Temple City Voice

The question as to whether states should lower drinking age from 21 to 18 has stirred a controversial debate across the country. Drinking at an earlier age may promote many problems such as drinking and driving, partying and other erratic behaviors among teenagers.

However, teenagers will drink no matter what the law states, and restricting it will only cause more defiance and push the problem behind shadows.

Many states such as Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Vermont are considering lowering the legal drinking age. The presidents of more than 100 colleges and university are supporting this idea as well. However, the Congress has voted to reduce highway funds to states that lower the drinking age below 21, so states cannot lower the drinking age without losing federal money.

Former Middlebury College President John McCardell wants this law changed so that states can decide for themselves what the best drinking age is. McCardell criticizes the law which encourages a culture of binge drinking. The problem should be approached with a different method. Presidents of 20 more colleges and universities have added their names to the Amethyst Initiative, and they will begin their approach to the public.

Their efforts are met with great opposition, however, as 77 percent of Americans resist the idea of lowering the drinking age. Supporters of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are also against it and claim it will promote more car crashes and jeopardize the lives of teenagers. They believe that instead of lowering the drinking age, states should restrict it even more vigorously.

It all comes down to the matter of responsibility in the end. Are people old enough to go to war and vote for their next president, not responsible enough to drink?

The truth is, the law cannot prevent teenagers from drinking. Therefore, it is better for teenagers to drink in a controlled environment than under shadows. Sometimes, teenagers drink just to break the law and show defiance against the society, and tightening the law will only cause them to deviate from the right path.

Sources:
Shari Roan, “Should States Lower the Drinking Age?” LA Times, August 26, 2008 <http://www.latimes.com>

Justin Pope, “Drinking Age Debate Spreading,” TIME, August 26, 2008 <http://www.time.com>

Veronique de Turenne, “Whittier college president wants to lower legal drinking age,” LA Times, August 26, 2008 <http://www.latimes.com>

This opinion was written by Charlene Choo. The views of this author are solely those of the author and does not reflect the opinion of the staff or the Temple City Voice. This was published in the August 27, 2008 issue of the Temple City Voice.

The new Superintendent Dr. Chelsea Kang-Smith was formally welcomed at a reception held at the District Office. On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, the Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD) invited community members the opportunity to know the TCUSD superintendent. Snacks and other refreshments were provided.

“I feel not only welcomed, but right at home, and a part of a wonderful family,” Kang-Smith said. “There’s a great connection between Temple City and the surrounding cities. People should take pride in this wonderful city because I love it already.”

Those in attendance included teachers from Temple City schools around the district, former and current members of the Board of Education, and residents of Temple City.

Mary Saxon, president of the Temple City Council Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), mentioned how likeable Dr. Kang-Smith is. “She is a ‘healthy’ addition to the city by bringing unity to the city- full of great and fresh ideas,” said Saxon. “I know that she will be a strong advocate for the students and children.”

“She comes from a good background, a good history,” commented School Board Member and Clerk Matt Smith. “I know that she’ll focus on what needs to be done in the [district].”

When asked about what she enjoys most about Temple City, Dr. Kang-Smith, a friendly and pleasant individual, talked about the open community activities.

“Living is not only about education” said Kang-Smith. “Don’t forget to have fun.”

Formerly an area Superintendent from the San Diego Unified School District, Dr. Kang-Smith became the seventh Superintendent of the TCUSD. She succeeded Dr. Joan Hillard, who left the District in June.

The new Superintendent was one of eleven applicants who underwent an intense application and interview process. The School Board voted 4-1 to confirm her in July 2008.

Dr. Kang-Smith began her term as Superintendent on Friday, August 1, 2008 and has signed a three-year contract with the TCUSD.

This article was written by incoming Editor-in-Chief Jessilyn Chwa. It was published today, August 27, 2008, in the Temple City Voice.

Economic woes plaguing Temple City’s local economy is causing the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and residents to look for solutions to improve its downtown.

On Tuesday, June 3, the City Council heard two different presentations from the San Gabriel Valley Small Business Development Center and the Cal Poly Department of Landscape Architecture to determine which proposal could potentially help the City.

Daniel Morales, the director of the San Gabriel Valley Small Business Center shared with the Council the Center’s proposed plan, the SBDC. Morales stated the SBDC was funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the federal government to provide advice, training, and financial assistance to small businesses.

Since the 1990s, the San Gabriel Valley Small Business Center has operated throughout the San Gabriel Valley. It partners with the SBA and works with local Chamber of Commerces.

The SBDC plan is partnered with the Mount San Antonio community college and requires a $10,000 contribution from the City.

The second proposal under consideration by the City Council was the Cal Poly Planning Study proposal.

Bryan Matsumoto and Dr. Susan Mulley provided the Council information for an in-depth analysis and economic and planning study. Matsumoto stated the Cal Poly study offered a task list project involving community participation, research, reference, and business workshops which will review City needs. He planned to utilize landscaping in the study to garner businesses and allure redevelopment.

The Cal Poly Pomona proposal requires a $40,000 contribution with graduate students planning the study project.

Professor Mulley noted the deadline for submission of a proposal is in September.

Residents and business owners continued to criticize the moratorium enacted by the City Council in April 2008. During public comments, Ming Lin, a Temple City resident, informed the Council she had been unable to rent her building for the past nine months.

“The moratorium is talk” stated Councilman Dave Capra. Capra reminded the Council that large redevelopment was needed to fix the City’s economic problems.

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the Temple City Voice on August 20, 2008.

After engaging in numerous community events over the past two weeks, Dr. Chelsea Kang-Smith attended her first open school board meeting on August 13.

The new superintendent said that “it’s been such a warm welcome that I’ve received over the past week.” Kang-Smith, whose tenure began on August 1, has been accompanied to several events by many Temple City residents.

The Temple City Court, consisting of high school students Britney Cummings, Anna Li, and Kyla Sickles, was one of these groups who greeted Dr. Kang-Smith to a kind reception and were present at the superintendent’s first board meeting.

One of the top priorities on Kang-Smith’s agenda is to organize a Superintendent Workshop between the City Council and the School Board. This move once again reinforces her reputation as a unifier. This is especially critical in Temple City, where a lack of coordination between the City Council and the School Board has always been somewhat of an issue.

School Board Clerk, Matt Smith, stressed the importance of this conference due to the fact that this will be the first official meeting between the two groups “since about seven or eight years ago”.

Under Dr. Kang-Smith, the City Council and the School Board hope to improve their organization and cohesion in future years.

This article was written by Jason Wu. It was published in the Temple City Voice on August 20, 2008.

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

Dana Baskin, editor and publisher of the San Gabriel Valley Weekly News died on Tuesday, August 19, 2008.

Baskin, a Temple City resident, was reportedly seen earlier during the day at City Hall. He was later found dead at his home.

The Temple City Voice has now learned that there will be a memorial service for Baskin at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia on Friday at 1 p.m.

This opinion piece was written on Monday morning for publishing on Wednesday. Due to the nature of presidential politics, some elements of this opinion may be outdated.

With less than three months until American voters decide who will be the next President of the United States; US Senators Barack Obama and John McCain have yet to decide who they will choose for their vice-presidential running mate.

On the Democratic side, several prominent Democratic politicians have been named likely choices for the vice-presidency, including: Delaware Senator Joseph Biden, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, and of course, former Democratic rival turned Obama supporter, Hillary Clinton.

For the Republicans, there are Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Governor and rival Mitt Romney, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, Florida Governor Charlie Christ, and a dark-horse candidate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

As the second most powerful person in American government, the Vice-President will certainly be an important decision for both candidates. For Obama, he will need to find an individual capable of bringing experience to the Democratic ticket. For McCain, he will need to shore up conservative support.

Evan Bayh, a former Hillary Clinton supporter, would be the perfect candidate for Barack Obama. Bayh, 52, is a centrist Democrat from the Republican state of Indiana. As a former Governor and son of a former US Senator, Bayh brings with him political experience required to balance out the Democratic team.

Additionally, since it is quite clear Senator Obama will not announce Hillary Clinton as his running mate, Bayh could heal the rift caused during the lengthy Democratic primary between Clinton and Obama supporters.

Republican John McCain could name dark-horse candidate Sarah Palin, current governor of Alaska. Palin, 44, would convince conservatives that John McCain does stand for conservative values.

Palin was elected Alaska’s first female and youngest governor in 2006. Daring in challenging the Republican elite, she challenged then-governor Frank Murkowski, promising to bring change and ethics reform.

When her latest child was revealed to have Down syndrome disorder, Palin, a staunch conservative and a pro-life individual, stood by her Christian beliefs and chose not to terminate her pregnancy.

Her conservative principles would help John McCain solidify votes among Republican and Republican-leaning voters. Palin could possibly help McCain snatch a few disgruntled Clinton supporters and Democratic-leaning women to cast their ballots for Republicans.

Adding Palin, would balance McCain’s old age on the Republican ticket.

As the days draw closer to their respective party nomination, both Barack Obama and John McCain could announce their vice-presidential pick in just a few short days.

The Democrats will meet on August 25-28, 2008 in Colorado. Republicans will hold their national convention in Minnesota, from September 1-4, 2008.

This opinion will be published in the Temple City Voice on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. This views of this author does not reflect the views of the Temple City Voice or its staff.

The Temple City Voice is featuring a series of interviews with former volunteer staff. This is the first of our “Catching Up with Former Staff” series.

As one of the first writers who helped build the foundation of Temple City Voice, Edward Sun reflects upon his experience as a former member and how it has affected his life after high school and possibly more.

Sun, who currently attends the University of Redlands as a Government and Economics major, wrote under the alias of Herr Lichtunddunkel last year as a senior of Temple City High School.

Since then, he has participated in many activities and organizations at Redlands. Not only does Sun participate in ballroom dancing and parkour, a type of running sport, he is also a member of the Alpha Thi Beta, a non-alcoholic and co-education fraternity.

“We focus on community service for campus, city, or national events,” commented Sun. “We also help out with general things around city like serve dinner for the salvation army whenever they need extra volunteers.”

Sun planned to be part of a newspaper in college, but after writing so much in the Voice for one year, had decided otherwise. However, despite the pressure he felt from meeting article deadlines and always reporting on scene, Sun still believes that the Voice had a positive impact on him.

“[The Temple City Voice] has helped train me to know what and how to write,” said Sun. “It’s taught me to appreciate things and being in a newspaper, you see things that a lot of people don’t know about.”

Even though Sun is proud to have been part of the Voice, he was also relieved when all the pressure he felt disappeared as he left for Redlands.

“I’m glad that I have some time to relax, even if it’s just lounging around. It’s a nice difference from always being at events, always being around,” stated Sun. “But I’m a little sad at not being privy to that world, not seeing how that part of the world works anymore.”

With his final closing remarks, Sun gives some words of advice for the current and future members of the Voice.

“Doing things early and on time takes a lot of pressure off your back. I still have trouble on that but I think it’s gotten better partially because of the Voice and college,” said Sun. “People do rely on you, and if people rely on you, you can’t let them down.”

This article was written by outgoing Editor-in-Chief Margaret Thi. It was published in the Temple City Voice on August 13, 2008.

A question many residents have been asking is “will the ‘Piazza at Temple City’ ever be built?”

Since approval of the Piazza at Temple City mixed-use development in May 2006 by the previous City Council, the project has yet to begin construction. A prospect that seems increasingly unlikely since the City filed a lawsuit against developer Randy Wang.

In the May 29, 2008 City Manager’s weekly report, City Attorney and City Manager Charles R. Martin informed the public and City Council that the court will require a mandatory settlement conference to determine if the issue can be resolved without judicial involvement.

Martin proposed three options for the City Council to consider: send the entire City Council, select two members to serve as a subcommittee, or direct staff to attend in place of the City Council.

“Experience has shown that this is not a very productive way to proceed” wrote Martin concerning the first option. Any official meeting with three or more elected officials would require the settlement conference to be “open” pursuant to the Brown Act.

According to Martin, the second alternative also presents a problem, “which two Council members” would attend? The City Council could select two by a majority vote or the city staff could determine which two would attend.

The City Council could also choose the final option. Staff could bring back information to the Council and the Council could determine further instruction in closed session.

Once known as the “Temple City Galleria” and “Piazza Las Tunas”, the Piazza at Temple City had promised fifty-two one bedroom condominiums and a complex shopping center for Temple City residents and its neighbors. It was also expected to bring an estimated $800,000 to $1 million dollars in badly needed tax revenues to Temple City.

The $75 million dollar project encountered its newest setback when A & W Builders, the construction management firm for the Piazza, informed the City Council in January 2008 that more time and new changes were needed in order for the Piazza at Temple City to be built.

In February 2008, the City Council voted to reject any and all offers of change in regard to the Piazza at Temple City. It further requested its special legal counsel, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, to handle any matters associated with the Piazza from that meeting forward.

Louie Aurelio, A & W Builders Senior Project Manager, then wrote in a letter to the City Council in March 2008 that “A & W Builders (AWB) is confident… [we] will see the project get to the finish line.”

On April 1, 2008, the City Council authorized the court to issue a proper interpretation of the Owner-Participation Agreement (OPA) and the Piazza Development Agreement (DA) to determine the rights and liabilities of both parties, developer Randy Wang and the City of Temple City.

The deadline set by the Developer’s Agreement for the Piazza at Temple City to be finished is August 23, 2009.

The answer to the question many Temple City residents have asked may be “never”.

This article was written by Matthew Wong. It was published in the Temple City Voice on August 13, 2008.

Temple City’s National Night Out was held on Tuesday, August 5 in Temple City Park in front of the library from 6-9 p.m.

National Night Out is a community-police partnership that has been held the first Tuesday of every August since 1984. It is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. It aims to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, and other anti-crime efforts.

Children and adults were able to enjoy the free food, including hot dogs and chips, offered and prepared for them by the officers. KIIS FM was also there giving out prizes to participants. Fire engines and police cars were also on display.

Officers on horses, an inflatable bouncy castle, and McGruff the crime dog were only a few of the many attractions and booths there for children and parents alike to enjoy.

National Night Out is an event where parents and their children are able to get together for a night and simply enjoy the events and each other’s company,” said Anna Li, a Miss Temple City Honor Court and a volunteer that night.

All in all, even if Temple City cannot completely put an end to all crime, the community can attend events like the National Night Out to become more aware of how to prevent crime in our city.

This article was written by Angie Yeh. It was published in the Temple City Voice today, August 13, 2008.

A decaying downtown is forcing the City Council to consider several economic plans aimed at attracting new retail businesses to Temple City.

On Tuesday, May 20, the City Council discussed two differing proposals: Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Cal Poly Pomona Department of Landscape Architecture.

The SBDC plan requests for a $10,000 contribution from the City for development of services provided for the Temple City Chamber of Commerce business members.

The Cal Poly Pomona proposal requires a $40,000 contribution with graduate students planning the study project. This idea includes an analysis of the City’s economic and planning states of affairs.

Charles R. Martin, City Manager and City Attorney for Temple City, has expressed deep concern over the city’s economy. Martin has warned that the City’s declining sales tax receipts may cause the City Council to institute a utility tax to raise revenue for the local government.

The City of Temple City operates on revenues funded by the state and sales tax generated by local businesses. Although the City has approximately $30.2 million dollars (as of April 30, 2008 ) in monetary reserves, most of the savings have been earmarked for sewage reconstruction, storm draining improvements, and the building of state mandated low to moderate income housing.

Bryan Matsumoto, a Temple City resident and representative for the Cal Poly proposal, was in attendance at the City Council meeting; however Councilmembers ultimately decided to postpone a vote on either the SBDC or Cal Poly plans.

Councilman Ken Gillanders suggested both items be tabled until after the June 3rd primary election when California voters decide on Proposition 98. Mayor Cathé Wilson and Mayor Pro Tempore Dave Capra concurred.

Councilman Fernando Vizcarra and Councilwoman Judy Wong disagreed, stating the SBDC proposal would not be affected by the outcome of Proposition 98. Nevertheless, Councilmembers voted 3-2 to table any action concerning the proposals with Councilmembers Vizcarra and Wong casting the dissenting votes.

“Every city has passed us by in business and housing development,” stated Bob Welemin, a Temple City resident. Welemin was among others who voiced disappointment over the City Council’s decision.

In April 2008, the City Council voted 4-1 to enact a moratorium on non-retail businesses along Las Tunas Drive between Rowland Avenue and Sultana Avenue in order to encourage retail businesses to move into town. The moratorium was extended during the May 6 Council meeting.

“I don’t know if Temple City will ever recover from our downtown situation” Welemin added.

This article was written by Martin Mao. It was published in the Temple City Voice on August 6, 2008.