Temple City Voice

The City Council of Temple City unanimously approved two proposed exemptions, by first reading, to the business moratorium on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.

The first exemption would allow non-sales tax producing businesses to move into second floor units. The second exception permits those same businesses to operate in areas of less than 1000 square feet.

Under an adopted city law, all businesses since April 1 must provide 50% of sales tax of its businesses services in order to move into Temple City. The moratorium affects all areas on Las Tunas Drive between Rowland Avenue and Sultana Avenue. Existing businesses are not affected by it.

The moratorium, approved by a 4-1 vote in April 2008, has attracted opposition from a growing number of business owners and the Temple City Chamber of Commerce. Despite its unpopularity, it was extended for 10 ½ months in May 2008. Councilman Fernando Vizcarra was the sole individual to vote against the moratorium twice.

On July 15, City Manager Charles R. Martin stated, “I think the moratorium as we have studied it can be improved upon.”

At the Planning Commission meeting on July 22, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to reform the current business moratorium. They passed their recommendation to the City Council.

Tuesday’s vote is one step closer to maintain a moratorium on non-retail businesses without abolishing it. The City Council must officially approve the ordinance a second time before the new exemptions become law.

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

The statewide total for unprocessed ballots is approximately 930,200 vote-by-mail absentee ballots, 700,400 provisional ballots, and 157,000 questionable ballots. This was last updated on November 24.

 State Measures

Proposition 1A: 52.6% – 47.4% (P)

Proposition 2: 63.5% – 36.5% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 3: 55.2% – 44.8% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 4: 48% – 52% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 5: 40.3% – 59.7% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 6: 30.8% – 69.2% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 7: 35.4% – 64.6% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 8: 52.3% – 47.7% (P)

Proposition 9: 53.8% – 46.2% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 10: 40.4% – 59.1% PROJECTED TO FAIL 

Proposition 11: 50.9% – 49.1% (P)

Proposition 12: 63.5% – 36.5% PROJECTED TO PASS

100% of the precincts have been counted.

Last week, the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters released the number of absentee vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots left to be processed. The number is expected to be updated later on today.

There are approximately 8000 absentee ballots and 118,000 provisional ballots. Because of the number of absentee/provisional ballots remaining, the Temple City Voice is unable to project whether or not Measure R passed or failed.  

County Measure

Measure R: 67.89% – 32.11% (P)* RACE IS TOO CLOSE TO CALL

*Requires 2/3 support

100% of the precincts have been reported.

(P) = Passing; (F) = Failing [1 p.m. PST]

The roofs on many Temple City Unified School District buildings are in tremendous disrepair, but the School Board must simultaneously address a different type of ceiling: the limits placed on California’s education budget.

“These roofs are in desperate need of replacement,” warned Dale Shaffer, Director of Maintenance and Operations, “and are at the end of their serviceability.”

In fact, existing roofs–especially those at La Rosa Elementary, Cloverly Elementary, and Temple City High, where the problems are most severe–have accumulated eighteen to twenty years worth of damage. Age and a poor flat design have created conditions such as excessive ponding in even light rain conditions, similar to those seen in the area last week.

Tremco roofing is a prime candidate to replace the current dilapidated coverings. The Tremco products are known to be durable and energy-efficient, providing excellent heat insulation.

“Roofing must be a major focal point for our ‘Facility Master Plan’,” stressed School Board Clerk, Matt Smith, adding, “It looks like just over $600,000 total.”

Unfortunately, funding for such a necessary project is difficult to come by, especially as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposes a spending cut ranging from $2 billion to over $4 billion to public funding in California. This figure would translate into a minimum of a $1.8 million dollar reduction in education funds available for the Temple City Unified School District.

Nonetheless, the school board believes that it is feasible to begin replacing and repairing school roofs, starting with Cloverly Elementary, by as early as this winter break. In spite of economic difficulties, the roofing situation and the safety of our children will continue to be one of the district’s top priorities.

This article was written by Jason Wu. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 19, 2008.

It’s been two weeks since the election and yes, I know Barack Obama is the presidential elect. Now, that that matter is finally resolved, I’m more concerned about the changes he promised this country.

One particular change that concerns me is the war in Iraq. During the debates, Obama stated that he wanted to start removing troops. As much as I sympathize with families who have loved ones fighting for this country, I wonder if immediate withdrawal is the best solution.

Former secretary of state Colin Powell once compared the war in Iraq to a trip to the Pottery Barn. America pretty much stomped into this country, killed its leader, and up-ended its government. That’s comparable to walking into any store and breaking its merchandise.

However, isn’t every store policy, “you break, you buy?” We smashed the “pottery” in Iraq and the
least we can do is make up for our mistakes. It is very irresponsible for us to just pick up and leave after throwing the country into chaos.

I agreed with John McCain’s idea of staying in Iraq until we righted our wrongs. I hope Obama sees this logic. Iraq is in a very vulnerable state right now and to immediately withdraw the soldiers is criminal.

What Obama needs to do right now is to form a plan on how to help Iraq stand on its own again after we brutally knocked it over. I believe if we become more responsible, the rest of the world will see us in a better light.

Obama has a hard journey ahead of him. He needs to pull America out of the rut that George W. Bush got us in. He needs to show the rest of the world that America is still a great nation, that it is a nation who, yes, made its share of mistakes, but also is not afraid of admitting them. He needs to bring back the core values of the American spirit: a willingness to assist, a sense of justice, and a love for democracy.

The views of this author do not reflect the views of the Temple City Voice or its staff. This opinion was written by Christine Keung. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 19, 2008.

The statewide total for unprocessed ballots is approximately 950,000 vote-by-mail absentee ballots, 709,500 provisional ballots, and 157,000 questionable ballots. This was last updated on November 13.

 State Measures

Proposition 1A: 52.6% – 47.4% (P)

Proposition 2: 63.4% – 36.6% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 3: 55% – 45% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 4: 47.7% – 52.3% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 5: 40.3% – 59.7% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 6: 30.6% – 69.4% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 7: 35.2% – 64.8% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 8: 52.1% – 47.9% (P)

Proposition 9: 53.6% – 46.4% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 11: 50.9% – 49.1% (P)

Proposition 12: 63.4% – 36.6% PROJECTED TO PASS

100% of the precincts have been counted.

Last week, the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters released the number of absentee vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots left to be processed. The number is expected to be updated later on today.

There are approximately 84,500 absentee ballots and 220,700 provisional ballots. Because of the number of absentee/provisional ballots remaining, the Temple City Voice is unable to project whether or not Measure R passed or failed.  

County Measure

Measure R: 67.65% – 32.35% (P)* RACE IS TOO CLOSE TO CALL

*Requires 2/3 support

100% of the precincts have been reported.

(P) = Passing; (F) = Failing [4:30 p.m. PST]

Measure R, a county measure on the November 4th ballot, is passing by a slim margin. The results are still unofficial because of the number of absentee and provisional ballots that have yet to be counted. Campaign officials are optimistic and expect the measure will pass.

As of Friday, November 14, it was passing by a 67.3% to 32.7%. Measure R requires 2/3rd of voter’s support in order to succeed.

According to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), each person would pay an average of $25 each year. It was projected that over 200,000 new jobs would be created.

Measure R is a sales tax increase expected to provide local resources to finance new transportation project. The measure would impose a sales tax increase of half a cent in Los Angeles County, raising the sales tax rate from 8.25% to 8.75%.

Projects of Measure R, however, are far from being taken into action. The year 2013 is when there is an anticipated improvement in current services for students and the disabled. The Expo line that extends from Culver City to Santa Monica and the Gold line from Pasadena to Azusa are expected to be early priorities of the development. Furthermore, a new bus way or light-rail line will be built in Crenshaw district in Los Angeles.

If Measure R does pass City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s project, the “Subway to the Sea”, could begin. The subterranean route is predicted to run along the Wilshire corridor.

Los Angeles County residents should not see a reduction of traffic in the near future because the effects of Measure R will not reap immediate benefits until the development of the proposed projects.

There are still approximately 84,500 absentee ballots and 220,700 provisional ballots left to be counted and processed, according to a representative for the Los Angeles County Registrar’s office. Results are expected to go before the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on December 2.

Sources:

Hymon, Steve. “Proponents say Measure R will stand”. LA Times. 6 November 2008. 16 November 2008. <http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/bottleneck/2008/11/proponents-say.html>.

Hymon, Steve. “Measure R projects won’t get rolling soon”. LA Times. 5 November 2008. 16 November 2008. <http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-transit6-2008nov06,0,7506753.story>.

This article was written by Melanie Thi. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 19, 2008.

This past Wednesday on October 29, the Temple City High School Media Center played host to an open community event, an informational talk on earthquake preparedness.

An American Red Cross representative, Susan Perez, came to speak about being safe during a crisis, as well as the tools and preparations needed beforehand.

“What a disaster is,” Perez said, “is when nature gives too much of a good thing.”

The state of California is prone to the earthquake natural disaster. California is split
by an 800 mile-long rift in the ground called the “San Andreas Fault.” These uneven tectonic plates which es-sentially “float” around in the earth shift sometimes, causing a grand-scale earthquake in California roughly every 150 years.

According to Perez, seismologists are predicting the occurrence of up to a 7.8 earthquake in our near future. In order to prep Californians, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has instituted a statewide “Shakeout Drill” that will take place on November 13 at 10 a.m.

All involved businesses, schools and corporations will simultaneously take part in an earthquake simulation. Participants will “drop, cover, and hold on” as though a real earthquake were taking place. This is meant to increase awareness and establish a set plan of action for an actual crisis.
As for preparation in individual homes, Perez

brought a hands-on example of an “earthquake essential,” an emergency supplies backpack. From glow-sticks to rain ponchos, an emergency supplies pack is meant to include enough to provide fully throughout every case scenario. The supply pack also included water-lots of it. Perez emphasized the importance of water consumption and hydration, noting that each person should have one gallon per day.

“It’s the 3-3-3 rule” Perez said, “A hu-man can only survive three minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Make sure you have everything you need and enough for everyone in an emergency.”

If you would like more information on earth-quake or other emergency preparedness, you can go online to www.redcrossLA.org.

“If people are prepared” Perez said, “they don’t have to be frightened.”

This article was written by Katie Brown. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 5, 2008.

The statewide total for unprocessed ballots is approximately 1.2 million vote-by-mail absentee ballots, 745,000 provisional ballots, and 160,000 questionable ballots. This was last updated yesterday at 5 p.m. PST.

 State Measures

Proposition 1A: 52.2% – 47.8% (P)

Proposition 2: 63.2% – 36.8% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 3: 54.7% – 45.3% PROJECTED TO PASS

Proposition 4: 47.8% – 52.2% (F)

Proposition 5: 40% – 60% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 6: 30.6% – 69.4% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 7: 35% – 65% PROJECTED TO FAIL

Proposition 8: 52.3% – 47.7% (P)

Proposition 11: 50.8% – 49.2% (P)

Proposition 12: 63.4% – 36.6% PROJECTED TO PASS

100% of the precincts have been counted.

Last week, the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters released the number of absentee vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots left to be processed. The number is expected to be updated later on today.

There are approximately 375,000 absentee ballots and 191,000 provisional ballots. Because of the number of absentee/provisional ballots remaining, the Temple City Voice is unable to project whether or not Measure R passed or failed.  

County Measure

Measure R: 67.2% – 32.8% (P)* RACE IS TOO CLOSE TO CALL

*Requires 2/3 support (Since the last update, support has fallen by 0.2%. If Measure R does not receive 67% support, the county measure will fail.)

100% of the precincts have been reported.

(P) = Passing; (F) = Failing [9:18 p.m. PST]

The Temple City Voice will not publish this week, but will resume publication next Wednesday, November 19. Thank you for your understanding.

Amidst a light breeze and tepid temperatures, Temple City Park hummed with laughter and songs, highlighting this year’s annual Harvest Hoedown and Crafts fair.

Presented by the Temple City Vocal Arts and Theater Booster, the gala hosted various kiosks displaying artisan handcrafts and jewelry besides plump pumpkins, and, for entertainment, showcased Temple City High School’s Brighter Side Singers. Various other booths provided amusement for youngsters.

While also a community function, Harvest Hoedown serves to support the performing arts as well as various local organizations. A silent auction and raffle garnered fundraising for the high school’s choir.

However, erected booths, manned by groups such as Key Club or Boy Scouts, sold handmade trinkets or sizzling hot dogs. Books sold for under $2 in a separate room at the Temple City library, helping the library to remove outdated material and provide cheap reads.

As residents eyed the tabletop items, melodies rang, sang, and blasted between the aisles of stands. The Temple City High School band, led by Mr. Bert Ferntheil, tooted during the school’s joined choir’s interludes. Most of the festival’s soundtrack, however, burst from the Brighter Side Singers, an esteemed handful of handpicked high school singers.

After a song-and-dance routine of “Come So Far, So Far to Go”, “Common Ground, and a rock n’ roll medley, tunes from soloists flapped through the park. Famous pieces (Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Memory”, James Horner’s “My Heart Will Go On”) were displayed.

Braying also added to the background noise. The Kid’s Country Petting Zoo, from San Bernardino, enclosed numerous roosters, chickens, sheep, rabbits, and ducks within a white pen. Besides the meshed fence, a calf and baby cow lay nibbling on grass as searching hands felt hair and horn.

For the especially adventurous, the staff hoisted children upon two ponies, which circled around a concrete ring.

Milder activities came in paint and pictures. Assisted by the high school’s Key Club, a multi-station crafts booth provided free face paintings, hands-on artwork, and interactive decorating. Beyond the playground, vintage cars sat idly for the local car show.

At the end of the day, the fair achieved its main goal. As Temple City High School student Catherine Wong states, “It’s events like these that bring a city closer.”

This article was written by Randy Shun. It was published in the Temple City Voice on November 5, 2008.