On November 17, Temple City High School Dragonflicks hosted its annual talent show in Room 601.

Written by CHRIS DU / Published November 20, 2009

At 6:30 p.m. teachers, students, and parents flocked in to watch the fifth annual Dragonflicks talent show in Room 601.

The various shows performed by students included singing, dancing, and playing the piano and cello.

The talent show was judged by Temple City High School (TCHS) teachers Mr. Russell, Mrs. Ferntheil, Mr. Latuerbach, and Mrs. Li. The grand prize was 100 dollars.

It was taken home by JJ Bassete, who played a self-arranged Pachabell’s Canon on the piano. Elyssa Brown won second place dancing to Then you Look at Me by Celine Dion. Ariana Barett won third place with How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore by Adele.

The contenders prepared over the course of three weeks. Students first had to audition. They then had to sell tickets for Dragonflicks and finally do a dress rehearsal before the big day. Many groups worked very hard to prepare for their precious minutes on stage.

Calvin Lu’s group, which performed as the Jackson Five, rehearsed for around 20 hours to get things right. “It was irritating and a lengthy process, but we felt accomplished once it all came together,” said Lu.

“This year’s talent show probably had the best talent we’ve seen in a long time,” said Mr. Kidd, the Dragonflicks advisor.

TRI Products Inc., hosts a community event: recycling unused electronic products.

Written by IVY VUONG / Published November 20, 2009

The Electronic Waste Collection took place at the student parking lot of Temple City High School (TCHS) on the weekend of November 14-15, 2009.

Hosted by TRI Products Inc., the purpose of the event was to recycle electronic products and promote community outreach by emphasizing the need for joint action.

For everything that is recycled, TCHS receives a fair percentage of the money, which is then contributed to the 2010 Grad Nite fund.

Donors dropped off unwanted electronic items, or e-waste, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

E-waste includes computers, monitors, printers, motherboards, UPS and PDA networking equipment, copiers, scanners, VCR/VCD/DVD players, fax machines, home entertainment systems, car batteries, cellular phones, portable devices, and printer/toner cartridges.

Although many accessories were accepted, household batteries, refrigerators, washers, dryers, paints, solvents and cleaners, used oil, light bulbs and hazardous waste were rejected, either physically cumbersome or potentially toxic to handle.

Lori Scinta, a parent of a current TCHS senior praised the event and community participation. She explained that most people do not recycle their electronic waste, the material ends up in landfills.

This has a deleterious effect on the environment and a person’s health because of multiple unsafe elements, including mercury, lead, antimony, cadmium, barium, arsenic, and chromium can spread through air or leak into water supplies, causing irreparable damage to the lungs, skin, heart, brain, eyes and kidneys.

Also, the environmental impact is significant. Improper disposal can lead to run which damages any organism exposed to contamination.

After being deposited at TCHS, the e-waste is organized into piles depending on the type of waste. TRI Products Inc., then provides trucks to gather the heaps.

“We already filled one huge truck,” said Scinta.

These trucks go to a factory where the accessories are disassembled and are later sold to the state of California.

Defendants to return to court after Piazza project deadline

Written by MATTHEW WONG / Published November 19, 2009 (ONLINE ONLY)

A pre-trial hearing over the Piazza bribery controversy took place in downtown Los Angeles Thursday, July 9, 2009.

The defendants, Temple City mayor Judy Wong, former councilwoman Cathé Wilson and former state assembly and city council candidate Scott Carwile stood before Superior Court judge Patricia Schnegg.

Wong, Wilson and Carwile are accused of illegal solicitation and receipts of bribes. A 21-count indictment against the three defendants was unsealed on June 10.

The prosecution handed over evidence to the defense attorneys at the pre-trial hearing, according to the Pasadena Star News. The defense also picked up copies of the grand jury testimony transcript.

“My client is not guilty of any wrongdoing,” said Sanford Perliss, the legal counsel for councilwoman Wong, to Star News reporter Alfred Lee.

All three criminal defendants have pleaded not-guilty of the charges stemming from developer Randy Wang. In September 2008, Wang filed a counter-suit against the city of Temple City alleging he gave elected officials money in exchange for support of his project.

Shortly after, an official probe by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office-Public Integrity Division began. The D.A.’s office raided City Hall and the homes of former councilmember Dave Capra, Carwile, Wilson and Wong.

On May 27, former Piazza construction manager Jay Liyanage pleaded guilty to a felony charge of giving bribes in 2006. He is expected to testify against Wilson.

Former councilman Capra was also forced to resign from office on June 2.

Due to his willingness to cooperate, the developer will not be charged for any criminal conduct said head district attorney David Demerjian.

Deputy district attorney Max Huntsman is in charge of the case. The defendants are expected to return to trial on August 26.

August 2009 deadline for the project’s completion nears

The $75 million project, formerly known as the “Temple City Galleria” and “Piazza Las Tunas,” was approved by a previous city council in May 2006.

From 2006 to present, Wang has held two groundbreakings, worked with three different construction management firms and proposed changes thrice, in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The developer has until August 23, 2009 to complete his project as mandated by the developer’s agreement he and the city of Temple City signed.

Failure to do so will allow Temple City to purchase the 3.7 acre site for $5 million. However, if city officials are found guilty of Wang’s bribery claims, the contract signed between Wang and the City will be void.

Since the City and the developer sued one another, about $171,000 in legal expenses have been spent by Temple City, as of April 30.

The clothes one wears can determine how he or she is treated much more than one likes to think.

Written by KATIE BROWN / Published November 13, 2009

The clothes draped about one’s body can be defined as simply as man’s obligation to common decency; strategic “cover-ups,” if you will. However, fashion has clearly evolved into something “more” from the time anthropologists estimate its advent — around 100,000-500,000 years ago.

Originally just animal skins to keep warm, clothing and fashion turned more to decoration and ornamentation as centuries progressed and certain fashion-inspired eras prevailed.

Now, sociologists argue that fashion has become a psychological trigger for moods and emotions. Not only a trigger; fashion has an almost extreme mental influence on both the wearers and the observers.

According to an independent study, only 7 percent of a first impression what is said, 38 percent is how it is said, and a whopping 55 percent is appearance and clothing. Judgments may be passed on almost solely what one is wearing.

For a school project, a group of seventh-graders decided to brave the prepster-mecca, Abercrombie and Fitch, the alternative-haven, Hot Topic, and the fantasy-lover’s corner, Games Workshop. As an experiment, they dressed as different stereotypical style genres. A motley group they were as they entered the respective stores; one dressing as an exaggerated Goth with black lipstick and spiked jewelry, another conforming to a more preppie, popped-collar style, and the third sporting typical ‘nerd’ attire.

They found, as one may predict but not actually expect, that their clothing altered their treatment and reception in each store.

In Abercrombie and Fitch, the ‘Goth’ and ‘nerd’ were virtually ignored, while the ‘prep’ was asked most solicitously whether he needed assistance. Similar behavior occurred in all three stores. The students’ conclusion? That people are judged by and therefore treated differently for their choice of clothing.

The same can be said for job interviews. Statistics dominate which indicate that an employer is less likely to hire a person whose appearance does not measure up, regardless of how they interview personally.

Fashion’s multi-colored, multi-faceted elements allow for both positive and negative perceptions from the outside. Due to this flaw in human superficiality, fashion’s means for judgment stunt what appears to be a growing, changing, and thriving industry.

TCHS held their Homecoming dance on Saturday, November 7, in Beckner gym.

Written by IVY VUONG / Published November 13, 2009

The week preceding Homecoming, plenty of girls students were inundated with bouquets of flowers.

Boys asked their dates using lyrics from the song “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, the theme selected by the Temple City High School (TCHS) Associated Student Body, due to it’s popularity.

“It’s a Love Story, baby just say…” many responded with just as the lyrics followed: “Yes.”

Preceding the dance, TCHS held a Homecoming Rally with the intent to gather and raise spirits for the upcoming dance and also to promote it.

During the assembly, the five Homecoming princesses played two games. One was to pick a close friend in which they would answer a series of questions. Points were collected based on which pair had the most matched answers.

The second of the games was a people scavenger hunt. A list of items, such as finding someone wearing red shoes, someone wearing flannel, someone that has freckles, or someone who is willing to sing “Love Story” in front of everyone was issued. The assembly also consisted of sports updates, and performances by Band, Cheer, Pep Flags, and Song.

That Homecoming Friday night, Temple City Rams played South Pasadena Tigers and won 35-12. In the Homecoming half-time presentation, the Brighter Side Singers sang “Love Story”, as the Spirit of Temple City Band, Color Guard, and Song dancers simultaneously performed.

As the princesses’ escorts walked the princesses out, a script was read about the prince’s family, Romeo, and the princesses’ family, Citian. (Hence Romeo and Temple City.) The whole creation itself was it was both aesthetically and mellifluously sound. Stephanie Dang, also ASB President, was announced as TCHS’s 2009 Homecoming Queen and was crowned by last year’s queen Susan Deng.

The dance itself was held in the high school’s gym, Beckner Ballroom, with the foyer decorated with wallpaper of a castle, with lyrics from “Love Story,” and a picture of a prince and princess.

Homecoming princess Christie Wang noted how eventful it all was. “I had a lot of fun at my first and last Homecoming Dance,” she said. “I will definitely cherish all of the memories I’ve gained from the entire Homecoming experience.”

A mistrial was declared after jurors failed to convict the defendants.

Written by MATTHEW WONG / Published November 13, 2009

Jurors are deliberating in the re-trial of a local Temple City murder in 2007 after the prosecution and defense attorneys had given their closing arguments.

Phillip Adrian Guerra and Christopher Gilbert Lopez, both 20 and of Temple City, are charged with committing a drive-by shooting that killed Deandre Netter, a relatively new Temple City resident, on July 25, 2007. The defendants face one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

A mistrial was declared in April after resulting in a hung jury. The jury had voted to convict Guerra by an 8-4 margin, while it failed to convict Lopez by a 4-8 margin.

Both Guerra and Lopez have pleaded their innocence.

The re-trial of the 2007 Golden West murder began on Monday, October 26, 2009.

Both the opening and closing statements of the second trial focused on the testimony of Dejohn Netter, the twin brother of the victim. The defense attorneys argued that Dejohn’s statements to the police changed and that he could not identify the driver and shooter.

During a court proceeding on October 27, Dejohn testified that he could identify the defendants.

According to Pasadena Star News reporter Alfred Lee, the jury foreman of the first trial said jurors decided to acquit due to problems with Dejohn’s testimony.

Last Monday, November 2, Michael Minjarez, who previously testified in the first trial, stated he did not see Guerra or Lopez. Minjarez was walking with the Netter twins when Deandre was shot on the 5700 block of Golden West Avenue. His court testimony contradicted earlier statements he gave to the authorities in 2007.

Fernando Vizcarra, Temple City mayor, also testified in the re-trial. Vizcarra was outside of his home when he heard shots being fired. He attempted to revive Deandre and called 9-11.

The jury began deliberating on Tuesday, November 10 after deputy district attorney Teresa Sullivan and the defense attorneys rested their cases.

Lopez and Guerra are currently being housed at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

For more detailed coverage of the 2007 murder re-trial, please visit the Pasadena Star News online.

Temple City is still looking for Martin’s successor.

Written by RANDY SHUN / Published November 7, 2009 (ONLINE ONLY)

The hunt for a permanent successor to former city manager and city attorney Charles R. Martin continues.

Bob Murray and Associates (BMA) was hired on Monday, July 6, 2009 to narrow down the choices for city manager. BMA will meet with the city council to determine its expectation for city manager and narrow down the list of qualified candidates for the city council to choose.

The company will be paid up to $20,000 for its services.

Former city manager and city attorney Martin was fired from his position as city manager on May 5. Martin then retired as interim city attorney on May 31.

Parks and Recreation director Cathy Burroughs has been acting as interim city manager. (The City Council also voted on Tuesday, July 7 to retroactively increase Burroughs salary by 5 percent for her hard work as both the interim city manager and parks and recreation director.)

Eric Vail of Burke, Williams and Sorensen has been acting as interim city attorney since June.

According to a June city manager’s report, at least thirty-three individuals have submitted an application. The deadline to apply for the position of city manager was June 18.

Since 2007, Temple City has debated back and forth on the issue of hiring a deputy or assistant city manager, or conducting for a search for a replacement of then-city manager Martin. When a new city council majority emerged from the March 2009 city elections, the decision to replace Martin was unanimous.

Temple City High School hosts its annual College and Career Fair.

Written by LESLIE WU / Published November 6, 2009

Temple City High School (TCHS) holds an annual College and Career fair, where representatives from various institutions present themselves before students in the high school gym and room 601.

The 2009 College and Career fair took place on Tuesday, October 27. The fair was divided into three sessions. Students attended the event at various locations and times depending on what class they had during fourth period.

Schools such as Citrus Community College, Pasadena City College, and the University of California, Los Angeles, among others, participated. The representatives were eager to speak to students about subjects ranging from college entrance requirements, class size and the rigors of campus life and housing. To entice students to learn more about their school or profession, many booths gave away freebies.

Representatives from several career paths were present, including architects, teachers, pilots, firefighters, and coroners. These individuals educated students who asked questions about their professions and the level of education required for success.

Local private and technical colleges also were on hand including the School of Culinary Arts, along with Devry, School of Film and Design, and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Outside, students watched their peers face off against military personnel in football. Navy servicemen competed against kids by testing one another’s precision and accuracy in throwing a football, while Marines tested for endurance by push-ups.

“This gets us thinking about our futures,” says TCHS senior Melody Lin.

Smoking will be prohibited in Temple City parks.

Written by RANDY SHUN / Published November 6, 2009

Smokers will soon have one less location to hang out.

The City Council of Temple City unanimously passed ordinance 09-928, which prohibits smoking in city parks, on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

“This code amendment would, therefore, ban smoking in all City parks (and future open space) including the buildings, outdoor areas, and parking lots,” wrote interim city manager Cathy Burroughs in a staff memo to the City Council.

Representatives from Friends of Clean Air, Pasadena Tobacco Prevention Coalition and Coalition for a Tobacco Free L.A. County urged the City Council to support the law.

Even Temple City resident and seventh grader Chloe Yin thanked the City Council for moving to ban smoking in city parks. “I strongly suggest that [the] City puts up signs saying no smoking in parks,” she added.

“The sidewalks are not included,” said Burroughs in response to a question posed by a Temple City resident.

A movement to ban smoking in City parks began in May. Councilmembers heard from residents and interested groups, including the American Cancer Association, at a hearing in June. After discussing the proposed ban, the City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance.

The City Council will approve a second reading of the ordinance on July 21. The ordinance then will become city law 30 days later.

For more information, please contact the city of Temple City at 626-285-2171.

Incumbents re-elected to another term.

Written by SOPHIA CHANG / Published November 6, 2009

Matt Smith and Joe Walker are the winners of the November 3, 2009 Temple City school board election.

Smith received 1242 votes, or 39 percent, Walker got 1058 votes, or 36.8 percent, and Kenneth Knollenberg received 704 votes, or 24.3 percent. These results are semi-official and was updated at 2 p.m. today.

“I will do the best I can, and thank you!” Walker posted on his Facebook account Wednesday. Walker stated he was “humbled and honored” for voters’ support for his re-election.

“I think that the message from the community was clear and unequivocal,” wrote Smith in a statement to the Temple City Voice, “…the community is pleased with the direction that the Temple City Unified School District has been going in and does not want to risk having a school board controlled or beholden to the same select few recurring leaders of the teachers’ union.”

He continued, “The community and I respect and support the work of teachers but we also want a fair, impartial and independent school board…That’s what I feel that I uniquely brought to the table during this election…”

“I also sincerely hope that we (everyone) can all move forward together in tackling the truly important issues in our district,” Smith concluded.

Incumbent and School Board Clerk Smith was seeking a third term on the school board. Smith was appointed to the school board in 1998, and was elected to his first full term in 2001.

He had been endorsed by numerous city and district officials, including three city councilmembers and two school boardmembers. He had also secured the support of community and business leaders.

Walker, who ran as a slate with challenger Knollenberg, was first elected to the school board in 2005.

Both Walker and Knollenberg were endorsed by the Temple City Education Association (TCEA), the local teachers’ union, and the California School Employees Association.

In addition, both Walker and Smith were endorsed by the Pasadena Star News in an October 25 editorial.

According to the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, the semi-official voter turnout in L.A. County was 11.75 percent.

The semi-official voter turnout for the city of Temple City was 10.8 percent, up from two years ago, and 11.6 percent for voters within the Temple City Unified School District, a decrease from two years ago.

“I am surprised that there was an increase of voter participation within the city of Temple City” says Matthew Wong, founder of the Temple City Voice. “I was expecting a decrease, but nevertheless, I am happy that more voters cared enough to participate this time around.”

UPDATE: The published article does not include Friday’s updated tally; this online article does.