Recently in La Verne Category
Moving from west to east, just because it makes sense to me:
AZUSA - At its meeting Monday, the city council approved the three following items:
A 5-percent increase in salary for a civilian administrator in the police department. City Manager Fran Delach said the pay increase is in response to new duties. That increase pencils out to an additional $405 a month.
Taking responsibility for 330 feet of Azusa Avenue north of Arrow Highway and adjacent to Corky's Corner. That small section of road was still being managed by Caltrans, despite the fact that Corky's Corner was annexed by the city in 2008.
Putting finishing touches on a new retirement plan for the city's police officers. Under the new plan, new hires will be able to retire at age 55 with 3 percent of their pay for each year of work. Current officers can still retire at 50 with the same benefit. Police and city officials have been working on the deal for at least a year.
Other news: Delach said he's offered the police chief job to Azusa police Capt. Sam Gonzalez. Current Chief Robert Garcia officially retired in June, but has been working for the city on a part-time, interim basis. Nothing has been finalized yet.
GLENDORA - The city council will on Thursday vote on whether to ratify a state of emergency declared last week by City Manager Chris Jeffers. Jeffers estimated that the city has spent about $250,000 to $300,000 on cleanup and overtime costs from last week's windstorm. By declaring an emergency, the city makes itself eligible to reimbursed by the state or feds for some of those costs.
The Business Improvement District will consider giving $1,000 raised at the Village Wine Walk to the Glendora War Memorial at its meeting Thursday morning.
SAN DIMAS - The Planning, Parks and Recreation and Equestrian commissions will hold a special joint meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. to take a look at a survey of the city's foothill trails. Parks and Rec. Director Theresa Bruns said the city is thinking about expanding its trail network. Three committees in one meeting? San Dimans sure love those trails.
In other news that probably almost no one will care about, the San Dimas Development Plan Review Board has cancelled its Thursday meeting. The next meeting has been scheduled for Dec. 22.
I'm still awaiting phone calls from Irwindale and La Verne. Irwindale may have declared its own state of emergency this week. La Verne might be holding a special election in the spring for some kind of changes to taxes on telecommunication services.
UPDATE: Irwindale City Manager John Davidson says the city council ratified a state of emergency declaration at its meeting Monday. He says an estimate of the damage was not yet been compiled.
I fear I am going to hog some of the links today, but my ego has actually grown very little.
You may have seen Sunday's package in the newspaper regarding city car allowances. Two web links for you on that story. The more specific story about El Monte's car allowances and an overall picture of the Valley.
Then there is another story out of Rio Hondo's Police Academy. This one follows up on claims of ammunition abuse at the school while addressing some other issues at the academy.
Here is one to wet your appetite: Food trucks are gathering at SpeedZone in Industry.
Fran Delach, Azusa City Manager, called redevelopment funds "city life blood." Gov. Jerry Brown may pull the plug.
Those concerned about autism should take a look at today's display. A new study links freeways to autism. That story is coupled with the recent news that having children close together may increase the risk of autism. This also follows recent headlines debunking the doctor who is known for promoting a link between autism and vaccines.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
I have noticed a few jobs pop up on La Verne's website in recent days. Nothing fancy or high paying, but for those looking for work it could be a welcomed sight.
The new jobs advertised include maintenance worker and two recreation leader positions. Other jobs available (that have also been posted for a considerable amount of time) are crossing guard and reserve police officer.
For more on the jobs, visit La Verne's city website.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
The last time we looked at how many cities posted their salaries online in the wake of the Bell salary scandal and state government officials calling for more transparency, we had just a few that had fallen in line.
As the days have worn on, more cities are jumping on board. To date, here is a list of San Gabriel Valley cities who post salaries online and links to those pages.
Walnut
Diamond Bar
San Dimas
La Verne
West Covina
Baldwin Park
Pasadena
Monrovia
Arcadia
Sierra Madre
Whittier
La Mirada
UPDATED: Lucky 13 is San Marino
UPDATED: Monterey Park joins in. (Note: I couldn't get some of the files to download. Let me know if you can.)
UPDATED: Karen Herrera, Assistant City Manager in Duarte, left me a message while I was away informing me that some city salaries were posted online here.
Only cities with a quick link on the city's homepage directly to a city salary page or document have been included in this list.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
I'm convinced bed bugs are trying to take over the world.
OK, my general fear of bugs mixed with the paranoia I have had about bedbugs for the last four years probably contributes to my earlier exaggeration. They aren't out for world domination. Just our blood. That's not so bad, blood is only MY LIFE FORCE!
Seriously though, the bedbug problem seems to be getting out of hand. Ben Baeder's story today say calls about bedbugs have ballooned and that the bugs have become immune to certain pesticides.
One expert went as far as to say it is an "epidemic" of bugs. I won't sleep for a week.
Let's switch to a happy hero story. Remember Carl Harstine, the WWII veteran who had his American Flag stolen twice? Well, following that initial story, the community rallied behind Harstine.
An event at his home turned into a community block party. Seriously, it was like something out of a Disney film. People walked out of their homes, children rode their skateboards, people generally flocked to see Harstine presented with new flags and a pole for an overall tribute to the man. It was awe-inspiring.
Also over the weekend, we continued to look at how cities pay their executives, this time at city councils.
No councils are making outlandish pay, generally speaking. But many do receive benefits that are more common with executives: $600 car allowance, executive health benefits, reimbursement stipends.
Finally, everyone should take the time to read Rebecca Kimitch's two-part series about how a doctor shortage could cause a health care crisis. Read the first part here and the second part here.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
After a survey of city manager salaries across the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena and Whittier areas (coverage area for our three newspapers) none are making Bell type salaries, but no one is going hungry (or without a six figure salary) either.
And yet another story that shows what goes around, probably came around because of Bell.
Amid revelations that Bell city officials skirted state salary limits by becoming a charter city, Covina council members are shying away from the idea, which was up for their consideration.
UPDATED: Local FYI: Azusa has gone dark, that is to say, they canceled their council meetings in August. La Verne canceled tonight's council meeting, but will be meeting again on Aug. 16.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
The reporting staff here at the Tribune came together like the A Team ... no wait ... The Justice League (way more fitting) to check in on local cities to see what the City Managers and City Councils are making in the wake of news reports about the city of Bell's City Manager making something like $800,000.
Here is the rundown. (Note: most of us had this information on hand as we regularly check on these things. In cases we didn't, the city handed over the information readily)
Glendora City Manager Chris Jeffers makes $201,816 annually.
La Verne's (soon to be retired) City Manager Martin Lomeli makes $194,580 annually. (Side note: La Verne City Council just passed an ordinance for City Manager pay with $160,600 as the base pay with $195,000 at the peak)
San Dimas City Manager Blaine Michaelis makes $196,452 a year.
Azusa City Manager Fran Delach is paid $212,483 annually. (He got a 5 percent raise at the beginning of this year)
Rosemead City Manager Jeffrey Allred gets $175,000 a year.
El Monte City Manager Rene Bobadilla makes $170,000 a year.
South El Monte City Manager Tony Ybarra takes in $120,000 a year.
Covina's Daryl Parrish's annual salary is $199,500.
West Covina's Andrew Pasmant gets $223,656 a year. (UPDATE: Councilman Mike Touhey called to tell me that Pasmant took the equivalent of a 5-percent pay cut on his deferred comp. That saves the city about $11,000, Touhey said.)
Walnut's Rob Wishner is paid $196,650 a year.
La Puente's Josi Kenline gets $160,000 a year.
Industry City Manager Kevin Radecki takes in $158,133 a year.
Diamond Bar's James DeStefano's salary is about $194,000 a year.
Baldwin Park's Chief Executive Officer made $152,000 a year in 2006, up to $800 a month in lodging, $1,200 a month in health and dental - reimbursed in cash if not all spent - and $300 a month in vehicle expenses or a city car.
As for City Council stipends, San Dimas councilmen make $620 a month while Mayor Curt Morris earns $830 a month.
In La Verne, the city council brings in $519 a month and is entitled to the same benefits as executive management employees. Council woman Robin Carder and Mayor Don Kendrick waived those benefits. In addition, the redevelopment agency pays $30 per meeting. City Clerk Evelyn Clark said they meet about four time per year.
Glendora council members bring in $700 a month.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
We reported yesterday that long time La Verne City Manager Martin Lomeli was packing away the briefcase and moving on. The 23 year City Manager is retiring next month and will be replaced by Assistant City Manager Bob Russi.
In a day in age when City Managers last at one city about as long as star athletes do with one team, (Lebron reference #1) it is absolutely unheard of to have a City Manager retire after spending 23 years at his post, not to mention 30 years with the city as an employee as Lomeli has done.
He left the post gracefully, and humbly without making a big tada about it (that's #2) using a written statement to the city and a replacement groomed and ready to go.
Just as a comparison. Chris Jeffers in Glendora started in 2007, before that he was with Monterey Park.
Fran Delach, Azusa's City Manager, has been with them for five years. Before that he was the City Manager in Covina for six years.
Blaine Michaelis in San Dimas has had a long tenure with the city at 10 years.
Covina's City Manager Daryl Parish started there in 2009, before that he was City Manager of Colton for 8 years.
El Monte fired their City Manager not long ago and is now being helmed by Rene Bobadilla. Rosemead is breaking in a new City Manager. La Puente and Monterey Park ... well, you get the idea.
Suffice it to say, it speaks to Lomeli's work with La Verne that he lasted as long as he did. Also, it says something about loyalty for a guy who, various city officials say, was renowned across the state as one of the best at his business. We all know that it is hard for some people when they are considered to be one of the best to not be consumed by ego (trifecta!).
Also, you got to respect the fact he didn't make the decision during a one hour TV special. (All right, I'm done.)
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
Being conflicted out isn't an unusual thing (or issue) for La Verne's council members. Councilwomen Donna Redman Nasmyth and Robin Carder both work at the University of La Verne and are conflicted out of votes concerning the school.
Mayor Don Kendrick has a business in La Verne and can be conflicted out of votes that concern property near to his offices, and Johnson has a business in the city as well that puts him in the same situation.
Not to mention, there was that court battle concerning Johnson's potential conflicts of interest. He was found not guilty. The property that has now conflicted him out of the redevelopment agency was also part of the case against Johnson in 2007.
This time, Johnson opted to step down (he was actually required) from his position to avoid any conflict.
Council members often serve as the city's redevelopment agency as well, but in this case, La Verne will be one of the few cities with someone other than a council member on the agency.
Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune
Steven Johnson not guilty, jury finds...
La Verne councilman found not guilty
By Daniel Tedford, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/30/2009 11:51:08 AM PDT
WEST COVINA - A jury has found a La Verne councilman not guilty of conflict of interest charges, court officials said.
Steven Johnson was on trial in connection with a 2007 vote concerning the University of La Verne expansion and master plan.
Johnson owns property and a business near the university and a satellite office. State law prohibits council members from voting on matters in which they would benefit from an outcome.
Often referred to as the "one penny" rule, members are advised not to vote on projects within 500 feet of their property, even if it benefits them by only one penny.
The jury returned its verdict after four days of testimony and deliberation.
Johnson faced a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine, 6 months in jail and not being able to run for reelection to the city council.
Peter Bennett, a member of the La Verne Chamber of Commerce, has started a new Web site, LaVerneOnline.com. The Web site offers community news, event listintgs profiles.... everything La Verne.
If you live, work or play in La Verne, it's worth 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.
One city manager offers to work for free, while another one gets a 10 percent raise.
Temple City-City Attorney City Manager Charles Martin, who gets $96,696 a year as city manager and $61,980, offered to continue working after his retirement free of charge, while La Verne City Manager Martin Lomeli got a pay bump to $194,580.
Temple City has 33,377 residents, and La Verne has 31,638 residents.
Alfred Lee reports:
TEMPLE CITY - As the economy sputters and cities dig deep to avoid cutting services, one high-ranking bureaucrat said he is willing to work for free.
Amidst discussion about his potential retirement and replacement, City Manager-City Attorney Charles Martin has offered to continue on in both of his positions - as an unpaid volunteer.
"I was contemplating my retirement on February 5, 2009, but that if the Council could not find a replacement by that date, I 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, without pay for a part or all of that time," Martin, 84, wrote in a Jan. 15 manager's report.
Wes Woods II reports:
LA VERNE - City Manager Martin R. Lomeli will receive a 10 percent increase of his base salary. The City Council approved the increase Tuesday night by a 4-1 vote.
Later in the week, Lomeli said he was "very grateful" for the increase. The increase was a management performance award, city officials said.
Lomeli's pay had been $14,741 a month and now will be $16,215 a month, or $194,580 a year.
La Verne is hosting its state of the city address at noon on Jan. 29 at the Sierra la Verne Country Club.
Mayor Jon Blickenstaff will be giving the address. It'll be his last public ceremony, since Blickenstaff is retiring at the end of his term.
La Verne City Councilman Steven Johnson's conflict of interest case was tabled again Monday morning.
Johnson's attorney has had the pre-trial hearing continued more times than D.A. Jonlyn Callahan likes to talk about. The reason being that an expert compiling a report for Johnson needs additional time.
Last time, the expert needed 45 days and got it. This time the "elusive" expert, as Callahan described them, asked for 30 days. The judge granted it, but with the warning that at the next hearing a trial date would be set.
Johnson's attorney and Callahan will meet again Feb. 17.
Anybody living in a home connected to the area's history should check this out.
Two homeowners in La Verne are applying for the Mills Act, a program that gives property tax back to families that promise to fix up and maintain their old houses. The program can save thousands every year.
The program is popular in some of the area's older cities, such as Pasadena, Monrovia or Whittier.
Reporter Daniel Tedford called the city, and they said about 10 people in La Verne have applied.
I am a little confused, but aren't elections supposed to be heated contests between people who think they are doing a good job and those who disagree whole-heartedly?
Wild accusations, yelling matches, negative campaigning, snickering remarks, low voter turnout - these all all things I put with city council elections.
Not in La Verne.
All four candidates for city council spoke highly of each other. And not that - I am running a campaign focused on what I can do for the city and not against any other person - stuff. They each sincerely expressed the idea that each candidate would make an excellent council member.
Two of them have worked with each other at the University of La Verne (Donna Nasmyth and Robin Carder), they all know each other, and they all have great things to say about the city and the current council.
Where's the anger? Where's the disdain? Where's scandal? Where's Terrel Owens when you need him?
Here is a quote from candidate Charlie Rosales I never thought I would hear covering city council elections.
"If you are looking for controversy, you are not going to find any."
I'm checking out.
While the nomination period for La Verne hasn't ended until later today, councilman Don Kendrick looks to be unopposed in his run to succeed Jon Blickenstaff as mayor.
Kendrick is the only person to have pulled papers for Mayor and has already qualified to run.
Donna Nasmyth may have a tougher challenge ahead in keeping her seat on the council. Three other people, Robin Carder, Norm Faustini, and Charlie Rosales have already qualified to run for council, while two other persons have pulled papers.
Besides Nasmyth's seat, Kendrick's previous council seat is open for election.
More to come on the La Verne, as well as the Glendora, election tomorrow.
This week marks the municipal election filing deadline for several cities in the San Gabriel Valley. San Dimas, Covina and Monterey Park's filing periods closed on Friday. Azusa and Rosemead closes today, La Verne and Glendora close Wednesday.
Look for stories throughout the week about who will be vying for these seats on these city council's.
I am heading now to Covina to take a look at the filing papers, and pick up the statement of economic interest papers. The filing period for the city clerk's position in Covina has been extended to Wednesday because Covina City Clerk Rosie Fabien is running for council.
Residents are always pushing for more traffic signals near schools and in residential neighborhoods -- especially after tragic traffic accidents.
The process, however, to get such devices installed is a long one.
In La Verne, one resident claims it took five years and a fatality to get a light installed at Fruit Street and Base Line Road, Daily Bulletin reporter Wes Woods II reports.
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