Temple City Voice

This is a breaking news story; more information to follow.

The Temple City Voice has learned that Temple City Mayor Pro Tempore Dave Capra may be forced to resign if his health continues makes him ineligible to serve.

Capra, first elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2007, is part of a three-person majority on the City Council. If Capra resigns, the City Council will appoint a Temple City resident and voter to fill Capra’s remaining term. His term ends in March 2011.

Anonymous sources have stated Capra is suffering damage from the brain. “It is not a simple stroke” claimed an unidentified individual.

At the previous City Council meeting of July 1, 2008, Mayor Pro Tempore Capra was absent from the meeting because of health concerns.

Today, City Manager and City Attorney Charles R. Martin removed Capra from representing the City involving the “Piazza” settlement matter.

The Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD) graduated the Temple City High School Class of 2008 during the commencement ceremony at Arthur North field. On June 20, 2008, approximately five hundred students of the TCUSD were presented with diplomas certifying their completion of high school education.

Families and friends were present to witness the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Only guests with graduation tickets were able to enter and watch the graduation ceremony.

The entire Temple City Board of Education was present, including: Board President Joe Walker, Vice-President Robert Ridley, Clerk Matt Smith, member Rachel LaSota, and member Janet Rhee. Board members handed out diplomas and exchanged handshakes with the TCHS graduates.

Temple City Mayor Cathé Wilson and Councilwoman Judy Wong also attended the graduation service.

Before the Valedictorian address, a line of speakers addressed the Class of 2008, including: Associated Student Body (ASB) President Spencer Hua, Salutatorian and 2007-2008 Miss Temple City Fei Yao, and Senior Class President Allison Pedrotti.

Andrew Chen, 2008 TCHS valedictorian, included the metaphor of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham during his speech.

“I am also inspired by the students” stated TCHS principal Mary Jo King in her address to parents and District officials.

The 2008 commencement ceremony was the King’s first graduation service as principal of the high school.

King urged the graduates to “remember to take time [to] serve others.”

Not all was calm during graduation. While handing diplomas, illegal fireworks were set off, briefly interrupting the ceremony.

Despite the heat and short disturbance, parents and friends of the graduating Class of 2008 were filled with overwhelming happiness.

Congratulations, Temple City High School Class of 2008!

This article was written by Matthew Wong. It was published in the Temple City Voice on July 2, 2008.