Temple City Voice

Dogs and humans alike gathered together early Saturday morning on October 13th at 8 a.m. in front of Temple City Library to participate in the first ever Run-A-Mutt.

Hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society and the Temple City Parks and Recreation Department, the event handed out shirts to participants and bandannas to their dogs. Each walker had a choice between either walking a mile or walking three miles around Temple City Town Center which began at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

Although the Temple City Park restricts the presence of dogs on its property, this was an exception-with hundreds of dogs waiting to be walked. Water bowls were placed on the mile walk for dogs before the walk began. Posters and signs directed participants to the path of the mile walk, and wound them back to the Temple City Park once again.

Many vendors were also present at the Run-A-Mutt and exhibits included pet adoptions which the puppies available for adoption paid the festivities a visit. Afterwards, participants were encouraged to stay and participate in the afternoon events which included contests, raffles, and much more.

Similar to the pet talent shows people watch on television, this event put on a “Doggy Talent Show” and even NBC came and filmed. Various games as well as contests were held for the dogs and a performance by Muttley Crew’s Musical Dog Show, a spectacular Doggie Olympics featuring a fun agility competition, high-flying Frisbee dogs and darling dancing dogs, came after the fun.

Clearly a success for its first annual dog walk, Run-A-Mutt will certainly be back next year for more exciting and fun for families and dogs of all ages.

This article was written by Angie Yeh. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 7, 2007.

The issue of a second bond measure in less than 10 years was presented at the Board of Education meeting on October 10, 2007. The School Board Meeting held on October 10th discussed the $55 million dollar bond and the options of allotting the money throughout the District.

The bond measure was introduced to the public in April this year when the District held two public meetings. The intent is to place the bond measure in February 2008. The deadline to place the measure on the ballot is November 7th.

Should a bond measure be approved by voters in February 2008, the elementary schools and Oak Avenue Intermediate School will receive approximately $15 million.

Temple City High School is the Board’s main concern. When voters approved the 1998 bond measure, the high school only obtained $9 million, the least out of all the schools in the Temple City Unified School District. Since then, building issues have been piling up at the school site.

One option for TCHS is to demolish the 100, 200, and 300 buildings for a 3- story building. This will cost about $27 million. The addition of the 3-story building will add 12 more classrooms.

Another option is to demolish the 100 and 200 buildings for a 2-story building, an amount of $24 million. In addition, this plan includes modernizing the 300 wing building; this refurbishment will cost $2.4 million. The plan will add 10 more buildings, and will total to approximately $27 million.

A third option is to demolish the 100 building to build a 1.5-story building, costing $15.5 million. Modernizing the 200 and 300 wing buildings will cost $4.7 million. This option will produce an additional 24 classrooms and adds up to $20.2 million.

The fourth option is to modernize the 100, 200 and 300 buildings and convert the administration building to classrooms. Resultantly, the administration building will be rebuilt on the front grass area on Lemon Avenue, costing $15 million. Renovating the administration buildings in the 300 wing will cost $3.75 million, and modernizing the 100, 200, and 300 buildings will cost $5.7 million. This will total to $14.2 million. This plan will bring forth 8 more classrooms and will also allow for a closed student campus.

The last is to modernize the 100, 200, and 300 buildings. This will cost $8.4 million. This option will yield the most amount of allocated funds, which can be used for various things, such as refurbishing locker rooms, creating a performance arts center, and remodel the pool.

A concern was raised as to whether there would be support from the community. In addition, the teacher’s union representative questioned the true readiness and stability with the plan.

The plan has been resubmitted for further evaluation before the final plan will outline the allotment of the $55 million bond between each Temple City School.

This article was written by Connie Lu. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 7, 2007.

As the November School Board election draws near, many unions and distinguished officials have reflected their support of the candidates through endorsements.

Beverly Jones, former Temple City Unified School District Superintendent of Personnel, expressed her approval of incumbent Board member Robert McKendrick. Having worked with McKendrick on the Board in prior years, she thinks he is the kind of person needed on the School Board.

“I had many opportunities to observe and work with Board members,” stated Jones, “He has two qualities that are essential – intelligence and integrity.”

Joan Vizcarra, a former School Board member and candidate, has secured the endorsements of State Senator Gloria Romero and State Senator Jack Scott. Scott, who represents Temple City in the State Senate, chairs the Senate Education committee. Romero is the Senate Majority leader; she also sits on the Senate Education committee.

Former Councilmember Dan Arrighi has the endorsement of Temple City’s representative to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino. Portantino, elected in 2006, chairs the Assembly Education committee. Arrighi also won the endorsements of Councilmembers Dave Capra and Fernando Vizcarra.

Rachel LaSota, a governing Board member of the California Association of Regulatory Inspectors and Investigators, has the support of the law enforcement association. LaSota, and fellow candidates Janet Rhee and Robert Ridley also obtained the endorsements from the Temple City teachers’ union.

Citizens living with the Temple City Unified School District will cast ballots on November 6, 2007 for three candidates running for the School Board. There are six candidates running with three seats available.

This article was written by Charlene Choo. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 31, 2007.

Polls have now closed in all nine precincts in the Temple City School Board race.

Voters had seen six candidates run for three positions on the Temple City Board of Education. Only one incumbent, Robert McKendrick, filed to run for re-election.

Robert Ridley, a government finance officer, is poised to win a seat on the Temple City Board of Education. As of 10:30 p.m., Ridley maintained a front runner lead over the five other candidates: Janet Rhee, Rachel LaSota, Dan Arrighi, Robert McKendrick, and Joan Vizcarra.

Currently, Rhee and LaSota are in the second and third places, respectively.

Former Councilmember Dan Arrighi leads incumbent Board member Robert McKendrick by three votes. Former Temple City Board of Education member Joan Vizcarra trails behind all the candidates.

Full election results are expected to be available later on this evening.

Election Results as of November 6, 2007, 10:30 p.m.

Ridley: 1032
Rhee: 929
LaSota: 794
Arrighi: 667
McKendrick: 663
Vizcarra: 567

This article was written by Matthew Wong. It will NOT be published in the print edition of the Temple City Voice.

Like a recent forum sponsored by the Junior State of America (JSA) and the Temple City Voice, a Temple City Chinese American Association meeting gave each School Board candidate a chance to address its members. Temple City Mayor Judy Wong posed a series of questions to the candidates.

The meeting began with the candidates introducing themselves.

“I have three kids attending Temple City schools,” said Robert McKendrick, incumbent on the School Board. “Any decision that helps my kids will help all.”

While most of the candidates had personal reasons for climbing the community ladder, Joan Vizcarra’s were much more intimate. “Deandre Netter died on my driveway,” she said, “and I want to make sure nothing like that ever happens again.”

The first question discussed the issue of the bond. For Janet Rhee, the bond was a necessity, but too risky to take without consulting others. “Fifty-five million dollars is a lot of money, and we have to make sure we’re getting our money’s worth,” said Rhee in regards to the $24 million bond issued in 1998.

Also, the prospect of school expansion and permanently implementing a Chinese class at the high school was touched upon.

While Robert (Bob) Ridley believed that expanding Temple City High School would rank it on par with other schools, he assured that the staff and students gave the school esteem. “People come to Temple City for our wonderful teachers and student body, not for its dirt track field.”

A permanent Chinese class was deemed as necessary by LaSota for cultural purposes. “Having another language taught at school promotes tolerance, and goes to show that Temple City High is very diverse.”

As the questions began to narrow out, all candidates stated that community participation is instrumental to the success of the city’s schools. Yet, they all agreed that citywide participation is relatively low.

Dan Arrighi attributed the lack of participation to hectic work schedules and crammed agendas. “We already have PTA letters and PTA calendars, and forums like this are great to get the community involved,” said Arrighi on possible remedies. Delivering coffee could be another tactic, said Vizcarra, even to a citizen’s doorstep.

Though separated as therapist and parent, lawyer and concerned citizen, each candidate wholeheartedly believes that Temple City’s educational system is important to fight for.

The school board election will occur on November 6, 2007.

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the Temple City Voice on October 31, 2007.

Robert McKendrick, the only incumbent on the Temple City School Board running for re-election, is no stranger to the education system in Temple City.

McKendrick has lived in Temple City since 1987. He has been married for 25 years and is the father of six Temple City children: two who have graduated and four of which still attend school in the district.

First elected in 2003, he possesses what he believes to be the two of the most important qualities a School Board member must have: honesty and the willingness to put students and their education first.

As an independent with no political party, McKendrick plans to make decisions objectively without being hindered by the ulterior motives that tend to come with political affiliations.

When asked about his experience as a Board member, McKendrick responded, saying that he has a “history of being logical and making decisions based on the best interests of the education system.”

If re-elected, McKendrick plans to investigate and fix the “achievement gap”, or why some students perform much better than others.

“It’s not just a problem in Temple City-it’s a national problem,” explains the School Board member. Although the scope of this issue lies well beyond the borders of our city, McKendrick intends to begin solving the problem and ensure that each student has an equal opportunity to excel in school, regardless of their background.

Robert McKendrick and fellow School Board candidate Joan Vizcarra both have prior experience as School Board members. As the running incumbent, McKendrick has a sound understanding of his job.

Temple City residents will be able cast votes among McKendrick and the other five candidates on November 6, 2007.

This article was written by Jason Wu. It was published on October 31, 2007 in the Temple City Voice.

As the Temple City School Board election draws near, several major organizations and unions have not been shy about voicing their support for certain candidates.

The Temple City Education Association is a major teacher organization represented by Oak Avenue teacher, Deborah Maurey. The Education Association has expressed its approval toward Rachel LaSota, Robert (Bob) Ridley, and Janet Rhee.

The California School Employees Association (CSEA) is also playing a pivotal role in candidate endorsements. The union’s classified white-collar chapter, led by Marlene Van De Car, is endorsing Rachel LaSota and Bob Ridley.

Chapter 823 of the CSEA is a blue-collar union that has also been endorsing LaSota, Ridley, and Rhee. When asked why they support these particular candidates, Chapter 823 Representative Dave Matter responded, “We actually went out looking for people who had a legitimate interest in running.” LaSota, Ridley, and Rhee (who all have children at the schools) were encouraged by the CSEA to run for the school board.

Temple City residents must register to vote by October 22, 2007. Voting will take place on November 6, 2007.

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