April 2011 Archives

The Pomona Public Library needs help adding to its book and periodicals collection.

The library, like other city departments, has seen its budget shrink but it must still try to keep up with library patrons' requests. It's seeking the help of supporters through its book and magazine adoption programs and its Amazon.com wish list.

"We've been on a downward slide the last five years," said Pat Lambert, senior librarian for the Pomona Public Library.

"Over the years we've cut all of the easy things first," she said.

After several years of cuts the library found its 2010-11 budget had $40,000 to pay for access to two databases, newspaper microfilm, books for children and adults and periodicals, Lambert said.

With the help of the Friends of the Pomona Public Library, library staff were able to add some best-sellers to the collection, she said.

A $1,000 contribution from a supporter allowed the staff to add a number of books on CD to the collection, but the library needs additional help and staff hope it will come in through the Adopt-a-Book, Adopt-a-Magazine and its Amazon.com wish list.

By going to Amazon.com and typing Pomona Public Library in "Find wish list" supporters will find a list of adult fiction and nonfiction titles, children's books and books on CD they can purchase for the library. The books will be shipped directly to the library.

Through the library's website, visitors can find information on the Adopt-a-Magazine program.

Visitors can go to www.you seemore.com/pomona/ and click on "about the library" then clicking on "Adopt-a- Magazine" under "Library Programs and Services" to learn about the program and how to purchase a magazine subscription for the collection.

The reference desk has brochures on the Adopt-a- Book Program through which people can make a donation for the purchase of book.

Through that program "we will put a book plate (in the book) and send a letter of acknowledgment" to the donor, Lambert said.

In a weak economy, people are turning to the library for help accessing reading materials, Lambert said.

"I'm hearing it from people, 'I can't afford to buy a book for $25 or $30,' " she said.

Those who may not be able to commit to purchasing a book or magazine for the library can make donations of any amount at the main circulation desk. Money collected there will be used to purchase books, Lambert said.

The president of Western University of Health Sciences will be honored by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation, the university announced recently.

Philip Pumerantz, the university's founding president, will be presented the Foundation's 2011 Ellis Island Medal of Honor during a May 7 ceremony at the Great Hall on Ellis Island in New York Harbor.

The award recognizes U.S. citizens who embrace and carry out the American ideal of hard work, self- improvement and community service yet preserve the history, traditions and values of their ancestry, according to a university statement.

Recipients, among other things, build bridges between racial, ethnic and religious groups in the country and or outside the nation; use their talents in benefit of the local, national or international community; and contribute to the larger community in any field, profession or occupation, the statement said.

"I am honored to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and am grateful to the (National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations) Foundation for considering me for it," Pumerantz said in a statement.

"I look forward to participating in the awards dinner and sharing the honor with this year's other medalists."

Among the past award recipients are President George H.W. Bush, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Madeleine Albright, Muhammad Ali, Anthony Quinn, Deepak Chopra and Joe DiMaggio.

The Pomona Breakfast Optimist Club recently announced the names of the six winners of its annual speech contest.

In the girls division first place went to Veronica Marquez of Palomares Health Science Academy; Second place went to Adriana Cano of the School of Arts and Enterprise; and third place went to Sarah Rodriguez of the School of Arts and Enterprise.

In the boys division first place went to Julian Marenco of the School of Arts and Enterprise; second place went to Mickey Fulton of the School of Arts and Enterprise and third place to Oscar Cuevas of Pomona High School.

The teens delivered speeches they prepared using the topic "If I were leader of the Free World, the first issue I would address would be ..."

Through their speeches the competitors addressed issues such as cultural acceptance, energy, poverty and the environment, according to a statement from the club.

The winners will go on to participate in the organization's zone contest. The contest will begin at 7 p.m. April 12 in the board room of the Pomona Unified School District Education Center, 800 S. Garey Ave.

The winners of that round of competition will advance to the district contest scheduled to take place May 14 in Whittier.

Contest participants will compete for academic scholarships and the opportunity to compete at the organization's international competition.

Low and moderate income residents of the area can get help completing tax returns, according to a statement from Assemblywoman Norma Torres.

Torres, D-Chino, and state Controller John Chiang have partnered with the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program, also referred to as the VITA Program, for this effort.

Through VITA those who earn less the $49,000 a year can receive assistance from certified volunteers in completing basic tax returns, according to a statement from Torres' office.

Assistance will be available from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (April 6)and from 3 to 7 p.m. April 11 at Torres' district office at 13160 Seventh St. in Chino.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 909-902-9606.

At the time of the appointment, program participants should bring with them the following: their valid photo ID; Social Security card or individual taxpayer identification number for all families members; all W-2, 1098 and/or 1099 forms; a copy of the prior year's tax return; bank account and routing number for direct deposit of refund or direct deposit of the balance due; other income/expense information; total tuition fees and expenses; total expenses paid for child/day care; and landlord's name, address and phone number for the California Renter's Credit.

Representatives of Tri-City Mental Health Center will conduct a public hearing Thursday (April 7) to take comments from residents of Pomona, La Verne and Claremont.

Comments will be taken involving the agency's community services and support plan including areas such as community navigators, field capable services for older adults, supplemental crisis services and full service partnerships.

Comments will also be sought for services in the prevention and early intervention area such as community capacity building and services for older adults, young adults, families, and students.

The hearing will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the main room of Palomares Park Community Center, 499 E. Arrow Highway in Pomona.

The Friends of the Pomona Public Library will hold a book sale from noon to 3 p.m. April 9.

The sale takes place in the loading dock area adjacent to the library's parking lot on the northwest corner of Garey Avenue and Seventh Street.

The artwork of graduate students attending Southern California colleges and universities will make up the latest exhibit at the dA(cq) Center for the Arts.

"VEX: Visual Exchange" will be at the Center from Saturday (April 9) to April 30.

An opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. April 9 at the center, 252 S. Main St. The event is free.

The exhibit is the result of the collaborative efforts of Claremont Graduate University and Cal State Fullerton, according to a statement from the center.

Residents, Neighborhood Watch groups and business people of the city's southwest quadrant are invited to meet with members of the Pomona Police Department.

The 90-minute meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 12 at Westmont Park Community Center, 1808 W. Ninth St.

Participants are invited to email or call in their questions or concerns related to the southwest area of the city ahead of time so that police representatives can bring answers to the meeting.

The city's southwest quadrant consists of the area west of Garey Avenue and south of Holt Avenue.

In addition to addressing questions and concerns related to the southwestern area of the city the meeting will include a discussion on traffic as part of the crime prevention topic for the evening.

Questions or concerns can be e-mailed to AreaCommander_Southwest@ci.pomona.ca.us or called in to 909-802-7495.

Additional information is available by calling Community Service Officer Leesa(cq) Ybarra with the Department's Crime Prevention unit at 909-802-7761.