Temple City Voice

A red carpet is laid down the center aisle. Strolling down the red carpet are ladies dressed in dazzling satin dresses and gentlemen in dashing tuxedos. The show commences and the crowd bustles in with anticipation as the host prepare to call the next winner onstage. This scene is not from the Academy Awards, but the Dragonflicks Film Festival, which took placed in Room 601 of Temple City High School on May 6, 2008.

Several fake nominations were shown in order to make the “Academy Awards” theme more realistic. Many of these fake nominations were so hilarious that several audience members demanded they be made into actual films. The nomination which received the most requests for official production was a Spanish soap opera, starring Michelle Sparnicht, Christian Goin, and Greg Morgan.

The Best Comedy award was given to Brian Hsu’s “Take Off Shoose”.

A short film adaption of Robert Frost’s “Road Not Taken” triumphed over two acclaimed fake nominations, “Spanish Soap Opera” and “Cancer Boy” for Best Drama.

Isabel Yao, another Temple City High School student, won the title of Best Actress, for her role as a girl with random spasms in “Speed Dating”.

The Best Foreign Film was an advertisement for a portable translating device.

“Echo Mountain” was a documentary of a hike up to the ruins, which were rumored to be haunted.

The “MisFORTUNE”, a winner in the Xanadu Film Festival, claimed the title of Best Short Film.

“Contained”, a twenty-minute short film, premiered at the Dragonflicks annual film festival. Directed and written by Brian Hsu, “Contained” tells the story of a boy diagnosed with a rare disease; any one of his five senses is prone to shut down at any moment. Consequently, the boy is confined to his room. When the girl he loves stops visiting him, the boy becomes restless and leaves his house in search of her. The poignant film was made brilliantly and the cliffhanger ending left the audience at the edge of their seats.

The night conclude with a few closing statements from the Dragonflicks film crew. Dragonflicks members usually support shows from behind the scenes, setting up and moving the set pieces, but on May 6, the crew took the stage.

Dragonflicks, a Temple City High School organization, is led by Mike Kidd.

This article was written by Sophia Chang. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 18, 2008.

In a surprising move made by Councilman Dave Capra, the City Council voted 3-2 to eliminate the position of a deputy City Manager for the City of Temple City at the February 5, 2008 City Council meeting.

During discussion of the annual budget for the City of Temple City in May 2007, Councilman Capra suggested the City Council consider hiring a separate City Manager.

Currently, Charles Martin, in his 80s, serves as City Manager and City Attorney for Temple City.

One month later, Councilman Capra changed his mind and stated there was no need to hire a separate City Manager.

Then, in July 2007, Councilmember declared “the City needs to go on a [different direction]” and once again, supported either a deputy City Manager or a separate City Manager.

Because of the lack of support, a compromise was reached by the Council to hire a deputy City Manager on July 17, 2007.

Applications for a deputy City Manager were closed in December 2007.

On February 5, Councilman Capra informed fellow councilmembers that he no supported the hiring of a deputy City Manager. Capra reasons include the City Council not having the power to choose the deputy City Manager as stated in the City Charter.

Capra warned that a deputy City Manager could be hired that would make the Council unhappy. Furthermore, Capra noted the declining state of the economy and the need to conserve money for city improvement projects.

Councilman Ken Gillanders concurred with Councilman Capra, stating the current City Manager had everything under control and was a bargain for Temple City.

Councilwoman Cathé Wilson reminded the City could hire an interim City Manager if needed.

Councilman Fernando Vizcarra, who had opposed deferment of hiring a separate City Manager in June and compromised with colleagues to hire a deputy City Manager in July, argued for the need of a professional to energize staff with new ideas. Vizcarra cited the City’s lack of stores and the death of the Piazza at Temple City project.

In response to Councilman Vizcarra, Councilman Capra mentioned the City Council could entertain the position of a new City Manager during budget time. He stated he was in favor of an Economic Developer to bring in new businesses for Temple City.

Councilwoman Judy Wong, who had opposed hiring a separate City Manager, but was in favor of a deputy City Manager, noted the deputy City Manager would be on probation and therefore be let go.

Wong stated she preferred a deputy City Manager to train under current City Manager Martin and take over should Martin leave.

Resident Mary Burke pointed out to Council the City had reserves and it was important for Temple City to have a separate City Manager and City Attorney.

Councilman Capra’s motion passed 3-2, with Councilmembers Vizcarra and Wong casting the dissenting votes.

This article was written by Margaret Thi. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 11, 2008.

Despite financial pressure, the Temple City Board of Education reviewed a plan to renovate current District internet-voice system. On May 28, 2008, a presentation of “IP Telephony”, sponsored by Cisco Systems, was given.

Utilizing state of the art technology, IP Telephony mitigates telephone hardware errors, the probability of multiple points of failure, and the hassle that comes with switching phone lines. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) uses myriad technology to reduce audio distortion and maintenance costs for T1 packbell issues.

Other benefits include: constant Cisco support, long-scale warranties, and the offer of competition with Arcadia, Rosemead, and Beverly Hills, all whom have adopted the technology.

However, the Board of Education was wary of implementing the three network service. Although the improvements in voice, video, and data surveillance appear enticing, the costs amount to $250,000.

Concerns over replacing relatively new materials arose, but presenter William Block cited a need to use the products of a company that built the school’s systems.

The Temple City Education Association questioned the frugality of the decision. With education reserves running dry, implementing a costly program would seem excessive, if not redundant.

Current packet switch networks are over twelve years old. Spare parts for the infrastructure are either outdated or no longer sold, while manufacturer support is no longer catering to an antiquated product.

Cisco Systems’ IP Telephony system is used by various schools and colleges within California. According to Block’s statements, rising interest in Cisco’s products allows for greater corporate support and innovations; in other words, customer support and parts would be easier to obtain.

In other matters, the Board rejected a motion to send School Board President Joe Walker and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Christina Luna to an Education Foundation Fundamentals Workshop. The majority stated financial logistics as its explanation for its decision.

Instead, the Board of Education will interact closely with the School for Schools foundation in the coming months, and will then plan for the financial and education aspects of the Temple City Unified School District.

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 11, 2008.

This year’s Temple City High School Choreography Showcase was titled “Carnival” and was held on June 3, 2008. The show consisted of many very colorful lighting, displays, and music. Each dance expressed different genres of music.

Each member of Choreography had the chance to choreograph routines for themselves and their groups. As a surprise for the people who arrived on time, the dancers surrounded the around the room and swirled streamers to get the crowd going.

The Bamboo Banga was the first performance of the night. Dancers were in eye popping costumes and makeup that engaged the audience. The music was very exotic and was nothing like the genre of music that is constantly played on the radio.

The captain, Senior Jennifer Tse and co-captains Seniors Alyssa Ng and Xuan Feng, performed their solos. Tse danced to “Almost Lover”; Ng danced to “Belief”; Feng danced to “Make Me Whole”. All three used difficult techniques acquired through training and practice every day. Temple City High School’s Pep Flags and Cheer performed in the showcase as well.

A few of the dances were choreographed by Michael Tyus and Daniel Huynh, both former Choreography team members. Certainly, all the performers spent long hours perfecting each move and strenuous practices that lead to the opening of the Carnival. All their efforts put into the showcase made it one of kind.

The show manager, Hannah Wang, and executive producer Marcy Stewart, receive credit along with the directors, producers, choreographers, costume designers, and house managers for putting the show together.

Overall, the showcase displayed the Choreo team’s theme exceptionally well. Each dancer was able to show his and her common passion for dance, and also was able to entertain the audience while doing so.

This article was written by Jackie Zhang. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 11, 2008.

With gas prices shooting up, bio ethanol is being actively used around the U.S. to reduce oil imports from foreign countries. However, this seemingly wonderful solution to gasoline crisis has caused the poor to go hungry, as well as corrupt the environment.

Bio ethanol is produced from the starch or sugar of crops, in our case, corn, and is usually mixed in with gasoline up to 10%. The U.S. had already started using bio ethanol around 1995, and by 2010, we are expected to produce up to 100 billion gallons.

Consequently, crop prices have gone up to 20%-30%. Now flour and tortilla prices have increased and as a result, it has causing major food shortage around the world.

It takes about one year’s worth of corn for one person to fill up a large tank with bio ethanol. So basically, cars are being fueled with grains, which should be used to fill empty stomachs of destitute people. Now more farmers are switching to corn planting because it is better for business, so prices for other crops are shooting up as well due to its scarcity.

All the corn produced in the U.S. is currently being used to produce bio ethanol, and corn for actual ‘food’ is being imported from other countries. It is ironic because now that gas imports have been reduced about 12%, corn imports are increasing as well as its prices.

Forests are also being torn down for farm land purposes, and have caused about a 20% increase in carbon emissions. Rain forests in Brazil filter harmful carbon emissions, but are being cut down to produce farm land. Brazil is now the fourth most carbon-emission country.

There is no need to say that the already-heated-up global warming is now on fire. The use of bio ethanol was supposed to promote a healthier environment with lesser carbon emissions, but because forests are disappearing, they have rather increased.

Something has to replace oil, but bio fuel is not the best alternative. Just because they are renewable, does not make it a better choice. Bio fuel may be a temporary option, but should not be relied on as a permanent one. Those who support bio fuel are failing to see the bigger picture: that this shortsighted action will lead to problems in the future.

This opinion was written by Charlene Choo. It was printed in the Temple City Voice on June 4, 2008.

Sources:

Lee, John. “The Clean Energy Scam.” Time. 27 March 2008. June 2, 2008 http://www.time.com.

Milmo, Cahal. “Biofuel: the burning question.” The Independent. 15 April 2008. Independent.co.uk. June 2, 2008http://www.independent.co.uk.

“State to pump up access to biofuels.” Los Angeles Times. 26 February 2008. 2 June 2008 http://www.latimes.com.  

The Temple City High School Environmental Club is known to be active around campus with their frequent clean-up events and constant effort to spread awareness. The members are passionate about helping the planet and making the world a cleaner place. Martin Mao, the current president of the club, reflects on the past year and shares his vision for the future through this short interview with the Voice.

What is the purpose of Environmental Club?

The purpose of the Environmental Club is to raise awareness and inspire environmental activism. We’re trying to be a force that compels others to be more considerate towards Mother Earth. Other schools already have mandates from teachers to be more environmental by recycling and not littering. Our school doesn’t, so we try to fill that role.

How does your club impact the school?

We make posters and chalk designs to spread awareness. Some of us even pick up trash we find on the floor. We do after school pickups and E-waste which helps deal with the trash.

What sort of events do you guys do?

We talk and do cleanups for fun. We go to the beach, the forest, the park, and hike at Eaton Canyon. We don our blue vests and clean up public places that do not regularly receive frequent care. We watch movies and have guest speakers. All the speakers so far are teachers, substitute teachers, and me. We try to get members to think about issues and respond. Even if they don’t respond, they leave the meeting more educated.

What separates Environmental Club from the other organizations on campus?

We are actually an honest club and we’re very environmental. We give out honest CSL. Members get the amount they actually earned. We don’t do that much fundraising and rely more on sponsors. We’re also not as strict as some clubs and we can party when the time calls.

What have you learned this year as president?

As president, I learned that everyone has valid opinions. I learned it the hard way that if you only focus on yourself, you will mess up-big time. Members are important and you have to let them know who you are and establish an identity with them.

Why should students join the club?

Students should join if they feel environmentalism is their passion. I care less about numbers and we are an open club. Anyone who is interested or feels a passion for what we do can join.

What changes do you hope will happen next year?

I want the cabinet to be more organized and the new president should be more on schedule. I would like more city-based events that will benefit Temple City. We use the library a lot for thought talks, but it would be nice to use the gazebo or even use the whole park for a change!

Do you have any upcoming events?

Our year is pretty much done. We do not have any more upcoming events. We still have small meetings to figure out cabinet and maybe a banquet in June. Our last event was a beach cleanup on Memorial Day.

The Environmental Club brings the world a step closer to ending threatening issues that concern our environment today. It is proof that small efforts makes a difference.

This article was written by Christine Keung. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 4, 2008.

During the May 14th meeting, the Board discussed the issue of adopting a procedure from which they may prequalify contractors that wish to assume the task of renovating the high school. It requires a board resolution in order to proceed with reviewing candidates.

The Board reviews the standards it holds for contractors bidding to undertake repairs and renovations to Temple City schools. Not just any contractor can partake in the bidding however. Linda Sweaney, who will perform the review, says, “A quarter of contractors have been disqualified because they didn’t have the license for the bidding.”

Contractors must already have special licenses and be specially approved in order to handle public works. The bidding is to be restricted to A-rated contractors; in the past when the school used B- and C-Rated contractors, the results were unsatisfactory and additional repairs was still needed for the project.

The Board is considering future renovation projects for the Temple City High School that would amount to $7 to $10 million dollars. Some contractors who wish to work on these projects may not be financially suited for the tasks. They may not have the tools or the access to the supplies that the project may demand. If such a contractor is considered for the assignment, the firm will run out of funds and the task will be left incomplete.

However this may not appear to be a wise decision considering the state of California’s school budget cuts. The Board acknowledges that the American economy is not as prosperous as it used to be. Undertaking a grade-A contractor to deal with future renovations would be extremely costly and would take away from rare funding.

This article was written by Martin Mao. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 4, 2008.

Movie and traditional classical tunes alike mingled together on Temple City High School’s annual outdoor Pops Concert.

A “Pops” concert, which stands for popular, contains modern day music, stemming from eclectic sources such as movies and jazz bands.

The festival began with the Advanced Orchestra and band, headed by Mr. Bart Ferntheil. A timeless concerto was played, and after the audience waited in anticipation for “Superman Returns.”

Mr. Bailey led the program after, and conducted for the entirely-9th grade beginning orchestra. Though young, the group marvelously performed the theme from television’s West Wing. A transposed medley of Green Day songs got the audience cheering, while festive tunes from Grease were equally exciting.

The event showcased the Honors Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, which require an audition for admittance. Chuck Mangione’s “Children of Sanchez” bopped out hearty beats from the trumpets, and followed by lulling melodies from the strings. Features from West Side Story (I Feel Pretty, Maria, America) ensued after. “Flight of Valor,” a patriotic theme honoring the crash of flight 93, made wings sprout into the air fittingly in light of the coming Memorial Day.

Though the last complete concert of the year, the band and orchestra will continue to play in smaller, if not more demanding, events. Highlights include: TCHS’ Spring Cavalcade and the Honors Orchestra’s concert at the Disney Concert Hall.

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 4, 2008.

In front of an audience of Temple City residents, A & W Project Manager Louie Aurelio, read a letter from Randy Wang to the City Council and Community Redevelopment Agency on January 15, 2008. Wang, developer of the controversial mixed-use development, “The Piazza at Temple City”, addressed several concerns the Piazza project was facing at the moment.

“The residential sector is in deep water” wrote Wang. At the previous City Council meeting, A & W Builders, the construction management firm for the Piazza, announced the Piazza development was in a financial mess. The current plan is to scrap the residential condominiums and replace them with office/medical condos.

In his letter, Wang noted that the total project costs amounted to $75 million dollars. Besides a primary bank, the Piazza project will require four to eight additional banks to fund the development. The developer is negotiating with Far East Bank, East West Bank, and Bank of East Asia.

In addition, the banks desire certain conditions to be fulfilled before granting any loans: a new plan for the Piazza approved by the City of Temple City, preleasing the project by at least 30%, a new appraisal for the project, and an extension of the project completion date.

“While the final outcome may be promising, the process in getting to the finish line is the biggest challenge” wrote Wang.

Wang further requested a twenty-four month extension, from August 2009 to August 2011, without penalties in order to complete The Piazza at Temple City.

The Piazza at Temple City is to be built on the corner of Rosemead Boulevard and Las Tunas Drive. The project originally was named the “Temple City Galleria” and “Piazza Las Tunas.” It was approved by the previous City Council in May 2006.

In October 2007, the City Council reluctantly agreed to several “minor” changes to the development.

According to the developer’s agreement with the City of Temple City, the project must be completed by August 23, 2009.

“It is certain that I am determined to exhaust all avenues to make the Piazza a reality” concluded Wang.

In closed session, the City Council decided to retain special legal counsel to represent the City regarding the Piazza matter.

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published by the Temple City Voice on May 21, 2008.

The California state Supreme Court on May 15, 2008 ruled 4-3 in favor of nullifying Proposition 22, a citizen’s initiative passed in 2000. Proposition 22, which defines marriage between a man and a woman was approved by California voters by more than 60% (Ewers). Within thirty days, the Court’s ruling will become law within the State of California.

The legalization of same-sex marriage has fomented new controversy surrounding the issue of marriage. Currently, same-sex couples can apply for domestic partnerships and still receive the same benefits married heterosexuals receive. Last Thursday’s ruling will allow for marriage between same-sex couples, an issue many religious organizations and social conservatives oppose.

As a proponent of same-sex civil unions, I am disappointed with the state Supreme Court’s majority opinion. The legalization of same-sex marriage politicizes an issue that did not require any politicization. Now, proponents of an initiative calling for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage will have fuel for support of its initiative.

A few weeks ago, a petitioner gave me the opportunity to sign his initiative that would create a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. I chose not to sign his petition because I did not believe it was necessary to “officially” ban same-sex marriage.

Like US Senators Hillary Clinton (D – New York) and Barack Obama (D – Illinois), the two remaining Democratic presidential nominees, I support the idea of civil unions between same-sex couples seeking to publicly declare their partnership.

Marriage, in my opinion, is a sacred union between one man and one woman.

As a Christian, I am offended by the destruction of traditional marriage. I do not believe same-sex marriage should be legalized in the state of California.

As a Democrat, I believe that the rights of all individuals, whether they are gay or straight, should be respected.

Because of this ruling, I will support the constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman; in addition, I will support a ban on gay marriage in California. When the constitutional amendment comes on the ballot, I will vote in favor of the initiative.

The California state Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage politicized an issue that did not have to politicized and now California voters will, once again, have to declare their opinions on same-sex marriage.

This opinion was written by Matthew Wong. It was printed in the May 21, 2008 issue of the Temple City Voice. The views of this author does not reflect the views of the Temple City Voice.

Source:

Ewers, Justin. “California Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage” US News & World Report Online 15 May 2008.