Temple City Voice

Janet Rhee is one of the six candidates running in the School Board election this year. Being a mother of two boys, she is a PTA member at Playfactory Pre-school Board, Longden Elementary School and Oak Ave Middle School. Rhee decided to run for the School Board in hopes of making a difference for the students receiving education in Temple City.

After gaining a bachelor’s degree in business and administration at the University of Southern California (USC), Rhee has stayed at the Bank of America for several years. Though she had to quit her job five years ago to take care of her family, her position as a commercial banking officer at the Bank of America gives her familiarity with finances.

“A good School Board candidate has to be honest, of course, with good morals and values” says Janet Rhee. “But I think what would make a better candidate is their experience and knowledge; their accountableness in making the right decisions for the school.”

Rhee believes her experience and knowledge can be used to make better judgments that benefit the School Board. Also, she believes that the problems the District faces should be attempted to be solved by both the School Board and the community as a one.

Though the School Board is planning on the repair of our schools with a 55 million dollar bond, Rhee does not support it because it is not clear how the money will be used. “This fundraise is going to affect all the citizens of Temple City,” Janet Rhee states. “[The] 55 million dollars are going to be out of our pockets, and we want the money to be used well.” However, her opinion may change depending on how the plan for the money solidifies.

Rhee’s main plan for the School Board, if elected, is to gradually make improvements in our city. “I’m not going to make any empty promises,” she said, “but I know that I won’t hesitate to make our city a better place.”

This article is written by Charlene Choo. It was published in the October 24, 2007 issue of the Temple City Voice.

Although the target audience for October 6th’s Health Fair was towards senior citizens, it attracted people of all ages, roaming around booths for information about keeping up with their health.

Highly helpful to senior citizens, the fair was held indoors of the Live Oak community center, shielding the public from the strong heat rays of the sun. Pamphlets, brochures, flyers, and even book guides were distributed among the public ranging from topics such as stopping elder abuse to instructing widows on how the steps of making funeral arrangements properly.

Some booths were conducting check-ups for bone densities, lung functions, body fat levels, and even skin damage. Also, people who had participated in a survey were given bracelets that granted free lunch and snacks to the public.

In hopes of eliminating the susceptibility of the elderly to scams, this fair brought many organizations from the county. With visiting organizations like HerbaLife, Rose Hills, Arcadia Gardens, and Kiwanis, the fair was successful in getting information out to citizens who need such services.

Not everything present at the fair was free; however, this event was merely an opportunity for organizations to advertise their companies. Tupperware, footwear, jewelry, and spa services required payments.

Health plans are vital to an individual’s health because missing check-ups or failing to take certain screenings could affect a person’s lifestyle. Free health plan scannings were available to the public to prevent future illnesses from occurring, especially for those who were 50 years old and above.

Classes that were routinely scheduled at the community center were canceled in order to hold this health fair. However, the cancellation did not go to waste as many senior citizens and other attendees were informed of the steps to take in order to ensure safety and possibly a longer life.

This article was written by Margaret Thi. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 24, 2007.

The Board of Education met for their second September meeting to discuss a variety of events and issues, including prioritizing faculty funds on September 26.

As November looms nearer for Election Day, the Board felt it vital to speak about a possible 55 million dollar bond for the school district. In February 2008, Temple City citizens will be asked to approve a 55 million dollar bond through voting.

If the bond is passed, the Board hopes to exercise this money on Temple City schools. David Jaynes, the Chief Business Official for the Board, presented the prioritization of funds according to the greatest safety and health needs of each school.

In one of the meetings that took place in April, the Board of Education held two public hearings about the bond with little interest.

For the other Temple City schools, the Board’s main priority is to change and replace old materials to meet safety and comfort issues. The Board is considering, however, to renovate Temple City High School even though the costs are at greater benefit for a whole new school rather than an accumulation of old buildings.

At TCHS, the Board wants to make a whole new renovation. They wish to build a three story building in place of the 100, 200, and 300 buildings. By doing this, the school would not only have larger classes for a manageable class size, but would also solve the most important issues concerning the safety of TCHS and its students.

Unfortunately, demolition of the 100, 200, and 300 buildings and construction of a 3-story complex requires more money than the proposed 55 million dollar bond; to do so, the bond measure must be raised to 60-65 million dollars in order to fulfill this task.

At Cloverly, the most important issues at the school are repairing rubberizes play apparatus surface, brace roof mounted gas lines, and repair termite damage with expenses totaling to $1,852,925.30.

At Emperor: repair termite damage, roof drainage issues, ADA (American with Disabilities Act) doors and thresholds; total: $1,214,023.20.

At La Rosa: repair damaged concrete, termite damage, secure water heater, helium tank; total: $1,468,277.46.

At Longden: structured engineer report, repair termite damage, roof drainage issues; total: $39,366,915.97.

Although the plans for renovation or repairing are not completely corroborated, the Board of Education has many hopes and dreams for a new image of education: comfort, health, and good learning environment. Whether this is a reality or wishful thinking relies much on prudent planning and financial stability.

This article was written by Connie Lu. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 17, 2007.

With a strong financial background and an intense understanding of issues, Robert (Bob) Ridley is one of the six candidates running for a seat on Temple City Unified School District School Board.

Ridley was raised in Riverside, California and is UCLA graduate with a degree in Economics. He has an abundance of experience in finance, such as being a municipal treasurer for a large company, public accounting work, and has done finance and accounting work for four cities: Culver City, El Segundo, Pico Rivera, and Pasadena. He has been Pico Rivera’s Director of Finance and City Treasurer, and currently is the City of Pasadena’s Controller.

Actively involved in the community, Ridley has resided in the community for over twenty years, a PTA member since 1995, and a Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade member for eighteen years and counting. His two children also attend schools within the district.

With strong leadership and communication skills, Ridley believes these qualities he possesses are needed on the School Board. He understands that there must be unity within the community, as well as a curiosity to listen and understand issues that concern Temple City. “There’s not enough input from the stakeholders,” said Ridley. “There must be a lot of listening; from the site, staff, teachers, community, residents who must be willing to listen.”

If elected, Ridley would enroll in California School B, a Masters degree in governance program that trains new School Board members. He believes that he must continue to expand himself to learn more and build upon the foundation of his financial expertise. “There must be a transparency with the Board [and the community] – no hidden agendas,” Ridley emphasizes. “The ability of the Board to foster relationship with teachers, students, staff… we can do a better job.”

“We must spend the money prudent and carefully,” explained Ridley in terms of the bond issue. “How are we to stretch the money? [We must spend the money in] the best interest to tax payers.”

Having had twenty-five years of experience dealing with money, Ridley believes he can handle the challenges of a School Board member effectively. He also supports Janet Rhee and Rachel LaSota, two fellow candidates who are also running for spots on the School Board.

This article was written by Connie Lu. It was published in the October 17, 2007 issue of the Temple City Voice.

A few months ago, an elderly man from the San Fernando Valley died from the West Nile Virus, bringing the state death count to 6.

The senior was the only victim in the Los Angeles County District Area, while two other locals from L.A. and the San Fernando Valley districts were recently diagnosed with the virus. Kern County, the origin of 2007’s virus season, has filed three deaths under West Nile Virus.

The virus is contracted from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes mainly contract the virus from infected birds, though transmission can occur from one mosquito to another by any common blood source. The virus cannot be contracted from interaction with infected persons. Domestic pets, such as felines or horses, are also prone.

This summer was especially beneficial for the production and stimulation of mosquito growth. While copious amounts of water increase mosquito reproduction, this summer’s hot weather compels birds to share watering holes, leaving them prone to multiple mosquito bites.

While the elderly and infantile are most vulnerable, middle-aged adults are just as susceptible to bites.

Preliminary cautions, such as wearing bright, deterring clothing and spraying exposed flesh with bug repellant, staying indoors during dusk and dawn, and contacting the county to remove dead animals can prevent the spread and circulation of the virus. Mosquitoes can be deterred from settling by constantly cleaning out stagnant water (such as a pool), a mosquito’s favored breeding site, and sweeping foliage deters.

Mild symptoms include high, sudden fevers, nausea, and headaches. In rare severe cases, however, convulsions, blindness, and weakness are signals for immediate hospitalization. Symptoms appear after about three to fourteen days, and recede a few days after.

More information can be found at Temple City’s Public Services website, under Public Works.
http://www.templecity.us/publicserv.asp

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the October 17, 2007 issue of the Temple City Voice.

After months of outcry from citizens denouncing Charles Martin’s dual role as City Manager and City Attorney for the City of Temple City, the City Council voted unanimously to create the position of Deputy City Manager.

The Deputy City Manager is expected to work closely with City Manager Charles Martin.

In June 2007, Councilman Dave Capra stated he was in favor of deferring the hiring of a City Manager because Temple City was attaining the prized Rosemead Boulevard. His remarks contrasted against the statements he made in May, when the City Council was discussing the budget. At that time, Councilmember Dave Capra was in favor of setting aside funds for a separate City Manager.

“At this time I think the City needs to go on a [different direction]” said Councilmember Dave Capra to the Council on July 17, 2007.

Mayor Pro Tempore Ken Gillanders and Councilwoman Cathé Wilson disagreed. Councilmember Gillanders stated that the costs and benefits for a separate City Manager would amount to $400,000 a year. Additionally, he said, in an emergency, the City could loan a retired City Manager through Contract Cities.

Councilwoman Wilson agreed saying, “In a minute we can get an interim City Manager…This is not the time to make the change.”

Councilmember Fernando Vizcarra, who opposed the deferment of hiring a separate City Manager in June, stated he agreed with Councilman Capra. “I think we need some [new] energy” said Councilman Vizcarra.

“My opinion stays the same” declared Mayor Judy Wong. Wong was not in favor of hiring a separate City Manager but was in favor of hiring a Deputy City Manager.

Weighing in on the discussion, City Manager and City Manager Charles Martin reminded the Council that he never asked to be the City Manager. “I think I would prefer to have a deputy.”

Following discussion, the Council came to the consensus to hire a Deputy City Manager.

Mayor Wong made a motion to have City Manager Martin create a job description for a Deputy City Manager. Her motion was seconded by Councilman Capra. The motion was unanimously approved.

This article was written by Matthew Wong. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 17, 2007.

A Temple City resident since 9 years old and a former School Board member, Joan Vizcarra is not a new face to Temple City. With a Master’s degree in Psychology, Vizcarra has spent most of her life working with children and teens to utilize education as a primary means of betterment.

As a former Board member in 1989-2003, Vizcarra understands that it is important to be able to make decisions that are best for the students of the school district. With an experience of 14 years, Vizcarra is well versed in public education.

Both Vizcarra and her husband have attended Temple City schools as did their children. Her parents moved to Temple City and worked with their neighbors to incorporate Temple City into a city.

“I want to improve on the collaborative relationship that the district has with the City,” states Vizcarra. “We are such a small, community oriented City…we need to work together to give the maximum benefit to our residents.”

Many factors contribute to Vizcarra’s plans if elected for a position on the Board. Greatly affected by the murder of Deandre Netter who also died on her driveway, Vizcarra makes it her goal to have students learn in a safe environment.

“Students cannot learn if they are afraid or in fear of conflict,” says Vizcarra. “My goal for running for School Board is to ensure that students have the best possible learning environment.”

Vizcarra possesses qualities of making quality decisions and always pondering alternatives by discussing it with fellow decision-makers. There are many factors that influence a voter’s decision, but one quality that stands out in Vizcarra’s case is her concern over the well-being of children.

Many people may say or believe one thing, and act another, but Vizcarra does not fall under this stereotype. Having returned to college to receive her Master’s degree in Psychology about ten years ago, Vizcarra lives by her motto.

“I have said that I want to provide opportunities for life-long learning,” states Vizcarra, “And as you can see, I practice that also.”

This article was written by Margaret Thi. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 10, 2007.

Many parents came to the Temple City High School campus on September 25th with hopes of meeting the teachers who were educating their children this 2007-2008 school year. A fair amount of students also entered campus that night to better understand their teachers’ viewpoints.

It was a full moon night that lasted from 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm; the night began with introductions from the school staff. The agenda for this event consisted of seven ten-minute long classes with five minute breaks for individuals to head towards the next class.

Teachers holding conferences usually began with introducing themselves and listed their qualifications as an instructor. Advanced Placement Literature and Composition teacher, Mr. Ryan Hoague, commenced with providing parents his contact information before sharing his joy of reading and writing suggestions on students’ essays. “Writing is something that develops over your whole life,” explains Hoague, “There is no magic wand.”

Mr. Kevin Bacon teaches Algebra I and is one of Temple City’s baseball coaches. He feels as if back-to-school night is an excellent method for parents to understand the coursework of their child. “I want [the student] to be in the loop everyday,” states Bacon, ” I don’t want a parent to say to me ‘I don’t even know.’”

Although the focus of the night was developing parent-teacher relations, many other organizations decided to set up stands on school grounds. The Parent-Teacher Association held a bake sale in front of Room 311 with the Senior Service members managing it. The Temple City library staff advertised its book club near the high school library; the staff desires to continue doing this in an upcoming Temple City High School event.

The purpose of back-to-school night was for parents and guardians to have means of contacting their child’s educators. As a result, parents no longer see a blank face when the child mentions that a certain teacher gave him or her a bad grade.

This article was written by Martin Mao. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 10, 2007.

Temple City residents are still puzzled over why the controversial “Piazza Las Tunas” project has yet to be built since it was approved nearly fourteen months ago by the previous City Council. The Piazza, formerly known as the “Temple City Galleria”, is a mixed-use development to be constructed on the site of the former Hawkins/Edwards property.

At the previous July City Council meeting, Councilmembers Dave Capra and Fernando Vizcarra expressed some concerns over the Piazza development. City Manager and City Attorney Charles Martin then stated he would write a letter requesting that the Piazza team be present at the following City Council meeting.

On July 17, 2007, the president of A & W Builders, David Wilson and his team delivered a presentation on the status of the Piazza project. A & W Builders is the construction management team for the Piazza. In June 2007, the previous construction manager Jay Liyanage was fired.

David Wilson said that the team had “solicited eight architectural firms” and “entered negotiations with four of them.” He noted since taking over the project various companies have been added on to the team to provide peer reviews for the project.

When asked by the City Manager and City Attorney Charles Martin whether the project would be completed on time, it was stated the project would be finished on time. The “Piazza Las Tunas” must be constructed and finished by August 23, 2009. Failure to comply would result in a violation of the developer’s agreement with the City of Temple City.

Councilmember Dave Capra then inquired about the lenders to finance the project. Wilson responded stating that they were “not prepared to finalize a deal with a lender.” Two possible lenders named Tuesday night were East West Bank and United Commercial Bank.

The Piazza project will need about $75 million in loan financing. About $37.4 million has been set aside for the construction budget.

“We have a huge challenge in front of us,” said David Wilson to the City Council.

The Piazza mixed-use development is expected to generate about $800,000 to $1 million dollars annually of badly needed revenue to the City of Temple City.

This article was written by Matthew Wong. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 10, 2007.

Rachel LaSota is one of six candidates running for a position on the TCUSD School Board. She has two children who attend the Temple City School District and is part of the PTA. Her son goes to TCHS and her daughter attends Longden.

Working for the government as a Regulatory Inspector, LaSota ensures compliance of the governing laws in a specified industry. She is also a member of several law enforcement associations and is a Board Member of the California Association of Regulatory Inspectors and Investigators.

“My main goal [if elected] is to open the door of communication. I believe that the Board of Education must serve the students, parents, the staff, and the community by having an open door policy,” said LaSota. “I also believe that the Board must be effective listeners to those it serves.”

According to LaSota, the ideal School Board candidate is someone who evaluates anything presented before the Board with fairness. She thinks that regardless of how an item was voted, citizens have the right to know the reason behind the final decision.

LaSota knows it is important to ask for additional information in order to make an accurate, factual choice. Ms. LaSota believes that possessing fairness along with her qualities of being assertive and objective can make the district even better and capable of achieving more.

“I believe that my main difference from the other candidates is that I come from an investigative background, which requires objectivity and no personal opinions can influence the outcome of the facts,” said LaSota. “I’m not a politician. I am a parent.”

LaSota believes her best quality is her strong sense of integrity, a characteristic that was gained through wisdom and experience from her profession. She believes in taking responsibility for one’s actions and standing up for what is right. In most cases, that means not always being on the favored side.

Both she and Janet Rhee, another School Board candidate, have formed the Lasota-Rhee for TCUSD committee. Both candidates fully support fellow candidate, Robert (Bob) Ridley.

This article was written by Christine Keung. It was published in the October 3, 2007 issue of the Temple City Voice.