Recently in San Dimas Category

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."

OK, so maybe not extravaganza. But Glendora and San Dimas both have meetings tonight.

On tap: Glendora, in its consent calender, is approving a number of street and constructing projects. A slurry seal project for Route 66 between Lone Hill Avenue and Lorraine Ave for about $140,000 should be approved. Also a Gladstone Street Water Improvement should be approved for about $612,000.

As for new business on the agenda, Glendora will be discussing the naming of its new Library Expansion Room

In San Dimas, a public hearing will go over the performance report for fiscal year 2008-2009 and the proposed fiscal year 2009-2010 projected use of funds.

Glendora's city council meeting is in council chambers at 7 p.m., 116 E. Foothill Blvd.

San Dimas' council meeting is in council chambers at 7 p.m., 245 E. Bonita Ave.

San Dimas City Council members, Planning Commissioners, city staff, council candidates and some locals took a tour of about 200 acres of land in the foothills near Glendora Jan. 24 as a proposal for development of the land will make its way to the city this summer.

The land, owned by NJD and Kim Scott, has been controversial in the past as Scott has had his issues with Glendora.

Scott has previously tried to unload the land, and it appears he finally might have a chance at a development deal in San Dimas.

Mayor Curt Morris said the tour was to give people involved a sense of what is actually on the ground when proposals are presented on paper.

They spent three hours touring the land. Morris said it may be difficult to try and build a residential neighborhood up there as the terrain is rugged. Also, a road that would be adequate for housing would be difficult, he said.

I was also cruising L.A. Observed today and saw they had linked to a L.A. Times story about a D.A. investigating the Temple City mayor and two City Council members for soliciting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and a condominium from a developer in exchange for their support of a $75-million mall project.

Weird...I have this strange feeling of Deja Vu.

Wait...that's cause the Tribune and the Pasadena Star-New, written by Alfred Lee, had a story about the beginning of this saga here more than a month ago, Dec. 12. And then this one on Dec. 17. And then there was this one on prosecutors seizing tapes Jan. 8.

The San Dimas Wine Shop and Tasting Room is in the news again over another instance of a lack of a permit. Owner Heidi Daniels had a canopy and heater constructed in her patio area to keep customers warm and dry during the winter. But the downtown area doesn't allow such things and Daniels didn't get a permit through the city. Now the city is telling her to take it down and she has refused.

More to follow on this story this weekend, but for now here is a sneak peak.

If the city of San Dimas has their way, for the time being, some patrons of the San Dimas Wine Shop may have to drink their wine chilled.

But not if the owner has anything to do with it.

Heidi Daniels, the owner of the Wine Shop and Tasting Room, recently had a canopy and heater constructed for a patio area outside her store.

Daniels hired a contractor to build the more than $1000 membrane structure and didn't know she needed a special permit from the city. San Dimas doesn't allow stand alone projects such as the canopy in the historic downtown district.

"The policy is a very long standing policy, been reviewed a few times and been upheld," said Mayor Curtis Morris. "It is against the policy. She should have gone through a process to see about getting that done."

After building it, Daniels was denied a permit by the planning commission. Her appeal was brought to the City Council and the council voted unanimously to review the policy to possibly make a change.

But at the same time, the council split 2 to 2 in a vote on whether to take down the canopy until the policy is reviewed. In the event of a tie, the recommendation carries and the city's decision asks for the canopy to be taken down.

"It is a ridiculous request," Daniels said. "I am the only viable business downtown after 5 p.m. I am trying to keep my customers warm and dry during the winter."

Councilman Denis Bertone and Jeff Templeman voted to allow Daniels to keep the structure while the policy is reviewed, while Mayor Curtis Morris and Councilman Emmett Badar voted against. Councilman John Ebiner recused himself because he owns a business within 500 feet of Daniels'.

"Unfortunately, John Ebiner had to recuse himself or it would have been a slam dunk," Daniels said.

Daniels was instructed to have the canopy torn down by Friday, Dec. 19. She ignored that request and doesn't have any intention on abiding by the city's rules.

"The fact of the matter is this, my customers love sitting out there in the evening, when it is cold, enjoying themselves," Daniels said. "When you own a retail business in a down economy, you better listen to your customers."

"I am sorry to hear she is not going to comply with the law," said Morris. "She wants to do what she wants to do. You can't let everybody make their own decisions on the law."

The San Dimas City Council race, before any of the issues have been hashed out, is already ripe for controversy.

One of the candidates, Sid Maksoudian, as already made considerable noise in the community when he tried to get a permit for his business in downtown San Dimas.

Maksoudian runs Chalet Gourmet, an upscale liquor store. When he first sought to open the store over the summer, he ran into problems with some business owners in the community and City Councilman Denis Bertone - one of the incumbents Maksoudian will be running against.

"There are a small group of entitled individuals who have been running this city without any respect for what the majority wants," Maksoudian said. "They really don't know what they are doing and they have been at it for a long, long time."

Maksoudian, during his issues in getting his business permit, didn't make friends with other business owners. Heidi Daniels, an owner of a local wine shop and tasting room, was ousted by Maksoudian concerning a health permit. Supporters of Daniels often opposed Maksoudian.

In addition, Bertone didn't want Maksoudian's store because it represented an over concentration of alcohol in the area.

The council eventually voted in favor of Maksoudian, 3 to 2. Daniels' wine shop is also still open.

Bertone, who was first elected to the council in 1988, welcomes Maksoudian to the election season.

"He has issues with everything that is happening in the city," Bertone said. "I actually look forward to his candidacy and we will let the people of San Dimas decide how they want this city run."

Maksoudian, if elected, would end the long runs of members on the council, like Bertone.

"I want term limits," he said. "Council members should not have a dynasty."

As for newcomer Jeffrey Kahn, the 27-year-old Wells Fargo banker is betting on his financing powers to propel him to the top of the election heap. A volunteer ski patroller who hopes to open a marketing business soon, Kahn was inspired by President-Elect Obama to run for City Council.

"The reality is if you understand what the people want and need, all you have to do is follow the hope and the dream," Kahn said.

Kahn declined to make any campaign statements, but instead discussed his background. A graduate of Cal State L.A. with a degree in finance and a minor in economics, Kahn developed a number of small businesses while in school.

His father lives and owns a small business in San Dimas and whenever Kahn spent time there, he enjoyed it. When the time came - about 8 years ago - to put his flag down, he chose San Dimas.

"I want to help the community and serve the community," he said.

More to come soon on incumbent Jeff Templeman, as well as newcomer Kevin Kenney.

Templeman has been on the council since 1996 and has been elected three times since.

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.

Think your city is hot stuff?

Find out this weekend. Reporter Daniel Tedford is working on a story about the top cities in the San Gabriel Valley. Tedford is using a CNN/Money Magazine formula to rank the cities based on housing affordability, job growth, marriage and divorce rates, commutes, school test scores, and crime rates.

Just a heads up, you'll likely be VERY surprised to see whose at the top and bottom of the list.

Leftovers Column: City's image takes a beating
By Jennifer McLain and Tania Chatila, Staff Writers
Article Launched: 10/05/2008 11:04:48 PM PDT

It's been a rough few months for the city of Baldwin Park's image.

Residents still are concerned about school board member Sergio Corona's arrest in May on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

He currently is facing misdemeanor charges of vandalism, resisting an officer and driving without a license in connection with the arrest.

Then last month, Baldwin Park Councilman Anthony Bejarano was booked on suspicion of public intoxication.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office said last week week it would not be filing charges against Bejarano, who said he was not drunk the night of his arrest.

Still, the incident has stirred unrest in the community and has brought to light a question that often goes unanswered in the political realm - just how high should the ethical and moral bar be set for our public officials?

We put the question out there and got some interesting responses from anonymous readers of the Leftovers blog.

Here's a sample:

-- "Let's face it none of us is perfect in our personal lives..., we go through divorces, we have children who occasionally get in trouble, we occasionally say things in frustration or in the heat of the moment that upon reflection we wish we didn't say, we sometimes get our facts wrong."

-- "Yes, we do hold our elected officials to a higher standard, especially when they are representing us at a public event."

-- "I'm not saying we treat our elected with kid gloves in terms of their policy positions or in terms of factors which might impact their ability to act fairly, honestly and impartially. But I don't care to know about him having a simple argument with a spouse or that his or her kid got a D on their algebra exam or that (on one isolated) night they may have seemed a bit tipsy..."

-- "Character does matter."

Our elected officials have been in the news a lot lately over questions of ethical behavior among themselves and their relatives.

Pico Rivera Mayor Ron Beilke's son was recently detained by the sheriff's department in a case where a reserve deputy's .45-caliber revolver and vehicle were stolen. Beilke's son wasn't charged, but two of the 17-year-old's friends were.

Last month, the teenage son of former Irwindale Councilwoman and Baldwin Park Chief Deputy City Clerk Rosemary Gutierrez plowed his car through a neighbor's wall while driving home around 4 a.m.

A police report was not made, no one was arrested, no one was hurt and neighbors decided not to press charges on what was classified initially as a hit-and-run.

Then in El Monte, Mayor Ernie Gutierrez - who is not related to Rosemary Gutierrez - took a lot of heat for allegedly showing up at a city event drunk and shouting vulgarities.

In May, city officials prepared a report looking into Gutierrez's actions, but concluded the allegations had no merit.

We see this all the time - someone in the public spotlight, whether they be authorities, politicians or entertainment superstars, slips up and all of a sudden their abilities to perform come into question.

Only voter turnout will tell us how much constituents really care.

San Dimas is considering building a BMX park to address the problem of BMX riders in the city's skateboard park, which is not allowed.

Problem is, it'll cost between $220,000 and $385,000.

Read reporter Brian Day's full story here....

Welcome back to the work week!

Here's this week's column inspired by the great dialogue by our readers last week. Thanks to everyone for participating in the conversation. There were many ideas that we've not heard from our elected leaders:

They say drastic times call for drastic measures.

We've certainly seen a lot of that as local leaders struggle with faltering revenues and excruciating budget cuts.

In West Covina, every department head was asked to cut five percent from their budget to make up for a $2.1million deficit.

In El Monte, facing a $400,000 deficit, council members slashed the Police Department's funds, maintained hiring freezes and cut back on recreation programs.

And in cities like Pico Rivera, El Monte, San Gabriel and Covina, taxes seem to be the only answer to supplement wavering incomes.

Many city council members have said this undoubtedly is a difficult time and it never is easy making cuts.

But what you would do if you were running the show?

Here are some ideas readers came up with, and they're nothing like what our elected officials have suggested:

Eliminate all car, travel and cell phone allowances for council members, as well as car allowances for city employees. "Stop paying for trips to China, Paris, Mexico, etc.," according to one reader.

Cut back on recreation departments, including youth and senior programs.

"Seniors tend to be better off than most non-retired working age folks. Seniors, though they are on fixed incomes, usually have a lifetime's worth of savings and investments accumulated ... and they also enjoy many discounts that non-seniors do not enjoy," another reader wrote.

Turn off at least half of street lights.
"We're figuratively throwing our money into the sky with all the lighting that goes up where it is not needed," one reader wrote.

Cut back on overtime for public safety, review every contract that has been in place in the city for at least three years and consider cutting staffing of "non-essential things such as school resource officers or farmer's markets," according to another reader.

Require those on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to use public transportation to attend meetings. "They're in charge of the MTA; they should be able to get to the meetings using the same public transit they govern. If it's not good enough for them, it's not good for us, either."

While some of these ideas are downright impossible others are more feasible.

Elected officials say city government is a labor of love.

So maybe they should think outside of the box a little more often. And maybe readers should get up from behind their computer screens and attend council meetings a little more often, too. Give those councils a piece of their minds.

Open Forum: Should council members go on conferences out of state if their cities are facing deficits?

Many of our cities are facing budget cuts. So, here's an uplifting weekend question:

If you were in charge, what would be the first thing that you would cut out of your city's budget?

The Marshall Family had some not so nice things to say about Chalet Gourmet owner Sid Maksoudian.

The San Dimas business owner got the following note from someone - or some persons - who only go by "The Marshall Family." It's pretty self-explanatory, and almost a bit unnerving...

Reporter Brian Day said Maksoudian - who was denied membership into the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce - has reported the letter to police. That being said, the controversy is getting pretty ugly....

I got this e-mail from a San Dimas resident on Monday:

Its not only the executives at the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce that put the 'smackdown' on the Chalet Gourmet membership request. I have been a member of this Chamber for years and support my Chamber in this decision. This man is a bully and does not in any way represent what our chamber stands for. I applaud the Executive Board and stand behind their decision 100%.

This is from reporter Brian Day:

In a Saturday, Aug. 16 article entitled "Chamber answers businessman's ire," it was written that Sid Maksoudian did not deny he had a vendetta.

This statement was my summary of what I perceived to be the facts of the situation, however as Maksoudian has pointed out to me, he did not himself use the word "vendetta" and takes issue with the term being attached to his statements.

When I wrote "vendetta," I merely meant to imply the ongoing disputes and issues between Maksoudian and and the Chamber of Commerce and local businesswoman Heidi Daniels.

Maksoudian has expressed concern that this phrasing is innaccurate and implies that he has ill will towards others or wishes to see others come to harm, which he said is not the case.

Maksoudian said he merely has a list of grievances with the chamber and perceived injustices he would like to see remedied, not a vendetta.

If all the tax measures pass, including a one-cent sales tax hike that the Governor is allegedly suggesting, cities such as Pico Rivera will be paying as much as 10.75 percent in sales tax.

Here are the proposed city and county tax measures appearing on the November ballot affecting San Gabriel Valley voters:

El Monte
What: A half-cent sales tax for a period of five years
Expected revenue: $4.4 million a year
Reason: To preserve funding for public safety, street and storm drain maintenance, rebuild reserve funds, plug a $400,000 deficit

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
What: A half-cent sales tax increase for 30 years
Expected revenue: $30 - $40 billion
Reason: To improve traffic flow, expand public transportation, extend light rail with airport connections and provide clean-fuel buses

Pico Rivera
What: A one-cent sales tax increase
Expected revenue: $6 million
Reasons: To preserve public safety, community programs, plug a $4.8 million deficit, and maintain city infrastrcuture

Pomona
What: An increase of the utility users tax to 10 percent from 9 percent for 2 years and 2 months
Expected revenue: $1.8 million
Reasons: Maintain city services and capital improvement projects

San Gabriel
What: An increase in the utility users tax to 8 percent from 6 percent
Expected revenue: $1.2 million
Reasons: Improve police protection and investigations that reduce crime, preserve fire and paramedic emergency response times, plug a $600,000 deficit, and perform capital improvement projects.

San Dimas Chamber of Commerce executives put the *smackdown* on an appeals request filed by Chalet Gourmet owner Sid Maksoudian, whose application for entry into the chamber was denied a few weeks back.

In it, chamber President Ted Powl discusses --- rather bluntly --- the reasons why Maksoudian isn't welcome:

Mr. Maksoudian,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce, below is our reply to your requests:

1. There is no appeal process for denial of membership in the bylaws of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce.

2. The name of any law firm or attorney the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce chooses to engage in any legal matter involving the Chamber is not public information.

3. Whether Chalet Gourmet is the first or only business to be turned down for membership by the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is irrelevant to the action taken by the Board of Directors in denying your membership.

4. As to the reason for your denial, the bylaws of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce bylaws state in Article II (Membership), Section 1: Eligibility

"Any person, association, corporation, partnership or estate having an interest in promoting the mission and objectives of the Chamber shall be eligible to apply for membership."

Given Mr. Maksoudian's quest to stop the Chamber of Commerce's Toast of the Town event for the past two years, his derisive comments about some of our Directors and our President/CEO at various City Council meetings, the actions he took with Albertsons that resulted in the Chamber of Commerce's incoming Board Chair, Mike Light, to resign from our Board and his vendetta (his word) against Director Heidi Daniels and the San Dimas Wine Shop and Tasting Room, the Board of Directors of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce believes that Mr. Maksoudian does not meet the criteria of a businessman who has "an interest in promoting the mission and objectives of the Chamber".

Membership in the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce, as in any chamber of commerce, is a privilege, not a right. That is why there is a provision in their bylaws for the Board of Directors to approve members.

Ted Powl
President/CEO
San Dimas Chamber of Commerce

San Dimas and soon Claremont are protesting a proposed 37 percent rate increase by Golden State Water Company, Brian Day reports.

In 2002, a proposed 43.8 percent rate increase proposed by Golden State Water Company was cut down to 11.5 percent after San Dimas and other agencies protesting the hike.

For our readers: What is your current water bills, and how much would you be paying if it was increased by 37 percent?

You might remember that earlier this week Sid Mousakian, owner of Chalet Gourmet in San Dimas, sent an e-mail to the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce execs asking for an appeal of his membership application denial.

Mousakian had recently applied for membership with the Chamber of Commerce, but was denied entry for reasons unspecified by the chamber.

Mousakian says its because he's outspoken.

Well, apparently, Mousakian said after he sent that e-mail, he was told that the chamber does not have an appeals process - is that because they've never denied membership before?

It looks like Mousakian is going to have to get a chamber board member to request that his application be re-evaluated, or he's outta luck.

Wonder if anyone is going to ask that it be reconsidered?

Look's like Sid Mousakian, owner of Chalet Gourmet in San Dimas, isn't going down without a fight.

If you're not familiar with the story, Mousakian recently applied for membership with the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce, but was denied entry.

Officials wouldn't really divulge their reasons for the rejection, but said that they couldn't understand why Mousakian would apply considering he has been a vocal critic of the chamber and the city.

Here's the previous story Brian Day wrote last week.

I was cc'd on the following e-mail Tuesday from Mousakian to the chamber:

Ted Powl & Board of Directors;

The family of Chalet Gourmet respectfully request the appeal process for the denial of our business.

Secondly, we would like to know the law firm that represents the Chamber of Commerce for the city of San Dimas for future contact.

For the record, we would like to know if we are the first and only business in the history of San Dimas who were denied membership into the Chamber of Commerce.

Lastly, the business and the family members of Chalet Gourmet want to know specific reasons as to why our family business was turned down to join the Chamber.

Please respond as soon as possible.

Please Cc this email to all Board of Directors.

Sid Maksoudian
Arax Maksoudian
Aline Maksoudian

Chalet Gourmet
120 W. Bonita Ave. Suite E
San Dimas, CA 91773
T: 909-592-7300
Email: chaletgourmet@gmail.com

Hours of Operation: 10am - 8pm Tuesday - Saturday

I have to say, I'd also be very interested to know whether the chamber has denied applicants before, considering each member pays hundreds of dollars in membership dues each year.

My apologies for not updating the blog earlier today. Because today will be a late night -- I got in at 2 p.m. to cover the El Monte meeting -- I am just now getting into the daily grove.

For the reader concerned about our Gregg Industries coverage: It is my understanding that a reporter has been covering that and is still at the hearing. We will have an update when she returns.

And yes, chasing down dead ducks and chickens does cut into blogging and reporting time.