Written by MATTHEW WONG / Published January 26, 2012 (ONLINE ONLY) 

City officials on Tuesday voted 3-2 to approve a joint facilities use agreement with the Temple City Unified School District.

Led by Temple City Councilmember Fernando Vizcarra, the city proposed paying the school district $20,000 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The councilmember’s proposal also leaves open the possibility of a higher contribution once the city completes its own fee assessment study.

The school district previously asked the city to pay $30,000, with a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for each successive year.

“I have heartburn with this particular item,” Mr. Vizcarra said at the June 7, 2011 city council meeting. The veteran councilmember raised similar concerns over the facilities use agreement in May.

“I was advocating we stay at $20,000, and somehow that became $25,000,” he said. “I’m not sure what the justification is for the additional $5000.”

In response to Mr. Vizcarra’s question, Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Burroughs responded that the city-school district ad hoc (now standing) committee had proposed $25,000 as a compromise.

“The district felt it was inappropriate to not have any increase. The city had other feelings. The end result was that we would both take back to our bodies [the compromise],” Ms. Burroughs said.

Councilwoman Cynthia Sternquist, who along with Mr. Vizcarra serves as the city’s representatives on the standing committee, also voiced disapproval with the city’s contribution.

“Technically, we’re paying $25,000 to the school district to use their facilities to supervise the children that attend schools in Temple City, correct?” she asked.

“Aren’t these the kids that go to the school during the day and they get out of school and stay at the facility?” Councilman Carl Blum asked.

A motion by Mr. Vizcarra was joined by Councilmembers Blum and Sternquist. Mayor Tom Chavez and Mayor Pro Tempore Vincent Yu voted against the motion.

“I would like to use this opportunity to express that [the city] understands [the school district’s] issues and we’d like to work this out,” Mr. Yu said. Mr. Yu voted against the motion, while agreeing with his colleagues.

Earlier in the meeting, the city council approved a joint facilities use agreement with the El Monte school district at no charge, while also approving a $57,000 contribution for a new gym floor and bleachers at Oak Avenue Intermediate School.

Written by YINTING HUANG / Published January 20, 2012  

An active and involved student, Nelson Luu joined the Temple City Voice during his junior year in high school, after hearing about it from friends who were involved. He began as a staff writer and artist, eventually serving as the Art Manager in his senior year.

“My favorite part was the meetings,” recalls Luu, “I really enjoyed all the planning and spending time with other members.”

Luu graduated Temple City High School two years ago, and he currently attends University of California, Riverside. He says that the skills that he learned during his time with TCV continue to be a part of his everyday life. Whether it is socializing with new people or writing papers for professors, Luu finds that TCV experience has helped him adjust to college life.

Currently, Luu is applying his journalism skills even more directly as a member of his college’s new student newspaper group. The brand-new organization, called Spoiled Minds, is also completely student-run. Luu is excited about the new opportunities and perspectives this newspaper will bring to his campus.

In high school, Luu actively participated in various student groups such as TCV, Peer Listeners, and Future Business Leaders of America. Now, in college, he is involved with the Asian American Christian Fellowship, the Beta-Phi-Delta community service fraternity, and the Asian Pacific Student Programs Office. He is also currently double-majoring in Art History Administrative Studies and Studio Art.

“I want to open my own art gallery someday,” Luu shares.

Though college education is definitely more difficult than high school, Luu says he wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Written by JONATHAN TAN / Published January 20, 2012 

While the end of school is still months away, parents are busy preparing for the annual graduation celebration.

Donna Georgino, head of the Parking Lot Sale Fundraiser and Publicity, recently shared with the Voice the different fundraising activities that are needed to make grad night a success.

“The money that we collect from students only covers half of the total expenses. We have to get the other half from fundraising,” Donna said. “The next fundraising activity is the Parking Lot Sale on January 21 from 8am to 12pm. In addition to the outdoor sale, the committee will also be selling parking spaces to individuals who want to sell their own items. They will have to pay a fee to rent the space, but will be able to keep their own profits.

All seniors are encouraged to attend grad night as it is the final gala before the summer hits and it is the last chance to see your entire class together. This year’s theme is iToonz.

There are all kinds of entertainment; last year’s included food, raffle prizes, hypnotists, pictures printed in Rolling Stones magazines, and free hair and makeup.

“For my year, there were two arcade games, game booths, a rock climbing wall, tattoo booths, a stage for a live band, and a place where we could ‘get married,’” alumnus Justin Fang said. “Our theme was Party Like a Rock Star and I thought [the committee] incorporated it very well as illustrated by having a live band play. Overall, I think grad night was one of my most memorable nights of school since it was a once in a lifetime experience.”

For more information, the committee has created a website at www.tchsgradnite.com to provide dates of upcoming events and information regarding the festive night.

Written by AMY FAN / Published January 20, 2011

A foreign investor has already committed to The Gateway project, City Manager Jose Pulido on Thursday announced.

The unnamed investor deposited half a million dollars into an escrow account, he stated in the May 26, 2011 city manager’s weekly report.

Mr. Pulido also noted that he met with a second potential investor on Thursday.

“Within only a couple of weeks, Mr. Wang and his colleagues…have secured three preliminary funding commitments,” the city manager wrote.

The Gateway project, formerly the Piazza at Temple City, was approved by the city council on April 5.

Developer Randy Wang has proposed a 75,000 square foot Mediterranean-style retail and office center. The $24 million project, which sits at the corner of Las Tunas Drive and Rosemead Boulevard, will be made of four buildings, an architectural element, and 331 parking spaces.

Mr. Wang is tentatively planning a ground breaking for February 2012.

Now that The Gateway is recognized as part of the federal government’s EB-5 immigrant investor program, the developer is trying to attract foreign investors to finance his project.

“The team is confident that they can capture 48 investors to cover a majority of the project’s total $24 million price tag,” Mr. Pulido affirmed.

While The Gateway project progresses along, the conclusion of the Piazza corruption scandal draws nearer.

Earlier this month, former Temple City Mayor Cathé Wilson was convicted by a jury on several counts of bribery and perjury charges. She is expected to be sentenced next month.

Another mayor is also serving a 16-month sentence in state prison.

Written by TIFFANY KHA / Published on January 13, 2012 

Jessilyn Chwa, who graduated from Temple City High School in 2010, gave Temple City Voice a look into her life as an undergraduate student at University of California.

Chwa originally joined Temple City Voice during her sophomore year, and had learned about it through a friend, Melanie Thi.

She enjoyed writing and drawing, and at the time, Chwa wanted to be a news reporter or anchorwoman, so she saw it as a good opportunity.

She became a writer and an artist during her sophomore year for TCV, and during her junior year, became the editor-in-chief.

She opined that her experience with Temple City Voice “was difficult, but definitely rewarding,” and she is glad that she was part of it.

Currently, Chwa attends the University of Southern California and where she is majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Law, a new major at USC.

“College life is good; it’s way different from high school so it requires a lot of getting used to, especially time management wise, especially since my parents aren’t with me,” Chwa said.

“It’s definitely fun though; I get so much more free time to spend with friends, and it’s a plus that I’m not in school for 8 hours. It definitely does get tough waking up for 8 a.m. classes though.”

Her plans after undergraduate school are to attend law school, but she has not decided on where to go yet. Chwa plans to work towards her goal of becoming a lawyer.

Written by ERIC QUACH / Published January 13, 2011

The annual “Lights on Temple City” Christmas event took place at Temple City Park on December 10, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 PM. This was an event for people of all ages, and it was a time for families to spend time together.

There were festive entertainments featuring Temple City High’s Brighter Side and Marching Band. Brighter Side singers sang several of Christmas song such as “Christmas Time is Here,” “Fum Fum Fum,” “Christmas Children,” and “Rock and Roll Christmas.”

After the Brighter Side singers, the Marching Band played “O’ Christmas Tree” as Mayor Tom Chavez lit the 100 year old redwood tree. Once the tree was lit, the band began playing many other Christmas songs such as “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Up on the House Top,” and “Sleigh Ride” to entertain the crowd.

While adults listened to the music, children were able to play in snow areas, get their very own balloon animal, ride in the holiday express train, make holiday arts and crafts and meet Santa Claus. Volunteers served free hot cocoa and delicious fresh cookies to anyone who attended.

Though there was not a parade like the previous years, the weather was perfect and everyone had an amazing time. The lighting of the tree was a wonderful way for residents of Temple City to prepare for the Christmas festivities and the Christmas atmosphere.

Written by VINCENT WEI / Published January 13, 2011

The city of Temple City and the Temple City Unified School District are still working to come to an agreement regarding the Facilities Use Agreement, Councilmember Fernando Vizcarra on Tuesday reported.

According to Mr. Vizcarra, the School District is asking for $30,000 for the upcoming 2011-2012 fiscal year, with an additional 5 percent increase per year.

“I had heartburn with that,” the councilmember said during the May 17, 2011 city council meeting.

The joint facilities use agreement between the City and the School District expires on June 30.

If both parties are unable to come renew the contract, some summer programs that are sponsored by the City may be at risk. The programs at risk include the Stars and after school programs, as well as the basketball league.

City representatives on the City-School District ad hoc committee, which was changed into a standing committee on May 3, are now suggesting a compromise of $25,000. An additional cost-of-living increase could be discussed after the city finished processing their fee assessment schedule, City Manager Pulido stated.

Since 2009, the city has contributed $20,000 annually to the school district.

“Because the city uses district facilities much more than the district uses city facilities, the two bodies came to an agreement that the city would pay a sum of money to offset that inequity,” Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Burroughs said.

In addition to the annual contribution to the school district, the city earlier this year decided to pay for half the costs of a new floor and two sets of bleachers at Oak Avenue Intermediate School. The city’s contribution for that project is estimated at $57,000.

Written by MATTHEW WONG / Published January 13, 2011 (ONLINE ONLY) 

After a week-long trial, a jury convicted former Temple City Mayor Cathé Wilson of six counts bribery and perjury charges.

The widely anticipated court case, which began in downtown Los Angeles on April 26, 2011, featured several key witnesses. Among those included the former Piazza project manager, the Piazza (now Gateway) developer, as well as Wilson and her friends.

The former councilwoman, who was accused of soliciting $10,000 in bribes from developer Randy Wang, maintained her innocence prior to and during the trial.

The prosecutor, deputy district attorney Sean Hassett, used audio recording from Wilson herself (which she denied), former project manager Jay Liyanage, and the developer to present his case.

On the second day of the trial, Liyanage broke down as he testified about his role: giving Wilson $30,000 in cash and acting as a liaison between Wilson and Wang.

Developer Randy Wang also took the stand. Wang spoke about his role, as well as former Mayor Judy Wong’s involvement.

In her own defense, Wilson argued that the contribution she received was considered a personal loan. She also denied asking for a condo from the Piazza project.

A minister and friend even testified on Wilson’s character as part of her defense, which was led by attorney Bob Wilson.

Following closing arguments, the jury delivered a guilty verdict on Tuesday, May 2. Wilson will be sentenced in June.

She may be given a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.

The end of the trial closes a dark chapter in Temple City history, which led to two resignations from the City Council. Another former mayor is also currently serving a 16-month sentence for her role in the scandal.

Written by AMY FAN / Published January 6, 2012  

On November 18, during a UC Davis Occupy movement protestation, a group of students were pepper-sprayed by a policeman, after the police failed to break up the crowd.

Ian Lee, an alumnus of Temple City High School was one of the students. He recently spoke to the Temple City Voice the movement and the pepper-spray incident.

A first-year student, Lee joined the Occupy movement because he believed in restructuring the economic structure and stopping police brutality.

“In terms of the University, I want to see police un-armed, and I want the money to be spent on education and research,” says Lee. “I fight for the Occupy movement because it’s something I believe in.”

At the day of the incident, the students were gathered to protest the violence used by the police in a prior protestation.

After refusing to budge when the police warned them, Sergeant John Pike pepper-sprayed Lee and his sitting classmates at point-blank.

Lee, like other protestors expressed strong discontentment with the conduct of the police.

“It’s ironic that at a protest partly against police brutality, police brutality happened,” says Lee.

Lee was not severely hurt by the pepper spray and gave a speech about the incident shortly after.

“After the riot cops left, we agreed to rally and re-occupy the quad the following Monday,” said Lee. “That’s when I made the speech.”

When asked about the popular “Pepper Spray Cop” internet meme, Lee was unsure on how to answer.

“I don’t know what I feel about the Pike meme. I will say, however, that seeing my face in so many news reports and articles bothers me a little bit.”

Written by LOSA MERU / Published January 6, 2012

The acclaimed German author Cornelia Funke visited the Temple City library on December 3 to share stories about her books and how she became a writer.

Well-known for several of her most famous childrens’ books, the Inkheart series, Dragon Rider, The Thief Lord, and Reckless, she shared with an audience of around 80 people about how she got started writing and her inspirations for writing such well-received books.

Though Cornelia Funke mostly wrote for a young audience, her books were read by all ages. Not all of the audience was full of young children. For senior Teresa Chen, it brought back memories of her childhood.

Reminiscing the past, she said, “It was cool to meet an author of a book that I read.”

Another older reader, senior Adeney Zo, reveled at the luck of seeing a famous author at her own library.

“I thought this was a really exciting event because she’s not on a book tour or anything she just came because one of the librarians knew her and invited her,” said Zo. “She seems like a really genuine, nice, and cool person.”

Dressed in clothing inspired by her books, Funke explained that she comes up with story ideas from the fairy tales in Germany, her home.

After ending her discussion session, she followed it up with a question and answer, and then finally a book signing.

Before finally concluding the event, Cornelia Funke’s last message was to encourage young writers to begin their own books. After starting off with a story on how she used to start books but not finish them, Funke assured her audience that as long as they fuel their writing with passion, their stories will go on.

She encouraged them to make reading a magical experience. According to Funke, “…if you put memories in [your books,] or writing, or underline something that touched you, you will find…your old self there, in that book, when you open it again. That’s magic.”