February 2016 Section A

CITY NEWS PAGE 2A

CHAMBER NEWS PAGE 12A

COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 17A

ACADEMIC NEWS PAGE 25A

>> see MKHS STUDENT SIGNS NCAA LETTER Page 27A

02

/20

16

>> see LUNAR NEW YEAR Page 13A

When the Mark Kep-pel Girls Basketball team takes the

court, their intent is to out-hus-

tle, outwork, and impose their toughness on the opposition for four quarters. Sophia Song, a key component of the team, has

exemplified this very toughness by signing her letter of intent to play her collegiate basketball at University of California-Davis

>> see A WORLD OF INCLUSION ART EXHIBIT Page 10A

Mark Keppel student signs NCAA National Letter of Intent

Annual Lunar New Year celebration to welcome Year of the Monkey on Feb. 13The annual Alhambra

Lunar New Year Festival will celebrate

its 25th year and welcome in the Year of the Monkey from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at a new location on Valley Boulevard: from

Almansor to Vega. More than 20,000 attendees

are expected to visit the 200 booths to explore Asian cul-tures. Toyota will present its new lines of cars. McDonald’s will provide samples of its sig-nature drinks. Jack, the white

This month’s City Hall art exhibit, entitled “World of Inclusion,”

by Academy of Special Dreams Foundation in collaboration with Alhambra Unified School District, showcases paintings and other works of art created by artists from the Alhambra Unified School District’s LIFT (Learning Independence for Transition) Program and artists from the Academy of Special Dreams Foundation.

“World of Inclusion” will be on display throughout the month of February in the City Hall Lobby, 111 S. First St., during City Hall open hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-day through Friday, and on

Sophia Song was with friends, family, and members of the Mark Keppel High School staff when she signed with UC Davis.

An art exhibition kicked off the Lunar New Year celebration in January at Alhambra City Hall. From left are Jerry Chuang, Asia Specialty Sales, Delta Air Lines; Sharon Gibbs, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce executive director; Frances Lee, C & L Events, festival operations; City Councilmember Stephen Sham; and Pinki Chen, C & L Events director.

City Hall Art Gallery features ‘A World of Inclusion Art Exhibit’

This month’s City Hall art exhibit, entitled “World of Inclusion,” is by the Academy of Special Dreams Foundation in collaboration with the Alhambra Unified School District. From left are artists Mike Jaisle, Daniela Urista, Carmen Tang, Joshua Lim, Fernando Chi Tang, Olivia Trieu, Meiling Huang, Basilio Alonzo, and in front, artist and Academy of Special Dreams boardmember Todd Tostado.

2A CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 02/2016

BY MAYOR LUIS AYALAAlthough we are almost at the end

of January at the time I am writing this Mayor’s Corner, it seems that many people are still not aware of the many new laws in California that could impact their lives and lifestyles. So, I thought I would use this opportunity to include some of the laws that have been eff ective since Jan. 1 of this year. It is important to be a well-informed resident.

VaccinesOne of 2015’s fi ercest fi ghts was over SB

277, which was introduced in the wake of a measles outbreak at Disneyland and requires full vaccination for most children to enroll in school. Schools will begin vetting students to ensure they have their shots in July, before the 2016-2017 school year begins.

Search warrantsArguing our privacy laws lag behind our

technology, lawmakers passed SB 178 to require search warrants before law enforce-ment can obtain your e-mails, text messages, Internet search history, and other digital data.

Ballot feesTh inking of fi ling a ballot initiative?

You’ll need more cash. AB 1100 hikes the cost of submitting a proposal from $200 to $2,000, which supporters called a needed screen to discourage frivolous or potentially unconstitutional proposals.

Grocery jobsWhen grocery stores get new owners, AB

359 requires the stores to retain employees for at least 90 days and consider keeping them on after that period ends. While workers can still be dismissed in that win-dow for performance-related reasons, the labor-backed bill seeks to protect workers

Mayor’s Corner

Some new laws for the New Year

from losing their jobs to buyouts or mergers.Reproductive servicesAB 775 requires any licensed facility

off ering pregnancy-related services to post a sign advertising the availability of public family planning programs, including abor-tions. It is aimed at so-called “crisis pregnan-cy centers,” which pro-abortion rights critics assail for pressuring women into carrying their pregnancies to term.

CheerleadersCheerleaders who root on professional

athletes will be treated as employees under California law, with the accompanying wage and hour protections, under AB 202. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, who carried the bill, was a Stanford cheerleader.

TestingHigh school seniors will no longer need

to take a long-standing exit exam to grad-uate, thanks to SB 172. Th e bill lifts the requirement through the 2017-2018 school year and also applies retroactively to 2004, meaning students who have completed all the other graduation requirements since then can apply for diplomas.

Guns on campusConcealed fi rearms are barred from

college campuses and K-12 school grounds under SB 707, which the California College and University Police Chiefs Association sponsored as a public safety corrective.

Equal paySB 358 seeks to close the stubborn gap

between men and women’s wages by saying they must be paid the same for “substantially similar work,” an upgrade over the current standard, and allowing women to talk about their own pay and inquire about the pay of others without facing discipline. While Cal-ifornia already requires equal pay for equal work, women still consistently make less.

Sex edStudent participation in sexual edu-

cation courses is currently voluntary. AB 329 would make the courses mandatory unless parents specifi cally seek an opt-out and would update curricula to include, for example, more information about HIV and the spectrum of gender identity.

Yes means yesAs long as their school districts require

health classes to graduate, SB 695 will ensure high school students learn about the “yes means yes” standard of consent to sex-ual acts. In other words, students will learn they should be getting explicit approval from partners.

Toy gunsRealistic-looking airsoft guns will need to

have more features that distinguish them as toys, like fl uorescent trigger guards, thanks to SB 199. Advocates said it would help law enforcement avoid tragic mistakes when making split-second decisions, pointing to the 2013 case of a Santa Rosa boy fatally shot by Sonoma County deputies who mistook his toy gun for the real thing.

Gun restraining ordersPassed last year in response to a troubled

young man shooting and killing multiple people in Isla Vista, AB 1014 allows family members to obtain a restraining order tem-porarily barring gun ownership for a relative they believe to be at risk of committing an act of violence.

Rape kitsAB 1517 prods law enforcement to more

quickly process so-called “rape kits,” the fo-rensic evidence collected from sexual assault crime scenes. While the bill doesn’t mandate anything, it encourages law enforcement agencies to send evidence to crime labs

sooner and urges crime labs to analyze the data and upload it into a DNA database in a shorter time frame.

Brew bikesPeople rolling around midtown Sacra-

mento on beer bikes could get a little tipsier under SB 530. Th e measure allows alcohol to be consumed on board the multi-person vehicles, which currently travel between diff erent bars but don’t allow imbibing in between, as long as the city authorizes it. Th e city of Sacramento is working on updating its pedicab ordinance to refl ect the new law.

Charity raffl esProfessional sports fans could bring

home big prizes thanks to SB 549, which authorizes in-game charity raffl es allowing the winner to take home 50% of ticket sales. Th at’s a change from the current system, which permits charity raffl es only if 90% of the proceeds go to the cause.

Pedestrian costsAB 40 ensures pedestrians and cyclists

won’t have to pay tolls on Bay Area bridges like the Golden Gate. While no such tolls yet exist, lawmakers were responding to a proposal to raise money with a Golden Gate Bridge fee.

Back wagesIf an employee doesn’t get paid what

they are owed, SB 588 allows the California Labor Commissioner to slap a lien on the boss’s property to try and recoup the value of the unpaid wages. Th is was a slimmed-down version of a prior, unsuccessful bill that was pushed by organized labor but repudiated by business interests — the key diff erence being that the commissioner, not workers, fi les the liens.

FranchisesAnother bill whose earlier labor-backed,

business-opposed version was softened in the name of compromise, AB 525 modifi es the relationships between individual fran-chise business owners and the larger parent company by changing the rules for when the parent company can terminate or refuse to renew a franchise agreement and how the franchise owner can sell or transfer the store.

Transportation companiesTh e steady drip of new regulations on

companies like Uber and Lyft continued with AB 1422, which requires such busi-nesses to give the California Department of Motor Vehicles access to driver records by participating in the agency’s pull notice program.

Air regulationsAfter a sweeping climate bill spurred

objections from lawmakers about the clout of the unelected California Air Resources Board, AB 1288 off ered a concession by creating two new spots on the regulator’s board, to be appointed by the Legislature.

02/2016 AROUND ALHAMBRA 3A


is a monthly publication with a total circulation of 40,000. It is mailed to every business and residence in the city of Alhambra. Around Alhambra is also mailed to all interested local, state and county officials.

We welcome comments, press releases and community interest stories and will make every effort to include all appropriate information.

For advertising rates and other information, contact Alhambra Chamber of Commerce104 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801Tel: 626 282-8481 Fax: 626 282-5596www.alhambrachamber.org

Executive CommitteePresident: Robert Fukui, High Point MarketingVice President: Evike Chang, Evike.comImmediate Past President: Lee Lieberg, Landz Real EstateAt-Large members: Frank Chen, Law Offices of Frank W. Chen Valarie Gomez, West San Gabriel Valley YMCA Mark Paulson, Anthony Venti Realtors

Board of Directors Oriana Chan, Wells Fargo Bank Nickie Chan, LifeWave

Iris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medical CenterRafael Garcia , Republic Services

Megan Moloughney, The Ratkovich Co./The AlhambraJoe Pavon, Al’s Towing

Todd Sakamoto, The Mailbox Shop Marissa Castro-Salvati, So. California Edison Helen Romero-Shaw, So. California Gas Company Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern California Dr. David Snyder, Optometrist Walter Tang, Superior Scientific Joanna Vargas, The Fit Factor Studio

StaffExecutive Director: Sharon GibbsMembership/Advertising Sales: Stan YonemotoLegislative Affairs: Owen GuenthardOffice Manager: Irma HernandezEditor: Dulcy JenkinsWriter: William KinmanOffice Assistant: Rosemarie ValerioPublished by: Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

AROUND ALHAMBRA is not responsible nor liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for product availability that may be advertised. Opinions expressed in columns, letters and guest editorials are those of the authors. All rights reserved. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

To Advertise

in Around

Alhambra call 626-

282-8481

Food shoppers who have visited the newly opened Lohas Market, 300 W. Main St., Suite 120, have found a profuse selection of fresh, natural, organic foods on the shelves, an indication that the traditional 20th century supermarket has transitioned into the 21st century concept that fresh, natural, organic foods are bet-ter for people.

From early morning pick-me-ups to afternoon snacks and main dinner courses, organic is now at everyone’s fingertips. The word organic is gener-ally accepted to mean foods produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers and contain-ing no industrial solvents or chemical food additives.

Lohas officials said they provide locally sourced organic and natural produce, dairy, meat, and seafood, traditional Asian products, freshly baked breads, frozen items, snacks, condiments, and organic teas. The in-store bistro provides freshly prepared organic salads, hot food entrees, pressed juices, and soy milk.

Lohas Market emphasizes fresh, natural, organic foods

Lohas fresh mart sign welcomes visitors and shoppers to a new market experience.

Store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Lohas is an acronym formed from Lifestyles of Health and Sustainabil-ity. Lohas’ entrances are from the indoor parking lot, accessible from both Third Street and Fourth Street, from the Main Street sidewalk, and

from the Fourth and Main corner.In addition to the food produced

in eco-friendly conditions, the staff is person-friendly, anxious to assist visitors find their market needs, explain unusual food choices and, as expressed by one Lohas official, share.

For more information, phone Lohas at 626-300-3998.

See our list of professional Accountant/CPA Chamber members

on page 18A

02/2016 CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 5A

Many cities, countries rely on freeway tunnels as safe way to improve traffic flow

The fight for completion of the 710 freeway continues as the 710 Coalition continues to gain support and momen-tum for building a tunnel. Proponents of the tunnel continue to garner support from labor, businesses, and community organizations who are working to support a solution to the decades-long fight to complete the freeway. Fortunately the facts are clear: the freeway tunnel will reduce the most traffic on local streets, resulting in better traffic flow and improved air quality for residents and neighbors.

For years, Alhambra and neighboring cities have been living in the midst of a serious and unacceptable environmental injustice. The facts are clear, and the evidence astounding. Lower income, mi-nority communities near the 710 are most impacted by poor air quality and higher cancer levels. The environmental data clearly shows that the tunnel is the only al-ternative that further reduces air emissions and health risks in lower income, minority areas that have been affected by poor air quality due to severe congestion and slow traffic on neighborhood streets.

The risk of cancer in communities near and around the 710 is 20% to 100% greater than compared to neighborhoods north of the freeway. The tunnel is the only alternative that reduces cancer risk in the greater Alhambra area and beyond. In fact, the tunnel reduces emissions and

local street vehicle miles traveled by 14% in Alhambra, by 7% in San Gabriel, by 9% in Pasadena, and by 12% in South Pasadena. The environmental data continues to sup-port that a tunnel will improve air quality and reduce cancer risk for the majority of the project study area.

A freeway tunnel also provides much needed relief for many local residents and commuters by maximizing mobility and flow of traffic throughout the Los Angeles Region. Environmental experts point out that emissions are worse in stop and go traffic; exactly the kind of congestion plaguing the streets of Alhambra today. If a tunnel is built, roughly 57,000 vehicles per day will be removed from local streets, drastically reducing arterial cut-through traffic by 43%. There’s no denying that traffic must be removed from local streets and diverted back onto the freeways where it was originally designed to go.

Long highway tunnels are not unprece-dented. Many cities and countries through-out the world rely on freeway tunnels as a safe and secure way to improve traffic flow. The evidence clearly supports the tunnel as the best and only alternative to relieve congestion on local streets, reduce cancer, and improve air quality in Alhambra’s neighborhoods. Alhambra and the 710 Coalition are committed to doing what it takes to ensure that a tunnel is built. The quality of residents’ lives depend on it.


Monday: 11 am - 9 pmTuesday: 10 am - 9 pmWednesday: 10 am - 9 pmThursday: 10 am - 5 pmFriday: 10 am - 5 pmSaturday: 10 am - 5 pmSunday: 1 pm - 5 pm

101 S. First St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-5008www.alhambralibrary.org

“Interconnected Histories,” a celebra-tion of Alhambra’s diverse community, is being celebrated at the Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St., during the month of February. The celebration begins with a lecture by a University of Illinois incoming professor of Latin American Studies at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, in Reese Hall.

The history of immigration from Mexico to the U.S. will be discussed, focusing on the need for agricultural

labor during WWII and how this laid the foundation for subsequent waves of migration later in the 20th century.

Investing will be the featured subject at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, and at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in Reese Hall, at which times staff will explain how to get free, in-depth financial information from Morningstar, Valueline, and other investment sources.

The film Leap Year, starring Amy Ad-ams, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday,

‘Interconnected Histories’ featured at Civic Center Library

VISIT THE CHAMBER ONLINE ATalhambrachamber.org

Feb. 9, 20 days before the occurrence of the quadrennial Feb. 29.

The Lunar New Year will receive spe-cial attention at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Reese Hall, with a sharing of traditional Chinese goodies followed by the showing of the film Little Big Soldier, PG13, and at 7 p.m. a Family Story Time in celebration of Monkeys!

Teen-oriented events scheduled for February include:

Teen Advisory Board meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in Reese Hall.

Movie Pitch Perfect 2 and making paper heart wreaths on Thursday, Feb. 11, in Reese Hall.

Practice SAT Exam for grades nine through 12 at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, in Reese Hall. Registration required. Check at the Teen Desk.

Special Children’s activities for the month include:

Rudy’s Radical Science Show at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, in Reese Hall.

Monkey Story Time at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Reese Hall.

Early Literacy Story Times, for chil-dren ages 0 to 2, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 23. Alhambra resident registration for this session will take place on Feb. 20 and 21. Non-Alhambra resident registration will take place Feb. 22 to 28, or until all available spaces have been filled. Parents must come to the library in person and have a valid Alhambra Civic Center Li-brary card to register their children.

Information concerning these and other children’s programs and services is available at www.alhambralibrary.org/kids/kids.html and at 626-570-3215.

Keep up-to-date with all things library — for children, teens, and adults — at www.alhambralibrary.org.


The City of Alhambra’s 2016 Flag Football All star Team was honored for winning the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation Flag Football Championship.

City Council honors Alhambra Flag Football All Star Team

The Alhambra City Council honored a group of elementary school boys for their championship win of the Southern Cali-fornia Municipal Athletic Federation Division A Flag Football Tournament last month.

With 10 teams from throughout Southern California participating in the two-day Championship Tournament, the Alhambra team earned a spot in the Championship Game against Richgrove after two other victories and a decisive 32 to 12 score as the final rung in their climb to the top of the Southern California Flag Football Championship ladder.

All Stars were honored from Baldwin Elementary School: Tommy Castillo, Michael Hang, Jose Ortiz, and Spencer Tang; Fremont Elementary School: Jacob Moreno and Brandon Na-varro; Granada Elementary

School: Kevin Ayala; Park Elementary School: Alejandro Quintanar; and Ramo-na Elementary School: Nathan Marin and Hugo Montes.

The City Council also honored the All Star Team coaches, all City of Alhambra Community Services Department Recre-

ation leaders: Head Coach Jose Gutierrez and Assistant Coaches Jacob Torres and SimmenTse.

Around Alhambra adds its congratu-lations to the championship players and coaches.

The Alhambra helps beautify Tournament of Roses parade

Besides Alhambra’s Rose Parade float, there was another significant Alhambra entry in the parade not listed in any program. It was white pampas grass leaves, simulating an-imal fur on floats constructed by the Phoenix Decorating Company — a major float builder for the Tournament of Roses Parade and the company that created the City of Alhambra float.

The grass was donated by The Alhambra, The Ratkovich Company’s “Urban Community” located at Fremont and Mission, and whose exterior plantings feature significant

swaths of pampas grass.Thousands of commuters pass this intersection each

day and see the grass, most not knowing exactly what the plants are named. But one driver, a floral designer for Phoenix Decorating, immediately identified the plants and, contacting Alhambra Float Committee Chairman Mark Paulson, made contact with Ratkovich’s Megan Mo-loughney, which led to the donation of some 400 pampas grass stems from The Alhambra.

The Alhambra donated pampas grass to the Phoenix Decorating Company to use on floats in the Rose Parade.

The pampas grass simulated animal fur on the floats.

To Advertise in Around Alhambra call 626-282-8481


Take action: Join a City board or commission

Get involved with City government. Th e City of Alhambra encourages citizen participation in municipal government and invites citi-zens to consider serving on a City board or commission.

Appointments to city boards and commissions are made by the City Council. Terms on the boards and commissions are limited to one year, and all expire in March of each year. However, an individual may be reappointed annually up to a maximum of eight years of consecutive service excepting Youth Commission service, which is limited to a maximum of four consecutive years.

Th e following boards and commission have vacancies:

HDCA Citizen Advisory Committee (1): Participates in an advisory role in planning, implementing, and assessing the City’s community development pro-gram. Meets at 7 p.m. the fi rst Tuesday of the month in the Alhambra City Hall Conference Room.

Parks and Recreation Commission (3): Acts as an advisory board to the City Council, makes recommendations in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to recreation, and such subjects related to the orderly and consistent development of parks and recreation. Meets at 7 p.m. the fi rst Th ursday of the month in the

Joslyn Center. Transportation Commis-

sion (5): Acts as a consulting and advisory board to the City Council with respect to traffi c and transportation matters. Meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday every other month in the City Hall

Conference Room.Youth Commission (4): Acts as an ad-

visory board to the City Council related to matters pertaining to the activities or needs of youth in the city. Meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Civic Center Library Board Room.

Environmental Committee (1): Participates in an advisory role to develop City initiatives related to energy and resources conservation, protecting the en-vironment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving energy-related costs to the City. Meets the second Th ursday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, or as designated.

Alhambra residents who are interested in serving are invited to submit an appli-cation for consideration. Applications are available online at the City of Alhambra’s Web site, www.cityofalhambra.org, and from the City Clerk’s Offi ce. Residency within the City of Alhambra is a require-ment for appointment to the boards and commissions.



Teen Basketball League registrations begins Feb. 8

Alhambra teens — residents and those attending high schools in Alhambra, boys and girls alike — will soon show their court talents at the Almansor Park Gymnasium as the City of Alhambra Teen Basketball League begins play on Friday, March 25.

Registration for the Teen Basketball League begins at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, in person at the Almansor Park Recreation Di-vision Offi ce, by phone at 626-570-5081, and online at www.cityofalhambra .org. Registration will continue until the league is full. Early registration is recommended.

Individual registrants are not guaranteed a roster spot, but every attempt will be made to place an individual on a team.

Games will be played from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays at the Almansor Park Gym. If needed, additional games will be played from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays

A Teen Basketball League players meet-ing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, March

18, in the Almansor Park Activity room.As the Teen Basketball League pre-

pares for 2016 play, the fi rst- through fourth-graders, members of the Tiny Eagles Basketball League, begin their play at the newly renovated Granada Park Gymnasium on Saturday, Feb.13. Th e “eaglets” have been learning the fundamentals of the game and will soon demonstrate their talents each Saturday morning.

Adults participating in the Adult Bas-ketball and Co-Ed Volleyball Spring and Summer Leagues will register in March. League play begins in May.

For a full rundown of sports and other activities sponsored by the City of Alhambra Community Services Department (Parks & Recreation), please consult the Winter/Spring 2016 Leisure Classes, Activities & Excursions Guide, available at www.cityofal-hambra.org.

Monday evenings when either the City Council or the Planning Commission has a scheduled meeting. Visitors will have an opportunity to view the artworks and meet the artists during a reception scheduled at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8.

Academy of Special Dreams Founda-tion President and CEO Michael Derger said that the art exhibition is another

opportunity to encourage, promote, and showcase the talents of these wonderful artists. Alhambrans are encouraged to schedule a visit to Alhambra’s City Hall in February to view the artworks of these especially creative artists.

Learn more about the Academy of Special Dreams at http://www.spe-cialacademy.org.

A WORLD OF INCLUSION ART EXHIBIT From Page 1A


The following crimes were reported to the Alhambra Police Department in December. The areas of occurrence are listed to the nearest block — not exact addresses. By publishing these reports, it is hoped that Alhambra residents will take the necessary measures to ensure their individual safety, as well as the safety of their property. Neighborhood Watch Works! To join Neighborhood Watch, or for more crime prevention information and safety tips, contact the Alhambra Police Department Crime Prevention Office at 626-570-5177.

District OneBurglary (3)800 N. Second300 S. Chapel500 N. ThirdTheft/Burglary from Vehicle (11)300 N. Second500 N. Third400 S. Garfield200 N. Stoneman100 N. Garfield (x3)100 N. Chapel800 N. Second900 N. Cordova400 E. Bay StateGrand Theft Auto (11)200 S. Sixth00 S. Third300 S. Garfield400 W. Grand200 S. Cordova900 N. Monterey100 N. Atlantic900 N. Garfield400 S. Stoneman100 E. Woodward700 N. AtlanticRobbery (0)

District TwoBurglary (6)1100 S. New (x2)900 S. Eighth1500 S. Monterey1600 S. Atlantic1200 S. Sierra VistaTheft/Burglary fromVehicle (7)1600 S. Hidalgo800 S. Garfield1900 S. Stoneman1400 S. Third1200 S. Eighth800 S. Seventh800 S. SixthGrand Theft Auto (6)700 S. Stoneman900 S. Chapel1700 S. Stoneman1400 S. Atlantic700 W. Ramona100 E. ParkRobbery (3)700 W. Valley1400 S. Garfield800 S. Garfield

District ThreeBurglary(0)Theft/Burglary from Vehicle (4)700 N. Atlantic500 N. Marguerita00 S. Palatine200 S. Hampden TerraceGrand Theft Auto (12)1800 W. LemonAlhambra/Ethel600 S. Westboro500 S. Palm300 S. Raymond1100 W. Commonwealth1300 W. Main200 S. Curtis100 S. Elm300 S. Fremont600 S. Palm00 S. WaverlyRobbery(0)

District FourBurglary (7)2700 S. Fremont1100 W. Shorb1800 S. Marengo1700 W. Garvey1400 W. Hellman1700 W. Hellman2500 S. HathawayTheft Burglary from Vehicle (7)2500 W. Valley2100 W. Valley2400 S. Midwickhill1700 S. Ethel2200 W. Valley2600 W. Ramona2200 S. DateGrand Theft Auto (3)2700 W. Ramona1300 S. Edgewood1300 S. PalmRobbery (0)

El Niño has arrived January’s rainstorms made

many residents realize El Niño does exist and that they need to be ready.

The City of Alhambra exists in a primarily flat environment, so that some of the threats of flooding and mud slides may not be as important as in other Southern California communities. That does not mean that residents should ignore the warnings of ex-cessive rainfall and winds that can, even in a non-hilly community, cause considerable damage to one’s property.

Around Alhambra has featured, for sev-eral months, a colorful chart entitled “Get

Prepared Now for EL NIÑO” that suggests ways Alhambra residents can ensure that they are prepared for El Niño, concentrating on five major property elements: roofs and chimneys; drains and gutters; sloping areas; trees and limbs; and landscaping.

The chart includes other important safety tips and important phone numbers to phone to report emergency problems, such as power outages and trees down in public areas and to reach the fire stations.

The chart is reprinted in this issue of Around Alhambra and is a helpful guide for all Alhambra residents.

12A CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 02/2016

“Surviving the Unimaginable — Survival Tools for an Active Shooter Event”Presented by Captain Elliot Kase, Alhambra Police DepartmentNoon to 1:30 p.m.Alhambra Chamber of Commerce board room, 104 S. First St.Th is presentation is focused on options that citizens need to consider if they fi nd themselves in an “active shooter” situation, whether in the workplace or public venue, such as the basic response protocols that the Police and Fire Departments follow and things to be aware of in terms of signs of danger, etc. Th e Chamber’s monthly business training program is off ered on the third Th ursday of each month and is facilitated by Alhambra business leaders with a track record of success. Th ey will share relevant business strategies that have helped them build a profi table business.Th e cost of the program is free to Chamber members. Th ere is a $15 charge for non-members. Lunch is included.To make reservations, or for more information about the Chamber’s Secrets for YOUR Success program, contact Irma Hernandez, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, at 626-282-8481 or [email protected].

Thursday, Feb. 18

WELCOME OURNew CHAMBER MEMBERS!

Alhambra Tax Center1009 E. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-282-1084alhambrataxcenter.comAlhambra Tax Center is one of the oldest tax preparation companies in Alhambra. Alhambra Tax Center off ers all of the services as the national tax preparation companies and off ers reasonable fees.

Farmer’s Insurance-Pasadena3030 E. Colorado Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91107626-821-4848Farmers Insurance Group is a U.S. insurer group of automobiles, homes and small businesses and off ers other insurance and fi nancial services products.

Hanasab Insurance Services625 S. Fairfax Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90036323-782-8454 X342hanasabinsurance.comHanasab Insurance Services is an independent insurance broker dedicated to providing client services with expertise and integrity.

Hippo Charging, Inc.1616 S. Date Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801626-248-8837hippocharging.comCredit card terminal systems

Maido Stationery & Gifts150 E. Main St., Unit 110Alhambra,CA 91801626-284-8205mymaido.comMaido Stationery & Gifts off ers a wide range of high-end stationery products, including diffi cult-to-fi nd items outside of Japan.

Main Street Attraction218 W. Main St.Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-5150www.mainstreetattraction.orgHigh-end resale of clothing and accessories.

MAKEiT, Inc.612 S. Marengo Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803626-470-7938www.makeit-3d.comMAKEiT printers combine the best capabilities available in desktop printing with the precision and capability of industrial level 3D printers.

Snack Provider228 S. Olive Ave., Unit A119Alhambra, CA 91801650-556-5113snackprovider.comHand-picked snacks and beverages from various parts of the world delivered right to the offi ce.

Secrets for Your Success presents ‘Winning at the Game of Business’

SCORE counselor Pete Parker presented “Winning at the Game of Business” at the Chamber’s Secrets for Your Success program on Jan. 21.

Th e Chamber’s Jan. 21 “Secrets for Your Success” program presented SCORE counselor Pete Parker, a former U.S. Army Ranger turned tech entrepre-neur, who talked about “Winning at the Game of Business.”

Mr. Parker reviewed the goals of busi-ness ownership and stressed the impor-tance of identifying and understanding the big picture of a particular industry or business niche. He stressed the value of developing a specifi c game plan and determining the type and style of leader-ship needed to succeed in the particular business specialty. He also underscored and stressed the importance of identify-ing the strategies necessary to implement a specifi c business plan in order to survive in a competitive environment.

Mr. Parker emphasized the value of

the management team members knowing and understanding their roles in order for the business to survive. He also cited the importance of identifying the proper management style for the business which will dictate the correct business proce-dures necessary to succeed.

He also mentioned that the real pur-pose of becoming a business entrepreneur is to improve the business owner’s life style and fi nancial position and to avoid becoming a slave to the business.

SCORE provides free mentoring to small and large businesses and teaches classes on business, usually for only $45.

For more information about SCORE, visit the Web site at www.ScoreSGV.org. SCORE’s Glendale offi ce is www.ScoreLA.org.

Maido Stationery & Gifts, 150 E. Main St., Unit 110, in Alhambra Place, had its ribbon cutting on Jan. 6. Maido off ers products from Japan that include fi ne stationery, dolls, gift boxes made from traditional Japanese washi paper, high-quality paper notebooks, an extensive selection of writing utensils, unique character items and toys from San-X, room decorations, relaxing aroma-therapy products, and many rare items that are diffi cult to fi nd anywhere outside of Japan. From left: former Chamber President Mark Paulson; City Councilmembers Steven Placido, D.D.S., and Stephen Sham; Uki Suzuki, Maido staff ; Hiromi Hasegawa, Maido regional manager; Kaeko Okamoto, Maido staff ; Chamber Ambassador President Nickie Chan; former Chamber President Frank Chen; and Ambassador Kay Lee Fukui.

02/2016 CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 13A

It’s all about networking

Cost: $10 for members $15 for non-members

Join the Chamber for an informal social where business people get together, exchange ideas, and develop new relationships. These monthly networking programs are sponsored by and hosted at Chamber member establishments.Networking is one of the most affordable means of marketing resulting in invaluable personal referrals and word-of-mouth advertising.So, don’t hesitate. Bring plenty of business cards and a winning handshake to the next Business After Hours and develop a synergistic group of business contacts.

For more information about the Business After Hours Mixers, phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.

This month’s Business After Hours mixer will take placeWednesday, Feb. 245:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Fit Factor Studio incorporates high intensity intervals of cardio and strength into a streamlined 50-minute class set to specially selected music. The workouts burn fat with exercises that strengthen the body in sections and isolate muscle groups. Clients become toned, and fitness becomes a regular part of life with the studio’s unique circuit training program.

The Fit Factor 38 W. Main St., Alhambra 91801

LUNAR NEW YEAR From Page 1A

dog from Wells Fargo, will make an ap-pearance at the outdoor stage with music from a live band and various Kung Fu demonstrations. Snoopy will be at the MetLife booth. Contests and giveaways will be available at the Charter, AIG, Chase Bank, and Union Bank booths. The God of Fortune will pass out red envelope candies on behalf of East West Bank. Tzu Chi and Christian Herald will provide free medical consultations. There will be all-day entertainment, including changing faces performances, stunts, and ethnic folk dances.

An art exhibition kicked off the celebration in January at Alhambra City Hall. The exhibition included photo boards about the coming Zodiac; a large dance photo illustrating one of China’s four great classical novels, Journey to the West, also known as The Monkey King Sun Wukon; 13 drawings by ADT Art School; and six mythological Taiwanese hand puppets provided by collector Rex

Yu for another unique interpretation of the Monkey King from the Journey to the West.

The exhibition was sponsored by Delta Air lines and XO Tours and co-sponsored by ETTV, Zhong-Guo Daily News, and Around Alhambra.

“Come to the Lunar New Year Festi-val. It is a great place to have fun, try the local cuisine, and enjoy entertainment with family and friends,” said Sharon Gibbs, Chamber executive director.

Free admission and parking are available on side streets and nearby shopping centers.

The event Web site is www.alhambranewyearfestival.com. For more information, please phone 626-395-9995, or send an e-mail to Pinki Chen at [email protected] or Frances Lee at [email protected].

The Alhambra Chamber of Commercethanks these members for renewing their memberships

and for their continued support:AHMC Healthcare, Inc.

1000 S. Fremont Ave.Building A-9

Alhambra, CA 91803626-457-7450

Member since 2007

Alhambra Masonic Lodge #3229 W. Woodward Ave.Alhambra, CA 91801

626-281-7950Member since 1998

Alhambra Performing Arts Center1850 W. Hellman Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803

626-230-5435Member since 2007

City Bail Bonds230 S. Atlantic Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91801

626-576-2245Member since 2011

East West Bank-Alhambra Valley403 W. Valley Blvd.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-7447

Member since 2007

Esperanza Services2510 W. Main St.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-457-5242

Member since 2008

Garfield Health Center320 S. Garfield Ave., Suite 322

Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-9892

Member Since 2014

Goldberg, JoshMember since 1999

Green Menu Organization560 W. Main St., Unit D

Alhambra, CA 91801877-771-5281

Member since 2013

Hi Quality Auto Body723 S. Fremont Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803

626-457-9114Member since 2007

Home Depot500 S. Marengo Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803626-458-9800, X300Member since 2007

Immunity Kingdom Corporation

410 W. Main Street, Suite #231Alhambra, CA 91801

626-252-8292Member since 2013

Jeffrey K. Maloney, Attorney at Law

Alhambra, CA 91801626-524-6727

Member since 2014

John L. Raya Insurance Group401 S. Mission Drive

San Gabriel, CA 91776626-570-8611

Member since 2010

Knights of Columbus #2431P.O. Box 1027

Alhambra, CA 91801562-843-0770

Member since 2006

Kosuke/Noodle Square618 W. Main St. #B

Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-8030

Member since 2013

Landz Real Estate401 N. Garfield Ave., Suite #2

Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-8484

Member since 2012

M & M Dental1711 W. Main St.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-308-1711

Member since 2008

MC Computer Consulting, Inc.407 W. Valley Blvd. #4Alhambra, CA 91803

818-303-4111Member since 2005

Marini Music222 W. Main St.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-289-0241

Member since 2004

Mega Liquor #82020 W. Valley Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91801

626-282-7070Member since 2007

Poprock Academy11 S. Second St.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-282-ROCK

Member since 2012

San Gabriel Hilton225 W. Valley Blvd.

San Gabriel, CA 91776626-270-2717

Member since 2013

The Hat1 W. Valley Blvd.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-282-0140

Member since 2003

U.S. Storage Centers-Alhambra2500 W. Hellman Ave.Alhambra, CA 91803

626-872-7922Member since 2014

Vista Cove at San Gabriel901 W. Santa Anita

San Gabriel, CA 91776626-289-8889

Member since 1998

To renew your membership with a credit card,

please phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.

California is the No. 1 ‘Judicial Hellhole’ in the nationBY OWEN GUENTHARD, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

The cost of doing business in Califor-nia continues to rise out of control, and frivolous law suits contribute heavily to this trend. The American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF) has once again ranked California as the No. 1 Judicial Hellhole in the U.S. for 2015 having the most unfair civil litigation courts in the nation. This trend contributes greatly to the high cost of doing business in California.

The report references information available from the Court Statistics Project of the National Center for State Courts. The report cited that more than a million new lawsuits are being filed annually in California state courts, and an estimated tens of thousands more are filed in federal courts in the state. A principal reason given for the California trend is the fact that plaintiffs can claim disabilities under a combination of both the federal

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state civil rights law which allows for damages and attorney fees.

The report further stated that most plaintiffs rarely seek corrections of the unsafe conditions but prefer to be paid and settle out of court. The article further referenced an NBC Bay Area television study that revealed that just 31 serial plaintiffs accounted for roughly 56% of the more than 7,000 ADA claims filed in the state since 2005.

On a positive note, the article noted a case before the California Supreme Court that could change the way class-action at-torneys are paid. The court could replace the payment of contingency fees which currently represent on average 25% of the awards for damages with by-the-hour fees for attorney services.

The ATRF was founded in 1997 and has published annual reports since 2002. To view the full Judicial Hellholes report, visit www.judicialhellholes.org.

Tu DeVera, from Jayvee Dance Center, attends the Chamber’s Coffee Talk, hosted by The Fit Factor, 38 W. Main St., on Jan. 14. The Coffee Talk events are opportunities for members of the business community to increase their visibility and promote their businesses. The Coffee Talks are offered from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month.


Michael Aston is an Enrolled Agent engaged in his family business at Alhambra Tax Center, 1009 E. Main St., Alhambra. Alhambra Tax Center has served Alhambra residents since 1970. He can be reached at 626-282-1084. Tax questions, or any other questions, can be e-mailed to [email protected]. To view previous topics, read his blogs at www.alhambrataxcenter.com.

Tax TipsHealth Care and TaxesBY MICHAEL ASTON, E.A.ALHAMBRA TAX CENTER

We are going into the second year of ACA, “Obama Care,” and most people are still confused on how it will affect their taxes.

Taxpayers who went through Cov-ered California or any other state or federal marketplace in 2015 should have been sent a 1095-A by Jan. 31. The taxpayer should include form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit, PTC) with their tax return. If a taxpayer files a tax return without 8962 and is getting a refund, the taxpayer will receive a letter in the mail about two to four weeks asking for them to send in form 8962. Once sent to the IRS, it may be another six to eight weeks for the IRS to process and issue the refund. If the taxpayer is in a rush for a refund, it would be beneficial to wait until the 1095-A is received before filing.

Taxpayers who went through the marketplace will have their insurance subsidized in a form of a tax credit. This tax credit can be taken in one of two ways. The most common option is the credit is given to the insurance company instead of the taxpayer. For example, let’s say based on the tax-payer’s income, the premium is $200,

and the credit is $150. The taxpayer would pay $50, and the Federal Gov-ernment will pay $150 per month. The next option is the taxpayer pays the full $200 per month and then receives a refund of $1,800 or $150 per month.

Form 8962 is a reconciliation of your income and PTC. When ap-plying for the insurance through the marketplace, the taxpayer gives an estimate of income for the next year. For example, in November 2014, the taxpayer would estimate his or her 2015 income for 2015 insurance. With the 8962, the IRS will figure if you got the correct credit. If the taxpayer’s estimate is $30,000 and he or she actually made $40,000, mon-ey will be owed. If they estimated $40,000 and received only $30,000, they will get an additional credit. It is very important that the marketplace is notified of any increase or decrease of income throughout the year.

For taxpayers who had insurance outside the marketplace for their tax household all 12 months in 2015, there will be no credit or penalties. These taxpayers will receive a 1095-B or 1095-C. This year, they do not have to wait to receive the 1095s to file. In the situation that they did not

SERVPRO Alhambra maintains top ranking in Franchise 500 Rankings from Entrepreneur magazine

SERVPRO®, a cleanup and restoration franchise company at 560 W. Main St., Alhambra, maintains its hold on the top ranking in the Restoration Services industry for the 13th consecutive year and moves up to the number four spot overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine.* This is the seventh consecutive year SERVPRO has been included in the magazine’s Top 10 list, standing out in a group of more than 951 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list.

“It’s exciting to be part of a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension its

customers,” said Garret Vanderwielen, owner of SERVPRO of Alhambra. “The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confir-mation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer.”

SERVPRO® specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies.

For more information, contact Mr. Vanderwielen at 626-283-5875, or [email protected].

27 Quick and Easy Fix Ups to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar

Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important deci-sions you will make in your life. And once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for

the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s away to help you to be as prepared as possible. To assist home sellers, a new industry report has just been released called “27 Valuable Tips That You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home com-petitive in today’s tough, aggressive marketplace.

Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your

situation, and make the best profit possible. In this report you’ll discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, you will get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home.

You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money.

Order your free report today. To order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-888-300-4632 and enter 1023. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW.

This report is courtesy of Rudy L. Kusuma Real Estate Broker Lic# 01820322. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2012

have insurance for all 12 months, they may have a penalty but should consult a tax preparer to see if they are eligible for an exemption.



Alhambra Tax Center has helped clients file their tax returns for 45 years

New Member Spotlights

COURTESY OF MICHAEL ASTON, E.A.Alhambra Tax Center, 1009 E. Main St., has served

Alhambra and San Gabriel Valley residents for more than 45 years.

Jean and Raymond Aston moved to Alhambra in 1960 from England via Toronto, Canada. The couple raised four children: Steven, Peter, Jennifer, and Michael, who all went to Park School and graduated from Alhambra High School between the years of 1978 and 1987.

In the late ‘60s, Raymond developed Aluminum Flexi-ble Conduit at a factory on Date and Orange in Alhambra and did all the testing with U.L. and helped rewrite the National Electrical Code.

Raymond had a vast knowledge of business adminis-tration accounting and tax compliance, so going into the tax business was a natural. Jean and Raymond originally opened Alhambra Tax Center on the corner of Fourth and Main next to the old El Ray Theatre, which is currently Denny’s. Due to redevelopment, they moved to the current location at 1009 E Main St. in Alhambra.

The IRS national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance pro-gram (VITA) originated in Alhambra. The first meeting took place at the old Alhambra Library on Fourth and Main and then moved to the Joslyn Center on Chapel. Raymond was the first volunteer. Post-Advocate editor Warner Jenkins, whose statue is in front of City Hall, was responsible for the publicity that manifested into a national program now administered by AARP.

In January 2016, Jean and Raymond’s youngest son, Michael Aston, joined Jean, Raymond, and son Peter Aston in the family business. Michael left H & R Block on Main Street after many years of managing.

In Michael’s first of the five years of managing H & R Block, he became rookie manager of the year for the company. During a 16-day period at the end of December 2013, Michael took all three IRS exams to become an enrolled agent, the third in his family to obtain the title.

Alhambra Tax Center is one of the oldest tax offices in Alhambra. Between Raymond, Peter, and Michael, Alhambra Tax Center has more than 75 years of tax service. They offer all of the services of the national tax preparation companies and offer reasonable tax preparation fees.

“At Alhambra Tax Center, once we review your paper-work, you will know exactly how much your tax return will be (not an estimate) before we even start,” Michael said. “You will be under no obligation if you are not happy with the price.”

To schedule an appointment or for more information, phone 626-282-1084, or visit www.alhambrataxcenter.com.

Alhambra Tax Center, 1009 E. Main St., is one of the oldest tax offices in Alhambra. Michael Aston recently joined his parents and brother in the family-owned business.

Guy Cacciarelli is the National CineMedia “go-to guy” for businesses in the San Gabriel Valley wanting to place their advertising on-screen, in-lobby, and on movie-goers’ mobile phones and online.

Advertisers at Edwards Alhambra Theater flourish from record setting year at box officeCOURTESY OF GUY CACCIARELLI

Star Wars: The Force Awakens broke every record in the book in its opening, sending 2015 into the highest year in movie box office attendance ever, which was also bolstered by hits American Sniper, Jurassic World, Furious 7, James Bond: Spectre, Inside Out, and the final Hunger Games.

Advertisers who placed their video ads on National CineMedia’s (NCM) movie screens benefitted from the massive audiences that flocked to the movie theaters. The ads ran before every movie during NCM’s FirstLook pro-gram, which is Nielsen-rated and delivers massive weekend ratings that top every TV show on broadcast or cable, even NFL football.

Guy Cacciarelli recently joined the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce and is the “go-to guy” for businesses in the San Gabriel Valley wanting to place their advertising on-screen, in-lobby, and on movie-goers’ mobile phones and online.

“Business owners are typically surprised when they learn it’s not that expensive to advertise locally at the movies,” said Mr. Cacciarelli. “For a 15-second video ad to run at the Edwards Renaissance Alhambra on every screen, before every movie, it’s only $350 for the entire week, so it runs approximately 400 times that week. Significant discounts are given to Alhambra Chamber of Commerce members, businesses that buy multiple theaters, and businesses com-mitting to long-term partnerships of 26 to 52 weeks.”

For advertisers who don’t have a video ad, NCM offers a low-cost option to create an animated ad with voiceover and background music. For businesses with really small budgets, NCM has alternative options, such as advertising on the lobby and concessions area plasma screens, putting banners and standees up in areas throughout the lobby, and targeting local moviegoers through banner ads on mobile phones and online.

The New Year is lined up to be another huge box office season, with eight comic book Superhero movies planned, such as Batman vs. Superman, Deadpool, and Captain America: Civil War. In addition, sequels will be plentiful, with expected hits Kung Fu Panda 3, Zoolander 2, Finding Dory (Nemo 2), and Independence Day 2.

“People still love going to the movies. While TV viewing has changed drastically, the excitement and engagement of watching a movie on the big screen in a theater is irre-placeable,” said Mr. Cacciarelli. “With Edwards Alhambra offering $5.25 tickets all day Sunday and Tuesday, how can you beat that value?”

Mr. Cacciarelli can be reached at [email protected] for inquiries on advertising in cinema.

FoodTruckie LA announced the beta launch of its new mobile app that connects food truck fans to food trucks. From left: Sheila Pham, founder and CEO of FoodTruckie LA; Gerald Abraham, owner of the Okamoto Kitchen food truck; and Ann-Marie Sepe, host of FoodTruckie LA’s Lets Eat! YouTube series.

Foodtruckie LA set to release beta app Feb. 10COURTESY OF NICOLE NELSON

FoodTruckie LA announced the Feb. 10 beta launch of its new mobile app that connects food truck fans to food trucks. The new app for iOS will pinpoint the exact location of gourmet food trucks using real-time data.

Despite the end of the food truck craze, the food truck industry has been increasing in popularity once again and is set to become a $1 billion industry by year 2020. Sheila Pham, founder and CEO of FoodTruckie LA, recognized that the traditional form of communication between trucks and foodies was not working. “Food trucks have traditionally relied on Twitter, which is a slowly dying method,” she said. “They simply do not have time to contin-uously update their locations, and hungry foodies would rather not spend too much time searching on Twitter while their stomachs are growling.”

With the FoodTruckie LA app, trucks will simply click a button and their exact location will be broad-casted live via a map using geolocation services. It is easy for them to use while providing accurate infor-mation to foodies. Finding a gourmet food truck for lunch just got so much easier.

Ms. Pham and her team have already hit the ground running, and there is excitement in the air. Jason Hong, owner of the Pho King Awesome food truck, one of the more popular gourmet food trucks in Los Angeles, is optimistic about the app’s upcoming beta release. “We’ve tried several other apps in the past, but all they did was forward or re-tweet what someone may have already posted,” he said. “We’re very excited that FoodTruckie LA will allow our current and potential customers to find our exact location on real time.”

Aside from the app, the FoodTruckie LA team has also created a strong social media presence, including a Web site, Facebook page, and YouTube channel under the same name FoodTruckie LA.

To join the FoodTruckie LA revolution, sign up to be a beta user at www.foodierevolution.net. Also visit the Web site at www.FoodTruckieLA.com.

VISIT THE

alhambrachamber.org

02/2016 COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 17A

Free tax help available at Cal State LA for qualifi ed individuals

Qualifi ed Alhambra residents who need assistance with basic tax preparation may receive free help through the IRS Vol-unteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program, available on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), through April 16.

Assistance is provided in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Armenian.

Th e program is available to those who generally make $54,000 or less, people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certifi ed volunteers provide the income tax return preparation with electronic fi ling.

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counsel-ing for the Elderly (TCE) program off ers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly

those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. Th e IRS-certifi ed volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profi t organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

Assistance is available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday mornings only. No appointment is required. Cal State LA is located at 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles 90032. Th e Cal State LA VITA program is located in Salazar Hall, third fl oor, room 343. Parking is available underneath Salazar Hall.

Campus map: http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/maps/index.php.

For information, phone 323-308-8485.

18A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 02/2016

Wells Fargo pays tribute to U.S. veterans in 2016 Rose Parade®

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) rang in the New Year by honoring United States Armed Services veterans through its sponsorship of the 2016 Rose Parade®, using this national platform to raise awareness around veterans’ issues locally as well as across the country. Now in the 10th year of sponsoring Rose Parade activities, Wells Fargo’s stagecoach equestrian unit and closing ceremony highlighted nonprofit organizations that support veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

“Our veterans nobly give themselves to our country, help secure our homeland, and advance the cause of freedom, yet more than 4,000 veterans are homeless in Los Angeles County alone,” said David DiCristofaro, Wells Fargo’s lead region president for Greater Los Angeles. “When we think about the parade theme of ‘Finding Your Adven-ture,’ there is no greater adventure for Wells Fargo to support than helping our homeless and wounded heroes transition successfully back into civilian life.”

Wells Fargo’s sponsorship of the 2016 Rose Parade closing ceremony honored the United States of America by featuring the New Directions Veterans Choir, an award-winning a cappella group composed primarily of veterans who served proudly in the United States Military. Several of its members encountered severe struggles fol-lowing their service which left them home-less. Wells Fargo has proudly supported New Directions for Veterans (ND Vets) for the past five years, giving these brave men and women hope and a new lease on life. The talented choir singers are an inspiration to

Wells Fargo honors military veterans at the 2016 Rose Parade® by featuring riders on its iconic stagecoach from No Barriers USA Warriors to Summits and New Directions for Veterans.

Closing ceremony features New Directions Veterans Choir, and iconic stagecoach hosts riders from No Barriers USA Warriors to Summits

others, helping to raise awareness across the country for homelessness among veterans.

Wells Fargo’s iconic stagecoach equestrian units made an earlier appearance in the parade and hosted participants of Warriors to Summits, a program of No Barriers USA whose mission is to provide transformative expeditions for veterans with disabilities and help them reach new personal heights. The program uses mountains as a metaphor to help wounded veterans overcome physical, mental, and emotional barriers.

ND Vets and No Barriers are two of the more than 900 nonprofits and programs for veterans and active duty military Wells Fargo has supported across the nation since 2012

when the company created its Military & Veteran Segment. During this timeframe, Wells Fargo has donated more than $66 million to help military members, veterans, and their families achieve and maintain homeownership, attain positive career tran-sitions, and succeed financially. The Wells Fargo Foundation has donated more than $17 million to military- and veteran- related nonprofits, and the company has given 300 mortgage-free homes valued at more than $49 million to veterans. Wells Fargo is one of the top military-friendly employers in the nation and has hired more than 4,800 veterans and participated in more than 650 military job fairs since 2012.

About Wells FargoFor the last decade Wells Fargo has been

ranked the top corporate philanthropic donor in Los Angeles, donating more than $23 million in 2014 to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.8 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquar-

tered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,700 locations, 12,800 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2015 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories.

About New Directions for Veterans (ND Vets)

Since 1992, New Directions for Veterans (www.ndvets.org) has been providing tran-sitional and permanent supportive housing, as well as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, job training and place-ment, legal assistance, and financial literacy education, to at-risk and homeless veterans. Each year, the agency serves more than 1,100 veterans and their families throughout Los Angeles County.

About No Barriers USA Warriors to Summits

No Barriers Warriors is a program of No Barriers USA (www.nobarriersusa.org/warriors) whose mission is to unleash the potential of the human spirit. The program empowers veterans and transitioning service members with disabilities, and survivors of the fallen, to overcome barriers and unleash their potential. Their experiences serve as both an opportunity for growth and catalyst for change as these brave men and women stretch boundaries, build teams, innovate through adversity, and step up to lead and serve others. Complementing the reintegra-tion process, this program provides quality transformative experiences that inspire warriors to grow and continue to contribute their absolute best to the world.

Need A Tax Accountant?Here’s a list of professional

Accountant/CPA Chamber members.

Alhambra Tax CenterRaymond & Michael Aston 626-282-1084

1009 E. Main St., Alhambra 91801

A.S. Rogers Income Tax ServiceJoan Malcor 626-282-2156

555 W. Main St., Suite G, Alhambra 91801

Brown, Lloyd & StevensonJerry Shankland 626-289-5273

15 S. Chapel Ave., Alhambra 91801

California Prime AccountancyBeatriz Phipps 626-642-0376

100 E. Huntington Drive, Suite 101, Alhambra 91801

Exact TaxMary Wong 626-573-0788

1024 E. Garvey Ave., Monterey Park 91755

Kevin J. Wong, CPAKevin J. Wong 626-247-4339

150 N. Santa Anita Ave., Suite 640, Arcadia 91006

TJ’s Financial & Income TaxJaime Toledo 626-320-9611

1338 W. Main St., Alhambra 91801

Winnes Wong, CPAWinnes Wong 626-299-3722

407 W. Valley Blvd. #3, Alhambra 91803


Feb. 1 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers 111 S. First St.

Feb. 2 – Tuesday• AlhambraChamberExecutiveCommittee 8:30 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.• HCDACitizensAdvisoryCommittee 7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Feb. 4 – ThursdayParks and Recreation Commission7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park 210 N. Chapel Ave.

Feb. 5 – FridayThe Alhambra Woman’s Club will feature an Elvis Presley impersonator at its Feb. 5 meeting 11 a.m.Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., AlhambraPhone 626-289-9307 to make a reservation

Feb. 8 – MondayCity Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

Feb. 9 – Tuesday• AlhambraChamberBoardofDirectors 8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.• LibraryBoardofTrustees 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St. • YouthCommission 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• DesignReviewBoard 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Feb. 11 – ThursdayCoffeeTalkChamber business networking event8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.HostedbyBurlingtonMainStreetandGarfieldAvenueCost is freeRSVP: 626-282-8481

Feb. 13 – SaturdayLunar New Year Festival10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ValleyBlvd.betweenVega&Almansor

Alhambra Service Clubs and OrganizationsTuesday: The Exchange Club meets at 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra. The Rotary Club and Soroptimist Club meet at noon every Tuesday at Almansor Court. The Civitan ClubmeetsatnooneveryfirstandthirdTuesdaysatAztecaRestaurant,717S.SanGabrielBlvd.,SanGabriel.TheKiwanis Club of Alhambra meetsat5p.m.thefirstandthirdTuesdaysatnoonatDenny’sRestaurant,369W.MainSt.,Alhambra(forinformation,phone626-943-2542).Wednesday: The Alhambra Historical Societypresentsitsprogrammeetingsat7p.m.onthefourthWednesdayofJanuary,March,May,September,andNovember(NovembermeetingtakesplaceafterThanksgiving)attheMasonicCenter,9W.WoodwardAve.The Alhambra Woman’s ClubmeetsatnoononthefirstWednesdayeachmonth(exceptforJunethroughSept.),writetoP.O.Box473,Alhambra91802.Toastmastersmeetsfrom6:45p.m.to9p.m.onthefirstandthirdWednesdayseachmonthattheColonialKitchenRestaurant,1110 Huntington Drive, San Marino. The League of Women VotersmeetsonthethirdWednesdayeachmonth(626-798-0965forinfo.).The Lions Club meets at 6:15 p.m. on the third WednesdayeachmonthattheRegentCafé,1411S.GarfieldAve.,Alhambra.Thursday: American Legion Post 139meetsat7p.m.onthefirstThursdayeachmonthattheLegionHall,24N.StonemanAve.,Alhambra.San Gabriel Valley New Generation Rotary Clubmeetsfrom6:30p.m.to8p.m.everyThursdayatFronterasMexicanGrill&Cantina,118W.MainSt.,Alhambra.

Community Calendar of Events

MarchFebruaryFeb. 16 – TuesdayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers111 S. First St.

Feb. 17 – Wednesday• Arts&CulturalEventsCommittee 7p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.• SurvivorsofMurderedChildren,SGVChapter 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Third Wednesday of each month Alhambra Police Department 211S.FirstSt.,roomEDConsecondfloor Contact Tina Yamashiro at 626-298-9054 or

[email protected]

Feb. 18 – Thursday“SecretsforYOURSuccess,”TheChamber’s

monthly business training program, is facilitated by Alhambra business leaders with a track record of success. They will share relevant business strategies that have helped them build aprofitablebusiness.

The February program will be presented by the Alhambra Police Department

The topic is “Surviving the Unimaginable — SurvivalToolsforanActiveShooterEvent,”presentedbyCaptainElliotKase

The cost of the program is free to Chamber members and a modest $15 charge for non-members. A complimentary lunch is included.

Early reservations are suggested due to limited seating.

Phone the Chamber for more information or to make reservations: 626-282-8481

Feb. 22 – MondayCity Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

Feb. 23 – Tuesday• GovernmentAffairsCommittee 9 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.• DesignReviewBoard 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Feb. 24 – WednesdayBusinessAfterHoursMixer5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Hosted by The Fit Factor38 W. Main St., Alhambra$10 members, $15 non-members

AlhambraDayNurseryFoundationfinancialgrants, scholarship applications now available

The Alhambra Day Nursery Foundation (ADN) will give approximately $80,000 in financial grants and scholarships to individ-uals and organizations residing or working within the boundaries of the Alhambra Unified School District. Applications will be available beginning Feb. 1 and are due by March 23.

The Alhambra Day Nursery Foundation was founded in 1943 by a group of women in the Alhambra community with the mission of assisting working mothers with child care during WWII. After the war, the organization continued to assist the community by providing child care and pre-school programs in cooperation with the Alhambra School District. Ten years ago, the Foundation changed its mission to providing financial grants to individuals and organizations working with children and scholarships to students graduating from local high schools or attending college with majors in childhood education or related fields.

Financial grant applications will be accepted for consideration from individuals or groups for projects involving children living within the boundaries of the Alham-bra School District, which encompasses all

of Alhambra, parts of Monterey Park, San Gabriel, and Rosemead. Projects must show evidence of enriching the lives and well-be-ing of children through education and be a “not for profit” program. In the past, grants have been awarded to teachers, schools, the YMCA, Girls Scouts, and others.

Grant applications may be requested by e-mail from Ed Aguirre, grant coordinator, at [email protected], or by contacting Mr. Aguirre at 626-943-3080. Completed applications must be submitted by March 23. Successful applicants will be notified in early May, and the awarded funds will be available shortly thereafter.

The Foundation is also offering scholar-ships to graduating seniors from high schools within the school district boundaries in the amount of $1,000. Applicants must show an interest in early childhood education or related fields of study. Students continuing their college and university studies in early childhood education or related fields may reapply to qualify for a second year $1,000 scholarship or $2,000 for the third and fourth year of advanced studies.

First year applicants must have a mini-mum G.P.A. of 2.5 throughout high school; submit a letter(s) of recommendations and a

March 1 – Tuesday• AlhambraChamberExecutiveCommittee 8:30 a.m. Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St. • HCDACitizenAdvisoryCommittee 7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

March 3 – ThursdayParks and Recreation Commission7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park 210 N. Chapel Ave.

March 7 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers111 S. First St.

March 8 – Tuesday• AlhambraChamberBoardofDirectors 8:30 a.m., Alhambra Chamber, 104 S. First St.• LibraryBoardofTrustees 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• YouthCommission 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• DesignReviewBoard 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

March 9 – WednesdayTransportation Committee7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

March 10 – ThursdayCoffeeTalkChamber business networking event8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.Hosted by LifeWave707W.ValleyBlvd.,#22,AlhambraCost is freeRSVP: 626-282-8481

March 14 – MondayAlhambra City Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

March 16 – WednesdayArts&CulturalEventsCommittee7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

March 17 – Thursday“SecretsforYOURSuccess,”TheChamber’s

monthly business training program, is facilitated by Alhambra business leaders with a track record of success. They will share relevant business strategies that have helped them build aprofitablebusiness.

The March program will be presented by Joanna Vargas, owner of The Fit Factor

Thetopicis“3SecretstoBadAssSuccessin2016”

The cost of the program is free to Chamber members and a modest $15 charge for non-members. A complimentary lunch is included.

Early reservations are suggested due to limited seating.

Phone the Chamber for more information or to make reservations: 626-282-8481

• SeventhannualSt.Patrick’sDayPubCrawl 7:30 to 10 p.m. Downtown Alhambra MeetatOhanaBrewingCompanyat7p.m. 7 S. First St.

March 21 – TuesdayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers111 S. First St.

March 22 – Tuesday• GovernmentAffairsCommittee 10 a.m., Chamber, 104 S. First St.• DesignReviewBoard 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 112 S. First St.

March 23 – WednesdayBusinessAfterHoursMixerHosted by Alhambra Educational FoundationWahib’s Middle East Restaurant, 910 E. Main St.,

Alhambra5:30 to 7:30 p.m.$10 members, $15 non-members

March 28 – MondayAlhambra City Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St.

personal goal statement; and complete the scholarship application. Completed Alham-bra Day Nursery scholarship application packets must be submitted via mail to P.O. Box 640, Alhambra 91802, or via e-mail to

[email protected] no later than March 23. The scholarships will be awarded in June. Scholarship applications are available at each of the participating high schools or by e-mail at [email protected].


German shepherd dog and chow mix • Adult • Male • Large • ID #19439

To inquire about these adoptable animals, contact the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society at 626-286-1159, or visit at 851 E. Grand Ave., San Gabriel. Adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Th e shelter is closed on Mondays. Directions and photos of many more dogs and cats can be found online at www.sgvhumane.org.

Th e adoption fee for cats is $99, which includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, de-worming, FIV/FELV/heartworm testing, and microchip. A $120-$135 dog adoption fee includes micro-chip, vaccinations, spay/neu-ter surgery, and de-worming, as well as a free health check-up at a participating vet (some breeds slightly higher).

Th e 2016 calendars are available at the shelter for a $10 donation. Th e photos were selected among hun-dreds submitted by shelter supporters. Th ey make great holiday gifts for animal lovers.

Order a 2016 calendar online by going through Paypal. Go to the shelter Web site at sgvhumane.org for more information.

Save money with the Bud-dy Program. Adopt two pets at the same time for a reduced fee.

Th e Senior for Senior Pro-gram off ers pets for $39 each.

Kudo is an energetic young shepherd - chow mix with a stunning red coat, beautiful honey-brown eyes, and the best wiggly stubby tail in town. He fi rst came to the shelter after being found as a stray in October. He was quickly adopted after arriving at the shelter, which was not surprising given his good looks and playful charm. Unfortunately, Kudo came back to the shelter because his former family adopted him for the children to learn pet ownership responsibilities, but the children could no longer commit the time to take care of Kudo. Despite gaining and loosing what was most likely his fi rst home, Kudo remains a frisky and silly young pup. Stop by the shelter to meet him.

Rocky road is a beautiful 2-year-old girl with a unique black and white spotted coat that is soft and silky. She is a rambunctious cat who enjoys relaxing next to her cat friends. She likes to play hard to get, but approach her slowly and show her a feather toy and she will play and purr. Come by to meet Rocky Road. She would love to be claimed and taken home.

Honey came to the shelter as a stray, and no one has come to claim her. She is a very friendly girl who is comfortable with people and loves getting pets and attention. Although she is a senior in years, Honey is an active girl with a medium energy level. Honey is as sweet as her name and would love to fi nd a forever home where she is treated as part of the family. Honey would prefer being the only dog in the home. She qualifi es for our “Senior for Senior” reduced fee adoption program.

Domestic short hair mix • Adult • Female • Small • ID #5330

West Highland white terrier westie mix • Senior • Female • Medium • ID #18843

Th e San Gabriel Valley Humane Society is the local, aff ordable choice for spay and neuter, vaccinations, and TNR (trap, neuter, and release) for feral cats. Check out the Web site for information on the adoptable pets and adoption programs: www.sgvhumane.org.

Rocky Road

Carlos Arcos has provided legal representation for elderly, disabled for more than 25 years

Carlos Arcos is a solo practitioner who specializes in elder care planning. Mr. Arcos has practiced law for more than 25 years in the local area. His offi ce is located at 333 N. Santa Anita Ave., Suite 8, Arcadia, but he regularly gives talks on elder care planning at the Joslyn Senior Center in Alhambra.

Mr. Arcos was inspired to go into elder care law because of his experiences in deal-ing with his aging parents as he began his legal career.

Mr. Arcos often meets with families who need help managing the care of a family member who can no longer care for himself. Often the concern for families is how they can get more care instead of just a few hours per day. Mr. Arcos helps families fi gure out if they can pay for additional care that they might need or how to plan for them to stretch their money to pay for caregivers at home or explore the possibility of moving into assisted living.

Some of the issues that Mr. Arcos en-counters have to do with whether a family member has the power to make decisions on behalf of an ill family member under power of attorney or a trust. Mr. Arcos makes sure that a spouse or family member is able to make those decisions if a family member cannot manage his own aff airs.

Mr. Arcos also helps people fi nd out if they can qualify for some kind of public assistance. An example of this is where one spouse would keep all the assets so the other spouse could qualify for Medi-Cal.

For the past 20 years, Mr. Arcos has off ered seminars for families who have aging parents. Some of the topics that he covers in the seminars include planning to

Carlos Arcos is a solo practitioner who specializes in elder care planning.

avoid mistakes when deciding to obtain care at home or in an alternative setting, preventing disqualifi cation from Veterans or Medi-Cal benefi ts due to transfer of property or inheritance, and complying with trusts and powers of attorney terms when dealing with long-term elder care expenses, incapacity, or public benefi ts.

To learn more about caring for an aging or ill family member, attend seminars presented by Mr. Arcos at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 N. Chapel Ave., Alhambra, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Th ursday, Feb. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Th ursday, March 3.

For more information, visit http://www.arcoslaw.com, or phone 626-284-9003.

Cemala performs at White House for holiday season

CEMALA (Classical European Music Academy Los Angeles) performed at the White House for the first time on Dec. 20. The performance featured the Children’s Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Magdolna Berezvai, CEMALA’s artistic director.

CEMALA is a comprehensive violin school and is committed to nurturing young extraordinary musical talent under the leadership of the Hungarian born vio-linist Ms. Berezvai, who has brought to Los Angeles the skills she learned in her musical studies in Hungary. “The opportunity to

travel and perform at the White House was an eye opener,” said Ms. Berezvai.

“During concerts, we know we have achieved our goal when the spark jumps over to the audience,” said Ms. Berezvai. “Our music not only entertains our guests but challenges the students as well. We take various opportunities to combine practices with other fun activities and performance trips last year to Italy, to theme parks, and other community venues.”

For more information, contact Ms. Berezvai at 323-678-3239, or visit www.cemala.com.


CEMALA (Classical European Music Academy Los Angeles) performed at the White House on Dec. 20 under the direction of Magdolna Berezvai, CEMALA’s artistic director, on right.


• Loving Teachers and Nurturing Environment• Age Appropriate Thematic Academics/ Activities• Development of Social Skills• Religious Foundation• Shaded Outside Play Area• Tennis Training• Fully Licensed and Accredited• Full and Part Time Options• Provided Lunch and Snacks• Conveniently Located o� 10 freeway and Almansor Park

Emmaus Lutheran School & Preschool

Baby Steps to a Bright Future

CampusTours

Available

www.EmmausLutheranChurch.org 840 S. Almansor Avenue, Alhambra, CA

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Downtown Alhambra on Tuesday, March 17, at Downtown’s seventh annual Pub Crawl, led by a bag piper. Pub Crawl 2016 will be begin at Ohana Brewery, 7 S. First St., Alhambra, at 7 p.m. Th e group will visit local pubs at 7:30 p.m.


Students at Emmaus Lutheran School package 20,000 meals for Kids Around the World

Usually when the Comets at Emmaus Lutheran School are involved in a team effort, it is in basketball, volleyball, or softball, sports at which they consistently excel. Last December a new team activity was proposed to the students, parents, and teachers — packaging 16,000 meals for Kids Around the World (www.KidsA-roundTheWorld.com).

First they had to raise $4,000. Nearly $5,000 was raised, which allowed them to pack 20,000 individual meals for children who frequently go without food. More than one billion people world-wide don’t have food to eat on a daily basis, and most are children. Every six seconds of every day a child starves to death.

The day started at 7:15 a.m. with the arrival of Regional Director Mike Stock, of Kids Around the World, with a truck full of bulk food, packaging equipment, bags, and boxes. Church members helped unpack the truck and set up the gymnasi-um for the 12 assembly lines that would be needed for the 114 students and their adult team leaders. Students began their efforts with a worship service followed by a talk about how the process would work

and where the food would be distributed. Students from kindergarten through

eighth grade broke up into teams with all age groups included in each of the 12 teams. They packed each bag with a vitamin pouch followed by soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and topped it with rice to create a package weighing between 390 and 395 grams, which the students verified on a scale and adjusted accordingly. The preschoolers even came in to check out what their older school mates were doing.

After two hours of concentrated effort, all the kids assembled for a group picture around the completed boxes holding 20,000 meals. The students returned to their classrooms where they discussed what they had accomplished and what the day meant to them.

Students, parents, grandparents, and church members are talking about doing this every year.

Always looking for caring students, Emmaus Lutheran School and Church is located at 840 S. Almansor Ave., Alhambra.

Principal Kit Hettinger can be reached at 626-289-3664.

Students, parents, and teachers at Emmaus Lutheran School packaged 20,000 meals to help feed hungry children.

GarfieldMedicalCenteroffersfree Community Health Fair

Garfield Medical Center will host a Community Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 27, in the center’s second-floor classrooms at 605 N. Garfield Ave., Monterey Park.

Testing will include blood sugar and cholesterol, which require fasting; blood pressure; lung function; EKG; and a carotid

artery duplex scan, to test the risk of a stroke.Please make an appointment to attend

the health fair during the following time periods: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; or 11 a.m. to noon.

To make an appointment, phone 626-307-6060, and leave a message. The staff will call back to confirm.


Alhambra Unifi ed School District and Kiwanis Club of Alhambra staff meet to discuss the 2015 Food Drive and 2016 planned improvements. From left: Jim Ruiz, Bob Lagunas, Betty Plascencia, Janett Perales, Martina Lai, Ron Cope, Allison Vann, Karen Lucero, Dr. Laurel Bear, Marisol Sanders, and Yanndery Flow.

Holiday Food Drive to be expanded

Alhambra School District staff and Kiwanis Club offi cers met in January to discuss the results of the Holiday Food Drive that aided community children and their families with canned food and other assistance through the school distribution program.

Participants in the program agreed that the number of families aided this year will be expanded.

Other participants in this program

included the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley, Bank of America, Costco, Albert-sons Market, Ralphs Market, and Smart and Final.

Th e Holiday Food Drive, together with other special events, such as the decoration of the Alhambra Rose Float and the Special Olympics community service project, made the year memorable for the Alhambra Kiwanis Club and Key Club of Alhambra High School.

02/2016 ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 25A

Northrup students receive gift of sight from Vision to Learn

A mobile eye lab from Vision to Learn, a non-profit organization, visited Northrup students in a mobile van equipped with an eye clinic and complete with an optometrist and optician. Students were given vision tests in order to discover any existing vision problems as well as prevent any future is-sues. Two weeks after students had their eye exams, they claimed their new, free glasses.

Nurse Kathy Leon, who organized Vision to Learn to visit Northrup students, said, “Many families of students with vision problems do not have access or resources to get the help their children need. Studies have shown that students with uncorrected vision problems have lower academic performance, which can have a tremendous impact on their future. We are fortunate at Northrup to have another opportunity to work with a great organization that helps families over-come these barriers. By providing free eye exams and glasses to these students, Vision

to Learn gives them the tools to succeed in the classroom and in life. What a great gift during this holiday season.”

Some students were asked how they felt about the Vision to Learn visit. Fifth-grader Ariana Aguayo said, “I’m looking forward to getting my new glasses.” While her older eighth-grade sister Amanda said, “I actually like getting new glasses because this time my eye sight is improving.”

According to Vision to Learn, studies have shown that 80% of all learning during a child’s first 12 years is obtained through vision.

More than 125 of Northrup’s students received a free eye exam, and 105 received a new pair of glasses.

“The eye doctor made me feel relaxed and that wearing glasses was normal,” said fifth-grader Shania Camaja. “I got to try on the glasses I wanted, and I even chose a design for my new glasses.”

Dedicated Northrup parent volunteers stand with Vision to Learn staff, Nurse Kathy Leon, and Principal Stacie Colman-Hsu.

Eager students wait outside the Vision to Learn van before their eye exams.

Mark Keppel students bring Brightwood stories to life

Mark Keppel High School’s advanced drama students partnered with Bright-wood fourth-grade students to create a series of short plays through their From Page to Stage project.

Brightwood students wrote original narratives, which the high schoolers then revised into short plays. The plays were accompanied by original pieces of music that were composed by the Mark Keppel orchestra students, under the direction of Dr. Carla Bartlett.

This is the second year in a row the two schools have formed this unique partnership, which was made possible through a grant from the Alhambra Edu-cational Foundation. Through this grant, the Mark Keppel Visual and Performing Arts chairperson Page Phillips and her advanced drama students took the ele-mentary students’ stories, turned them into plays, and then brought the plays back to the elementary students to show them how their stories can come to life.

The process started with the fourth-graders learning about writing ef-fective narratives and then going through the writing process to create exciting piec-es. The high school drama and orchestra students then worked for several weeks to create original music and revised the plays when necessary. Ms. Phillips explained the benefit of this collaborative process between the fourth graders, the advanced drama students, and the orchestra stu-dents. “It actually gives the high school students some real world expeience at cre-ating plays with music and original pieces of music. As you know, Broadway and the cinema world are full of plays, musicals, and movies that have been adapted from novels.”

The high school students aren’t the only ones who gain real world experience. The fourth-graders also learn how to write with a specific audience in mind and with the understanding that their writing will need to include details and descriptive phrases in order for the high schoolers to be able to interpret and reimagine them. All Brightwood fourth-grade students submitted stories, but Nicole Cheng, Abigail Herrera, Ryan Kawai, and Brian-na Wong were the students whose pieces were selected to be featured. Their parents were invited to the performance. “It was so amazing to see how my story came to life, and I loved how it was told with so much enthusiasm and humor,” said student Abigail Herrera.

Even the fourth-graders whose stories weren’t selected were excited to have par-ticipated in the process and found it ben-eficial. “Through this process, I learned to be more creative,” said Nadia Lui.

“It was really entertaining to see my classmates’ stories played in real life,” said Joleen Wong. “That makes writing stories fun.”

An additional benefit to this program is that many of the younger students are looking forward to what their future may hold when they become high schoolers. Clarise Lee is thinking about joining dra-ma when she goes to Mark Keppel High School in five years, and Travis Takaha says he’s already excited to go to Mark Keppel.

There were many positive comments from Brightwood’s students, teachers, and parents, but there was one imporant mes-sage that was repeated over and over again and that they wanted to make sure Mark Keppel High School received: “Please come back next year!”

26A ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 02/2016

Repetto students take stageBY DENISE CANSECO

Last month, perform-ing in a two-night event, many of Repetto’s impres-sive seventh- and eighth-grade students took to the stage in their rendition of Tim Burton’s classic stop motion fi lm Th e Nightmare Before Christ-mas. Th is talented group of students, along with teacher-director Denise Canseco and student-stage manager Albert Le, spent countless hours rehearsing over the course of several months in order to perfect the production.

Standout performer Helena Villanueva gave an awe-inspiring perfor-mance, as she took on the starring role of Jack Skellington. Helena’s leadership, commitment, and perseverance paid off as she led the audience around the stage with her arsenal of soliloquies and solos. Her voice captivated the audience, and the depth of her act left them in tears.

Helena shared the spotlight with fellow eighth-grader Geri Ruiz. Miss Ruiz put on an in-credible display as the lead female character, Sally, the beloved ragdoll. Simply put, Ruiz embodied Sally’s clever, restless character to perfection. When the last

Geri Ruiz and Sabrina Wu put their acting skills on display with their roles of Sally and Dr. Finkelstein.

note left her lips during her haunting solo “Sally’s Song,” she received a grand roar of approval from the crowd.

Another group of stand-out performers was the deviously entertaining trick-or-treaters, Lock, Shock, and Barrel, played by Ami Medina, Elise Sandoval, and Donovan Underwood. Th eir act left the audience in stitches, fi guratively speaking, of course. Th ese performances spoke to the remarkable detail and prepa-ration that both students and staff embodied during the entire process.

But let us not forgot all

the other talented students who either graced the stage with their singing, dancing, and all-around grand spirits, or whose art work and cre-ativity adorned the stage, as set pieces. Productions such as these are commonplace not just for Repetto Ele-mentary; Alhambra Unifi ed School District has a long history of putting on these spectacular student perfor-mances, and each time they leave the audience in awe. Congratulations to all the students, and parents, who helped create these magical memories.

Baldwin students nurture edible garden

Martha Baldwin School students in the “Hands-on Science” elective class have nurtured an edible garden. Sixth-through eighth-graders have selected, planted, and maintained a vegetable and herb garden at the school site. Th is project has created an outdoor classroom, which integrates envi-ronmental stewardship and STEM skills.

Th e school has three garden areas with tomatoes, bell peppers, lettuce, and various herbs; however, there are plans to expand the garden over time in which the students will plant more vegetables and herbs. Th e garden has been an opportunity for other grade levels to visit, observe, and learn how vegetables grow.

“It’s not only about teaching science — the students will learn math, engineering concepts, composting, and water manage-ment,” said Patricia Allaf, a seventh-grade teacher who teaches the class. “Th is project provides an array of rewarding aspects that students may not experience within a classroom setting.”

Th e project has promoted a healthy lifestyle for the students. Th e project has also taught students the importance of teamwork as it relates to maintaining the

garden collectively. Creating the school garden has created opportunities for the students to learn about agriculture because they are learning where their food comes from. Th e garden has initiated eagerness for some to start their own edible garden at home.

Mrs. Allaf sees this garden as an oppor-tunity in bringing the school community together to share knowledge and learn. She believes the garden program can help various grade levels make healthier food choices, demonstrate understanding and appreciation of nature, and bring an in-creased capacity to sustain school gardens as a practice.

Th e next step is to build a greenhouse using clear plastic CDs. Th e purpose is to teach students that a greenhouse protects the vegetables and herbs from weather elements and from invading pests and animals. Th e greenhouse project will re-quire patience, precision, and will provide yet another hands-on undertaking for the students. Students will work in pairs and small groups to build three 11”x 18” x 20” greenhouses.

02/2016 ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 27A

Fremont Elementary School offers more than typical academic curriculum

This year, Fremont Elementary School has much more to offer students than just the typical academic curriculum. One of the focus points of the school is to prepare students for college and a career beyond in the form of having a positive interaction with established professionals. This focus has challenged Fremont teachers to col-laborate on ideas to provide students with opportunities to think about their future.

In December, second-grade teachers prepared students to interview a police officer in order to learn more about what it means to build a career. Officer Zeller, an Inglewood Police Officer, provided students with facts of what it’s like being a police officer on a daily basis. Students were given the opportunity to ask him questions about his past in an effort to find out how he became an officer.

Officer Zeller answered all their ques-tions, informing students he attended the Police Academy and one has to be at least 21 years of age to enroll. He also shared with students that he attended Chapman University and has been a police officer for 15 years. Officer Zeller was also gave students this advice, “Stay out of trouble and do the right thing at all times. It is very important to excel in reading and writing in order to be a successful police officer.”

Fremont Elementary also offers after school enrichment programs in art and Vex Robotics. Students in the art class are given the opportunity to tap into their creative side with hands on artistic activities. This is done through exposing students to robot building, basic coding, and skills in solving real life problems through teacher directed challenges.

While these progressive learning pro-grams have changed the game in terms of the way students learn, Fremont Ele-mentary is not stopping there. In the fall, Fremont School will offer a Spanish Dual Immersion Program as part of a district wide project. The Dual Immersion pro-gram will be a 90/10 model where students learn English 10% of the time and Spanish 90% of the time in transitional kindergar-ten and kindergarten.

English is increased by 10% each year until Spanish and English are taught 50% of the time throughout the instructional day. The Dual Immersion program goals are academic competence, bilingualism, bi-literacy, and cross-cultural competency. This program began accepting applications in January.

For more information, visit the AUSD Web site, or contact AUSD Educational Services at 909-943-3550.

Hairspray opens at MarkKeppelHighSchool

Mark Keppel High School will present the award-winning musical Hairspray at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 26 and 27 and March 4 and 5, and at 3 p.m. Sundays Feb. 28 and March 6 in the school auditorium.

Hairspray won eight Tony awards when it premiered on Broadway in 2002. This musical was based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name and features spirited 1960s dance music with a sound guaranteed to bring the audience out of its seats.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad — a kindhearted teen with a passion for music and dance — aspires to perform on The Corny Collins Show, and when offered

the opportunity, becomes a television sensation overnight. She then works to integrate the program along with her new-found friends and opens doors for racial acceptance in television all while singing, dancing, and sharing her love for music.

Mark Keppel’s students have been work-ing hard to deliver a top-notch performance to the community that is fun and inspiring.

Tickets prices are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance at mkhs.myschoolcentral.com.

This musical is appropriate for ages 8 to 105.

For more information, please visit the Web site at mktheatreco.weebly.com, or phone 626-943-6781.

Mighty Moors Marching Band mighty again

Amidst fundraising difficulties, mini-mizations in staff instruction, and declines in the member population, the fall 2015 season did not appear to be shining sunny and bright for Alhambra High School’s Mighty Moors Marching Band.

However, the band is dubbed “mighty” for a reason.

Like the theme of their field show, “The Journey: Chance of a Lifetime,” which fea-tures a traveling dancer who faces judgment and tremendous failure before obtaining a contract with a renowned company, the band persevered through its adversities, ultimately rising to success that had not been achieved for years. With the band’s resilience and passion to improve, the band became award winning once again.

At the Baldwin Park Field Tournament,

the winds, percussion, and color guard placed third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. At the Highlander Band Competition, the winds, percussion, and color guard placed second, second, and third, respectively. Finally, at the West Covina Field Tourna-ment, all three major sections of the band swept first place.

Aside from competitions, the band performed their field show and pep tunes at school assemblies, school rallies, four home football games, the Homecoming football game against Mark Keppel High School, and the annual Tri-City Band Day at San Gabriel High School. In addition to heightening school spirit, the band gave back to the community by performing pa-triotic songs at the Veterans’ Day ceremony at Alhambra Park.

In an effort to further develop a positive attitude toward academics and foster a learning environment in which the end goal is a college degree, Northrup Elementary developed an idea for a student-led college fair, which was the result of collaboration between Intervention Adviser Maritza Cha, eighth-grade teacher Phillip Vi, and Instructional Specialist Dr. Ana Escobedo.

Eighth-graders in Mr. Vi’s Universal Access class organized in groups and researched various colleges. This research revolved around the unique things that each school can offer in addition to what it takes academically to qualify for these institutions. The students then created college boards as a presentation platform for transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade students in an effort to raise awareness about the advantages of earning a degree. The rest of the students were giv-en the opportunity to examine the boards and learn information about college, which is something the school believes is vital to expose to their students early on in their academic career.

“The student-led college fair provided our eighth-grade students the opportunity to teach our younger students about the importance of school and about different colleges they researched,” said Ms. Cha.

“It was fun seeing all the kids and seeing their facial expressions when they learned about college,” said eighth-grade student Jacob Dean. Jacob, who researched what Cal State University Los Angeles had to offer also said, “I learned about CSULA and requirements on how to get in. I also

read on CSU Poly Pomona because I am interested in going there.”

One of the big hits of the event was the eighth-grade student group that researched the University of San Diego, which attract-ed many interested observers to their dis-play. Fourth-grader Emily Tellez observed their presentation and said, “I liked how they presented on colleges. I want to be a scientist and attend the University of San Diego.”

The school hopes this interest will spark a newfound desire to learn and keep students focused on what they need to do academically in order to put themselves in a position to attend a highly regarded university. “I think it’s good to promote ed-ucation and working hard in order to have a successful career,” said ASB President Emily Peng. Minnie Olvera Torres added, “Working hard now pays off later. Students need to get into the habit of doing well now for their future”

After the student-led college fair, Dr. Escobedo said upon reflection, “Northrup’s first student-led college fair was an oppor-tunity for eighth-grade students to gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information by presenting information, findings, and supporting evidence.”

“I am very proud of the students for their efforts and extensive research in their future college,” said Mr. Vi. At Northrup, we are taking the steps to ensure greater outcomes for our students in the area of college and career readiness.”

Eighth-graders lead school-wide college fair

MKHS STUDENT SIGNS NCAA LETTER From Page 1Athis fall at the NCAA Division 1 level.

Sophia made it official on Nov. 18, which has become known around the country as National Signing Day. This day marks the beginning of the time period that the NCAA allows high school student athletes to sign their National Letter of Intent, officially binding them to the school that they had previously sent a verbal commitment to attend and compete athletically for. She officially inked the document while surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and staff members in the Aztec Arena, as they cel-

ebrated her success together as an Aztec family.

Sophia’s a thlet ic abi l i ty, her well-roundedness, and commitment to excellence on a daily basis landed her at a top academic institution.

With her college destination now set, another mission is yet to be accom-plished. Sophia will be called upon to lead her team to another Almont League championship, eventually earning a birth in the playoffs on the way to a CIF cham-pionship and another run at a State title.

February 2016 Section A

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