With staff cutbacks at newspapers large and small, sometimes press conferences these days are lucky to get one reporter or photographer in attendance.

So for Rosemead Councilwoman Sandra Armenta, apparently one photographer has come to equate a press conference.

Yesterday Pasadena Star-News reporter Dan Abendschein was working on a story about a proposal to bring the high speed rail through some San Gabriel Valley communities, including Rosemead.

Councilwoman Armenta opposes the plan – saying it would destroy neighborhoods – so Abendschein asked if the paper could get a photo of her in front of her house for the story. They scheduled it for 4 p.m.

Hours later, Rosemead’s spokeswoman sent out a press release announcing a press conference at 4 p.m. at her home:

NEIGHBORHOOD RALLY TO VOICE OPPOSITION TO CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL’S PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE LEAD BY ROSEMEAD COUNCIL MEMBER ARMENTA

WHAT: Council Member Sandra Armenta, residents who could possibly lose their
homes, and businesses who may be adversely affected by the California High
Speed Rails Authoritys (CHSRA) project are gathering today to voice their
opposition to a route that the CHRSA is exploring as an alternative. The
CHRSAs current draft proposed alignment would cause many residents,
including Council Member Sandra Armenta, to lose their homes.

Based on limited information provided by the CHSRA, it is estimated that
homes and businesses located within a 250-foot zone to the north or south of
the I-10 freeway along Ramona Boulevard, would be affected either through
displacement or through the negative impact on property values.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 4 p.m.

WHERE: Armenta Residence