February 2009 Archives

So, the West Covina Chamber of Commerce had a five-hour closed door board meeting yesterday. I stopped by at noon on Thursday to see if I could go inside in meeting or at least get an agenda, and had no luck with either.

The board members did not tell Exectuive Director Gary Lawson and Marketing Director Monica Cabrera what happened in the meeting. Instead, Lawson and Cabrera received a letter via fed-ex this morning. The letter informed them of their reinstatement, and also that they would both be suspended without pay pending further legal advice. (Read here if you are lost.)

Still no word as to the reason for their firing, reinstatement or suspension, though Lawson is convinced it has everything to do with a restraining order he, Cabrera and part-time employee William Medina filed against board member Luis Chacon.

Since Lawson and Cabrera are the only two full-time employees of the six-person staff, it kind of makes you wonder who is going to be picking up the slack. Also, part-time employee Medina said he is considering quitting over the whole ordeal.

Board members refuse to return calls. While the board is a private agency, it does receive some public funding. This year, it got $75,000 from the city of West Covina, Lawson said.

This is just me talking, but once a private agency receives public money -- your money -- it seems that those agencies should strive for some sort of transparency and accountability to the public -- even if that means returning a phone call or distributing an agenda. I'm not the only one that sees it that way, either. 

Montebello Mayor Rosie Vasquez has requested that when I interview her my questions go through a screening process. She said if I can not adhere to her "procedure" I can not interview her.

"My opinion does not matter," Vasquez said Thursday afternoon. "I am sure you can get a story without talking to me."

Below is a letter I received detailing her procedure:

February 19, 2009

Rosemarie Vasquez
Mayor, City of Montebello

Got this e-mail from Azusa Councilman Robert Gonzales this morning in response to a letter that ran in the newspaper the other day. The letter attacked both Gonzales and Councilman Keith Hanks for not stating their position on the new Vulcan Mining Proposal (per request of the city attorney).

Here is the letter:

In response to the letter issued on February 25th regarding Vulcan: Azusa's future is extremely important to me. Under advice of our city attorney, I cannot state a position on Vulcan until all pertinent information & community input is brought before council. Candidates running for office can freely state their personal opinion, but as a city official it's my duty to practice due diligence on any issue that comes before the city council. Our community's health and safety are my highest priority. It is on this foundation, doing what is best for the residents, that I will base my vote and actions on matters that come before the city council. Thank You.. Azusa Councilman, Robert Gonzales

I would imagine that same sentiment doubles for Hanks, as well.

A story I wrote came out in the paper today about the Elwood Family Apartments in Glendora that offer some affordable housing as part of their complex.

Often when I write about businesses or things like that, I could some phone calls from people thinking I represent the business. Nothing unusual. I just take the phone calls and point them in the right direction.

But I have had a large response to this story, with more than the usual phone calls asking me about the complex and calling with interest.

It seems there are a lot of people out there who are interested in affordable or low-income housing. Could it be a sign of the tough times out there? Likely.

Unfortunately, the complex is already at more than 50 percent capacity and was already reviewing numerous applications for apartments. Now, with the story they may be fielding more interest than they can accommodate.

So, if Glendora or any other city is thinking about getting a low-income housing project going, know this: The demand is there.

West Covina passes "insurance" for ambulance rides.

Solis named labor leader. Let the games begin for those, like Board of Equalization Chairwoman Judy Chu and Sen. Gil Cedillo, who want Solis' former Congressional seat.

OctoMom offered $1 million to appear in a porn video.

The infamous tagged up bridge in Pico Rivera that goes over the 605 freeway was cleaned of its graffiti. We'll see how long that lasts.

It's official. San Gabriel Valley's very own Rep. Hilda Solis was confirmed today by the Senate as the nation's next labor secretary.

The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District has a new Web site.

We're just a couple of weeks away from the March elections. Here is the latest out of Rosemead. Six are vying for three seats.

The candidates are incumbents Margaret Clark, John Nunez and John Tran, and challengers Sandra Armenta, Henry Lo and Steven Ly. Among the top issues are amending the recently-approved General Plan, reducing crime and graffiti, and spending city reserves to improve services.

The bad economy affects each of us in different ways. For me, I save money by going for the cheaper brand of pasta sauce and no longer buying bottled water. For the city of Irwindale, the bad economy means no more police escorts during funerals, according to its agenda.

Apparently, as a way to help make up for some of the $2.7 million deficit, Irwindale residents are going to be asked to make do without some things. Aside from the funeral escorts, which are provided for private, non-official use at a cost of anywhere between $600 to $1,000 an event, the city will also suspend the practice of waiving rental fees.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Irwindale City Council will be asked to adopt the ammended budget, form an ad-hoc budget advisory committee to oversee the 2009-10 fiscal year.

On the closed session agenda is the city manager.

I'm sure there's more to this Chamber story than I've been able to find out today. Part of the frustration is that none of the board members I called wanted to comment or returned my calls seeking comment.

The crux of the story is that the only two full-time staff members for the West Covina Chamber of Commerce were fired last week. The firing came just eight days after those same two employees, along with a part-time employee, filed a temporary restraining order against board Member Luis Chacon.

Chacon did not return calls seeking comment.

Chacon's name has appeared in the news before. Here is an article that ran in 2006 when his estranged wife was named as Chamber President:

West Covina resident prevails after tough life Chacon named president of Chamber of Commerce
San Gabriel Valley Tribune ( West Covina , CA) - Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Author/Byline: Christina L. Esparza Staff Writer
Section: Local
WEST COVINA - At 36-years-old, Carolina Chacon is a successful Realtor, community activist and one of the most respected women in town.

Her determination and head for business helped her become the West Covina Chamber of Commerce's board president, and her heart led her to sit on the board of the East Valley Community Health Center.

"I know myself," she said. "When I do something, I do it 100 percent."

While Chacon has a charmed life with an adoring husband, five successful children and a thriving business, life started rough.

Chacon grew up in Compton, where almost every day she got beat up by other girls. At 15, she gave birth to her first child, and for a time was homeless.

Her determination was evidenced when only two hours after giving birth, she hopped on a bus to school to take a final exam.

The wisdom her father, Leopoldo Ruiz, instilled in her never left, she said. He always urged her to pursue an education, and to always treat others with dignity and respect.

It wasn't unusual for her to find complete strangers who were hungry and homeless eating at the dinner table, she said.

"His philosophy was so simple," Chacon said. "If you stay busy always finding a way to help other people, you don't have to worry about yourself."

Chacon joined the military, where she met Luis Chacon , her husband. He was a commanding officer and she was a private in the U.S. Army.

"I admired her strong personality," Luis Chacon said. "She's a combination of very unique attributes I haven't seen in anyone else ... she's an awesome individual and I wish many communities, if not all, had someone like her."

When she got her real estate license, Chacon networked in West Covina and found herself becoming more involved in the city she called home.

She and Luis Chacon sat on various boards and commissions, and attended several community events.

As president of the chamber, Carolina Chacon hopes to build a stronger relationship between the city and the chamber, as well as a bond between the chamber and the city's residents.

To facilitate that, several community events will be hosted by the chamber, including the Tuesday night Farmers' Market, and the "Taste of West Covina " event scheduled for October.

Carolina Chacon also makes time for her children, one of whom is a certified Cordon Bleu chef who uses her talents to prepare meals for the homeless.

She wants to tell any teen mother not to see her child as a hinderance, but a reason to persevere.

"That child can keep you on track," she said.

Two top executives on the West Covina Chamber of Commerce were fired last week, but at least one of them who got the pink slip is hoping the15 member board changes its mind on Thursday.

Apparently, a couple of weeks ago there was an incident involving board member Luis Chacon. Executive Director Gary Lawson, left, decided it was best that he and two other chamber staffers file a restraining order against Chacon, who allegedly acted unprofessionally and emotionally toward several staff members when Chacon's estranged wife was speaking with the staffers. 

Just a day or so later, the board held a special meeting to discuss the restraining order. And what they came out of the meeting with was a decision to fire marketing director Monica Cabrera and Lawson, who has served as executive director for 3 1/2 years.

Board members are so far keeping quiet about the "transistion" over at West Covina Chamber of Commerce. Calls to three board members have gone unanswered, and board member Audrey Lynberg had no comment.

At 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, there will be a board meeting to discuss the firings. But Lawson remains "optimistically confident that the team will continue to work together." This story will appear in tomorrow's paper.

FYI: The Chamber has a nearly $500,000 budget. It received $75,000 last year from the city, and that number is expected to be cut in half next year as a result of the economy. Lawson makes $65,000 a year.

I know it is Monday and a little past due (not to mention this will be two posts in a row from me without a word of city politics/issues) but I had to take a minute to gloat.

55-54. SunDevils win. SunDevils win. SunDevils win.

Did I not say in a previous post that some late game heroics might be in store? And look at what happened!

The SunDevils now move on to face Sonora High School tomorrow night.

I bet my old English teacher Pat Schlosser, now AVHS principal, is feeling pretty good right now about his sports program. I know I am.

It only took three weeks, but I am finally through serving my civic duty as a juror on a case that made me think: 1.) What a waste of tax-payers money, and 2.) It's great we live in a country where everyone has the right to a fair trial.

In case you were wondering, it was a forgery and burglary case. The defandant, who we found guilty, stole a check from his relative. The amount: $240.

I know that I missed some stories while I was out and will be playing catch up for the next few days. Please let me know of any news tips in and around Covina, West Covina, Irwindale and the rest of the SGV.

Business owner Greg Tuttle is at it again.

He spent the last two Baldwin Park City Council meetings accusing developer Robert Bisno of owning the city $286,526.01 in back payments.

"I guess maybe the council needs a little help on reading statements of financials for the city. Bisno left the city with $286,526.01 (in debt) ... Did the city know about this? Oh yes they did, way back in May."

Tuttle claims he has city documents proving that when Bisno pulled out of a proposed downtown redevelopment project last year, he failed to pay the city more than $200,000 in costs related to the project.

City officials were quick to contend the allegations Wednesday night, stating that Bisno actually owes money to a third-party consultant, not the city.

According to City Attorney Joseph Pannone, when the city signed the agreement with Bisno for the plan, it was clear that if money wasn't received from Bisno, the city did not have to pay consultants involved in the project's planning.

"The consultants would get paid only when the city gets paid," Baldwin Park's Chief Executive Officer Vijay Singhal said. "They have a claim against Bisno, not against the city."

Singhal went on to say that, "as of today, we have not paid any taxpayer money or any city money in this project. We actually are holding deposits somewhere in the range of $8,000 or $9,000 to cover ay expenses that may come up."

It seems everyone's got an opinion on the state budget these days -- our local pols included.

Here are some quotes from conversations I had last week with mayors in three local cities:

"I'm pleased that it has passed, which will help free up some of the cash flow that has been held back by the state controller. However, I'm not happy about the tax increases and the fact that taxes are being raised in the middle of one of the worst recessions we have had in decades."
-- Joe Vinatieri, Whittier mayor

"I think there are going to be serious repercussions. Without a doubt, solving the budget by increasing taxes is not the way to go and I'm very disappointed."
-- Frank Venti, Monterey Park mayor

"I'm cautiously optimistic about the future. I know California still has a tremendous deficit. We have a lot of problems pending. We have the clouds of recession hanging over us. Passing the budget is the necessary first step on the path to a brighter future, economically speaking. But we still have a lot of work ahead of us."
-- Louie Lujan, La Puente mayor

Lujan went on to question the two-thirds majority needed to pass California's budget. Ever since the drawn-out process to get the state's budget approved began, lawmakers have been mulling the requirement, and whether its time for voters to dump it.

In fact the Associated Press had this story today about the issue:

"We have to do something," said Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. "I think anybody who's watched this slow-motion train wreck over the last three months ought to agree that this system no longer works, if it ever did."

California is one of only a handful of states that require more than a simple majority to pass budget bills. Rhode Island, like California, requires a two-thirds vote. Arkansas requires three-fourths votes to pass most appropriation bills and simple majorities to approve a separate bill that sets the state's spending priorities.

Lujan said he didn't know what the solution was, but "something less than two-thirds has to seriously be considered."

He also said he found it out odd that among Republican Sen. Abel Maldonado's demands in exchange for his "yes" vote, Maldonado asked for ballot measures that would create an open primary system.

"Maldonado's proposal in changing the California elections code has nothing to do with budgetary process," Lujan said. "It surprises me ... it's an odd forum to discuss (that)."

On the Los Angeles County supervisor front, Michael Antonovich released this statement last week about his thoughts on the state budget:

"What was missing was a comprehensive package of structural reforms including eliminating or consolidating overlapping departments and high-paying political commissions ... Imposing one of the highest tax rates in the nation is a tax-and-spend orgy that further drives businesses, individuals and jobs out of state."

It seems negotiations between La Puente's largest sales tax generator and city officials have really gone south.

I have this story running in today's paper about Ed Butts Ford owner Tom Iannone's frustrations with the city, and his unsuccessful bids over more than six years to get assistance from the city to keep his Hacienda Boulevard dealership afloat.

The company has been getting by and has avoided massive layoffs by dipping into its reserve funds. But as the economy continues to tank, they need help. They've been asking the city to approve some sort of earn-out program, where the city would loan some of Ed Butts' sales tax revenue back to the dealership.

Ed Butts brings in about $300,000 annually to city coffers.

City officials, however, contend they just can't take the risk given the economy and the fact the Ed Butts Ford can't guarantee the city they will stick around.

"If every city felt that way about their businesses, their largest sales tax providers, they'd be folding right now," said Michael Hastings, a consultant to Iannone.

Ed Butts Ford is one of the few area Ford dealerships that haven't shuttered or moved amid a slumping automotive sales market. But that's not to say Ford Motor Co. hasn't tried - Tom Iannone said that on several occasions Ford has offered him "millions" of dollars to leave La Puente. He wouldn't specify how much exactly.

Iannone said he's shown proof of those offers to city officials before, in hopes they would take his commitment to the community seriously.

Councilman John Solis said he had never seen the offer, but was blunt about saying that
"Ed Butts is very dumb if Ford is offering them that kind of money to go near a freeway and they're not taking it. Their sales are down 30 percent."

Solis also blamed Ed Butts for being slow to come to the table on several occasions when negotiations were near finalization.

Iannnone said the city has "all the public's money tied up," and accused the city of turning its back on much of the business community in La Puente.

"They've closed their doors and walked away from the business owners," he said. "Not just me, a lot of us."

I covered Congressman David Dreier speaking at an Arcadia Chamber of Commerce event on Friday, just days after President Barack Obama signed a $838 billion stimulus plan and announced another $75 billion proposal to aid the slumping housing market.

Dreier had some interesting things to say about both plans, including his hopes that the housing bill would force homeowners to take on more accountability when they take out loans.

"We need to make sure people out there misstating their income levels to qualify, that needs to end," the San Dimas Republican said.

Dreier's harshest comments, however, were about the stimulus bill which he feared would not do much to boost the employment market or get the nation out of this recession. His biggest concerns: the $1.3 trillion in debt the nation will likely accrue after all is said in done, and fear of too much government control.

"Massively increasing government's the reach of government is not a good idea," he said.

Dreier said he didn't know if the stimulus package would actually create jobs, and he didn't know what if any impact it would have here locally in the San Gabriel Valley.

Apparently, nobody really knows just yet. It's an 1,110-page document and local pols are still analyzing it.

On a side note, Dreier told a funny story about Phelan, California, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County. Apparently, there was some debate there about what to name the local high school ... they didn't want to go with "Phelan High."

We've already seen some interesting campaign tactics and flyers out of Monterey Park City Council hopeful John "JB" Abajian.

They've included "Crutchman," Abajian's superhero alter ego who will "capture and punish" with his "paralyzing cruth-rays."

And they've also included this campaign flyer that features Abajian with horns, in commemoration with the Year of the Ox.

Now, we've got something else: Abajian's very own campaign theme song, "SOS" or "Stamp Out Shenanigans." Go ahead, take a listen. 

Meanwhile, reporter Amanda Baumfeld has this story about the council race. No surprise, one the biggest issues, she reports, is a controversial Athens Service trash hauling contract approved in 2002, which is currently under a city audit.

Abajian is going up against five other candidates hoping to win two seats: incumbents David Lau and Sharon Martinez, former Councilwoman Betty Tom Chu and residents Joe Ray Avila and Luis Estrada.

The Healthy Teens on the Move Advocacy Committee, also known has HEAC, has been doing a lot over the last few years to fight youth obesity in Baldwin Park.

The group, made up of area teens interested in living and promoting healthy life-styles, has been especially active in the last year, going before the Baldwin Park City Council pitching ideas and getting programs off the ground.

Their latest endeavor? Logos at several Baldwin Park markets that flag healthy food options, which comply with the state's standards for snacks and drinks in schools.

The "Healthy Selection" logos are currently being used at markets like La Blanquita, Mercado del Pueblo, El Mambi, J & J Liquor, Jay's Liquor, Vallarta, Smart & Final and 7-Eleven. They were designed by Baldwin Park high school students.

A recent study found Baldwin Park has the highest rates of youth obesity in suburban Los Angeles County.

After more than 20 years of serving Hacienda Heights, Industry, Valinda, La Puente, Bassett, Avocado Heights and north and south Whittier, KCAT Channel 3 is signing off.

The television station's board of directors voted about two weeks ago to shut the operation down.

As the local television access station in the area, KCAT covered a variety of events in the San Gabriel Valley including the Hacienda Heights 4th of July Parade, Concerts in the Park and the Industry Pro Rodeo.

We sent out a photographer Saturday night to shoot the last taping of Marty's Corner, one of many community-based programs taped at the station's Hacienda Heights location.

I haven't gotten the full scoop as to why the station is shutting its doors yet, but I suspect a slipping economy and little money for public broadcasting likely has something to do with it.

Look for a full story in next weekend's paper. In the meantime, here's some video from the show. One of the Tribune's reporters, Michelle Mills in the clip too:

Before I leave for the weekend, I just wanted to leave everyone with one very meaningful, sentimental and powerful message:

GO APPLE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SUNDEVILS!!

My alma mater is playing Charter Oak High School tonight in the second round of CIF Basketball playoffs after they creamed Cerritos Wednesday 90 to 76.

I was born and raised in Apple Valley and was the editor of my school newspaper there, The SunDial.

I was the sports editor there as a sophomore and I can remember that year covering an early CIF game when our boys team hit a buzzer beater to win the game. The crowd rushed the court and I shoved through to get a quote from the player who hit the game winning 3-pointer. I was so excited myself that I could hardly think of a question to ask, and as a young reporter mixed up in the furry I asked the question that many reporters often do in those situations (much to my chagrin now).

"How do you feel?"

Besides that, it was one of my favorite moments as a reporter in high school.

I hope for similar heroics tonight versus Charter Oak.

Azusa City Council candidate Paul Naccachian's photo in Friday's newspaper was a file photo we used of him from years back. At his request, Naccachian prefers if in the future we used a more updated photo. In compliance with that, here is Naccachian today.

Being that the Azusa City Council election story was a bit short, I wanted to give all you fans out there an encore of sorts - that is, if encores were longer than the original performance.

Here are some excerpts of what the candidates have said about the various issues:

Paul Naccachian

On the new mining proposal from Vulcan Materials:

"Vulcan (Materials) has to be a better neighbor. They need to come forward with a plan that makes sense to the community. I don't think what they are proposing is what the community would like to so."

"If the proposal includes moving the mining operation to the Duarte side, I am not in favor of that."

On eminent domain:

"I have said this is many communications with constituents. Eminent domain is an issue of last resort. I want to make sure that when we are doing that, we really have a development in place - not something that is a potential development."

On business:

"We need to be business friendly. I can't stress that enough. I know because I have done it. We need to become more receptive to new ideas. I think we haven't done a good job of that. We have to be open minded for different types of business. Show businesses that this is a potentially winning situation to invest dollars in Azusa."

"The question becomes an issue of retention. We need to have outreach and be more open minded to be able to serve the needs once (businesses) come in. We need to make sure they are having their needs met, such as parking.

On Target:

"Based on my information, Target is an iffy situation. Talking to community members in the city, some are dissatisfied, some are wanting Target to come. It is a good business and a good anchor and something we need for tax revenues. We need to look into the concerns of how much traffic it is going to create. I might question the location at which (the city) is going to build that structure in the downtown."

General statement:

My campaign is all about outreach to make sure every factor of the community is being well taken care of. I don't think that has been the case for quite some time. I am very familiar with the issues. The market of getting a grocery store in Azusa is top priority. I believe in Azusa and I am hopeful that a lot of things change. Hopeful that all the changes and progression we need can be competitive int he future."

Robert Gonzales

On the new mining proposal from Vulcan Materials:

Gonzales, as well as other incumbent Keith Hanks, have declined to take an official position on the proposal per request from the city attorney. But Gonzales had some thoughts on the issue.

"I am against proposed mining if there is not an environmental benefit to our city. I have to hear everything that is going to be put on the table."

On eminent domain:

"Eminent domain is a tool. Our council has not used it on anything residential. We use it when it is blighted, crime infested, and there is need for redevelopment. 95% of the time we don't even need to get to that. We are very aware of where we are with eminent domain. We aren't the big bad city taking land. There is a benefit for the residents as a whole."

On Target:

"With them coming in, they have been able to attract bigger, national brand names to the table."

On Business:

Answering a question about what businesses should the city bring in.

"It ranges from a shoe store, to a bicycle store, to a stationary store. We listen to the residents and continue to do that. There is no preference to take.

On development:

"Of course, we always wonder if we put too much on our plate. Our philosophy is to have follow through and see what we have on the table before we have anything new. Construction costs are down. Now is the time to do those types of things. We should do things now. Price of concrete is down. Now is the time to build. When the economy resets, we will be built for the market."

General Statement:

"Fortunately, we have handled a lot of quality of life issues. We have done a very good job with street sweeping, and public safety is a key element. I am always looking to find ways to better protect. I don't feel there are any significant issues rather than completing the projects we are working on now. Quality of life issues are always key to us. We have the best parks in the valley, but always want to improve on those."

Edward Alvarez:

On the new mining proposal from Vulcan Materials:

"I think most of the people are against expansion of course. It raises a lot of concerns. A lot of residents definitely don't want them to expand. As far as the expansion goes, I have always been against it."

On Eminent Domain:

"The thing with eminent domain, I have never been a big fan. You can only use as a measure of last resort. But that is an important corner because it is the entrance to our city. But it has to be used as a measure of last resort. I feel like they need to continue with negotiations first."

On Business:

"Right now, the recession, of course, is hitting a lot of businesses. We have to work on retaining the businesses we have. Meet with business owners to make sure there needs are being met."

"I think we need to get a move on with improving the downtown. With Target coming, we need to use it as a tool to attract new businesses. Other businesses are going to look at that and that is what they want."

On development:

"We do need to continue with development. I know we are in a recession, but development doesn't have to come to a standstill. There are a lot of businesses still willing to expand right now."

Keith Hanks

On the new mining proposal from Vulcan Materials:

Hanks was also instructed not to take an official position on the proposal. But Hanks is looking forward to lengthy and healthy debate and discussion on the subject. Some of his major areas of concern are how the mining may affect dust movement and air quality as well as the legal ramifications of either accepting the proposal or denying it.

On Eminent Domain:

"It really is tough to go to somebody and say 'I am going to take that property.' It requires us to justly compensate. We are not going to come in ... and squash you. Often we take these things to court for (the businesses) protection. Let a jury decide what they are owed."

"It is a tool. A legitimate tool."

On Business:

"One of the things everyone says is they want to attract business. But how are you going to make it happen? And it is tough. We have talked to every super market around. The best place to go is the International Council of Shopping Centers."

Hanks attended the group's conference and was in awe at its size. With Target, he believes Azusa can attract business and that much desired grocery store the city wants.

On Electrical Rates (a passion for Hanks)

Hanks foresees a 26% increase in electricity prices for consumers when the city switches over to meet new renewable energy standards. Gas and wind are much more costly than coal, Hanks said. But Hanks is looking at a way to use a waste product of coal in a new form of cement. If successful, Hanks believes the city can get credits on their energy use and keep prices down.

General Statement:

"I just want to handle things. There are more things than any one person can handle. I just want to focus on Target, the Goldline [Hanks sits on the Goldline committee] and keeping our electrical rates low."

Nick Rosales

On Vulcan:

"I would hold Vulcan to that original contract. Not a new modified agreement. As far as the new, no, I wouldn't want it. I would vote no on Vulcan."

On eminent domain:

"I see a much more proactive way of dealing with eminent domain. We have a situation there, where a furniture company is there for almost 40 years. They voted overwhelming to evict them. Eminent domain should not be used to destroy people's life long dream and hope and inspiration. That deal was done inappropriately. It was strong armed. They don't have to use hard ended tactics to get the end result. There has to be a better way of negotiating with owners."

On business:

"(The city) has been less than business friendly. We have existing businesses that need assistance. Il Forno is a new restaurant for the past 3 years and the city attracted them, gave them money. That's great, that is nice. Came back last year for more money to get liquor license or they threatened to close. City gave (them more money). But there are other businesses that don't ask for hand outs, work hard and don't get assistance and they may have a more attractive business and menu."

"We need to look at existing businesses that have been here long term and assist them."

Rosales also said the city tends to play favorites.

"America has a history of that"

On Target:
"
It is going to make that particular part of town more heavily trafficked. It is going to be the main attraction."

General Statement:

"This is a working class community and we have got to reflect that. We need variety. We need more service businesses, like tax services, mortgage service businesses, we need a florist, health food services. A combination of chains, and mom and pop stores."

Budgets, budgets and more budgets.

I know we all feel a bit inundated with budgets with the state just now getting their act together and voting on the state budget. (As a side note: if you had a job, and you were say, late on a big part of your job... really late .... in these touch economic times how long do you think it would be before your employer decided to make a round of cuts including you?)

Anyway, despite the fact that most don't even want to hear the word budget again, Azusa has called a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday to do the mid-year budget review. The meeting is at the Azusa Light and Water Conference Room, 729 North Azusa Avenue, Azusa.

As we will have a short story coming out tomorrow on the city council election in Azusa, it is important to note that there is more than just the city council to vote for on March 3.

There are also races for city treasurer and city clerk up for grabs.

Both incumbents are facing challengers in each race.

City Clerk:
Vera Mendoza, incumbent
Ar Morales, military veteran

City Treasurer:
Arthur Vasquez, Jr., accountant
Marcene Hamilton, certified public accountant and incumbent

Bassett Unified School District Superintendent Robert Watanabe was at the state Capitol last week as part of the "Save Our Schools" event.

About 20 county superintendents went and stood on the steps of the Capitol to protest budget cuts to education.

"it is time for you to stop concentrating on being right -- it is time for you to get it right," Watanabe said.

The district will actually be holding a town hall meeting on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Torch Middle School in Industry to discuss the budget and how it will affect Bassett.

Support for Octomom may be rare, but a high-profile attorney is stepping in with some help.

Gloria Allred is set to host a press conference at 11:30 a.m. today to unveil a proposal to provide the medical and emotional needs of Nadya Suleman's 14 children -- without any taxpayer money.

Reports that Suleman, of Whittier, is receiving financial assistance to care for her children -- all born through in-vitro fertilization -- has sparked outrage in the public domain.

The usual gifts of diapers, baby food and other baby items afforded to other moms with multiple births are absent in Suleman's case. And even the Diamond Bar church and public relations firm that once offered help to Suleman are keeping their distance.

It will be interesting to see where Allred's plan goes ....

Like I said in an earlier post, the run-up to the March 3 election will be filled with stories from our paper on the local races.

Today's paper featured the San Gabriel City Council election, which has four candidates running for three open seats, Robert Hong reports.

The candidates are:
Mayor Harry Baldwin, incumbent
Kevin Sawkins, incumbent
David Gutierrez, incumbent
Mario De la Torre, resident

According to Hong's story, the major issues seem to be infrastructure improvements, revitalization of the historic Mission District and other capital improvement projects.

Now that the state budget and the stimulus plan have passed, it'll be interesting to see how local officials intend to grab available funds.

We've got a budget ... under certain conditions, but we've got one.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.(AP)-- The California Legislature passed a
long-awaited budget early Thursday after an epic battle that involved several
all-night sessions, sending the governor a package of bills that raise taxes and cut
spending to help close a $42 billion deficit.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, praised the bill, passed by the
Democratic-controlled Senate and Assembly. He came out of his office after the
budget vote and disconnected a large deficit clock counting the number of days -- 106
as of Thursday -- that the Legislature had failed to act since he declared a special
session to deal with the state's fiscal problems.

"I'm absolutely delighted about the budget passing," Schwarzenegger said outside his
office.

*********

Senate leaders secured the final vote needed from moderate Republican Abel Maldonado in late-night negotiations by agreeing to his demands for election changes,
government reform and removal of a gas tax increase, giving them the two-thirds vote
needed to pass the package.

We haven't heard from any local pols yet, but I'm sure we'll be hearing from them throughout the day.

Some additional notes on Glendora's City Council election and some recap:

Each council candidate has seemingly put the budget and the economic crisis as the major issues for this election.

Joseph Tweini wants to initiate an immediate hiring freeze, salary freeze, promotion freeze, and explore cutting bonuses.

Mayor Karen Davis wants to avoid layoffs, but "golden handshakes" are definitely on the table.

Kristen Parisi wants no one department to bear the whole burden, but instead wants it shared.

Gene Murabito wants to look at group purchasing agreements. Attack revenue streams before cut services.

In terms of business, all of them say they want to help business stay strong in Glendora.

Murabito feels the city is already "built up" and the building boom the city has seen over the last 8 years or so will begin to slow down. With that, the focus should be on attracting consumers to area businesses.

Davis points to Route 66 as one area that still could use some work, as well as building to prepare for the future Gold Line.

Tweini is all about the Gold Line. The project will "revitalize" the downtown area, in his words. People will commute to Glendora just to shop and eat, he said.

Parisi thinks the city's efforts to help business should be more broad as some areas and businesses get more positive attention than others.

And on the issue of the often 5-0 vote council (which I think is an interesting):

Parisi doesn't think it is healthy. Many of those who speak at the public comment time during council meetings, often chastising the council, support Parisi. She wants to add some perspective to the council.

Tweini, who isn't very critical of the council, still believes they are often guilty of "groupthink".

Davis says "Having a 3-2 vote doesn't make a point more than a 5-0." As long as there is healthy discussion, it is good for the community, she says. Also, each council members various background adds to the dynamic.

Murabito has said he has voted differently than the council on some of his Planning Commission votes, but still supports the council. His opinions are similar to that of Davis on the issue.

Some interesting quotes:

"When I hear the word cut, I hear the word eliminate and that is not what I want to do. Would I be willing to reduce a service from 8 hours to 6? Certainly. My fear is when we eliminate a service it is always difficult to bring it back."
Gene Murabito

In response to a question about the often contentious public comment portion of City Council meetings, Davis had this to say:

"I think that comes with the job. When we agreed to put ourselves in public service, with that comes the good and bad. We have to be willing to listen to people's input even when sometimes you may not particularly like it."

"We need some balance on the council. Some common folk. I don't think Glendorans are all one mind"
Parisi

"It is on us to come up with a different approach. We can improve in that area."
Tweini

News of layoffs within the El Monte Police Department is traveling fast.

I've already spotted coverage of a protest at City Hall Tuesday night on two news stations, and our own Rebecca Kimitch is working on an in-depth story on the issue for tomorrow's paper.

In the meanwhile, here's the news we have so far: We've been reporting for some time now that El Monte police fear they could lose as many as 17 officers if the city can't figure out another way to reduce the budget and deal with a growing multi-million dollar deficit.

Last night, the El Monte Police Officers Association asked instead that the city cut police salaries by 10 percent to avoid layoffs.

Apparently, the deal is being discussed. Layoffs, pay raises and hiring freezes at police departments is always a touchy issue, with law enforcement agencies often arguing that low benefits and a reduced force can lead to decreased public safety.

What do you think? Should the city layoff officers, or will a 10 percent pay cut suffice?

So it looks like the city manager search in La Puente is really on hold, since interim city manager Frank Tripepi is going to stay on with the city through the end of the fiscal year.

Mayor Louie Lujan said the post is still open, but the city hasn't received anymore applications since the first round of applications came in a few months back.

There are two finalists who are still technically in the running for the job (a third dropped out in the middle of the process). But since Tripepi is staying on, everyone is sort of waiting.

"The plan is to run through the budgeted amount through the fiscal year, and when we are approaching the amount we have budgeted for Frank, a couple of months before that I plan on holding a series of special meetings to determine what the council wants to do," Lujan said.

Because of the way things have been running at City Hall since Tripepi came on, Lujan said there is no concern about not having a permanent, full-time city manager on board.

While Keith Hanks is running for reelection this March on the Azusa City Council, he is also hoping for another election in the coming weeks.

Hanks sits on the board for the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension that is now chaired by La Verne Mayor Jon Blickenstaff. Blickenstaff is leaving the La Verne council at the end of his term this year.

When the board is restructured, Hanks has his fingers crossed in hopes of becoming the new chair, or at least the vice chair, told me today (Wednesday).

I can't say I would blame the board for the decision. Hanks has a firm grasp on engineering and transportation issues. The man just gets excited about things like this and you always want that out of a representative.

In terms of engineering, I would probably be described as a novice and I would take that as a compliment.

But when Hanks, who works in the public works department for the city of Los Angeles and focuses on sewer systems, was explaining to me different parts of how sewers work, not only was it interesting, but I understood.

It takes someone who really knows what they are talking about to not only taking something like how sewers work and make it interesting, but to also allow a Lehman like myself to understand the basics of some complex issues.

Now that Barack Obama's stimulus plan has been signed into law, we may be seeing more and more cities signing on -- or reinstating -- contracts with lobbyists.

La Puente is one example: they recently approved a contract with Joe A. Gonsalves and Son for lobbying services through the end of the fiscal year at $3,000 a month. Officials say the service will help ensure La Puente's stake in stimulus money.

Joe A. Gonsalves and Son is one of the biggest lobbying firms in California, with a long list of San Gabriel Valley clients including, Irwindale, Industry, Diamond Bar, Glendora, Arcadia, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the San Gabriel Valley Water Association. They also represent the Willdan Group of Companies, parent company of Willdan Financial Services -- of which La Puente interim city manager Frank Tripepi is CEO and president.

This story I wrote for Tuesday's paper basically breaks down the debate on lobbyists: some argue they are a waste of money, while others argue lobbyists do work that local legislators can't always do.

Obviously, some SGV cities see the need because their paying big bucks for the service. For example, in 2005, state records show Industry paid $52,000 to Joe A. Gonsalves and Son, and Irwindale paid $57,200.

That's what a group of Montebello residents are hoping for. They recently filed recall papers against the two City Council members -- Kathy Salazar and Robert Urteaga -- based on a laundry list of grievances.

For Salazar, there's allegations of money laundering, ethical misconduct and supporting special interests.

For Urteaga, there's allegations of lying to the public and also supporting special interests.
Amanda Baumfeld wrote a story in today's paper detailing the recall effort and a DA review into Salazar.

Recall supporters will be out at a rally today at 4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, 1600 Beverly Blvd.

Just got done talking to Councilman Keith Hanks and got the 411 on the new Azusa Target.

Word on the street was the development was suddenly in doubt, possibly on its way to being scratched. Most of the sources on this aren't exactly trustworthy, but the fear exists and has been perpetrated nonetheless.

Hanks informed me, as City Manager Fran Delach did the same at last night's council meeting, that the project's start date has been delayed. But at the same time, the completion date and opening date remains the same, Hanks said.

"We hoped to close escrow the first of the year, but then the economy melted down," Hanks said.

It was probably Target just taking necessary precautions and waiting a bit longer on the economy before pushing the project forward, Hanks said. Even with that, he had no fears of the project coming to fruition.

It's a good thing Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, didn't have to sleep in the state Capitol last night, like he and other lawmakers did on Valentine's day in their failed effort to put together a budget.

The former Chino Hills councilman was at his Sacramento apartment Monday night when he heard a crash outside and ran downstairs to find a car had crashed into a parked truck. He saved the driver, later found to be drunk, and his passenger before the car exploded.

Read about it here:

Looking over Azusa's city council meeting agenda, and they plan on voting to support the Highway 39 Caltrans construction project I wrote about here.

The process for a project is still in its early stages. Caltrans is hopeful they can get the project done by 2013.

Also, the city is voting to approve the purchases of two more properties in a neighborhood in its efforts to create a low-income housing project.

I previously wrote about that project here. Besides the purchase of two more properties, it appears they are still negotiating for at least one more that is listed on the agenda.

Residents don't seem pleased about the housing project, but do admit the neighborhood could use some fixing up.

So I got an e-mail on Thursday from a friend for Carlos Illingworth who intends to run for the Montebello Unified School District Board of Education.

The e-mail was an invitation to attend "Carlos Illingworth's Poker Tournament Campaign Fundraiser." It was sent from Jessica Mihal, who said she is IIllingworth's friend.

Then on Friday (the next day) I got this e-mail from Mihal saying the tournament is canceled:

"Who knew - but apparently it is not legal to have a gambling tournament as a political fundraiser... :( "

Illingworth may want to rethink who he puts in-charge of his political fundraisers.

This isn't politics, but I couldn't resist writing about it.

It was pretty cool, not to mentioned surprising, when I happened to call a famous, and somewhat well known, movie director when calling various little leagues for this story.

When I first looked at Pasadena Southwestern's little league website, I saw the presidents name and thought it looked familiar: D.J. Caruso.

I, by own definition, consider myself a movie buff. I haven't been as involved in recent years, but it wasn't too long ago that I could tell you the best movies to see from American, Korean, Polish and French filmmakers.

So, when I noticed a name that was familiar, I did what any sane person would do - I Googled it. When Caruso's name came up as the director of Eagle Eye, Disturbia - and most notably for me - The Salton Sea, I was skeptical. What are the odds that a president of a local little league was also a director of films that have grossed more than $100 million.

I talked it over with fellow Tribune reporter Rebecca Kimitch and we both agreed the scenario was unlikely. But still, I promised I would ask.

During the interview about his little league program, I decided I wasn't sure if I wanted to ask. The guy probably gets that all the time and I didn't want to annoy him.

But I went through with it, although somewhat backhanded. I asked what he did for a living, and then he responded, without much pressure but with a laugh "I actually direct movies."

My voice jolted.

"I knew it!"

This is a man who is buddies with Steven Spielberg, has directed Val Kilmer, Shia Lebouf and "The Shield" and I just happened to talk to him for a story about local little leagues hitting hard times. Crazy coincidence.

He said he gets that all that time. In fact, sometimes people come up to him and say "You know, you have the same name as a movie director." And not knowing they are one in the same, Caruso just lets them carry on. "Ya, I get that all the time," he says.

When I asked him how he ended up the president of the board for Pasadena Southwestern, I expected...well I didn't know what to expect but I half expected it to be something elaborate or out of the ordinary.

Instead, it was very similar to any dad or mom's story. He has five kids, all going through the little league at one time or another and he had helped out as a coach or volunteer over the years.

One year, he took a board position looking over the maintenance of the fields, something he said he was interested in.

This year they asked him to be president and since he is in-between movies, he decided to do it. He felt grateful to the league for all they had done for his family and wanted to give back.

Sometimes this job has some pretty cool surprises.

The March 3 election is slowly creeping up on us, and our papers are planning on to begin our ongoing coverage this week.

We'll have stories on all the local races: who is running, why they are running and what the issues are. Some campaign finance stories will likely also be thrown into the mix.

Until then, here's an easy way to find out who is running in your city:

The Los Angeles County smart voter guide. Just click on the link and find your city. It'll give you the race, the candidates and their listed occupation.

Happy voting.

Nothing gets by these guys....

I noticed this on the homepage of the La Puente city Web site:

Scam Alert: No Fee Necessary for Prop 8 Review

Various private companies are sending mailings to property owners offering their services in pursuing a reduction in property taxes. These companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file a "Decline in Value Reassessment Application" on behalf of the property owner. These official looking letters could mislead people into believing they are from the County and convince homeowners to pay for a Prop. 8 review when the Assessor will be doing this FOR FREE!

In honor of our late, great commander-in-chiefs, the cable news network C-SPAN had a group of historians come up with rankings for all of the nation's presidents.

Who was No. 1? Abraham Lincoln followed by George Washington.

Former President George W. Bush was ranked 36th.

For the full list, click here....

Leftovers.....

It seems budget issues must not be such a grave concern in South El Monte.

So it's now Monday, and the state budget hasn't been approved. Despite a record 30 hours in session, lawmakers were shy just one Republican vote of getting the $14-million tax measure meant to close the state's billion dollar deficit passed.

The hang-up is likely going to spill over into this morning's legislative session, which will convene at 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, here's what some of our local pols have to say about this past weekend's fervor to get the budget passed:

"We were just trying to show those who have expressed some interest that this package of reforms is the right away to go, and we have to act now... to show them how important it is to get something now, to get ourselves out of this short-term financial crisis."

- Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Claremont

"Is there something good enough for have Repulbicans to go (thumbs) up on taxes? Well it's a sliding scale. Have I seen anything, no. Has anyone else, I don't know. There are some Republicans that have a long list, say 'if you did this this this, I could support it.' But those conditions require a full blown debate that is not going to happen tonight."

- Sen. Bob Huff, R-Glendora

"It could have been viewed as a waste of time. We used it as a chance to get to know each other."

- Assemblyman Mike Eng, D-El Monte, on lawmakers spending most of the night in their chairs

"We are committed to the package, we are committed to an early budget. On Wednesday there are another 700 (construction) projects that would be stopped if we don't have a budget."

- Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello

Tensions seem to be running high in Walnut, where newly-inducted Mayor Mary Su and Councilwoman Nancy Tragarz (to the left, to the left) have been targeted for a recall effort.

The two, along with councilmen Tom King and Antonio Cartagena, held a press conference Saturday morning disputing claims that Tragarz and Su haven't done enough to oppose the proposed NFL stadium in neighboring Industry.

Reporter Brian Day attended the press conference and said the first thing he got from Tragarz was a written statement, and a typed, two-page list of all the documented action she's taken on the stadium. Gotta give her props for being prepared.

Here's some of things she wrote on her list:

Sept 11: attended presentation at Senior Center until 10:30 to hear residents concerns

Oct 6-7: Receive approx 100-200 emails on stadium including alleged Brown Act violations

Oct 7-8: Researched law on Brown Act

Nov. 2-3: spent over 5 hours interviewing Task Force applicants

Jan: sent out additional 11 letters to Railroad, School Board, etc. enclosing resolution and asking for their support

Jan. 31: I attended Rally against the stadium

One interesting tidbit about Saturday's meeting: Councilman and former Mayor Joaquin Lim wasn't there. He told Day he wasn't invited, and wouldn't really give an opinion on the recall. Do I smell a rift coming on?

With all the talk about day laborers and illegal street vendors in Baldwin Park, I hope these guys -- who were selling funnel cake and smoothies in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Friday -- had a permit.

You might remember Councilman Anthony Bejarano's attempt a few weeks back to bring a controversial ordinance back to the table amid continued complaints of day laborers at the Home Depot shopping center, and other illegal vendors in parking lots across Baldwin Park. The ordinance would have banned such practices in parking lots.

But the bid wasn't very successful -- most of Bejarano's colleagues on the dais weren't very responsive. Bejarano argues the issue must be dealt with eventually.

What a way to spend Valentine's Day....

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- California lawmakers began debating Saturday night whether to raise billions in taxes and cut billions more from education and other programs to close the state's $42 billion budget deficit.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, said the budget-balancing plan would
provide a "stable framework" to erase the state's red ink.

"It helps stop the bleeding," she said. "It infuses more cash into the system and
it buys us time to work together to find ways to spur the economy.... None of us
came here wanting to cast these type of votes, but this is an emergency."

That piece of news moved about 8:45 p.m. Sources tell me at this late in the day, a vote may not come until after midnight - that is, if they don't deadlock (joke?). 

The clock is ticking, and despite reports that the state budget might be passed today, it looks like it's may take longer than we thought.

As of 7:30 p.m., media outlets at the Capitol were still waiting on the Legislature to begin debating the budget-balancing package, which means a vote could be hours away.

Meanwhile, Republican Assemblyman Chuck DeVore from Irvine announced Saturday he's resigning his leadership post because of proposed tax increases in the bill.

State employees could be getting a break in the number of furlough days they're required to take each month, the Associated Press reports:

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- California's largest state employee union has reached a tentative agreement with the Schwarzenegger administration to cut the number of days its workers are furloughed to one a month.

That's half the two unpaid leave days a month ordered by Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger. Unions say two days of furloughs amount to a 9.2 percent salary
cut.

Service Employees International Union Local 1000 would give up Lincoln's Birthday
and Columbus Day as paid holidays under the tentative pact reached Saturday. The
union's members would get two floating holidays instead, but the arrangement would
cut the state's overtime costs.

Most employees would get no raises, but they'd be protected from mass layoffs.

The agreement must still be ratified by the union and Legislature. It would cover
95,000 state employees through June 30, 2010.

Wow, those state employee furloughs are really taking their toll, just take a look at this California Highway Patrol log detailing an accident from earlier today:

1:53PM 82-S6 REQ SIGALERT FOR UNK DURATION - #4 LN AND FLORENCE OFR CLOSED DUE TO FUEL SPILL AND TRYING TO LOCATE A NON-FURLOUGHED CALTRANS CREW

Earlier logs show CHP attempting to get LA County fire hazmat crews to clean it up, but it was beyond their capacity:

1:49PM 82-72 - ADVS 82-S6 THAT LACOFD ADVSING THE SCOPE OF THE SPILL IS BEYOND LACOFD ABILITY TO HANDLE - WILL NEED CALTRANS - 82-S6 COPIES
1:41PM THIS CREW IS ON FURLOUGH WILL FIRE BE ABLE TO HANDLE?
1:38PM 82-72 ADVSING LACOFD ADVSING THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUT IN #4 LN - OIL HAS HIT THE STORM DRAIN - LACOFD IS RESPONDING THEIR HAZMAT TEAM
1:34PM 82-72 ADVSING SPILL IN #4 LN FM S/O CLARA TO FLORENCE - WILL BEEN TO BE CONED OFF FOR CLEAN UP
1:30PM 82-72 ADVSING LACOFD IS 1097
1:26PM 82-72 WILL BE BLKING #4 LN - 1023ING FOR CALTRANS
1:23PM PER 82-72 APX 15 GALLONS OF FUEL IN #4 LN - REQ ETA OF CALTRANS CREW W/ SAND

Have you ever paid $426 to watch the Angels play?

Montebello City Administrator Richard Torres has --- well, sort of.

Torres has been fined $426 by the Fair Political Practices Commission for accepting 12 free tickets on three separate occasions from City Attorney Marco Martinez in 2005, Amanda Baumfeld reports.

Torres summed up the fine to a goof: he reported all the gifts, but just didn't know there was an imposed limit on the value of the gifts at that time. The tickets were valued at $516, exceeding the 2005 FPPC gift limit by $156.

Apparently, some of the tickets were for the Diamond Club, which seats fans behind home plate.

Angels' tickets range anywhere from like $10 to as much as $80.

  That's right, Glendora City Council hopeful Brian Pagac is no more --- the news of his campaign's termination and candidate withdrawal came via a moderator on Wednesday at a candidate's forum, Daniel Tedford reports.

That leaves Glendora Planning Commissioner Gene Murabito, Mayor Karen Davis, Kristin Parisi, and Yousef "Joseph" Tweini vying for two open council seats.

I guess Pagac couldn't make it to the forum to make the announcement himself.

The Durango Plaza shopping center in the 15700 block of Amar Road keeps getting hit with alleged arson fires, and authorities aren't saying why.

Between Jan. 13 and Jan. 18, the strip mall was hit by arsonists four times. Then on Thursday, another fire was set, according to police.

Officials aren't saying why this particular business is being targeted.

I wonder how businesses in the strip mall are coping? I'm sure they're already seeing decreased sales because of the economy and now this....

Mary Su was sworn in Wednesday as Walnut's first female Chinese-American mayor, Bethania Palma Markus reports today.

The change in leadership between former Mayor Joaquin Lim and Sun couldn't have come at a more contentious time -- Walnut is putting up its gloves in a heated battle against Ed Roski Jr.'s proposed NFL stadium in Industry.

The project cleared a major hurdle Thursday, getting approval from the Industry Planning Commission.

In recent weeks, we've heard a lot of speculation from angry residents who argued Lim wasn't doing enough to fight the planned 75,000-square-foot stadium.

But it seems Su's commitment is being questsioned as well: recall papers have been filed against her and Councilwoman Nancy Tragarz for the same reason.

Again, I apologize for the lack of posts. Not only was I called for jury duty, I actually got selected to serve on the jury. I'll be playing catch up today.

That was...um...nice?

Given the nature of some of Glendora's City Council meetings - often filled with contentious public comment sections - I half expected some fireworks from the candidates forum last night.

But it was, mostly, a cordial affair. Candidates responded to the question, there were no side swipes, character assassinations, or major flare ups. In fact, apart from a few moments, most candidates didn't address any of their counterparts negatively.

While some of the questions bordered on stuff you would see at a high school election debate, most centered on issues of concern.

I don't know if I would go as far as to call it refreshing, but it was a healthy departure from previous city council elections I have covered that have centered on personal attacks.

As far as the forum itself, each candidate seemed to represent themselves well. "Joseph" Tweini had some trouble with staying within the time constraints. His slow, methodical speech and often use (overuse?) of his notepad got him cut off and ended some of his statements prematurely. He also had some trouble hearing the questions at times due to an echo on his side of the stage, he said.

Karen Davis, as expected being a pastor and incumbent Mayor, seemed to have the best command while talking. She also was one of the only ones to crack some jokes the audience enjoyed.

Parisi did the best in terms of separating herself from the current council and the often agreement between the candidates. Some of the people I was sitting near really liked it when she talked about "adding alternate perspectives and opinions" to the council.

Murabito really seemed at home talking about the budget and money issues. He should, considering he owns a business, is an accountant and teaches accounting.

Apparently, Joann Killeen -- who is handling publicity for octuplet mom Nadya Suleman -- has also done public relations work for Union Pacific Railroad. (Follow the L.A. Observed post to LA Daily -- it's interesting)

Small world, I guess.

I guess budget issues must not be a grave concern in South El Monte.

While the rest of the country grapples with an economic downturn that's forced layoffs, company closures and other cost-cutting efforts, the South El Monte City Council has approved a 10 percent raise for itself.

Ben Baeder reports today that the council will now be paid $771 a month instead of $701, or an additional $840 a year per council member.

City officials say South El Monte's budget is balanced, and the raises take into account annual 5 percent increases dating back to 2007.

Judging from the number of e-mails and calls I get about the nomination of Rep. Hilda Solis as labor secretary, I know that many of you are closely following the issue.

And it seems that Solis may finally be getting a little bit closer to filling the seat.

Her nomination was cleared Wednesday by a vote of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Now, her bid will go before the full Senate for a final vote. Reports confirm it will likely happen this week.

Rebecca Kimitch reports today that the infamous foundry, Gregg Industries, is closing in May and laying off more than 200 employees in the process.

Apparently, the company is losing more than half a million dollars a month, and just can't afford to stay open anymore.

Of course, the closure brings mixed reactions from the public. El Monte Councilman Art Barrios told Kimitch the closure is "devastating." Others, however, may not be as sympathetic.

The foundry has been the target of complaints for years, with neighbors alleging that Gregg has failed to remedy odors and emissions coming from the plant, which sits on eight acres on Hickson Street.

I'm sure no one, though, is rejoicing at the idea of hundreds of job losses.

It's yet to be determined what will happen to the site once Gregg closes.

La Puente officials say interim Transition Manager Frank Tripepi will be cutting his hours -- and his salary for that matter -- in half come March 1.

Tripepi made a mention of the change at Tuesday's City Council meeting. La Puente Mayor Louie Lujan confirmed Wednesday that Tripepi will in fact be working 50 percent less, and Tripepi's company Willdan Financial Services will be paid roughly $10,000 a month instead of the $20,000 they've been getting.

"He has brought City Hall and the City Council to the point where he can reduce his hours," Lujan said, adding that the move will save money but not sacrifice quality.

Lujan said this will also allow the city to keep Tripepi on longer, but not go over budget.

That's why he's drafted legislation to "remove the incentives and loopholes in our current laws that encourage illegal aliens to come to the United States to live, work, and overstay their visas," says Congressman Gary Miller's press people.

Of course, H.R. 994 is appropriately named the Loophole Elimination and Verification Enforcement Act ---- a.k.a. the LEAVE Act.

Wonder who thought of that one?

Miller represents the 42nd District, which includes Diamond Bar, La Habra Heights, Rowland Heights and Whittier

A couple big events coming up in Glendora and Azusa.

Glendora will host its City Council Candidates forum Wednesday night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Glendora High School Event Center. You can find the flyer for the event here.

Also, Azusa will have its state of the city address Thursday at 7:30 a.m. More on that here. Cost is $20.

Speaking of...what is with charging to go to the state of the city address? Is it to keep the number of people in attendance down? It would seem they should have these in a place where as many city residents could show up and here what is going to be said. Lots of cities charge to see these things and I don't understand it. Times are tough and to think that most people will shell out $20 to hear a state of the city address is somewhat far fetched.

I was chatting with La Puente Mayor Louie Lujan recently and he informed that the City has decided to keep Frank Tripepi on through the end of the year essentially as La Puente's interim city manager.

"We're very confident and comfortable with his management style at City Hall," Lujan said. "In the meantime, the position is still open but at the same time we know Tripepi has agreed to stay on through end of the year."

Guess that means recent interviews for a permanent replacement didn't go as well as planned.

When I asked Lujan what Tripepi's salary would be, he said that's still being worked out. When a $20,000/monthly contract was approved with Tripepi's company Willdan Financial Services in October, Lujan reasoned that it gave the city about about five and half months of pay to Willdan without exceeding current budgeted costs.

Obviously, that's going to change since those five months are up about March.

I was driving through West Covina earlier and spotted carnival rides and games set up in the parking lot of the Westfield mall.

Talk about bad timing for an outdoor fair...

The Associated Press also wrote up this tidbit today on "little-known pay boosts" to aides in the state senate that are costing all of us taxpayers about $350,000 a year:

The practice surfaced after a Senate committee voted last month to stop adding employees
to the stipend program because the state faces a $42 billion budget shortfall.

Sixty-eight employees get up to $1,000 in monthly pay sweeteners. The money comes from
senators' office expense allowances.

The Senate does not disclose the stipends in public pay records. The list was obtained
by The Sacramento Bee after the paper received an anonymous tip.

Senate Secretary Greg Schmidt keeps few records about the program. He could not say how much money the state has paid in past years.

Senate leaders defend the program as necessary to retain key employees.

What I don't get is how Schmidt could keep only "few records" about such a costly program, especially in a time when California is facing such a massive deficit?

Ever heard of fiscal accountability?

Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor James Whitmore -- who was also the father of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore -- died Friday at his Malibu home.

Whitmore appeared in many films, including "The Asphalt Jungle," "Planet of the Apes" and "The Shawshank Redemption" (one of my most favorite movies).

He was 87.

Steve Whitmore was quoted in an Associated Press article that moved late Friday night:

"My father was a great man and it gives me great joy to speak about a father that always had my back," said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"He always said the most important thing in life was family. He loved his work, but he always saw it as a way to provide for the most important thing, and that's family."

Whittier reporter Ruby Gonzales has a story running in tomorrow's paper about a former Los Angeles County public works employee who pleaded no contest in January to stealing gas from county maintenance yards.

Between July 2 and Sept. 3, 2008, officials say Ralph Soto used a co-worker's account number to siphon off an estimated 1,000 gallons of gas at yards in Alhambra and East Los Angeles.

He also filled cans with gasoline, which he then sold.

Apparently, he was doing this at night and on weekends. He hasn't been an employee with the county since early December.

Soto will $5,087 in restitution to the county and serve 120 days in county jail.

Look for the full story tomorrow.

Industry officials closed escrow this morning on a $4 million, 40,000-square-foot warehouse they intend to lease long-term to the county for a $1 a year so the Industry sheriff's station can expand.

The vacant warehouse -- which is located across the street from the station -- has about 6,000 square feet of office space.

Industry Mayor Dave Perez said city officials will likely go down to the county next week to draw up an agreement. The plan is to have the county do some minor renovations inside, and then the Industry sheriff's can incrementally move over units from their older facility to the warehouse.

Apparently, conditions are so cramped at the Industry station that deputies are changing into their uniforms in the parking lot, Perez said.

I hope they're hiding behind their patrol cars.......

State Department of Motor Vehicles employees are not taking their forced two-day-a-month furlough lightly.

Today was the first day of the governor's implemented furlough plan, which is shutting down DMV offices in California every first and third Friday of the month for the next 18 months.

Employees took the streets with rallies, protesting the measure at the DMV's Los Angeles and Whittier field offices today.

Meanwhile, customers at several local DMV locations showed up today expecting to serviced. Instead, they were welcomed with dimmed lights, locked doors and signs announcing the closures.

As reported in the DMV story we ran in our paper today, the California Employment Development Department office in West Covina was also scheduled to be closed every first and third Friday, but they got word earlier this week they would remain open.

That isn't saving employees from furloughs though --- they still have to take two unpaid days off each month. Over the course of 18 months, that equates to a 10 percent pay cut.

Hilda Solis couldn't have run into more snags as she makes her way to the labor secretary seat. USA Today ran a story earlier this week about Solis' husband, who just recently paid some outstanding tax liens on his auto repair shop.

Problem is, some of the liens were as old as 16 years.

We had a story about it buried in today's paper. Here's a link to the USA Today piece. 

Also, FYI, Solis' confirmation vote has been postponed, again. 

I know you've all probably heard about this already on the news, but Sierra Madre is experiencing mudslides due the rains today.

We had reporter out there earlier, and will be keeping an eye out all weekend for more slides.

In the meantime, the city is on Yellow Flag Alert.

West Covina employee Chris Freeland, who has served as assistant to the city manager, was recently promoted as Deputy City Manager.

Hey, Baldwin Park residents: Good news. The city of Irwindale extended the length of time for you to get your comments in there about your concerns of the proposed Materials Recycling Facility at Live Oak and Arrow Highway.

This is the facility, remember, that Baldwin Park residents are against because they believe it will bring with it lots of traffic, odor and noise. It is being proposed by Athens Services in the city of Irwindale.

You have until Feb. 13 to get your comments in, according to the city's Web site.

To fax your comments, dial (626)962-2018.
To call planner Paula Kelly, call (626)430-2209.
To email your concerns, use paulakelly@ci.irwindale.ca.us

All of us are feeling the strains of the weak economy, and the National League of Cities reports that nationwide, so are cities. Of the 156 cities that responded to the league's survey, 83 percent said they had spending cuts this year, and 80 percent said they anticipate spending cuts next year.

Here's what they cut to save money:

• Hiring freeze and/or layoffs     69%
  Delay, cancellation of capital infrastructure projects    42%
  Across the board service cuts     22%
  Cancelling libraries, parks, events, etc.    20 %
  Reworking employee health care plans    14%
  Public safety    6 %
  Reworking employee/retiree pension plans    4%
  Human/social services    3 %
  Other    17%

And how are they raising revenues?

• Raising property taxes   14%
• Raising sales tax   6%
• Raising income tax     0%
• Raise or institute new fees    49%

Locally, SGV cities have taken some of these approaches, both in cuts and raising money. El Monte and West Covina, for example, instituted across the board cuts, and Irwindale City Manager Robert Griego is recommended to his council they consider the same.

I apologize for the lag in posts. I've been at jury duty the past two days. The highlight of the experience so far has been listening to the different excuses people give to try to get out of serving -- even before they step foot in the courtroom.

No, no one has pulled a Larry David. Yet.

So far, my favorites the past couple of days was when one man told the clerk, "My English is not that good," to which the clerk responded, "Sir, you've been living here since you were 21 and worked at a restaurant that serves mostly English speakers." And, "I have a medical condition: I am old," to which the clerk replied, "Ma'am, being old is not a medical condition." Neither were excused.

Another point of interest is what people do to kill time when not in court. At the Alhambra Courthouse, the jurors have a sweet set up. There are a few TVs, lots of puzzles, games like Yahtzee (I'm still working up the nerve to ask people if they want to play a game with me), five computers with Internet access, lots of books, plenty of couches and a couple of vending machines.

One observation: I have never seen so many adults eat bags of Cheetos before noon.

It started as a mere $400,000 budget deficit in El Monte.

Then it ballooned to $4 million. But after a series of cuts, the city was able to bring that number down to $1 million.

Now, that deficit has skyrocketed again, because of a $2 million dip in sales-tax revenues. Reporter Rebecca Kimitch chronicles the financial troubles in a story in today's paper.

According to Kimitch, the city now needs to "shave an additional $3 million in costs" from its already cash-strapped buget. El Monte Police Officers Association President Brian Glick said the city plans on laying off 14 to 17 officers.

Other workers might get caugt up in the storm, too.

The city of El Monte has declined to fulfill my second records request asking for Mayor Ernie Gutierrez' arrest report from last year.

Citing all sorts of legal jargon, basically, the city is arguing that they are exempt from giving up the report because it was used for law enforcement purposes. All they have to give to me is the basics: the who, what, when, where, why of the arrest ---- which they did the first time around.

Here's their most recent correspondence to me: Chatila_1-3-09_letter_re_Gutierrez_PRR.pdf

I get that they don't have to give us the report, but in this case - since the investigation is closed - why not?

I'm just saying....

Covina City Council hopeful Rosie Fabian is trying to rock the youth vote. And what better way to do it then by letting them democratically chose what to watch when she hosts movie night next week.

Fabian along with two other council candidates came in Tuesday to have a meeting with our editorial board. She's apparently trying to engage young voters in Covina.

"I have prepared to assume the role of a Councilwomen by becoming heavily involved in public policy issues in the San Gabriel Valley through my responsibilities as the President of the League of Women Voters of the area. I am keenly aware of the issues that come before the Council and have often contemplated on how I vote on agenda items as the discussion takes place."

Here's her flyer for movie night next Thursday.

In case you were wondering, the district attorney's office has not taken any action yet on a case filed with them by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department against former deputy Joseph Dyer.

Dyer is accused of taking $500,000 from the city of La Puente in towing fees. His attorney has denied the allegations against Dyer.

It's been about a month since the DA got the case now.....

MONTEBELLO - At a recent meeting, the City Council approved issuing a tax allocation bond to finance projects in the Montebello Hills Redevelopment Project Area.

The area is in the northern part of the city, past Lincoln Avenue, and includes the Montebello Town Center.

The projects include $3 million for rebuilding the Taylor Ranch House, which was demolished in December. An additional $5 million to complete improvements along Whittier Boulevard, $750,000 for police radios and $250,000 for a Geographic Information System.

The council vote was 4-1 with Councilman Bill Molinari dissenting at the Jan. 28 meeting

A recent acquisition against Azusa Councilman Robert Gonzales' campaign has turned out to be half-true.

Rumors had been flying around that Gonzales was using an endorsement from Labor Secretary Nominee Hilda Solis at public forums and on his campaign mailer without the Congresswoman's permission.

That has turned out to be half true.

Since receiving the nomination from the Obama administration for the position of Secretary of Labor, Solis has taken back all her local endorsements and will not endorse anyone further, according to a spokeswoman for Solis.

Here is the statement from Solis' camp:

"Since the nomination of Congresswoman Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor-designee, all of her efforts have been focused on the confirmation and transition process. She has not endorsed and will not endorse any candidate. Endorsements that she made prior to her nomination were withdrawn and all endorsed candidates were notified," said Sonia Melendez, spokesperson for Congresswoman Solis.

But Solis endorsed Gonzales in December and the councilman had prepared mailers and releases including that endorsement prior to her nomination, Gonzales said.

Once she received the nomination, members of her team said Gonzales could use what he had already made, but could not use her name in any new items, he said.

After Gonzales used the endorsement at a public forum, Solis' team then asked not to use her name at all anymore. Out of respect, Gonzales will bite the bullet on one set of mailers not used and will no longer use the endorsement, he said.

"It is good for her she got the nomination, bad for the people she endorsed," Gonzales said. "But that is OK."

From reporter Rebecca Kimitch:

El Monte Mayor Ernie Gutierrez seems to have won a minor victory against the city council this week when City Attorney Clark Moseley determined the council can't remove him from an MTA board.

Council members have voted Gutierrez off three other regional boards and commissions, including the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, saying his arrest in November is "detrimental" to the city's reputation.

They were also considering Gutierrez's removal from MTA's San Gabriel Valley Service Sector Governance Council. However, Moseley concluded that post is up to the MTA, not the council.

Gutierrez was arrested in November on suspicion of domestic violence, but he was released that same day after prosecutors determined no clear evidence proved he was not defending himself.

The mayor defended his innocense and accused council members of playing politics in anticipation of the mayoral elections in November.

"For the council to think they are the judge, the jury, and the executioners, they are living in the 1860s, 1870s... they would lynch people without a judge, jury and trial," he told me.

West Covina's deficit is expected to jump another $1.8 million to $3.9 million as a result of the declining economy and sales tax revenues. As a way to make up for some of the loss, the city is considering selling Prop A transportation funds at 75 cents to the dollar to West Hollywood. The sale will result in an increase in revenues of nearly $750,000.

Other ways the city could be acconting for additional revenues is by looking at personnel:

Staff will begin having informal discussions with all bargaining groups to examine possible employee concessions as an additional way to reduce the budget deficit. Current staff is already experiencing the impacts and stress of personnel reductions due to the additional workload and responsibilities resulting from the restructuring of City Hall. However, with personnel costs accounting for 83 percent of the General Fund Budget, it seems prudent to meet with the bargaining groups in an effort to preserve jobs, avoid layoffs, and minimize the impacts that further service reductions will have on the community.

Meantime, reserve levels continue to drop. In 1990, the available fund balance in the reserve pot was $40 million. In 2009-10, it is projected to dip to nearly $9 million.

I spent a few hours before work Sunday visiting the Lunar New Year festival in Monterey Park. The two-day celebration was held the entire weekend along Garvey Avenue, between Garfield and Alhambra avenues.

I should start by saying I'm really glad I went. There were several thousand people there, lots of vendors and lots of food ..... my kind of festival.

A lot of interesting things caught my eye ------ turtles for sale, boxes and boxes of dried ginseng. But the thing that interested me the most: tons of campaign fliers touting candidates for the March City Council election.

Take a look:

Here it is...

When we think about the financial meltdown cash-strapping America, we usually think about the shrinking job pool, toxic housing market and weakened bank industry.

But there are other things being affected by this economic downturn, something near and dear to the hearts of our local politicos -- campaign fundraising.

In Monterey Park, some of the six City Council candidates running in the March 3 race are having a bit of trouble filling their campaign piggy banks.

So far, Councilman David Lau has raised nearly $75,000, but none of that occurred this year. Most of the money actually was raised during one event.

Councilwoman Sharon Martinez hasn't had as much luck. She's only raised $10,000 because businesses -- where she gets her most of her contributions -- are just tapped out.

****************

Speaking of money, San Gabriel Valley city managers are dealing with the fiscal crunch in a variety of ways.

Temple City's City Attorney/City Manager Charles Martin has offered to work for free after his Feb. 5 retirement if the city can't find his replacement before then.

In a report earlier this month, Martin said he "would be happy to return the benefit of my 44-year tenure with the City by continuing in office, even if I had to serve as a volunteer."
Martin gets $96,696 a year for his duties as city manager and an additional $61,980 annually for being city attorney.

On the other side of the spectrum, La Verne City Manager Martin Lomeli just got a 10 percent pay raise, which takes him from $14,741 a month to $16,215 a month. His yearly salary will be $194,580.

The only dissenting vote was from Councilman Steven Johnson.

Temple City has 33,377 residents, and La Verne has 31,638.

****************

It wouldn't be a week of political news without an update from the Hilda Solis race.

The already long -- and we mean long -- list of endorsements for state Board of Equalization Chairwoman Judy Chu now includes her husband, Assembly Mike Eng, and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta.

A lot of Chu's support is local, although several San Gabriel Valley politicians have come out in support of Sen. Gil Cedillo.

They include Monterey Park Mayor Frank Venti, La Puente Councilman John Solis and Baldwin Park Councilwoman Marlen Garcia.

And those who just can't decide? Irwindale Councilman Larry Burrola and Baldwin Park Mayor Manuel Lozano have endorsed both candidates.

I guess the real test will come inside the voting booth.

In case you were wondering why Ed Hernandez decided not to run for Hilda Solis' seat, this may be your answer:

Sacramento, CA - California State Assemblymember Dr. Ed Hernandez, O.D. (D - West Covina) announced his intention to run for the 24^th State Senate seat being vacated by Gloria Romero when she terms out in 2010.

"Today, I am officially declaring my intention to run for California's 24^th State Senate seat," said Hernandez.

Hernandez will have a strong advantage over other possible contenders because he already represents more than half the 24^th Senate district as the Assemblymember in the 57^th district.  He has also taken a lead role on issues of importance to the region as Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus, a group of 13 state Senators and Assemblymembers representing the greater San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles.  Hernandez has worked with this group to champion the region's needs with regards to transportation, water quality and conservation, economic development, and education.

"I have spent my time in the Assembly fighting for the people who live and work in my district, and I have also had the opportunity to gain critical insight into the issues and challenges facing the larger San Gabriel Valley," said Hernandez.  "I am ready to take that next step and continue the work I began in the Assembly bringing attention and resources to the people of this region, and addressing the challenges facing all Californians."

Hernandez already has the backing of several key supporters, including Board of Equalization Vice-Chair Dr. Judy Chu.  Chu, who is also a candidate for Congress seeking the seat being vacated by Labor Secretary Designate Hilda Solis, has given her full support to Hernandez.

The press release popped up in my mailbox Sunday afternoon. With Hernandez going for Romero's spot, whose going to take over his seat? I'm sure the speculation will begin to swirl in no time.