Temple City Voice

The City of Temple City may soon be acquiring more land for pocket parks if the recommendation from the Parks and Open Spaces task force committee is adopted.

Since July 2007, the Parks and Open Spaces subcommittee has been working on recommending new strategies to increase the amount of parks around town. For months, volunteers have been developing ideas in order to assist with the modernization of the city’s General Plan.

At a joint meeting of the Planning commission and Parks and Recreation commission on November 27, 2007, the Parks and Open Spaces task force committee encouraged the Planning and Parks and Recreation commissions to establish new rules for the General Plan regarding “purchasing property” for new pocket parks in residential areas and “incorporating parkland and open space” into future commercial projects.

Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Burroughs stated the Parks and Open Spaces first recommendation was to increase parkland.

Unlike parks such as Live Oak Park, pocket parks are purposed to provide a small area where people can relax enjoy themselves, such as the one in front of the Temple City public library. The sizes are to be a minimum of one quarter of an acre (1/4), preferably in a high residential density zone.

Eaton or Arcadia Wash, existing parks or public school fields are targeted areas, as well as small open areas in downtown Temple City. An area near Oak Avenue intermediate school was considered, but planting grass as well as buying the property was too pricy.

The question of whether restrooms are necessary in pocket parks was discussed. Because people tend not to stay long in pocket parks, building restrooms would be an unnecessary financial burden, in addition to occupying land. Pocket parks will still include picnic tables, benches, barbeque stands, playground equipment or play areas, lighting, and/or tennis and basketball courts.

Community Development Manager Joe Lambert stated the Parks and Open Spaces task force committee’s second recommendation was to establish guidelines for new developments to include parkland.

A recommendation was made that all new commercial developments on properties ½ acre or larger shall reserve at least 5% of its land for public open space. Ideas included an arcade style walk with trellises, decorative benches, and rose gardens. Alternatively, a developer could pay an impact fee, such as $10,000 for every ½ acre of lot size if the 5% requirement is not met.

After the presentation by the Parks and Open Spaces task force committee, the commissioners from both the Planning and Parks and Recreation commission debated over the recommendations. Planning Commissioner Vincent Yu suggested ADA (American Disabilities Act) parking should be added. Planning Commissioner Seibert asked that eminent domain be included in the recommendation.

Finally, Planning Commissioner Carl Blum stated individual donations, state and federal grants, are other options for funding to expand parkland in Temple City.

The Parks and Recreation and Planning commissioners decided on targeting an acre of parkland in two years and so forth expanding the land until after give years. The goal is to eventually gather ten acres for a park.

Both commissions accepted the Parks and Open Spaces task force recommendations with amendments added: ADA parking, eminent domain, utilizing individual donations or state or federal grants, and not having restrooms in pocket parks.

The recommendation was unanimously approved by the Planning and Parks and Recreation commission. Parks and Recreation commissioner Cynthia Sternquist was absent.

This article was written by Charlene Choo. It was published in the Temple City Voice on April 16, 2008.

Red Cross Club has been active on and off campus with its many activities. Senior Annie Wang, president and founder of the Temple City chapter, gives us more insight about this club.

What does Red Cross Club do?

We offer various volunteer events and have socials for the Temple City Chapter, as well as with the Southern California high schools. The motto of Red Cross is “How to Save A Life,” and our events do just that. We train members professionally in first aid, CPR, oxygen administration, AED, emergency response, and blood pathogen training.

They take a two-day course that is about eighteen hours long and once they receive their license, the learning doesn’t end there. They can volunteer at first aid stations at California Philharmonic concerts, Rose Parade, animal shows, Diabetes Walk, rodeo shows, flea markets-the list goes on and on. They talk to the patients and are even allowed to treat them under the supervision of adult volunteers. That’s why members don’t have to worry about the CSL requirements; most tend to go beyond and some even have over 500 hours just from first aid stations.

What inspired you to start this club at Temple City High School?

I’ve heard from students at other nearby schools talk about their Red Clubs, since these clubs are nationwide in high schools and colleges. I thought, “Why doesn’t our school have one?” and contacted the San Gabriel Valley Pomona American Red Cross and started one. Plus, I am also planning on a medical career, so I decided to start one to help others with similar medical interests to expose them to this field before college.

What do you think students can learn from being in Red Cross Club?

The skills they gain from the training courses will definitely come in handy at unexpected times. You never know when someone could be drowning, choking, or having a heart attack next to you. Members learn how to respond to and deal with these situations.

Also, may improve their communication and social skills because we have social events at Red Cross Headquarters with other schools and adult volunteers to meet new people.

What activities have Red Cross Club done in the past?

• Breakfast with Santa at Applebee’s-every year, we host this event for people with mental and physical disabilities and low-income families. We talked to many children and adults and cheered them up with presents, raffle prizes, and free breakfast.
• Christmas and Thanksgiving Cards-Members made cards from various arts and crafts materials and assembled goodie bags for Arcadia Methodist Hospital patients. Not only is this for a good cause but members get to know each other in the process.
• Pasadena AIDS Walk-At night, members held candles as they walked for those afflicted with AIDS.
• First aid stations
• Measles Initiative-Members have been selling pins and asking for donations to fund measles vaccines for children in third-world countries.

Are there any upcoming events?

• National convention in Baltimore, Maryland-Fees for airfare, housing, and meals are covered by the American Red Cross
• Volunteering at retirement homes weekly
• Cefiore fundraiser
• Souplantation fundraiser
• Another social at Headquarters still in progress
• Social at Six Flags for Temple City Chapter
• Tryouts for potential cabinet members (at least one-year membership required)

What separates Red Cross from other clubs on campus, like Medical Society and the American Cancer Society?

We give members on-hands experiences in the medical field that otherwise would not be allowed. For example, most students would not be allowed to come into contact with the patient or treat them, but through Red Cross Club, that’s possible. We treat people with strokes, bleeding, choking, etc.

Obviously different than other organizations on campus, Red Cross Club continues to make a difference in the school and the community.

This article was written by Christine Keung. It was published in the Temple City Voice on April 2, 2008.

Pink and dried up noses, empty tissue boxes, and the occasional sounds of “ACHOO” signal the start of spring and its favorite counterpart-allergies.

Many regard allergies as pests and distractions to the routines of one’s daily life. Medicine doesn’t seem to work and tissues don’t relieve the build up. However, natural household remedies have been proven to be strong fighters against these annoying sneezes and constant congestions.

There are many types of allergies, but about 37 million Americans experience two types of air allergies known as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

Air pollutants such as pollen, dirt, animal fibers, food particles, and even mold ignite the sinus passages. This is a result from the immune system’s reaction towards the “overdose” of allergens in the body.

Fragrance from herbs and certain spices have been proved successful in combating allergies. Ginger, basil, garlic, horseradish, white and cayenne pepper, and turmeric are some that will clear congestion with just a sniff. Inhaling steam is also an alternative; adding certain herbal fragrances like wintergreen oil is even more productive.

Another self-healing process requires a cotton ball swab, olive oil, and a clove of garlic. Using the garlic, press and mix it with a teaspoon of olive oil. Then soak the solution with the cotton swab and gently place them in the nostril for around 20 minutes. Make sure to cleanse the nostril before beginning this process.

Food products aren’t the only remedies; massages also do the trick. People who experience allergies usually experience the side effects also. Headaches, sore throats, watery eyes, and congestion are some of the effects.

For relieving congestion, sit at the edge of a chair, with a straight posture and lean your head slightly forward. Using your palm, massage your inner temples while inhaling and exhaling. After repeating it three times, cross your middle and index finger and begin rubbing the side of your nose. Make sure your fingers are warm.

One important fact is to stay away from foods that contain dairy, simple sugars, and corn because they tend to worsen allergies. Believe it or not, the foods we eat also have an impact on our allergies.

Although we can’t control the pollutants in our air, we can control the effects it has on our bodies, especially our noses.

Source:
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/13022/allergy-alert-breathe-easy-naturally/

This article was written by Margaret Thi. It was published in the Temple City Voice on April 2, 2008.

School board members met on the 27th of February in order to discuss the district’s budget crisis. The agenda is to review the Facility Master Plan summary presented to the board as well as the many other financial priorities that must be considered.

The presentation conducted by David Jaynes, the Chief Business Official, analyzed the many factors that the school district’s budget funded. Everything in the budget is divided among school maintenances, wages, and supplies for these schools. Schools in the district may be considering working on special projects such as expansion or possible renovation.

However, because the school district is extremely limited in its funding, not every need that schools may have will be addressed. The meeting prompted with the goal of prioritizing the issues that are brought before them.

Keeping schools in supply and assuring that they will remain functional over upcoming years is the top priority. Basic materials such as pencil and paper must constantly be made available.

Because of the incredible lack of school funding, the district cannot keep the amount of teachers it currently has staffed. The bargaining plan is to notify ten teachers of the possibility of being removed, and to place seven of these teachers on probation. There is a pool of twenty teachers from which they may notify. The issue of having to increase substitute teachers’ salaries will also take effect in the next school year.

The high school is judged as inept in comparison to other cities’ high schools, being that it requires more funds than an elementary school would. The school pool and the current sports equipment that the school has do not meet CIF standards.

The school is need of a renovation; however the costs of handling such a project have David L. Jaynes commenting that “it would cost us less to build a new high school than to renovate this one.”

The current initiative is to cut student supplies by $200,000 while the supplies of the district office remain unaffected.

This article was written by Martin Mao. It was published in the Temple City Voice on April 2, 2008.

One of the recurring topics in the news is the issue in Tibet. Rioters have been causing unrest and violence in the region of Tibet and there has been much pressure on the Chinese government.

The riots were a result of the anniversary of the failed March 10, 1959 uprising against Chinese ruling. These rioters have been doing everything from looting businesses to attacking ethnic minorities. Chinese authorities have sent military personnel to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The relationship between China and Tibet has been tense because China believes Tibetans want independence, which they refuse to grant for Tibet. However, the Dalai Lama, leader of the exiled Tibet, claims that Tibet only seeks autonomy, which Tibet had enjoyed much of before the 20th century.

The Dalai Lama has been accused by China to have caused “the worst civil unrest to seize the remote region in nearly two decades” (Liu). He has also been accused of undermining the upcoming Olympic Games, which is less than five months away. According to the Dalai Lama, he wishes for Chinese authorities to change their attitudes of Tibetans and stop the discrimination of Tibetans. He also wishes for the Chinese to stop using violence against the rioters and approach the situation in a peaceful manner.

China has been getting much publicity, especially surrounding the much anticipated Beijing Olympics. There have been boycotts for environmental issues surrounding China, as well as China’s involvement in Darfur. China has also been under pressure to act in the political unrest in Myanmar, also known as Burma. There has been a lot of controversy for China to act in regards to these issues. The recent riots and protests in Tibet have made it harder for China to solely concentrate on the Olympics. As an avid supporter of the Olympics, I sincerely hope that China will pull off the Games successfully.

I realize how important it is to China to establish themselves as a world power and this is their moment to shine. At the same time, the controversy surrounding the Games and the pressure on the government is simply too much to ignore. I think China should consider acknowledging these issues more closely. I feel that China is simply trying to brush off these issues until the Games are over. If China really is a world power, then it should take more consideration on their environmental state. Beijing is heavily polluted and though the government has already taken measures to clean the air for the athletes, this change should continue until and after the Games have ended.

China should take more action in Darfur and Myanmar. As an emerging world power, China should take more of a stance on humanism and stop thinking merely nationally. Also, China should take more time in negotiating with Tibet to end the riots that have spread recently. Though I respect China’s governance, I also see that if China wants to be one of the more powerful countries in the world, there are responsibilities to uphold. If China wants to establish itself as a world power, it also needs to stand up to the responsibility of doing more for the world.

Sources:
Liu, Melinda. “More Bloodshed in Tibet” Newsweek 24 March 2008
Liu, Melinda and Mazumdar, Sudip. “Fears and Tears” Newsweek.com 20 March 2008
Rabinowitz, Gavin. “Tibetans Expect Little Help from World” Associated Press Online 22 March 2008

This article was written by Connie Lu. The opinions of this author do not represent the views of the Temple City Voice. It was printed on March 26, 2008.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse was packed with an animated crowd from March 14-16, eager to watch Temple City High’s newest production, a spectacular rendition of the classic Broadway musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” The combined efforts of the talented cast and crew made the show one bound to go down in history.

The cast were obviously chosen with extreme care, for the stage abounded in talent, whether it was in song, dance, or drama. The roles of the confident Spanish Rose Alvarez, played by Johanna Huang, and her momma’s boy fiancé, Albert Peterson, played by Aaron Kappe, successfully captured the tension between the two characters as they struggled to achieve their dreams while preventing their aged love from withering.

The perfect image of the smug Conrad Birdie was portrayed by Anthony Campos, who even mastered Birdie’s signature lower-body swiveling. The smaller roles were also played with the same amount of passion. Through their enthusiasm and flair, all of the actors were able to bring the stage to life.

The stunning scenery was not to be missed. Bright, delicately drawn props captured the varying ambience of every scene, from the warm, homey feel of Kim’s house to the cold desolation of the dumpsters. These props were moved on and off stage with perfect timing by the school’s very own Dragonflicks team, who organized the whole show from behind the scenes.

After two and a half hours, the show ended and enticed a standing ovation from the enthralled crowd. All in all, the show was one filled with poignant moments between reunited lovers, comedic references to the teenage way of thought, and plenty of high-pitched screams, both from the audience and on stage.

This article was written by Sophia Chang. It was published on March 26, 2008 in the Temple City Voice.

With a new company in place, the City Council authorized the City Manager to sign the addendum to the original developer’s agreement for the Piazza at Temple City. The Piazza at Temple City, formerly known as the “Temple City Galleria” and “Piazza Las Tunas” is a fifty-two condominium mixed-use project.

On November 20, 2007, the City Council approved the addendum, 5-0.

Originally approved in May 2006 by the previous City Council, to date, the Piazza at Temple City has failed to begin construction. In October 2007, the City Council reluctantly granted permission for a few “minor” changes to the overall project.

It received a second groundbreaking on November 9, 2007 attended by representatives of the City Council and Temple City Chamber of Commerce.

According to David Wilson, President of A & W Builders, the Piazza management team has met with East West Bank and Far East Bank in order to obtain a loan. Wilson also informed the Council that he was confident the project would be completed on time.

The Piazza at Temple City development must be completed by August 23, 2009 as stated in the developer’s agreement.

The City Council also considered three additional separate items at the November 20th City Council meeting.

Councilmember Fernando Vizcarra inquired about the status of the Shell gasoline station on Las Tunas Drive and Oak Avenue.

Community Development Manager Joe Lambert stated the property will have a self-serve car wash and new gasoline station. The project is currently in a building plan check. Lambert cited an issue with industrial waste may be delaying the project.

Councilwoman Cathé Wilson informed the other members of the Council that some residents wanted to see Temple City with holiday lights on Las Tunas Drive year-round.

During discussion, Council noted problems with tree trimming and maintenance issues if lights were on year-round. City Manager Charlie Martin suggested leaving the lights up into either January or February. His idea was approved by members of the Council.

Lastly, Mayor Judy Wong informed the Council that the Temple City Chinese American Association donated a turkey to the Netter family. The Netters lost their son Deandre Netter to a gang killing in August 2007.

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the Temple City Voice on March 26, 2008.

In hopes of making Temple City a much safer community and preventing gang violence, the first “Safe Schools and Safe Neighborhood Community Forum” was held on Tuesday, March 4 in the high school Media Center from 7-9 p.m.

One issue that was addressed was whether or not Temple City has a gang problem. According to the statistics presented during the forum, in 2006 there were six reported gang related incidents, three in 2007, and one in 2008. The majority of the crimes in Temple City are property crimes, robbery, or vandalism, better known as tagging. Gang related crimes/hate crimes make up a small percentage of overall crimes in Temple City.

Currently, in regular adult court, not juvenile court, the judge can treat a minor like an adult the day he or she turns fourteen. Also, Proposition 21 states that it is easier to treat kids like adults. Minors may be given bigger sentences for gang crimes, life sentences, and death penalties.

There are many prevention techniques that parents can utilize in order to save their children from being involved in gangs. First, they can spend time with their children because they need their parents’ love and support in order to gain a mutual trust. Parents should also attend children’s school events and show their support in their kids’ activities.

Also, try to get to know children’s’ friends and their friends’ parents. Establishing a mutual understanding and relationship will make communicating easier between a parent and his/her child. Most importantly, make sure that children will be supervised in the homes they visit. Their friends’ parents should be clear about the expectations that have been set for one’s child.

Taking care of one’s own health and body, showing appreciation and desire for learning, and valuing education are crucial in being a positive role model for one’s children. Some helpful tips are: practice good conflict resolution skills, value listening over speaking, and have open and honest discussions. There are many resources that students can refer to, such as, teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, and most importantly, the community.

Helping Temple City take a step towards a brighter and safer future, the forum informed parents, residents, and community leaders alike of tips on how to keep children away from gang violence and other serious troubles.

This article was written by Jackie Zhang. It was published in the Temple City Voice on March 19, 2008.

Similar to the pageant held in the search of Miss Temple City, “The Fresh Prince of Temple City” pageant was held on Thursday, February 28 by Temple City High School ASB and PEP seniors in search of the new Mr. TC.

The event was hosted by Senior Christina Chong and Senior Lauren French, both members of the ASB and Pep organizations. The judges of the event were Ms. Vickie Park, Mr. Scott Randles, Mr. David Schendel, and senior Pep and ASB girls.

Each of the twelve contestants had to perform a series of routines, such as, sportswear, swimwear, winner’s award, sleepwear, Carlton routine, talent, and finally a question and answer panel.

Slideshows featuring baby photos followed and finally the announcement of winners. Surprisingly, all three played some type of instrument for their talent. Max Goh nicknamed “the best friend” played the piano, Omar Alnabulsi “the prankster” played the keyboard, and Ben Hoague “the smart one” played the accordion.

As the night reached its climax, Max Goh was crowned “The Fresh Prince of Temple City” and the runner-ups were Omar Alnabulsi and Ben Hoague, who tied for second place.

After the winner was announced, all participants gathered together for a group hug. The judges and audience were utterly awed by each contestant’s pride and bravery to participate in the event.

Although Mr. TC is not as prestigious or as well known as the Miss Temple City Pageant, the pageant will serve some significance. During the upcoming Miss Temple City Pageant, Goh will escort the current Miss Temple City, Fei Yao, as she abdicates her position and crown to the new Miss TC.

All in all, the night was filled with laughter and rather embarrassing moments that will be remembered by the guests that luckily participated in the coronation of Mr. Temple City.

This article was written by Angie Yeh. It was published in the Temple City Voice on March 19, 2008.

Twenty teachers. On yellow notes, scribbled with the principal’s signature are the words “Your contract may not be renewed for the next year.” Twenty.

A budget cut is not merely the loss of money- it is the destruction of potential. California is now facing one of its harshest, if not the harshest, slashes in funding for education, and my school, battered by years of finance holes and empty-jar hurricanes, has broken, toppled, and crashed.

The title is, per say, a bit misleading. The country’s national budget is dying. Whether sucked dry by foreign companies or hoarded by internal corporate tyrants, the money is disappearing. Public transportation, dying, but still effective, has a nice home in the back of our minds. County health services are dropping specialists here and there. What rankles me the most is how the country is dealing with education. Killing it. Right, that’s the perfect solution.

Blame the war in Iraq. Blame social security. Blame the right wing lobbyists, rising gas prices, a failure to grasp foreign economies, whatever. One doesn’t trip before push shoves, but America, essentially, has already done that. The money ran dry before we settled our financial woes, and those problems will not stop bugging.

The worst case is to pile up management on education. California spends 40% of its budget on its students (albeit the fact that it’s almost last out of all the states in student performance) for a reason: to give each and every kid an education. You don’t solve financial problems by taking away a child’s books, pencils, or teachers, do you?

I see education as a right. A government must adhere to providing each and every one of its citizens with an education. Ignore the bias, or the purposely left out history chunks, and specific national requirements. In order to become an adult, a child needs preparation. Knowledge and common sense would be a nice foundation. Not knowing what two plus two makes is quite unbecoming of an adult. Or so it seems.

Sometimes, I imagine the government fails to care about its kids, teenagers, and “young adults.” The politicos say, “We need more scientists to for better technology. More lawyers to settle national affairs. More doctors. More intelligent students.” They say that, and take away the lab equipment, the frogs and chemicals, the test tubes and eggs and flasks. They remove the textbooks, so my classmates and I have to reuse musty textbooks which seem to cry, “Can’t I get a rest already? I’ve been working since 92…give me a break.” Take away the markers and pens, and tell me how the teachers will teach. Most of all, the situation seems hopeless when a school cannot provide tissues or toilet paper for its students.

America thinks it can fix its problems by breaking all the solutions. Cut a teacher’s pay- remove their motivation for teaching. Cut a teacher- drown a classroom, often with thirty, thirty-five, or even the occasional forty, with students nowhere to sit but windowsills and cabinets. Take away my textbooks? Those rags will probably dissolve before they even reach the library. The future can’t be fixed when the seeds of the present are malnutritioned and dying.

This crisis occurred only five years back, in 2003. I remember my teachers going on strike then.

This time, the picket lines are gone, probably too expensive to purchase anyway, and one can feel a simmering resentment in the classrooms. The hallways are empty without campus administrators, and the lunch lines gradually grow longer each day. Restrooms close down, without enough money to fix vandalism, as the library suffers from each lost book. But it is silent, the school, and its staff, for this time a general hopelessness has settled, with no end in sight.

This opinion was written by Randy Shun. His opinion does not represent the view of the Temple City Voice. It appeared in the Temple City Voice on March 19, 2008.