet, the other strumming the harp.  The parade stopped as the couple’s wedding broadcasted across the nation.

The floats were made on a volunteer basis with thousands of volunteers working around to clock to finish the floats.

“I’ve worked on them [floats] before so I know just how much work goes into making them look so beautiful,” said Senior Mariah Tomason, “It’s also really fun to see all the new creative things they come up with.”

Other volunteers who participated in the Student Ambassador Program are high school volunteers who act as the Tournament’s community outreach.  These students spend there time volunteering at events like Bandfest, float decorating, and post parade.

“I liked volunteering with students from other schools and making new friends,” said Student Ambassador Kanani Driebus, “I enjoyed talking to visitors from different states who were there to visit the floats and who had never seen anything like them before.”

Rose by rose, volunteers make this phenomenal event possible with the amount of time and effort they put in.

Students and teachers from Temple City High School continue the tradition of the annual holiday concert.

Written by ALBERT CHEN / Published January 11, 2013

At 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 12, performers from Temple City High School entertained a large audience at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse with Christmas carols, dancing, and orchestral performances. The show, titled “One Magic Christmas,” included performances from the Temple City High School Concert Choir, Brighter Side, Choreo, Festival Orchestra, and Honors Orchestra.

The performers put on festive performances full of holiday cheer. Including classic songs such as “O Holy Night,” “Fa La La La La,” and “Sleigh Ride.” The show also included other acts such as a performance of a medley from “The King And I” and a “Led Zeppelin Medley.”

Also included was a humorous act by three TCHS teachers, performing the song “Christmas Don’t be Late” from the movie The Chipmunks.

A large audience of about 800 people attended the show. Overall, the show was a success and delighted the audience.

“I just like the whole program because everyone gets the spotlight,” said senior orchestra performer Florence Liu, “I think variety is very important, It’s a good mix.”

Viewers and performers commented on the enthusiasm and skill of the TCHS performing arts department.

“It was a really fun showcase of Temple City High School’s talents,” said Senior Kevin Lin, “I really enjoyed it, and it was great to see my peers perform. The Choreo performance was especially exciting!”

A raffle was also held at the show, with a prize of an annual pass to the Disneyland California Adventure Park. The producer of the show was Matt Beyers, and the orchestra was conducted by Bert Ferntheil.

Four candidates, including two incumbents, will compete for two spots on the city council.

Written by PROMISE LI / Published on December 21, 2012  

Next year’s city council election will feature four candidates, including two incumbents who will run for re-election.

The deadline to file nomination papers for the 2013 Temple City municipal election was on Friday, December 7. The four candidates are incumbents Mayor Vincent Yu and Councilman Tom Chavez, and challengers Nicholas Lisk and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Matthew Wong.

Vincent Yu, the current mayor of Temple City, is currently his first term on the city council. He previously served as mayor pro tempore, as well as planning commissioner for six years. Mr. Yu was first elected in March 2009.

Incumbent Tom Chavez also formerly served as mayor and mayor pro tempore of Temple City. He is a former parks and recreation commissioner. Mr. Chavez was also elected to the City Council in 2009.

Nicholas Lisk is a 16-year Temple City resident who also ran for city council in 2011. He has worked with small businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lisk also worked as an electrical estimator and planner for 10 years and was a former building inspector for the city of Sacramento.

Matthew Wong is a parks and recreation commissioner. He is also a graduate of Temple City High School and the University of California, Davis. Mr. Wong previously ran for the Temple City school board in November 2011.

The city council election will be held on Tuesday, March 5.

School board members voted 3-2 to renew the superintendent’s contract for one more year.

Written by ANDY CHUANG / Published December 21, 2012  

On December 12, the Temple City school board voted 3-2 to renew the Superintendent Chelsea Kang-Smith’s contract for another year.

Ms. Kang-Smith has been superintendent of the Temple City Unified School District since 2008. Her annual salary remains unchanged, at $175,000.

After a dispute brought up by School Board Members Kenneth Knollenberg and Joe Walker over not receiving a copy of the revised contract in November, the school board voted to defer discussing Ms. Kang-Smith’s contract until the December meeting.

With the superintendent’s contract expected to expire next June, some school board members sought to extend Ms. Kang-Smith’s tenure.

Three motions to extend Ms. Kang-Smith were filed, with the first two failing.

A motion to extend Ms. Kang-Smith’s contract for three years and two years, separately, failed.

However, a motion by School Board Member Matt Smith for one-year passed by a 3-2 vote. Only Mr. Knollenberg and Mr. Walker declined the proposal.

Consequently, Superintendent Kang-Smith’s contract will not last through the 2013-2014 school year.

Los Angeles Engineering to begin construction next January.

Written by TIFFANY KHA / Published on December 21, 2012 

A general construction contractor has been named for the Rosemead Boulevard Enhancement and Beautification project.

The city council awarded Covina-based Los Angeles Engineering Inc. a construction contract worth $15,773,914.50 in November.

In addition to the city’s own contribution, the project will be financed through a myriad of local, state, and federal agencies.

According to Kristi Twilley, a representative from the Vanir Construction Management, construction is scheduled to begin late January and will last for 16 months.

“Kick-off meetings have been held with project contractor Los Angeles Engineering to discuss the project schedule and other administrative items,” she wrote in the December 7, 2012 city manager’s report.

However, the city plans to hold a town hall meeting on January 16, prior to the construction phase.

At the November 20 meeting, the city council voted unanimously to approve the bid by Los Angeles Engineering.

The general contractor beat out five other bidders, including the Griffith Company, during the city’s second round of bidding. The Griffith Company posted a protest bid that was rejected by the city council.

“With honor, integrity and dedicated employees, Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. is set to continue building the infrastructure of tomorrow’s Southern California,” reads a statement from the construction firm’s website.

In total, the Rosemead Boulevard project will cost approximately $20.7 million.

The Rosemead Boulevard project is a major public works project to revamp the former state highway from Callita Avenue to the railroad tracks.

Approximately two miles of city streets will be renovated once the project is complete. Energy-efficient lighting, pedestrian-friendly enhancements, drought-resistant landscaping, public art works, and protected bike lanes will be introduced.

“It’s almost a two-year effort in making it happen and finally it is happening,” Mayor Vincent Yu previously said.

Excluding Los Angeles Engineering, three consultants have been hired to perform work on the Rosemead Boulevard project: Vanir Construction Management, the project manager, Gruen Associates, the project designer, and Avant Garde, the project finance administrator and labor compliance monitor.

The annual Lights on Temple City festivities open up the holiday season for Temple City residents.

Written by KRISTY HSI / Published December 14, 2012 

As 5:00 p.m. hits at the Temple City Park on December 6, children happily race towards the now open play areas and booths surrounding the grounds while their parents quickly follow behind. The annual Lights on Temple City festival has just begun.

The snow play areas at the event include a sled ride and a snow fort station. A free face painting booth stands next to the many arts and crafts tables, and the Holiday Express train toots its horn on the streets. On the opposite side of the lawn, visits with Santa fill the kids with happiness and anticipation as fake snow falls from the entrance while a bright light shines on the area. Red and white balloons adorn the entrance, and the entire waiting area is filled with mini Christmas trees wrapped in bright lights, a large blowup snow globe with Mickey, Minnie, and snowmen on the inside, and a Santa’s workshop blow-up balloon model.

Cousins Blanca and Athena are two of the many people waiting in the long line for the Holiday Express train.

“We’ve been coming to this event for a long time, and the train has been here for as long as we know. We always ride it,” said Bianca.

Vicky and her 6 year old daughter, May, await their turn at the sled ride area.

“We come to this festival every time, and whenever there is a festival, we’re here. May loves the sled ride and arts and crafts booths. Personally, I love the free cookies and coffee.” said Vicky.

Feeding these hungry people and giving them warmth are volunteers from the high school, different clubs, and organizations who sell hot chocolate, tacos, and popcorn while others give out free cookies and coffee to anyone who passes by.

At 5:30, the carolers dressed in old-fashioned wear begin to stroll around the park and sing Christmas carols for all to hear. The balloon artists also begin their work as a long line winds around the grass for the artists to make them balloon hats, swords, and dogs.

At 6:00 p.m., the Brighter Side Singers, dressed in sparkly pink dresses and black suits, from Temple City High School perform a series of Christmas carols for all to hear.

At 7:00, the holiday parade with the TCHS band comes marching in and under the veranda with Santa, who helps light the 100 foot tall redwood tree in the center of the park. It is the moment that everyone has been waiting for, and a countdown is started for the lighting. At zero, the many blue, green, orange, yellow, and red lights on the tree spring to life.

Visits with Santa and Holiday Express train rides start again at 7:30 and everyone continues to play until 9:00 p.m. when the event ends.

As the event comes to a close around 9:00 p.m., people begin to gather their belongings and head on home, but the lights around the park continue to shine on for all to see, heading the anticipation for Christmas.