A View from the Heights

The annual Hacienda Heights Fourth of July parade begins at 9 a.m. and runs along Stimson Avenue, beginning near Colima Road and ending at Steinmetz Park.

The parade is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hacienda Heights and organized by an all-volunteer committee of Kiwanis members and community volunteers.

The parade, which began in 1988, includes bands, floats, equestrian units, drill teams, church and school groups and several dignitaries. Entries come from many neighboring communities.

The parade also features a Fourth of July Queen and her court. This year's Miss Fourth of July is Leslie Alvarado. She will ride down the parade route with her court Jennifer Ly and Elizabeth Choong.

The parade grand marshal is Dickie Simmons, field deputy for Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe. Simmons serves Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Diamond Bar and La Habra Heights.

Post-parade activities, which take place at Steinmetz Park, include special ceremonies and the awarding of trophies for the best parade entries. Local organizations host booths at this event.

Read our story about the recent cleanup day at the Rowland Heights Highlander or Hacienda Heights Highlander.
For further information, visit www.hhjuly4parade.org.

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Hundreds of Hacienda Heights residents turned out on over the weekend to get the Fourth of July parade route along Stimson Avenue and its nearby streets into tip-top condition for the coming holiday.

Volunteers from civic groups and several local Boy Scouts troops turned out, as well as members of three major religious groups: St. John Vianney Catholic parish, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Hsi Lai Temple.

"I challenge you to find another place where you have Catholics, Mormons and Buddhists cooperating together, all in the same place," said Jim Snyder of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, which sponsors the event.

Held the Saturday before before the community's "I Love America" parade, the Jim Davis Beautification Day has become a popular annual event over the past 15 years. It is named after a former president of the association.

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Time to vote! Registered voters in Rowland Unified School District (Rowland Heights and parts of Walnut, La Puente and West Covina) must postmark their Measure E Special Parcel Tax Election ballot by Thursday, June 25.

The election is being conducted as an all vote by mail election. Ballots must be postmarked by tomorrow to be received by June 30.

If voters are unable to mail their ballots in time, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk established a special satellite ballot drop-off location for voters' convenience in the lobby of the Rowland Heights Library at 1850 Nogales St. on Tuesday, June 30 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The ballot drop-off location is exclusively for voters who did not mail their voted ballots in time. It will be staffed by registrar personnel.

Voters who did not receive a Vote by Mail ballot, should call the RR/CC, Vote by Mail Unit at (562) 466-1323.

Voters can verify if they live within the Rowland Unified School District on the RR/CC website: www.lavote.net by clicking the Voter & Election Information tab, then clicking on Locate My District link. Persons requiring multilingual assistance in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish , Tagalog/Filipino, or Vietnamese can call (800)481-8683.

Rowland Unified School District is facing more than $13 million in cuts because of the state budget deficit. The district says this will have a devastating impact on every school as well as the educational programs.

Measure E is a local parcel tax that would help raise an estimated $2.5 million annually for five years only. These funds could not be taken away by the state and would provide stable funds to be used to maintain college preparation classes and high school counselors.

Rowland Unified would also use the money to preserve student health/safety/security services, provide adequate instructional materials and classroom technology, keep school libraries open, protect small class sizes, maintain music and art programs and retain qualified, experienced teachers

If approved, Measure E will cost property owners $10 per month, for a total of $120 per year, for five years only. Property owners age 65 and over can apply for an exemption.

If passed, the deadline to fill out the senior exemption form is July 30. An independent Community Oversight Committee will be appointed by the school board to make sure that school parcel tax funds are properly spent.

To pass, Measure E must receive at least 66.7% support from those who vote on the measure. For further information, please visit www.RowlandSchools.org or call (626) 854-8352.

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Celebrate the grand opening of the new IMAX theater at AMC Puente Hills 20 on Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Residents can enter for a chance to win AMC, IMAX and "Transformers" prizes while supplies last.

Moviegoers can also bring a new unwrapped toy valued from $5 to $10 for charity to win other prizes such as SpeedZone season passes and gift cards. The toys will be donated to the Industry Sheriff's Station for distribution to needy families.

The IMAX experience combines crystal-clear images with a customized audio system and bigger screen.

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Magicians Rafael and Katia will perform at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the Rowland Heights Library.

Children will learn how books can magically help take us to new places, meet new people and learn to do anything.

The library will also hold a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
The library is at 1850 Nogales St. For information, call Jeff Jarrett at (626)912-5348.

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Come out and join the 15th anniversary of the Jim Davis Beautification Day in Hacienda Heights on Saturday, June 27. The Hacienda Heights Improvement Association sponsors this event in which community members clean up the parade route of the Fourth of July parade down Stimson Avenue.

Religious groups, civic clubs, scout troops and schools volunteer their time. Individuals and families also help out.

The event is always the Saturday before the Fourth of July.

Volunteers will meet 8 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the corner of Colima Road and Dawnhaven Road.

Participants must be 11 years of age or older. They should bring a broom, rake or square-nosed shovel.

The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department provides gloves, safety vests and trash bags. The work is usually accomplished in about three hours.

Several community businesses will provide water and refreshments.

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The Rowland Recreation Department will hold special Saturday registration today from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Sports classes include basketball, tennis, soccer, martial arts and tiny tots sports.
Dance classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, cheer & pom, musical production and Mexican dance.

Music courses cover piano, guitar, drums and music for little ones!
Arts offer drawing, cartooning, and art music, as well as arts and crafts.

Computer classes will teach Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and typing.Science camps will include Mad Mad Robot Lab, Secret Agent Lab, Journey Into Outer Space and Science in Action.

Children may also chose other classes such as ice skating, reading, etiquette, Chinese language and dog training.

Each session will run from six to eight weeks. Register at the Rowland Adult and Community Education Recreation Department, 2100 Lerona Ave.

Office hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday.
For more information, call (626) 965-5975, Ext. 1569

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The Good Time Travel Club at the Steinmetz Senior Center will see the musical "Dirty Dancing" at the Pantages Theater on Tuesday, June 23.

The cost is $65 for members and $70 for nonmembers. This covers transportation, dinner at DeLuca's and the show.

The bus departs at 3 p.m. and return at midnight. Light walking is required. The center is at 1545 Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

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On Thursday, the Arcadia Teachers Association tentatively agreed to a 1.25 percent pay rollback, effective in the new school year. Superintendent Joel Shawn announced the news on a budget discussion blog entry.

Board of Education President Joann Steinmeier said the move would allow the administration to rehire all the probationary and permanent teachers given lay-off notices in March.

Shawn said, however, that some instructors may be reassigned to different schools.

With the Rowland Unified School District facing a massive deficit, perhaps its time for their teachers to consider such an option to save as many positions as possible.

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Teens can learn how to make their own buttons at the Hacienda Heights Library at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.

Tweens and teens sixth grade and up can make buttons to decorate bookbags, purses and hats.

The library will present the free program, "KCCO Radio Musical Mystery Show" at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24. Families will enjoy sound effects, commercial singers and actors chosen from the audience.

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The Homestead Museum will offer a storytelling event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.

Children ages 4 to 8 will learn all about hats. The program will include storytelling, crafts and singing.

Kids should bring their favorite hats to wear. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended as the program is limited to 30 children.

The museum is at 15415 E. Don Julian Road in the City of Industry. For more information, call (626) 968-8492 or visit homesteadmuseum.org.

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Law enforcement officers and firefighters from throughout the Western United States competed Monday and Tuesday in an equestrian competition at the Industry Hills Expo Center.

Photo Gallery: The Western States Police and Fire Games

The horsemanship contest was part of the annual "Western States Police and Fire Games," which pits cops and firefighters from throughout the region against each other in an Olympic-style series of sporting events held June 13-20.

The games were started in 1967 as the California Police Olympics,

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Police officers and firefighters from throughout the Western United States are competing at the Industry Hills Expo Center this week for the equestrian portion of the Western States Police and Fire Games.

Cops and firefighters will don western clothing and trade their squad cars and fire engines for horses as they compete in various equestrian events from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the center, 16200 Temple Temple Ave., Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Vicki Gregory.

Vendors will be on-site, and the snack bar will be open, officials said. The event is free to the public.

The event is part of the Western States Police and Fire Games, which is an Olympic-style competition for law enforcement and fire personnel. Most of the events this year are being hosted in Santa Clarita between June 13 and June 20.

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Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe recognized four new Eagle Scouts with scrolls of honor. The Eagle award is the highest rank that can be earned by Boy Scouts.

Congratulations to David Banuelas of Troop 425, and Isaiah Bongolan, Nathaniel Burkhardt and Michael Hsin of Troop 710.

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The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Personnel Commission held its 22nd annual Classified Employee Service Awards ceremony at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights.

Classified employees serving 10 years or more were honored; 138 employees were recognized, for a total of 2,215 years of service. Four employees celebrated 35 years of service.

Congratulations to Nolene Beauchamp, director of purchasing and warehouse; Lucy Flores, instructional aide; Karen Gensler, media center clerk; and Elsie Johnson, human resources office manager. Johnson is retiring on June 30.

Five employees marked 30 years of service: Albert Avalos, Helen Escalera, Maryellen Guerrero, Mary Lisenbe and Alfred Velasquez.

Awards were presented by personnel director Scott Pilch and personnel commissioners Anita Ford, Sharon Aguilar and Cecilia Yu.

Board of Education President Dr. Joseph Chang commended the employees on their dedicated service.

In addition to recognition of those serving 30 and 35 years, the commissioners also honored those serving 10, 15, 20 and 25 years.

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The Rowland Unified School District has consolidated its elementary summer school program to seven primary schools. The intermediate and high school programs remains unchanged.

Spokeswoman Gina Ward said the budget deficit has forced the district to make the cuts. Approximately, 1,500 students in grades K-5 are enrolled in summer school, though there is a waiting list at several sites.

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The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District has been forced to cut summer school for elementary and intermediate students because of the budget deficit.

The district usually offers 15 days of summer school, three hours a day to help students catch up on their classwork. But it had to eliminate the classes because the state has cut funding.

"We put these students in small groups the last three or four weeks of school to beef up their studies," explained Bonnie Wilson, Executive Director of Leadership for the district.

Summer classes will begin soon at the high school level.

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The Homestead Museum will offer hourly "Beyond the Graves Tours" on Saturday and Sunday, June 13, 14, beginning at 1 a.m.

American attitudes about death changed dramatically from the 1840s, when the Workman family built their home in Industry, through the 1920s, when the Temples built La Casa Nueva next door.

This tour gives an overview of these changes as experienced by the two families and includes a visit to El Campo Santo, the private cemetery established by the Workman family in the 1850s.

The hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility and is recommended for ages 9 and up.

The museum is at 15415 E. Don Julian Road in the City of Industry. For more information, call (626) 968-8492 or visit homesteadmuseum.org.

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The Hacienda Heights Library will host the "Land of Imagination Magic Show with David Skale" on Wednesday, June 17, at 3 p.m.

The magician will take kids on a magic-filled journey to the Land of Imagination. The show is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call Paula Vannucci or Kathia Ibacache at (626) 968-9356.

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The Hacienda Heights Library will offer three summer reading programs.
"Read and play" is for children up to 4 years old, while "Be Creative @ Your Library" is for kids entering Kindergarten through sixth grade. "Express Yourself @ Your Library" for tweens and teens entering sixth through 12th grade.

Kids may sign up at the library to get a game card, then read on their own time. Kids can read whatever they like to earn some fun prizes.

Sign-ups begin Wednesday, June 17, at 1 p.m. and end on Wednesday, July 29, at 7 p.m.

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call Paula Vannucci or Kathia Ibacache at (626) 968-9356.

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Summer swim lessons will be offered by the Rowland Adult and Community Education. Lessons will be taught from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rowland High School and 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Nogales High.

There will be four two-week sessions, beginning Monday, June 22. Registration will be held on Saturday, June 13, at the recreation department, 2100 Lerona Ave., Rowland Heights.

Lessons cost $45 per session, with a $5 registration fee.

Registration will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until each class is filled. Registration must be made and signed by parents only.
For more information, call (626) 965-5975, Ext. 1569.

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Rowland Heights residents are invited to the next meeting of the Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council at 7 p.m. Monday.

The meeting takes place at Pathfinder Park Community Center, located on the corner of Pathfinder and Fullerton roads.

The agenda will include reports from the sheriff's and California Highway Patrol offices, as well as from representatives of elected officials, including State Assemblyman Curt Hagman, County Supervisor Don Knabe, and possibly State Senator Bob Huff and Supervisor Gloria Molina.

The agenda also includes election of Executive Board officers for 2009-10.
For further information, visit www.rhccc.netfirms.com.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for fun things to keep your children busy this summer? The Rowland Recreation Department has many interesting classes that will appeal to each child's special interests and talents.

Sports classes include basketball, tennis, soccer, martial arts, and tiny tots sports.
Dance classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, cheer & pom, musical production and Mexican dance. Music courses cover piano, guitar, drums and music for little ones!

Arts offer drawing, cartooning, and art music, as well as arts and crafts.
Computer classes will teach Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and typing.
Science camps will include Mad Mad Robot Lab, Secret Agent Lab, Journey Into Outer Space and Science in Action.

Children may also chose other classes such as ice skating, reading, etiquette, Chinese language and dog training.

Each session will run from six to eight weeks. Registration is now under way at the Rowland Adult and Community Education Recreation Department, 2100 Lerona Ave.

Office hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Special Saturday registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on June 6 and June 20.
For more information, call (626) 965-5975, Ext. 1569

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The Hacienda Heights Library presents a program titled "Ancient Mexico -- Sounds and Songs of My Ancestors" at 3 p.m. on Saturday June 6.

Martin Espino has researched indigenous Mexican music since 1975. He has been a pioneer of interactive performance and brings a collection of pre-European instruments to his performances.

The library is at 16010 La Monde Street. For information, contact Ryan Ricchio at (626) 968-9356.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for fun things to keep your children busy this summer? The Rowland Recreation Department has many interesting classes that will appeal to each child's special interests and talents.

Sports classes include basketball, tennis, soccer, martial arts, and tiny tots sports.
Dance classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, cheer & pom, musical production and Mexican dance.

Music courses cover piano, guitar, drums and music for little ones!

Arts offer drawing, cartooning, and art music, as well as arts and crafts.

Computer classes will teach Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and typing.
Science camps will include Mad Mad Robot Lab, Secret Agent Lab, Journey Into Outer Space and Science in Action.

Children may also chose other classes such as ice skating, reading, etiquette, Chinese language and dog training.

Each session will run from six to eight weeks. Registration is now under way at the Rowland Adult and Community Education Recreation Department, 2100 Lerona Ave.
Office hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Special Saturday registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on June 6 and June 20.
For more information, call (626) 965-5975, Ext. 1569

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

St. John Vianney Catholic Church will host its 43rd Early California Days festival this weekend. The community celebration features rides, games, entertainment, bingo and food.

The festival runs 6 to 11 p.m. Friday; 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Grand Raffle prizes include: first prize, $10,000; second prize, a Sony 46-inch Bravia LCD television set; and third prize, a Nintendo Wii.

Friday entertainment features the Los Altos High School Color Guard at 6 p.m., the "Elviz" show and karaoke at 6:30 p.m. and the classic rock group "Screamin' Eagles" from 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday acts are a Red Dragon Karate demonstration at 2 p.m., Karen's Kids dance group at 2:45 p.m., and From the Top youth song and dance at 4 p.m. The church's Youth Mass Band will perform at 5 p.m. and its Spanish Youth Mass Band at 6 p.m. The Spanish music of Sobrevivientes follows at 7 p.m., and the classic rock sounds of the always-popular Legends of the Heights from 8 to 11 p.m.

The Sunday lineup includes Corona Dance Studio at 1 p.m., Sunshine Generation at 2:15 p.m., Claylee's Dance Studio at 3:15 p.m., the Beatles cover band Rubber Soul from 4:30 to 7 p.m., and the alternative rock sounds of Crossed Keys from 8 to 10 p.m.

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The Homestead Museum will offer a pottery-making workshop on Saturday, June 6, from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Paul "Bear" Bradford will guide students as they learn how to throw their own pottery. Items crafted at the workshop will be personally fired by the instructor.

Students will learn two techniques. One is hand construction from coils, slabs and balls of clay. The other is the use of a pottery wheel.

The cost is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. The museum is at 15415 E. Don Julian Road in the City of Industry. For more information, call (626) 968-8492 or visit homesteadmuseum.org.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Law enforcement officials found about 4,400 marijuana plants this morning inside a home in the hills of Hacienda Heights.

Industry sheriff's deputies say they found the plants in the 16200 block of Glencove Drive.

The plants are estimated to be worth $5 million to $8 million.

No arrests have been made.

Deputies found the plants through an investigation of another grow house.

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The Greater La Puente Valley Meals on Wheels program needs drivers desperately to deliver meals. The volunters deliver two meals a day between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. five days a week to qualified recipients.

The program is funded by donations and is staffed by volunteers with one paid administrator. Volunteers may drive one or more days per week and receive a gasoline stipend for each day they drive.

Donations are also appreciated, the current state of the economy is resulting in increased demand service while funding is shrinking.

The delivery of a warm meal and a cold meal once a day is sometimes the only contact they have with the outside world. Delivering meals is a very rewarding experience.

Our contact phone is (626) 333-4902. Donations may be sent to: Greater La Puente Valley Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 3293, City of Industry, CA 91744.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

During a closed session, Rowland Unified school officials today plan to discuss findings of their probe into anonymous complaints about the actions of secondary school administrators.

The investigation was prompted after several anonymous letters to the board alleged discrimination and misconduct by managers at Giano Intermediate School and Nogales High School, officials said.

Rowland Unified School District board member Judy Nieh requested the investigation at an April 7 board meeting but declined to comment further.

"The information I can tell you is that it's all related to a group of people, not just one person or two people," Nieh said.

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Registered voters living in the Rowland Unified School District (Rowland Heights and parts of Walnut, La Puente and West Covina) will receive their Measure E ballot by mail this week.

Voting will take place by mail ballot during the month of June. All completed ballots must be received by June 30. The District is now facing a projected $16 million in cuts due to the State Budget crises.

This will have a devastating impact on every school in the District and the critical educational programs provided. Measure E is a local parcel tax that would help raise an estimated $2.5 annually for five years only.

These funds could not be taken away by the State and would provide stable funds to be used to continue these valuable programs:

- Maintain college preparation classes and high school counselors

- Preserve student health/safety/security services

- Provide adequate instructional materials and classroom technology

- Keep school libraries open

- Protect small class sizes

- Maintain music and art programs

- Retain qualified, experienced teachers

If approved, Measure E will cost property owners $10 per month, for a total of $120 per year. Property owners age 65 and over can apply for an exemption.

The deadline to fill out the senior exemption form is July 30. An independent Community Oversight Committee will be appointed by the RUSD School Board to make sure that school parcel tax funds are properly spent.

To pass, Measure E must receive at least 66.7% support from those who vote on the measure. For further information, please contact the RUSD Communications Office at (626)854-8352 or visit www.RowlandSchools.org

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)