>> see FREMONT SPANISH DUAL IMMERSION Page 26A

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ALHAMBRA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE104 S. First StreetAlhambra, CA 91801

>> see ROSE PARADE FLOAT Page 7A

For 91 years, the City of Alhambra has en-tered a float in the most famous parade in the world, the Rose Parade in Pasadena, on

New Year’s Day. The year 2019 is no exception. The whimsical theme of this year’s parade is The Melody of Life. It celebrates music — the univer-

sal language. The float is centered on birds and their music and is entitled Home Tweet Home.

The float, built by the Phoenix Decorating Company of Irwindale, is 16 feet, 6 inches tall; 18 feet wide; and 35 feet long. The frame has already been built. All that remains to be done is to add the

Fremont School Spanish Dual Immersion kick-off features LA Times’ Esmeralda BermudezParents from the

West San Gabriel Valley and Fremont

Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion first graders gathered to meet a special guest. Esmeralda Bermu-dez, an award-winning Los Angeles Times reporter recently named one of 15 Latina Journalists of the Year, was on hand for the Alhambra USD Spanish Dual Immersion Kick-off. “You have double the power when you speak two languages,” Ms. Ber-mudez told parents and the students before she

Mrs. Urena’s first-grade students in Fremont Elementary’s Spanish Dual Immersion program listen closely to LA Time’s reporter Esmeralda Bermudez. “You have twice the power when you speak two languages," she told the students.

CITY NEWS PAGE 2A

CHAMBER NEWS PAGE10A

COMMUNITY NEWS PAGE 13A

ACADEMIC NEWS PAGE 23A

Alhambra enters 91st Rose Parade float

On Nov. 13, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place for East

Los Angeles College’s (ELAC) new Physics & Earth Sciences building. The ceremony was the culmination of a two-year, $17 million construction project that began in October 2016 and was completed in summer 2018. More than 100 college faculty, staff,

and students were joined by officials from the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and many others for the hour-long celebration in front of the new building.

Dr. Julienne Bernard, ELAC department chair of anthropol-ogy, geography, and geology, was the master of ceremonies, who introduced each of the speakers.

Ribbon cutting ceremony presented for new Physics & Earth Sciences building at East Los Angeles College

Alhambra’s Rose Parade float, Home Tweet Home, is the City’s 91st float entry.

From left are Marvin Martinez, ELAC president; Viken Kiledjian, chair of the ELAC Physics Department; Dr. Julienne Bernard, ELAC department chair of anthropology, geography, and geology; Scott Svonkin, LACCD Board of Trustees member; Mike Fong, LACCD Board of Trustees president; Aradhna Tripati, associate professor at UCLA; Dr. Francisco C. Rodriguez, LACCD chancellor; Nancy Pearlman, former LACCD trustee and current ELAC adjunct professor of anthropology; and Colleen Mieko Tamashiro, ELAC student speaker and anthropology major.

>> see ELAC Page 21A

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY, PHOTOS WITH SANTA FRIDAY, NOV. 30. SEE PAGE 21A.

2A CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Mayor’s Corner

By Mayor Jeff Maloney

Farewell to three councilmembers, welcome to three new colleagues

As the holiday season arrives and we look forward to gathering with friends and family to celebrate and welcome a new year, the Alhambra family bids farewell to three City Councilmembers and welcomes three new colleagues.

After 12 years of service, we offer a fond farewell to Vice Mayor Luis Ayala, Councilmember Stephen Sham, and Councilmember Barbara Messina.

Vice Mayor Ayala has an extensive resume of public service, serving in key po-sitions at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Throughout his tenure, Vice Mayor Ayala has been a champion of constituent services and has been a strong advocate of recreation programs for our young people. His well-reasoned and insightful approach to policy making will be missed. I know Vice Mayor Ayala will enjoy spending more time with his very active family and will continue to advocate for improved children’s health care in his role at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Councilmember Stephen Sham also concludes an impressive run on the City Council. As a local small business owner, his fiscal acumen and first-hand knowledge of economics has been crucial to ensuring that Alhambra adopted and embraced sound financial policies. As an immigrant and naturalized American citizen, Coun-cilmember Sham made Alhambra history as the first Chinese American elected to the City Council in 2006. I greatly appreciate his support and mentorship over these last couple of years and thank him for his lead-ership in Alhambra’s robust Asian Pacific Islander community.

Last but not least, we also mark the retirement of Councilmember Barbara

Messina. Councilmember Messina is a true Alhambra institution, having served in public office in Alhambra for 32 years, not including the years of support she provided to her late husband, Michael, during his years on the council. She moved to Alham-bra as a young woman where she has served as both a member of the City Council and Alhambra Unified School District Board. She wears her love for Alhambra on her sleeve and has never been bashful about sharing her feelings about what is best for her hometown. I’d like to thank “Mama Messina” for her many years of leadership and service to our community.

As we say farewell to our three departing councilmembers, we also welcome three new colleagues to the council. In the elections in early November, Alhambrans throughout the city had the opportunity to vote for three new councilmembers. I would like to offer hearty congratulations to our new councilmembers: Katherine Lee in District 1, Ross Maza in District 2, and

Adele Andrade-Stadler in District 5. I re-cently had the great pleasure of personally welcoming each of them to the city family, and I very much look forward to working closely with all of them as we continue to improve our community.

This December, I would like to remind all Alhambra residents that we have thriv-ing entertainment and retail destinations throughout the city — on Main Street, Valley Boulevard, and beyond. I encourage you to support your local small businesses this holiday season. If you finish your holiday shopping early, you might also consider volunteering to help decorate Al-hambra’s float in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade. This is a perfect way to show your community pride and to bond with other Alhambrans by decorating a moving artwork that will be seen by people all over the world on New Year’s Day.

I hope you and your families have a great holiday season, however you celebrate. Season’s greetings!

VISIT THE CHAMBER ONLINE ATalhambrachamber.org

12/2018 AROUND ALHAMBRA 3A

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?For the fourth consecutive

year, Planet Fitness will host the biggest party on earth. In partner-ship with Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, the Judgement Free Zone® is pre-senting the 2019 world famous Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

Approximately one million revelers in Times Square will ring in a “Judgement Free” New Year with bejeweled and festive party hats and balloons decked out in purple and yellow – PF’s signature colors.

“There’s no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than right in the heart of Times Square at the crossroads of the world, inspiring people around the globe to be kind to themselves and one an-other,” said Chris Rondeau, Plan-et Fitness CEO. “With more than 1,500 clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada and memberships starting at just $10 a month, we encourage everyone to make their health and happiness a priority in the New Year, regardless of their fitness level and without fear of

Times Square New Year’s Eve sponsored by Planet Fitness.

facing judgement.” Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Al-

liance, agreed. “We are thrilled that our long-standing partner Planet Fitness is back to spread their message of positivity throughout the city and around the world as presenting sponsor of Times Square’s New

Year’s Eve celebration. Witnessing that unifying sea of purple and yellow throughout Times Square has been a sight to behold for the past years, and we can’t wait to do it again. Through their exciting and robust platform, Planet Fitness will surely inspire countless people as we ring in the New Year with a message of

positivity, health, and fitness for 2019.”

As the world is rapidly learn-ing, Planet Fitness offers very low membership fees and plenty of benefits. For instance, PF offers a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televi-sions, and more. Their mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. To find a local Planet Fitness club, visit PlanetFitness.com.

There is another benefit to PF membership. If you make a New Year’s resolution to reach and maintain your fitness goals, they can help. Let PF’s expert staff know what you want to ac-complish, and they can suggest exercise methods and a regime for you to reach those goals. They are on your side.

Stop by your nearest Planet Fitness and discuss your fitness resolution in a Judgement Free Zone®.

4A CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Published by the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce.

A monthly publication with a circulation of 40,000, Around Alhambra is mailed to every business and residence in the City of Alhambra and 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. Please e-mail submissions to djenkins@alhambrachamber.org.

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: Helen Romero Shaw, The Gas Company Vice President: Megan Meloughney, The Ratkovich Company/The AlhambraImmediate Past President: Joanna Vargas, The Fit Factor At-Large members: Evike Chang, Evike.com, Inc. Frank Chen, Law Offices of Frank W. Chen Robert Fukui, High Point Marketing Valarie Gomez, YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley Lee Lieberg, LandZ Real Estate Mark Paulson, Anthony Venti Realtors

Board of Directors Christopher T. Balmaseda, Taiwanese American Professionals Nickie Chan, J & N’s Formula to Wellness Harish Amar, California Institute of Advanced Management Iris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medical Center Elizabeth Martinez, Republic Services Joe Pavon, Al’s Towing Liza Rodriguez, Vidorra Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern California Dr. David Snyder, Snyder Optometry, Inc. Linda Wong, Spark After School Academy Ambassadors Jewelyn Co, president Nickie Chan Kay Lee Fukui Eddie Garcia Cindy Ho Frances Lo Mary Ann Torres-Co Sam Yue StaffC.E.O.: Sharon GibbsMembership/Advertising Sales: Stan YonemotoOffice Manager: Irma HernandezNews Director: Dulcy JenkinsWriters: Glenn Barnett, Gary Frueholz, Jewelyn CoOffice Assistant: Rosemarie ValerioMembership liaison: Julian Chung

Publisher and Editor: Sharon GibbsNews Director: Dulcy Jenkins

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.

Veterans remembered, honored Nov. 11

World War I famously ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 111th month. Today, remembered as Veterans Day, the obser-vance of gratitude for the service men and women, living and dead, still takes place at that time every year, regardless of the day of the week.

This year if fell on a Sun-day and once again veterans and their families turned out at the Veterans Memorial in Alhambra Park to be honored and remembered for their service to the nation. In a seamless event hosted jointly by the City of Alhambra and American Legion Post 139, the short ceremony paid tribute to Alhambra’s veterans with time honored traditions.

A music prelude was provided by a trio called the Sweethearts who sang favorites from the ‘40s and a few from the ‘50s while dressed in matching Army green uniform dresses. The

Veterans and their families turned out at the Veterans Memorial in Alhambra Park to be honored and remembered for their service to the nation.

program began on schedule at 11 a.m. with a welcome by emcee Tom Phelps, Alhambra’s Fire Chief. He introduced Rick Estrada, the post chaplain of Post 139, who gave the invocation.

That was followed by the Presentation of the Wreath by Mayor Jeffrey Maloney and Post 139 Commander Gilbert Car-doza. This same ceremony is duplicated across the country in honor of a wreath lying at the Tomb of the Unknowns in

Washington D.C. at 11 a.m. EST. It was followed by the Posting of the Colors by the Alhambra Police Department Honor Guard.

After the singing of the National Anthem by The Sweethearts, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alhambra Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts and followed by short speeches from Mayor Maloney and Post Commander Cardoza.

Post 139 conducted the lowering of the

Alhambra troop 329 “Arrow of Light” den led the Pledge of Allegiance at the City Council’s Oct. 22 meeting.

Community Academy introduces Police Department principles, practices

The Alhambra Police Department is accepting applications for its popular Community Academy classes that will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 9 to Feb. 13 at the Police Department, 211 S. First St. The academy will be conducted in English.

The Community Academy is a six-week course designed to introduce the principles and practices of a modern day municipal law enforcement agency to members of the community. Acade-my sessions, such as Patrol Operations,

Homeless Outreach and Engagement Policing, Officer Safety, Narcotics, and others, are taught by law enforcement officers. Participants will have a class of self-defense training and be invited to ride along with a patrol officer on duty, which participants have enjoyed along with the opportunity to “walk in the shoes” of police officers.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and submit an application by Dec. 10 to the Alhambra Police De-partment. Applicants with outstanding

warrants, pending criminal court cases, a serious misdemeanor conviction, or any felony conviction, will not be in-vited to participate in the Community Academy.

For more information and an appli-cation, contact the Crime Prevention Office at 626-570-5177 or crimepre-vention@alhambrapd.org, or fill out the application at www.cityofalhambra.org. On the Alhambra Police home page, scroll down and click on Com-munity Academy.

flag in honor of the fallen before the guest speakers Petty Officer 1st Class Collin Leonard and Petty Officer 2nd Class Deming Liu of the United States Navy gave an educational demonstration of the significance of the naval uniform and the patches and badges that go with it. Post Chaplain Estrada then gave the closing invocation followed by Chief Phelps who asked all the veterans to come forward for a group picture.

The event lasted only one half of an hour. But that didn’t mean that the day’s commemoration was over. The Boy Scouts had baked cupcakes, which they offered to veterans as they left while Legion Post 139 invited everyone to a reception at their headquarters at 24 N. Stoneman Ave.

Much of the credit for a successful com-memoration goes to the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department and their new Director Mike Macias for organizing and hosting this important annual event.

12/2018 CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 5A

Gary Taylor, 321 S. Fremont Ave., was one of five winners in last year’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

Show some holiday spirit by signing up for Alhambra’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest

The City of Alhambra welcomes its res-idents to participate in its annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest for 2018.

Alhambra residents are invited to join the contest by submitting an application form and, of course, decorating their homes. The contest will be judged for the most creative and uniquely decorated homes in the community. Five homes will be chosen as the winners.

Contest rules:• Apply through Dec. 4.• Contest is limited to what can be seen

from the street side of the house at night.• Participants are requested to keep their

houses decorated through Jan. 7 so the

community can enjoy them.• Judging will take place from 6 p.m. to

9 p.m. between Dec. 5 and Dec. 7. • Please have decorations on no later

than 6 p.m.• Winners will receive a special visit the

night of Dec. 14.• Winners will be invited to a city coun-

cil meeting to receive a proclamation.Contest entry forms are available at City

Hall, Alhambra Park Office, Alhambra Civic Library, Almansor Park Office, and Joslyn Adult Center. For more informa-tion, please phone 626-570-3242, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Council approves implementation of land management, permitting software system

On Nov. 13, the City Council approved an award of contract with Tyler Technology Inc. for the implementation of a cloud based land management and permitting software system. This system will allow greater efficiency in the processing of entitlement applications by providing for online submission.

The new system will also allow applicants

to review the status of their application online, thereby providing greater trans-parency and timely updates on document processing. Deployment of the system is an ambitious task and will require the migration of existing data, customization of workflows, and testing prior to going live. It is expected to take up to 12 months.

Coupon valid only at this Wendy’slocation. Expires 07/31/18

Coupon valid only at this Wendy’slocation. Expires 07/31/1812/31/18 12/31/18

Motion Denim pops up at Vidorra Boutique

Vidorra will host pop-up guest Motion Denim, a Los Angeles-based denim and clothing brand for women, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.

Guests can enjoy light appetizers and cocktails while exploring the latest looks from the boutique and Motion Denim’s current line.

“We are always excited to feature and introduce brands like Motion to our cus-tomers in the Alhambra community,” said owner Liza Rodriquez. “Doing a pop-up is a great way to make a debut!”

These shopping events are also perfect

for Vidorra customers who will need to get dressed for parties as the holiday season continues. From casual gatherings to ele-gant parties, Vidorra offers looks and styles for every occasion.

The women’s boutique, which has been a style destination in Downtown Alhambra for the last two years, plans to continue offering fun shopping events in the New Year.

Vidorra is located at 100 E. Main St. Follow the store on its Instagram and Face-book page, @shopvidorra, and its website at www.shopvidorra.com.

6A CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Library to feature The Nutcracker, tropical bird program, more

Alhambra’s Civic Center Library, 101 S. First St., doesn’t slow down during the holiday season. There will be something for everyone throughout the month of December.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to spend the morning dancing at the library at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Ruth C. Reese Hall. There will be lots of music, dancing, and stories. No registration is required for this dance party.

For teens, there will be a movie at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, in Reese Hall. Featured will be the 2017 film Everything, Everything. The film follows a young wom-an named Maddy, who is prevented by an illness from going outside her home. Her neighbor Olly wants to help her experience life. Teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to watch this movie adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s YA novel. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Everyone is invited to one of the activ-ities for people of all ages. It is the annual Holiday Open House at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in Reese Hall. Join the games, light refreshments and stay for the movie screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carey.

Wildlife Wendy & Her Tropical Birds will be featured at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in Reese Hall. In this highly entertain-ing program, Wildlife Wendy will provide an up-close and personal encounter with

the most entertaining species of the bird world — parrots. This program is for families with children ages 3 – 12. No registration is required, but please note that space is limited, so reserve a space early. The Wildlife Wendy presentation is made pos-sible by a grant from Southern California Edison.

A free screening of the George Bal-anchine choreographed version of the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, in Reese Hall. As the clock chimes midnight, a brave young girl and her beloved Nut-cracker battle a memorable Mouse King and encounter dancing snowflakes set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Alhambra firefighters help fight fires where neededBY GLENN BARNETT

At 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 7, a fire engine and its crew rolled out of Alhambra and headed to Thousand Oaks where the Woolsey Fire had just begun. By the next morning, the Alhambra fire- fighters were shifted to Malibu. They stayed on the front line for more than 60 hours before they could be relieved. Around Alhambra will have their story in the January issue.

The year 2018 will be remembered as the year of the wild fires that sprang up all over California. Fire fighters from throughout the western United States were mobilized to fight those fires. This is a report on Alhambra’s response to the huge Mendocino fire this summer. On July 25, Alhambra Fire Captain Michael Brown led a team that included Engineer Josh Novella, Firefighter Eddy Maldona-do, and Firefighter Andrew Kreglow to the Cranston Fire in the Idyllwild area of Riverside County in Fire Engine 71.

There they joined their five engine strike team led by a Battalion Chief from Pasadena and included two engine crews from Glendale and two from Burbank. For three days, the Alhambra crew and their strike team alternated between front line firefighting, structure protec-tion, and dealing with a civilian’s medical emergency.

But that was only the beginning. After three days, they were pulled out of the 13,000-acre Riverside County fire

and sent to Mendocino County to fight the largest fire in California history: the Mendocino Complex Fire, which burned 459,000 acres.

Captain Brown explained that fighting fires in Southern California is different from those in the north of the state. In the south, wildfires blaze mainly in chaparral, low lying brush with a high oil content. In northern California, the blazes are in tall stands of timber, which requires different strategies to fight.

The fire was so intense that the Alhambra firefighters were involved for two weeks on the front lines. They were not alone. Over 2,000 fire engines were involved, not to mention air resources. The staging area in the town of Ukiah resembled a small city as fireman from all over the western U.S. rested, ate, slept, showered, performed maintenance on their equipment, and awaited dispatch to new areas of the fire front.

The statewide Mass Mutual Aid Agreement between cooperating agen-cies, like Alhambra and the California Office of Emergencies Services (Cal OES) means that there is statewide even a multi-state response when called upon. The agreement stipulates that crews only be obligated for two weeks per fire. So after their involvement in two fires in different parts of the state, Engine 71 and its firefighters returned home to Al-hambra after 17 days on the line. It is no wonder we call them Alhambra’s finest.

Alhambra firefighters with their strike team at a recent forest fire.

Engine 71 and its firefighters returned home to Alhambra after 17 days on the line.

12/2018 CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 7A

Alhambra Police Department receives Traffic Education and Enforcement Grant

The Alhambra Police Department has been awarded a $272,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long traffic enforcement and public awareness program. The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

The goal of the Alhambra Police Depart-ment is to continue its partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety to reduce impaired driving incidents and injuries. “While the numbers of victims due to impaired driving crashes in Alhambra is decreasing, we still have more work to do. One fatality due to impaired driving is one too many. The Alhambra Police Department is committed to using the funds provided through the Office of Traffic Safety to have more officers patrolling our roadways to combat impaired driving,” said Chief Timothy Vu.

The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities for the 2019 federal fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019):

• DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-im-paired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.

• Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.

• Patrols at intersections with increased

incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.• Checking for seatbelt and child safety

seat compliance.• Motorcycle safety operations in areas

with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.

• Speeding, red light, and stop sign enforcement.

• Distracted Driving Operations.• Compilation of DUI Hot Sheets

identifying repeat DUI offenders.• Specialized DUI and drugged driving

training to identify and apprehend suspect-ed impaired drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, in 2016, 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the

state, a 7% increase from 2015. Particularly alarming is the increase in pedestrian deaths with 867 pedestrians killed on California road-ways in 2016, a nearly 33% increase from 2012. Along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies like

phones and drug-impaired driving, this grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk driving, speeding, and crashes at intersections.

“Almost all crashes are preventable,” said OTS director Rhonda Craft. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

ROSE PARADE FLOAT From Page 1A

flowers, seeds, leaves, and other all-natural materials. That will be no small task. It is estimated that between 38,000 to 39,000 flowers will be needed to complete the float. That means that lots of volunteers will be needed to complete the task.

This year the design process was entrusted to fifth-grade students in Alhambra. The winning design was offered by fifth-grader Grace Black-well of St. Therese School.

Decorating the float is the task of Mike Macias, director of Alhambra’s Park and Recreation Department. He and his staff are searching for volunteers. The first task to be completed on Saturdays before Christmas is the application of dry organic material like seeds, beans, legumes, corn husks, rice, and dried flower petals. Dry deco-rating dates are Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22, and the decorating shift is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From the day after Christmas until New Year’s Eve, the real work begins. That is when the fresh flowers go on. First the mums, tulips, carnation petals, and much more. The fresh roses and orchids go on last. That work will start on Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 30. There will be two shifts each day. The first shift is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The second shift is from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Volunteers should plan on staying for a whole shift. Call 626-570-3242 for details.

Former volunteers who have decorated Rose Parade floats say the great memories of the hard work and the pride in seeing “your float” roll down Colorado Boulevard lasts a life time.

8A CITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Oct. 25At 6:46 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, a theft of a cell phone occurred at the Target Store in the City of Alhambra. The suspect was observed on surveil-lance footage stealing a cell phone and case from the electronics department. He placed the items in his pocket and walked out of the store without paying for the items. The Alhambra Police De-partment requests the community’s assistance in identifying the suspect.To identify the suspect and remain anonymous, call the Alhambra Police Department Tip Line at 626-308-4875.

Nov. 3Today’s scam is Live or Die. The scammers reach out to a random person via e-mail and tell the recipient they have been marked for murder. The e-mail ex-plains that the sender (scammers) have been paid to kill the recipient by someone they know. But, if the recipient pays the would-be-killer $10,000, they won’t be killed. The recipient is to send two different payments within five hours to the would-be-killer and once received, the killer will allow the recipient to live.Please do not fall victim to this chain e-mail scam or any scam for that matter. The biggest red flag to look for besides the obvious demands of such a letter are the forms of payment. If someone is telling you to go buy gift cards or green dot gift cards and read the number back to them, this is a huge red flag. Local, state, and federal entities will not ask anyone to pay a legitimate debt with a gift card. Stay alert and stay safe, Alhambra.

Nov. 8Cutie alert: Ms. Sophia, as you may re-member, was struck by a car while crossing Main Street at Fourth Street last year. She and her mother came to visit on Oct. 31. Ms. Sophia is doing well, she is in kinder-garten and enjoys playing with her friends. The family enjoys all the good thoughts everyone passes along. Thanks for all for being there for Sophia's family. The police department will keep everyone updated, as she has become a member of their family as well.

Nov. 16At approximately 9:28 a.m., the Alhambra Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a person shot at 2121 W. Mission Road, Alhambra. Responding officers arrived and detained several people in the offices of The China Press. Officers located a single male adult suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the male adult was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered from the scene.At this time, detectives from the Alhambra Police Department have arrested the suspect-ed gunman, an adult male who was among the subjects initially detained. Preliminary information has confirmed that the victim and the suspect were co-workers. However, the investigation into the motive and the specific relationship between the gunman and the victim is ongoing. Adjacent offices and surrounding buildings were searched and deemed safe. There are no additional

Nov. 15The Alhambra Police Department celebrated its first Spanish Community Academy graduation last night. The Academy graduates attended several training classes rang-ing from traffic, gangs/narcotics, and other topics. The next Alhambra Community Academy (English session) will begin Jan. 9. For more information, please go to www.cityofalhambra.org.

Nov. 14On Monday, Nov. 12, a trailer was stored from the alley to the rear of 1812 S. Third Street. There are no license plates, and the VIN (vehicle identification number) was removed. Please notify the Traffic Section at 626-570-5119 if this is your trailer. The police department wants to return the trailer to the owner.

Nov. 13Parking a recreational vehicle on city streets overnight will be enforced the same as any other vehicle. The Alhambra Municipal Code allows a person parking a vehicle overnight to purchase a temporary permit. These permits may be purchased at one of two kiosks (the Police Station Lobby and the 7-Eleven at 2150 S. Fremont Ave.). If parking an RV (not a trailer) overnight, please purchase a temporary permit. Enforcement of the ordinance for these vehicles commenced Nov. 19. For more in-formation, please contact the Traffic Section at 626-570-5119.

Nov. 9Putting a stop to package theft and residential burglaries is a team effort. Talk to neighbors and encourage everyone to keep an eye out for unfamiliar vehicles and people in neighborhoods. Please remember to report anything suspicious: Don’t ignore it, report it.#Alhambrapdsafetytips #porchpirates #packagetheft1. Ask for a tracking number to keep track of when the package is being delivered. 2. Request a Signature/Delivery Option.3. Request a specific drop off time and date when someone will be home to accept

the package. 4. Arrange to have the package held at the shipping service so it can be picked up. 5. Ask the delivery service to leave the

package at the side or back door. 6. Have the package delivered to a

workplace. 7. Have the package delivered to the

home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept it.

8. Ask to have packages delivered to a retail store so they can be picked up.

9. If packages do not arrive as sched-uled, contact the sender immediately.

POLICE REPORT

In custody: Zhong Qi Chen of El Monte, 56 years old, was arrested for suspicion of murder with a firearm.

victims, and the Alhambra Police Department is not looking for additional suspects. This is being investigated as a workplace violence incident.

Nov. 16The Alhambra Police Department sent a contingent of officers to Westlake Village today to pay respects at the funeral of Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Ron Helus.No sooner had the funeral ended, then news was received about Gardena Police Officer Toshio Hirai tragically losing his life. This occurred after he was involved in a traffic collision while on his police motorcycle and heading to work.With grieving hearts, once again the U.S. Flag is lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Hirai, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community.

12/2018 AROUND ALHAMBRA 9A

10A CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

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 michael@alhambrataxcenter.com. To view previous topics, read his blogs at www.alhambrataxcenter.com.

Tax Tips

With the holidays here and a lot of people in the giving mood, I want to revisit charitable donations.

We claim charitable deductions on Sch-A (itemized deductions). If the taxpayer does not itemize his or her deductions, then no charitable deduction can be claimed as a donation. To itemize, the taxpayer’s eligible itemized deduc-tions must be higher than the standard deduction.

To be an eligible contribution, the charity must be recognizable by the IRS as an eligible non-profit, and most should be a 501(c)3. Donations to politicians or political organizations are not tax deduct-ible, even though they may be non-profit.

If you contribute more than $250, the organization should send a letter with their charitable tax identification (ID number) and state the amount donated.

Noncash donations can be a deduction as long as the value of the item donated is valued at the Fair Market Value (FMV) and you received a signed receipt from the organization. In addition, the FMV in excess of $500 have additional record requirements.

Noncash items under $500: If you donated old clothes to Good-will, which cost you $500 but the current FMV was only $75, you can only claim a $75 deduction. Noncash items over $500:You will need to fill out IRS Form 8283 requesting the name of the organization, a description of the donated property, purchasing infor-mation, and how you obtained the FMV.

If an electrician donates services and fixes electrical problems at a charitable event, the time spent fixing the problem is not deductible. The same goes for someone who donates his or her time at a charitable event: the volunteer time is not deductible. However, they would be able to deduct volunteer mileage to and from the location and any unreimbursed parts and supplies used at the event.

In the event the taxpayer donates to a crowdfunding website, maybe to help somebody pay their medical bill, this is not tax deductible. Even though the

donation was to help somebody in need, they are not an eligible 501(c)3, meaning it can’t be deducted.

To get more information about what a qualified charitable donation is, consult a tax professional, or read Publication 526 from the IRS website.

If you want to know if your charitable organization is a tax-deductible entity, go to www.irs.gov and type in the search “tax exempt organization search.” This tool will give you a list of the IRS recognized tax-exempt entities.

Charitable donations

The Chamber’s Nov. 8 monthly Business to Business networking breakfast was hosted by Denny’s restaurant, 369 W. Main St., Alhambra. Business to Business takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month. The B to B offers opportunities for members of the business community to get to know each other and promote their businesses.

The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce offers New Member Breakfasts quarterly. This casual and intimate get-together is when the Chamber gets to know new members, the new members get an overview of staff roles and Alhambra Chamber services, and everyone has the chance to hear about members’ businesses.

12/2018 CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 11A

East West Bank — Valley403 W. Valley Blvd.Alhambra, CA 91803626-576-7447Eastwestbank.comEast West is a premier bank focused exclusively on the United States and Greater China markets and operates over 130 locations worldwide, including in the United States markets of California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington. In Greater China, East West’s presence includes full service branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou, and Shenzhen, and representative offices in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Taipei, and Xiamen.

New York Life — Joanne Giang801 N. Brand Ave.Glendale, CA 91203818-533-8651newyorklife.com/agent/jgiangWhen it comes to preparing for the future, it’s important to work with someone who has the foresight and proven experience to help navigate life’s changes successfully. Whether just starting out, growing a family, getting ready for retirement, or looking for a way to protect all that one has worked for, New York Life agents can help find the right solutions to make the most of today, tomorrow, and the years to come.

WELCOME OURNew CHAMBER MEMBERS!

Meet the 2019 Tournament of Roses Queen and her court Dec. 4.

Rose Queen, Court to visit Dec. 4 at Almansor Court’s Lakeview Room

Meet the 101st Rose Queen and her court at the 30th annual Rose Queen and Court Luncheon, hosted by the Alham-bra Tournament of Roses Committee and the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, at 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Lakeview Room of Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra.

Tickets for the luncheon are $45 each for Chamber members and $55 for non-members. Those reserving tables of 10 will be listed in the program as sponsors.

Emmy Award-winning Lynette Rome-ro, reporter and anchor to the KTLA 5

Morning News, will be the emcee.Six Princess Sponsor tables are avail-

able. A princess will be the table guest. This includes a group photo with the Royal Court.

Table sponsors, for tables of 10, are available. This includes a group photo with the Royal Court.

Photo opportunities with the queen and princesses will be available.

For reservations, contact the Alhambra Chamber, 626-282-8481.

Make checks payable to the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce and mail or de-liver to 104 S. First St., Alhambra 91801.

Premier Insurance Group, Inc./Allstate, 1127 S. Fremont Ave., Suite C, Alhambra, had its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Nov. 1. Premier Insurance Group offers A through Z services and policies such as auto, home, business, life, retirement, employee supplemental, and health insurance policies and products for families and individuals. From left are Chamber Ambassador Jewelyn Co; Frank Chen, former Chamber president; Chamber Ambassador Nickie Chan; Valentina Alek, Premier Insurance Group owner; Agency Manager Amber O’Connell; Janette Alvarez, project manager, Community Development Services, City of Alhambra; and Christian Daly, rep. for County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

Rose Parade tickets$100 each

See the City of Alhambra’s 91st Rose Parade Float, Home Tweet HomeThe parade theme is The Melody of Life

The Alhambra Chamber of Commercethanks these members for renewing their memberships

and for their continued support:Alhambra Professional Pharmacy

330 S. Garfield Ave., Suite 104Alhambra, CA 91801

626-458-8909Member since 2004

Chinese Bible Missions Church200 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-570-9044

Member since 2010

Costco - Alhambra2207 W. Commonwealth

Alhambra, CA 91803626-289-7164

Member since 1987

Denny’s Restaurant369 W. Main St.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-281-6701

Member since 2016

E. L. Maloney Plumbing Company

1008 “A” Huntington DriveSan Marino, CA 91108

626-289-0228Member since 1989

Exact Tax1024 E. Garvey Ave.

Monterey Park, CA 91755626-573-0788

Member since 2014

Goudy Honda1400 W. Main St.

Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-1114

Member since 1972

JJ Bakery and Café150 E. Main St., #100Alhambra, CA 91801

626-741-5388Member since 2015

To renew your membership with a credit card, please phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.

Mejia, DavidMember since 2015

Transtech Engineers, Inc.13367 Benson Ave.Chino, CA 91710

909-595-8599Member since 1997

Yonemoto Physical Therapy55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100

Alhambra, CA 91801626-576-0591

Member since 1982

12A CHAMBER NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

The most important job as a parent is to keep your kids safe.

You can't prevent every bump and bruise, but there is one thing that could be the difference between life and death. A properly installed and used car seat. It is estimated that in 2015, child restraint systems were responsible for saving 266 children under age 5. Having your child in a restraint system is literally a life-saver. There are four basic types of car seats: rear facing only, convertible, combination, and booster seats. Then there are thousands of models to choose from for each type of seat!

First and foremost, get the right type of seat for your child’s age, height, weight, and developmental level. And read your vehicle owner’s manual and the labels for the car seats you are considering buying.

Once you know the type, how do you pick which model to buy? Expensive does not mean better, and never buy or use a used car seat. You may think you are get-ting a bargain, but it may be missing parts or have been in a crash. Buy one that fits within your family’s budget you will use correctly every time and is appropriate for your child.

Installing car seats properly could help save lives

If you’ve ever installed a car seat, you know it can be a little frustrating.

Well, as far as frustration levels goes, it’s probably between standing in line at the DMV and getting a root canal. Here are

Talbot Insurance Agency Inc. State Farm Insurance Regina Talbot, Agent, 626-357-3401 Insurance License #: 0G05807

Keeping your children safe in the car just got easier for your child, your car, your budget

some tips to help ease the headaches and keep your precious cargo safe and sound.

So you bought the perfect seat. Now sit down and read the seat’s manual and your vehicle’s manual. And follow each step as if your child’s health depends on it, because it does.

A great next step would be getting some expert advice, and fortunately the non-prof-it Safe Kids Worldwide has pretty amazing resources. Safe Kids Coalitions host car seat check events and have more than 40,000 certified child passenger safety technicians all over the country. Find one near you, and get your installation checked or have them help you install it.

Going the DIY route. Here are some helpful tips to remember:

• All car seats, and all kids under 13,

Did you know: Properly installed

and correctly used car seats can decrease

the risk of a fatal injury by 71% for infants, 54% for toddlers,

and 45% for children ages 4 to 8.

should be correctly buckled in the back seat.

• Once you install the seat, you should not be able to move it more than one inch in either direction at the belt path. You can do this by using the seat belt or the LATCH system. Always using the top tether for forward-facing seats.

• The harness straps must be snug, and the chest clip should be at armpit level. No heavy coats or blankets under the straps either and make sure the straps are not twisted.

The right car seat at the right time can save a life.

How important are car seats, you ask?In the late ‘90s, before child and booster

seat information was readily available and legislation was passed, car crashes were the leading cause of death for American children under 4. That is no longer true. Studies have shown a whopping 15% reduction in motor vehicle-related fatalities for all child occupants.

But what car seat to use and when?This is a tricky one. You may think your

child has outgrown his or her current seat or is big enough to sit forward-facing, but it’s vitally important to consult an expert by calling your car seat’s manufacturer's customer service because many of them are certified technicians. You can also attend a local car seat checkup event. Always read

the instructions and labels on your car seat. • Keep your child rear-facing until at

least 2, even if they are already in a convert-ible seat. (The convertible seat will allow for the additional growth of a 2-year-old if the rear facing only seat is outgrown.)

• Whether your child should move to another seat depends on their height and weight, not age. Again read the labels of your seats.

The booster seat will be the last phase of car seats you need to purchase for your child. But when is it time to retire that booster seat? When your child passes Safe Kid’s Seat Belt Test:

• The child's knees should bend at the edge of the seat when his or her back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back.

• The vehicle lap belt should fit across the upper thighs, not the stomach area.

• The shoulder belt should fit across the shoulder and chest. This means approx-imately 4’9’’ and 80 to 100 pounds. This is usually between the ages of 8 to 12 years old.

Another thing to keep in mind is not all states have the same laws when it comes to car seats. Follow Safe Kids’ test for the safety of your children, but it’s also good to know where your state stands on the issues.

For more information, contact Regina Talbot at 626-357-3401.

Legal Loophole Costs Local Homeseller $3,742 in the Sale of Their Home

Alhambra - When you're buying or selling a home, there are many small but important legal issues that you may be unaware of that are, nevertheless, critical to understand. Residential real estate is not an uncomplicated process. When such a major investment is transferred from one party to another, there are subtle details to take care of that can turn into major prob-lems if not handled correctly. It is essential to understand the legal ins and outs that will properly protect you when you buy or sell a home. There are several issues that will certainly cost you if you are not properly informed. In a recent situation right here in the area, misinformation cost

one local homeseller over three thousand dollars in the sale of their home. Don't let this happen to you. In answer to this issue, Industry Insiders have prepared a FREE special report entitled, "Legal Mistakes to Avoid When Buying or Selling a Home"

To order a FREE Special Report, call toll-free 1-888-300-4632 and enter 1011. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to protect your investment when you buy or sell your home.

This report is courtesy of Rudy L. Ku-suma Real Estate Broker Lic# 01820322. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers cur-rently under contract. Copyright © 2012

Join local businesses for the Alhambra Chamber

Business to Business Networking event

Thursday, January 10, 20198:30 – 9:30 amCost: Free (coffee & pastries)

RSVP A MUST:Alhambra Chamber of Commerce 626-282-8481 or ihernandez@alhambrachamber.org

B to BHosted by:CoKreeate1019 E. Main St., Unit B, Alhambra 91801626-313-7885

Upcoming Co�ee TalkThursday, February 14 – TBA

NOTE Please be sure

to bring plenty of business cards &

promotional �yers for networking.

Notary services are available at the

Alhambra Chamber of Commerce 104 S. First St.

Please phone 626-282-8481 for an appointment.

12/2018 COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 13A

American Renascent Center to host annual Christmas Toy Give-away Dec. 8

The American Renascent Center will host its eighth annual Christmas Toy Give-away from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last, Saturday, Dec. 8, at IHOP Restaurant, 701 S. Fremont Ave., Alhambra.

The event is sponsored by Albertons/Savon, Applebee’s, Kohl’s Department Store, Denny’s, IHop, Mattel Toys El Se-gundo, and special thanks to the Killebrew

and Molina family. American Renascent Center Inc. is a

non-profit organization that supports fam-ilies and individuals suffering from various mental disorders.

For more information, contact Ty John-son at 323-534-8980, visit online at www.americanrenascentcenter.wordpress.com, or phone 211.

The American Renascent Center offers a Christmas Toy Give-away every year.

Emmaus students give back to community

The emblem for Emmaus Lutheran School contains the words Christ, Cur-riculum, Character, and Community. In living up to the commitment to character and community, students give back to the community in a variety of ways. Each year, students are asked to share the gifts they have to help those in need. Last year, Emmaus packaged 40,000 meals to be sent to a third-world country, raising $4,000 to cover the cost of the meals that were packaged.

The students choose projects they want to be involved with. In October, the fifth-grade class raised $400 for the LA Mission. Some students sold snacks, cookies and lemonade, did extra chores, and one small group prepared chop sticks at a family restaurant. They were inspired by reading about a group of Swedish children who raised money to save rain forest land. The fifth grade’s next project will be raising money for the American Society for Pre-vention of Cruelty to Animals.

There are other projects, some annually completed, that are focused on giving back to those in need. For the last five years, Emmaus students have collected pajamas for the Scholastic Book Club Pajama Drive. Scholastic Books matches the number col-lected by schools nationwide by donating one book per pajama set donated. Emmaus also participates in Scholastic's All for

Books program, also matching money with books for children in need.

Each Christmas, Emmaus students and families have participated in the Sparks of Love Toy Drive, supporting the Alhambra Fire Department in their efforts to give Christmas presents to less fortunate chil-dren in the community. A few years ago, the school was recognized at the Alhambra City Council for collecting the most toys in Alhambra.

This year, Emmaus will collect socks for the needy. In past years, they have collected soap, soup and noodles, canned goods, and underwear. Each of these projects help the students understand there is more to life than just receiving and there are those very near to them who don't have the many things that the students may have.

It is Emmaus' hope that by doing these projects, the students will be aware of the need for compassion toward others as they grow up, and they will individually make decisions on how to help others.

Emmaus School is accepting transfer students, and at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 10, the school will have an open house displaying the projects of the students and sharing tours of the 6+ acre campus. For more information, contact Principal Kit Hittinger at 626-289-3664. The campus is located at 840 S. Almansor St., next to Almansor Park.

The October Disability Art Exhibit at Los Angeles City Hall featured Academy of Special Dreams Foundation and LIFT artists. From left: Jerry Ruiz, Academy of Special Dreams founder; Perla Santander; Oscar G. Santander, artist; and Michael Dergar, Academy founder and CEO.

Academy of Special Dreams Foundation artists featured at art exhibition at LA City Hall

The October Disability Art Exhibit at Los Angeles City Hall featured Academy of Special Dreams Foundation and LIFT artists.

“This yearly art exhibition is a tes-tament to the creativity of our friends in the special needs community,” said Michael Dergar, president and CEO of Academy of Special Dreams. “We give many thanks to the Los Angeles Department on Disability for giving us the opportunity of collaborating to make this Disability Art Exhibit 2018 a very successful event. We also want to thank Susan and the amazing group of Cal State LA vocal arts for their wonderful performance and unconditional support.

Congratulations artists, academy family, and supporters for helping to bring an event of recognition and appreciation to the creative talents of artists with disabil-ities internationally.”

The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation believes that all people, re-gardless of their disabilities, should have equal opportunities to express their tal-ents and to be successful in the arts. As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corpora-tion, the Special Academy's mission is to increase public awareness, appreciation, and recognition of the creative talents of people with disabilities by providing opportunities that encourage, promote, and showcase their artistic expressions.

14A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Past Master Thomas J. Venegas will be installed as the 125th master of the Lodge Jan. 5.

Alhambra Masonic Lodge to celebrate 125th anniversary

The Annual Installation of Officers for the Alhambra Masonic Lodge will take place Saturday, Jan. 5, at The Granada Masonic Center. Worshipful Thomas J. Venegas, past master, will be installed as the 125th master of the Lodge.

Alhambra Lodge No. 322 will celebrate its 125th anniversary of service to the Brethren of the Lodge and to the Alhambra Community at the Grand Anniversary Celebration Sept. 21. There will be special events throughout the year. For more information, contact the Alhambra Lodge at 626-281-7950, or e-mail alhambra322@earthlink.net.

The Alhambra Lodge of Free and Ac-cepted Masons was chartered Sept. 1, 1894.

Downtown Alhambra kicked off Hallowscream activities this year at the Alhambra Pumpkin Run Halloween Fest. Hallowscream activities includ-ed the annual costume contest and trick-or-treating.

Host Dameion “Lucky” Smith en-tertained the crowd and introduced the costume contest contestants. More than 180 children participated in the contest for a chance to win the $200 cash grand prize. The contest was open to all ages 0 – 12. The winners were awarded a Downtown Alhambra bag with a Miniso signature stuffed toy. First place winners received a $50 gift card to Five Below. Second place winners received a $25 gift card to Alham-bra Edwards Renaissance Regal Theater. Third place winners received a $10 gift card

to Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. The first place winner from each age group moved on to compete for the $200.

The grand prize winner and first place winner ages 0 – 4 was Sergio Bolivar, age 4, for his grandpa costume.

The first place winner ages 5 – 8 was Travom Johnson III, age 5, as Superfly.

The first place winner ages 9 – 12 was Tylah Johnson, age 12, as Cookie Monster.

Poprock Academy helped close the show with a festive performance.

Downtown Alhambra handed out free trick-or-treat goody bags filled with offers and coupons to local businesses along with a map to more than 30 businesses that passed out candy that day. Main Street was bustling with happy trick-or treaters for the rest of the afternoon.

Downtown Alhambra combines Pumpkin Run, Hallowscream Fest

Costume contest winners, from left: Tylah Johnson, Sergio Bolivar, and Travom Johnson III.

Deadline for article submission for the January Around Alhambra is

Thursday, Dec. 6.

12/2018 AROUND ALHAMBRA 15A

16A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Mosquito bites: Everyone is at risk

The most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites.

Almost everyone in the world has been bitten by a mosquito. Although most kinds of mosquitoes are just nuisance mosqui-toes, some kinds of mosquitoes spread viruses that can cause disease. For most viruses spread by mosquitoes, no vaccines or medicines are available. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night, live indoors and outdoors, and search for warm places as temperatures begin to drop. Some will hibernate in enclosed spaces, such as garag-es, sheds, and under (or inside) homes, to survive cold temperatures. Except for the southernmost states in North America, mosquito season starts in the summer and continues into fall.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread viruses like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika.

Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are also known as the Asian tiger mosquito.

The Culex quinauefasciatus mosquito spreads West Nile virus.

Mosquito larvae from Culex species in standing water.

Remove places where mosquitoes lay eggs. Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near water.

When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Mosquito bites can cause sicknessDisease epidemics from viruses spread

by mosquitoes are happening more often, including the recent Zika (2015-2017) and chikungunya (2013-2014) epidemics. West Nile virus is the most common virus spread by mosquitoes in the continental United States. In the United States, people can also get sick from less common viruses spread by mosquitoes, like La Crosse en-cephalitis or St. Louis encephalitis. From 2004 to 2016, most U.S. cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika were reported in US territories.

Protect against mosquito bitesUse an EPA-registered insect repellent

with one of the following active ingredients: DEETPicaridinIR3535Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)Para-menthane-diol (PMD)2-undecanoneCover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and

long pants.Keep mosquitoes outside: Use air con-

ditioning or window and door screens. If necessary, sleep under a mosquito bed net.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/fs_mosquito_bite_prevention_us.pdf.

Planning a trip? Make a check list of everything needed

for an enjoyable vacation, and use the following resources to help prepare.

Learn about destination-specific health risks and recommendations by visiting CDC Travelers’ Health website.

Pack a travel health kit. Remember to pack insect repellent and use it as directed to prevent mosquito bites.

See a health care provider familiar with travel medicine, ideally four to six weeks before the trip.

Go to the Find a Clinic webpage for help in finding a travel medicine clinic nearby.

Do the homework before travelingFor most viruses spread by mosquitoes,

no vaccines or medicines are available. However, vaccines are available for viruses like Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever. Travelers to areas with risk of those viruses should get vaccinated.

After travelingEven if they do not feel sick, travelers

should prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after their trip so they do not spread viruses like dengue, Zika, or chikungunya to uninfected mosquitoes.

If travelers have symptoms including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash, see a health care provider immediately and be sure to share travel history.

What can state and local public health agencies do?

Build and sustain public health pro-grams that test and track diseases and mosquitoes that spread them.

Train vector control staff on five core competencies for conducting prevention and control activities.

Educate the public about how to pre-vent control mosquito-borne diseases in their communities.

What is Center for Disease Control doing?

Funding states and territories to detect and respond to infections from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas and report cases to CDC.

Partnering with local and tribal health departments, industry, universities, and international groups to detect and respond to diseases from mosquitoes.

Supporting five regional centers of ex-cellence to address emerging diseases from mosquitoes and ticks.

Developing and improving laboratory and diagnostic tests for these diseases.

Educating the public about protecting themselves from diseases caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.

For more information about CDC’s work on vector-borne diseases, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/stories-fea-tures/browse/subjects/vectorborne-diseas-es.html.

Alhambra Womans Club to celebrate Christmas season Dec. 19

The Alhambra Womans Club invites all women to attend its meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra.

Entertainment will be provided by Enchanting Melodies, a violin and cello duo that will perform both classical and Christmas music.

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child to support the Alhambra Fire Depart-ment's Spark of Love Toy Drive.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Please call 626-289-9307 by Dec. 17 for a reservation.

12/2018 COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 17A

1K participants wait to begin the race.

More than 800 runners and walkers take part in the 5K run. 5K runners are off.

From left: Chamber Membership Liaison Julian Chung helped with the Chamber booth, Ambassadors Nickie Chan and Kay Lee Fukui and Chamber executive board member Robert Fukui ran for the Chamber, and Ambassador Cindy Ho helped with the Chamber booth.

More than 1,000 people participate in 5th Annual Alhambra Pumpkin Run

More than 800 runners and walkers from all over the San Gabriel and Los Angles areas took part in the 5K run and walk in Downtown Alhambra Oct. 28. Over 250 kids ages 4 to 12 ran in the 1K kids run.

The 5K started off with Mayor Jeff Ma-loney saying a few words and introducing the Special Olympics Team of Southern California.

There were over 20 running teams.

Proceeds from the run will help the Special Olympics of Southern California. Flashpants, the band from ABC's The Gong Show, played twice throughout the day. Hits 101 Radio played while family and friends shopped at the Farmers Market and visited vendors. Kids had fun in the kids zone.

For more photos of the event, please visit www.facebook.com/alhambrapumpkinrun.

Alhambra Hospital Medical Center excels in patient safety Awarded “A” for fall 2018 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score

Alhambra Hospital Medical Center was awarded an “A” from The Leapfrog Group’s fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grade. The designation recognizes Alhambra Hospital Medical Center’s efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the United States. The Leapfrog Group is a national organization committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Safety Grade as-signs an A, B, C, D, or F grade to hospitals across the country based

on their performance in prevent-ing medical errors, infections, and other harms among patients in their care.

“The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score recognition is representative of our commitment to delivering the highest level of quality patient care,” said Iris Lai, chief executive officer of Alhambra Hospital Medical Center. “Our everyday goal is to exceed our patients’ expectations by delivering out-standing and safe medical care to every patient, every time.”

Alhambra Hospital Medical

Center scored highest in many of the 28 measures pertaining to hospital acquired infections and had zero incidents on measures such as pressure ulcer, central line associated blood stream in-fections, and catheter associated infections.

“Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades recognize hospitals like Alhambra Hospital Medical Center that focus on advancing patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This ranking provides an important resource

for patients, and a benchmark for hospitals, to determine how care at one hospital compares to others in a region. Hospitals that earn an A Hospital Safety Grade deserve to be recognized for their efforts in preventing medical harm and errors.”

“We’re very pleased to receive the highest rating for patient safety in the latest Hospital Safety Score,” said Dennis Chan, M.D., chief of staff of Alhambra Hospital Medical Center. “Our entire medical staff and team here at Alhambra Hospital Medical

Center put patient safety at the top of the list each day. It’s our number one priority as we strive to provide quality health care to our communities.”

Developed under the guidance of a National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s method-ology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

18A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, piloted by alumnus Lt. Col. Brian Peters, flies over Cal State LA during the 2018 Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA.

Air Force colonel flies over his alma mater during annual Cal State LA Veterans Day Ceremony

Cal State LA alumnus Lt. Col. Brian Peters returned to his alma mater Thursday, two decades after walking the campus as a student. But this time his view was 1,000 feet up from the university, overlooking Alhambra.

Lt. Col. Peters piloted a massive U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III over Cal State LA as part of the university’s 2018 Veterans Day Ceremony. The roar of the 174-foot aircraft broke the silence of the crisp fall afternoon air as the crowd gathered in the University-Student Union Plaza stared up at the sky in awe.

“When I went to Cal State LA, it was never something I dreamt of,” Lt. Col. Peters said of the flyover. He graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology. “Now, how cool is this? My career is coming full circle.”

The flyover opened the Nov. 8 event, which honored the service and sacrifice of military veterans, including Cal State LA’s more than 360 student veterans.

Dani Molina, a U.S. Army veteran and director of the Cal State LA Veterans Re-source Center, delivered opening remarks acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have served in the military.

The keynote speaker was U.S. Marine Corps veteran Marshall W. Thomas, di-rector of Active Duty and Veterans Affairs at the California State University Office of the Chancellor.

Mr. Thomas told guests the story of Cal State LA’s founding in 1947. The univer-sity was created by the state legislature in response to a rapid influx in veterans and others in Los Angeles seeking an education

after World War II.“The foundation of this institution is

veterans,” Mr. Thomas said. “That gener-ation of veterans that Cal State LA served in the ’40s and ’50s went on to do some amazing things.”

The ceremony was sponsored by the Di-vision of Student Life, Veterans Resource Center and Associated Students, Inc.

The C-17 Globemaster III from the flyover has a wingspan of nearly 170 feet and is assigned to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base in River-side County. The cargo compartment can fit helicopters and tanks or be converted into a mobile hospital.

In his 18-year Air Force Reserve career, Lt. Col. Peters has often flown the same model of aircraft on trips to airlift patients out of combat zones or deliver equipment to military bases overseas.

Thursday’s flyover was his first in Los Angeles County and second ever. Earlier this year he flew over Angel Stadium in Anaheim for Major League Baseball’s opening day.

“There’s a different electricity in the air when the flyover happens,” Lt. Col. Peters said, who is also a pilot for Alaska Airlines.

Military flyovers give the public a chance to see large military aircraft in action up close without being in danger, Lt. Col. Peters said. But, he emphasized, flyovers are more than a celebration of a particular aircraft.

“I am just the lucky one that gets to fly,” he said. “It’s in honor of those who served — it’s for them and their families — to remind them that they’re not forgotten.”

12/2018 AROUND ALHAMBRA 19A

20A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Ramona Convent students explore Northern California colleges

College-bound students in grades 10, 11, and 12 journeyed up to the bay area to visit colleges to learn more about the educational opportunities that exist at UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, and Domini-can University.

They also had a chance to visit with several alumnae along the way.

"By actually stepping onto each cam-pus, it gave me a chance to feel first-hand what the community is like,” said senior Lilianna Perez. “One college in particular that I really felt at home with was Santa Clara University. I really enjoyed the environment and felt welcomed by the students because they were engaging and approachable."

"These tours provide a sense of internal motivation that students just don't get by looking at pictures on websites or looking at a brochure,” said Alberto Chavarria, director of Guidance and College Coun-seling, who has been a strong advocate for college tour exploration opportunities. “Tours are also an opportunity for students to determine what size campus they will thrive in and what type of environment they prefer."

At Ramona, the college preparation and selection process is a personal four-year journey of exploration, self-discovery, hard work, and growth. Ramona’s two experienced full-time guidance counselors empower students to prepare for and select the college that's the best fit for them. College choice is a family decision, so the guidance team hosts parent meetings and evening events about admission and financial aid for each grade. They also offer guidance in course selection, East and West Coast college tours, information about college fairs, on-campus meetings with college admission reps, and assistance with personal statements and Naviance, a college and career exploration software program.

Ramona is a welcoming Catholic col-lege-prep high school for girls in grades 9 through twelve. Ramona graduates face the future with an extraordinary education, a global vision fueled by Catholic values, an independent spirit, confident leadership skills, the support of their Ramona sisters, and the strength of a legacy of more than 129 years of excellence.

For more information, contact Ramo-na Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra, at 626-282-4151, or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.

Ramona Convent students journey up north to learn more about the educational opportunities that exist at UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, and Dominican University.

On Nov., 16, local non-profit organi-zation and Alhambra Chamber member Taiwanese American Professionals Los Angeles (TAP-LA) hosted its 13th Annual Gala at City Club LA to celebrate another successful year of serving the Taiwanese American community.

More than 250 people came to show their support, including a number of honored guests such as U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and California State Treasurer John

Chiang. Over this past year, TAP-LA organized

more than 30 events that focused on enriching various areas of Taiwanese American lives, including professional development, mentorship, philanthropy, networking, health and wellness, and education in Taiwanese American culture.

To learn more about TAP-LA and to participate in future events, please visit www.tapla.org.

More than 250 people came to show their support of Taiwanese American Professionals Los Angeles, including a number of honored guests such as U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and California State Treasurer John Chiang.

Taiwanese American Professionals L.A. host Annual Gala

Alhambra Soroptimists celebrate their 85th anniversary during Halloween Luncheon Oct. 31.

Soroptimists to present pre-New Year masquerade party

The Alhambra, San Gabriel, San Marino Chapter of Soroptimist, a global volunteer organization that economically empowers women and girls, is having its first New Year’s Charity Gala at the Hilton Pasadena from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 29.

Please join Soroptimist to celebrate the New Year and help raise funds to support programs in its mission to advance the status of women and girls in local

communities.General admission is $115 per person,

which includes wine, food, entertainment, and a DJ dance party playing Latin, pop, and favorite hits from the ‘70s through current.

There are no ticket sales at the door. For advance tickets, or further information, please visit www.SiAlhambra.org, or e-mail info@SiAlhambra.org.

12/2018 COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 21A

Alhambra High School U.S. history and economics/government teacher Jose Sanchez recently took his classes to an open house for AHS students, parents, and teachers at the Alhambra Historical Museum, 1550 W. Alhambra Road, to learn about Alhambra history and to see historical artifacts and memorabilia. About 134 students attended.

ELAC is one of the nine colleges of the LACCD, the largest community college district in the nation.

LACCD Board of Trustees President Mike Fong, LACCD Board of Trustees member Scott Svonkin, LACCD Chancellor Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, ELAC President Marvin Martinez, Viken Kiledjian, chair of the ELAC Physics Department, and ELAC student speaker, Colleen Mieko Tamashiro all gave remarks praising the new facility.

“Being able to provide our students with such great facilities like this new building also demonstrates our ongoing commitment that the needs of our students remain a top priority,” said Mr. Fong.

“With all of the choices young people have today for pursuing their higher education, it is important that we have facilities like this that keep us on the cutting edge,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

“As the largest college within the Los Angeles Community College District, it is understandable that our campus continues to grow every year with more new buildings,” said Mr. Martinez. “If you will recall, this new Physics and Earth Sciences building itself replaces two buildings that were constructed in the 1950 and ‘60s that were in place just adjacent to this building.”

The keynote speaker was Aradhna

Tripati, an associate professor at UC-LA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability; UCLA’s Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences; UCLA’s Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences; director and founder of the Center for Diverse Leadership in Science; and also the International Research chair in Stable Isotopes. Professor Tripati encouraged the students in the audience to look ahead to transferring to four-year universities to complete their upper graduate level courses in the STEM field in order to meet the needs of the current job market, which is projected to grow enormously in STEM fields in the coming years.

The Harper Construction Company was the general contractor for this 26,000 square-foot, two-story, G8 Physics and Earth Sciences building. Jacobs was the program management team and the architect was Sillman Wright Architects. The project had a $17 million budget, funded by Measure J funds.

ELAC is one of the nine colleges of the LACCD, the largest community college district in the nation. More in-formation about the LACCD is online at www.laccd.edu.

ELAC From Page 1A

Families can take free digital photos with Santa at Alhambra’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Nov. 30.

Spend an electric night out at Downtown Alhambra’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Alhambra will kick off the holiday season into high gear. The festivities will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Renaissance Plaza, 1 E. Main St., on the northeast corner of Garfield and Main.

Families can take free digital photos with Santa, while watching some hol-iday-themed entertainment from the PopRock Academy and the Daurden Performing Arts Conservatory, who will perform The Nutcracker. Santa will arrive by firetruck at 6 p.m. to light the Christ-

mas tree.The Downtown Alhambra Business

Association (DABA), in concert with the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, is presenting this event and hopes to draw more consumer traffic to the area. Pop-up holiday vendors will be on site, and patrons can enjoy the local eateries and stores nearby.

Designated deposit boxes will be located at both events so that people can donate a toy or gift certificate to the Alhambra Fire Department's Spark of Love Toy Drive, also an annual tradition.

22A COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

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 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The shelter is closed on Mondays. Directions and photos of many more dogs and cats can be found online at www.sgvhumane.org.

The adoption fee for cats is $99, which includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, de-worm-ing, FIV/FELV/heartworm testing, and microchip. A $130 - $145 dog adoption fee includes microchip, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and de-worming, as well as

a free health check-up at a participating vet (some breeds slightly higher).

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

The Senior for Senior Program offers pets for $39 each.

The 2018 calendar is available for $10 if bought directly at the shelter or $12.50 if mailed.

Dec. 3 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers 111 S. First St.

Dec. 4 – Tuesday• Rose Queen and Court Luncheon Noon at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St. For reservations, phone 626-282-8481• HCDA Citizens Advisory Committee 7 p.m. - City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Dec. 6 – Thursday• Parks and Recreation Commission 7 p.m., Joslyn Center, Story Park 210 N. Chapel Ave.• SCORE counselor appointments available 10 a.m. to noon Phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481

Dec. 10 – MondayCity Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 111 S. First St

Alhambra Service Clubs and OrganizationsTuesday: The Exchange Club meets at noon every Tuesday at Birdies Bar & Grill, 630 S. Almansor St., at Alhambra Golf Course. The Kiwanis Club of Alhambra meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Denny’s Restaurant, 369 W. Main St., Alhambra. The Rotary Club and Soroptimist Club meet at noon every Tuesday at Almansor Court, 700 S. Almansor St. Wednesday: The Alhambra Historical Society presents its program meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of January, March, May, September and before or after Thanksgiving in November at the Masonic Center, 9 W. Woodward Ave. Toastmasters meets from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays each month at the Colonial Kitchen Restaurant, 1110 Huntington Drive, San Marino. Thursday: American Legion Post 139 meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday each month at the Legion Hall, 24 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra. San Gabriel Valley New Generation Rotary Club meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Twohey’s, 1224 N. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra.The Alhambra Woman’s Club meets monthly. Phone 626-289-9307 for information.

Community Calendar of Events

Dec. 11 – Tuesday• Library Board of Trustees 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St. • Youth Commission 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Dec. 17 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers 111 S. First St.

Dec. 19 – Wednesday• Chamber Mixer 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Almansor Court 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra Chamber members $10. Non-members $15• Arts & Cultural Events Committee 7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

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

Jan. 7 – MondayPlanning Commission7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers 111 S. First St.

Jan. 8 – Tuesday• Library Board of Trustees 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• Youth Commission 6 p.m., library boardroom, 101 S. First St.• Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

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

Jan. 10 – ThursdayBusiness to Business networkingCoKreeate8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.1019 E. Main St., Unit B, Alhambra 91801R.S.V.P. to Chamber at 626-282-8481

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

Jan. 16 – WednesdayArts & Cultural Events Committee7 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Jan. 22 – Tuesday• Planning Commission 7 p.m., City Hall, council chambers 111 S. First St.• Design Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall, conference room 111 S. First St.

Jan. 23 – WednesdayChamber Mixer5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Hosted by Next Republic Artisan Kitchen119 W. Main St., Alhambra 91801Chamber members $10. Non-members $15

Domestic short hair mix • Young • Female • Small

Meet Betty DeVille. She models her distinctive black and white colored fur coat markings. It looks like she's wearing a solid color designer cap with cat ears attached. She has the same name as a Rugrats cartoon mother, who has a nice but loud personality. Betty has a calm loving nature, is friendly, and enjoys seeing new people coming to meet her. Melting into hands that massage her head and throat, Betty purrs with contentment. A lap is always nice to sit on when offered. If given a toy, she will show her sporty, playful side that ranges from bat and pat to attack and toss, depending on what is being offered for her amusement. Whether it's a still object, a flying teaser, or the laser dot, Betty takes the challenge. Betty is accepting visitors at Alhambra PetSmart, a San Gabriel Valley Humane Society adoption partner. For more information, call the Alhambra PetSmart at 626-284-3390.

The San Gabriel Valley Humane Society is the local, affordable 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.

December

Italian greyhound mx • Adult • Female • Small

Lisa Leslie is a beautiful Italian Greyhound mix lady approximately 8 years old. She has dainty long legs and was named for the basketball star, also known for her long legs. Lisa is very sweet and friendly and will greet you with a beautiful smile, wagging tail, and graceful bows. She is very inquisitive and observant of her environment and loves to explore. Lisa is very easy to handle on a leash and enjoys going for walks. Lisa is an active girl who will go into “play pose” inviting some fun with other dogs or with people, and she especially enjoys playing with toys. Lisa Leslie is looking for her new best friend and forever home. If you spend some time with her, she is sure to melt your heart.

Beyond the captivating beauty of Caterine is a calm lady who craves the peaceful continuity of life in her own home. She likes people to approach her slowly and will then relax into the hand massaging her head and ears and stroking down her soft white and gray coat. The attention is rewarded by her purring of contentment while she “makes biscuits” on the bed or lap she is on. Caterine is more than just a pretty face, which has the cutest smudge mustache. She enjoys playing with her visitors. A simple shoe string can be the beginning of a tug-of-war game that ends when she wins. Sometimes the laser dot game of chase will set off Caterine’s huntress instincts. Other times she seems to not want to bother with something she wisely knows she can’t really catch. Caterine’s beauty and sweetness will add décor and bring calmness to your home, while also adding some fun. Please come meet Caterine in Meow Manor.

Domestic short hair mix • Adult • Female • Large

January

Betty DeVille Caterine

Lisa Leslie

12/2018 ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 23A

AUSD Game Changers: First four award winners motivate students, parents, colleagues

What do the first four Alhambra School District Game Changer Award winners have in common? Each of them — by per-sonality, attitude, and actions — is quietly changing the culture of their schools, and in the process, advancing outcomes for students and strengthening relationships with colleagues and parents. Without the Game Changer awards, few people might ever know the contributions these AUSD employees are making every day. Their generosity ripples out across their cam-puses, inspiring those in their orbit to be their best selves. Now, with the portraits of Game Changer Award winners, everyone can also learn from them.

Each month, two Game Changer award winners are selected from the pool of extraordinary Alhambra School District employees nominated by students, parents, or colleagues for the Beyond the Call of Duty and Spotlight Badges program (nom-inate at www.ausd.us/badges/). The Game Changer winners are chosen by a trio of judges: Tammy Scorcia, ATA president; Craig Profitt, CSEA president; and Stacie Colman Hsu, AUSD director of Human Resources. Schools First Federal Credit Union partners with Alhambra Unified to give an honorarium to each award winner, which is presented by the AUSD Board of Education in a recognition ceremony.

Portraits of AUSD Game Changer Award winners

September Joel Sanchez, senior custodian at Repet-

to Elementary, inspired principal Carin Gasca to nominate him for the Beyond the Call of Duty Badge for “always going the extra mile, whether during a summer of major construction cleanup for the entire campus, the aftermath rush of getting the campus ready for the first day of school, or any time during the school year. Mr. Sanchez works long hours and weekends to keep Repetto clean, safe, and beautiful. At the same time, he is always a kind and welcoming presence.”

With the district for 12 years, Mr. San-chez is new to Repetto, arriving in June. During a summer when he would have

normally been getting to know the campus, its 80 employees, 825 students, and mak-ing a general plan to get the school ready for a new year, Mr. Sanchez was instead chasing construction crews as they moved through each part of the building. “It was hectic. We had to jump from one side of the campus to another depending on the situation with construction,” he explained. “With school starting in early August, we worked right up to the deadline. At 6 a.m. on the first day of school, the cafeteria was not ready for the children to arrive. It was a race to finish, but we did it, working together as a team.”

He said he’s committed to his colleagues because he received a lot of help when he first arrived in the district. “I always want to bend over backward to help my co-workers.” Ms. Gasca added, “Not only does Joel go out of his way to respond quickly to requests from staff, he is a qui-etly supportive presence for the students, always greeting them as he goes about his work.” Mr. Sanchez nodded, “Yes, now every student tells me ‘good morning, how are you doing’ even before I can say hello.”

September Jurgio Valinhas, Alhambra High School

teacher of Spanish, Honors, and AP Span-ish, was nominated for the Beyond the Call of Duty badge by AHS World Languages Department Head Joshua Moreno. Mr. Moreno called the 20-year veteran, “An extraordinary champion for our Latino students, recruiting as many as possible to take his AP/Honors courses even if they do not speak the language fluently.” AHS re-cently won the Gold Ribbon Award for its AP/Honors program “in great part because of the work that Mr. Valinhas put in with the students, parents, and the community,“ said Mr. Moreno.

Asked about his approach to coaching his students, Mr. Valinhas will say he com-bines academic rigor with social emotional encouragement. His students — many of whom are taking an AP class for the first time — routinely achieve a high AP passing rate (between 90-100%, depending upon the year). The experience forever changes

the way the students see themselves and naturally enlarges their academic and ca-reer dreams. Renaming as Honors Spanish what had been called Native Spanish, Mr. Valinhas convinced parents and students that taking an Honors/AP Spanish course and becoming truly bilingual could change the life path for the student.

A Galician by birth, Mr. Valinhas went to high school in General Franco’s Spain, which outlawed his native language. Learning Galician in secret from his grandmother, Mr. Valinhas grew up to become a strong proponent for teaching home languages and cultures and for multilingualism. Two decades ago Mr. Valinhas came to Alhambra from Spain on a teacher recruitment program. Today, Mr. Valinhas is offering AHS students the support he wished he had gotten by giving legitimacy to learning a home language and encouraging bilingual learning. His dream is to see Spanish offered to seventh- and eighth-grade students before they arrive in high school. Mr. Moreno points out that Mr. Valinhas’ credentials make him a com-pelling candidate to persuade both Spanish home language prospective parents and any prospective parents of kindergarteners to seriously consider the Fremont Spanish Dual Immersion program for their child. Mr. Moreno said, “Jurgio is doing so many things for our Latino students and our parents, I want to get him out in the community to talk about all he’s doing and how it impacts our students before he retires.”

Mr. Valinhas, when asked about his mentoring efforts, said, “I only wish I could do more. I always think I am not doing enough. To watch my students’ con-fidence grow when they see what they are able to achieve is a great gift to me. They just needed someone to believe in them and to show them how capable they are. They were always able to do great things. Now they know it, too.”

October Nicole Manalang, San Gabriel High’s

Business and Technolgy Academy (BTA) lead, who also teaches 12th grade AP

Alhambra Unified, Board of Education, and Schools First FCU team up to honor inspiring AUSD employees

September Game Changer Award winner Joel Sanchez, senior custodian at Repetto Elementary, inspired Principal Carin Gasca to nominate him for the Beyond the Call of Duty Badge “for always going the extra mile, whether during a summer of major construction cleanup for the entire school or by going out of his way to help colleagues and students.”

October AUSD Game Changer Award winner Nicole Manalang, San Gabriel High’s Business and Technology Academy (BTA) lead, who also teaches 12th grade AP government and three classes of 10th grade world history, was nominated for the Beyond the Call of Duty badge by BTA science teacher Jennifer Wright for her leadership in school-wide technology implementation, work that is in addition to Ms. Manalang’s many teaching responsibilities.

September Game Changer Award winner Jurgio Valinhas, Alhambra High AP/ Honors Spanish teacher, was nominated for the Beyond the Call of Duty Badge by World Languages Department chair Josh Moreno for being “an extraordinary champion for our Latino students, whose AP pass rates are 90-100%.”

October AUSD Game Changer Award winner Agustin Ramos, district security guard, was nominated for the Above and Beyond Badge by Eva García and Elaine Latoya for his signature positivity and for “being a great role model and always stepping up to the plate.”

All Photo credits Liezel Gutierrez, AUSD

government and three classes of 10th grade world history, was nominated for the Be-yond the Call of Duty badge by BTA science teacher Jennifer Wright for her leadership in school-wide technology implementation, work that is in addition to Ms. Manalang’s many teaching responsibilities. Ms. Wright hired Ms. Manalang 12 years ago when she worked as an administrator and now works alongside her.

“Nicole is very positive, very outgoing, always looking to see what she can do to improve things, always looking for a way to move things forward for students and for teachers,” Ms. Wright said. “She gives up a lot of her time for students, for new and even veteran teachers — she wears lots of different hats. The nomination was a cool way to say thank you for all she does for everyone.” She points as examples to Ms. Manalang’s efforts to create shared department files to make department collaboration easier and to the tutorials she creates for various technology products to assist teachers.

Armed with a master’s in technology ed-ucation from Cal State LA, her talents in the field, and love of educational instructional design, Ms. Manalang is a particularly able BTA lead. She explains the BTA program, which has a Career Technical Education (CTE) focus, by saying it is a cohort of 20 – 30 students in each grade who learn core subjects like government, science, math, and English through the lens of digital literacy. They learn computer skills, website design, Photoshop, video editing, and global business finance. “SGHS is the only AUSD high school with a Business and Technology Academy,” Ms. Manalang said. “The students get the training they need to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners. We also seek out community business partners to expand opportunities for our students. The BTA program prepares students for the future and for a digital life.”

When asked what she loves best about what she does, Ms Manalang, an AUSD

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24A ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

What Emery Park’s Sandra, Tony, Jazmin Morales can teach everyone

Walk past the ancient leafy tree shading the brick and stone sidewalk marquee inviting everyone to Friday Family Movie Night, go up the stone steps polished by age, and enter the world of Emery Park Elementary, where one can find the staff, students, and parents as welcoming as its historical-designation charm.

Principal Jeremy Infranca greets a vis-itor with a hug and agrees, “Emery Park does feel more like a big, bonded, closely knit family.” The visitor thinks that Mr. Infranca definitely has something to do with that family feeling. Soon, Karina Martinez, honored the night before by the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education for being the one chosen, out of 14 school districts, to win the 2018 San Gabriel Valley Special Education Teacher of the Year, joins the conversation. Ms. Martinez, surrounded by the cheering Emery Park family at yesterday’s board meeting celebration, both echoes and em-bodies Mr. Infranca’s comments when she said, “We really do have a beautiful group of staff, students, and supporters here at Emery Park.”

Asked to more fully explain how the culture of connection and encouragement flourishes at the school, Mr. Infranca and Ms. Martinez look at each other for a knowing moment and almost in unison, say, “The Morales family.”

For years, Sandra and Tony Morales and their now fifth-grade daughter, Jazmin, have been quietly finding ways to give, donate, volunteer, or problem-solve where they saw a need. One example Mr. Infranca shared is when Mr. Morales appeared at the school recently with two enormous industrial fans during a record heat wave, saying he “didn’t want the kids to get too hot during assemblies.” Asked

later about his family’s generosity, Mr. Morales said,” It’s primarily my wife and Jazmin who are doing so much. They have such big hearts. I’m blessed.”

Jazmin, who as a 5-year-old told her mom she had to “go feed the hungry people,” has lately been spending her Emery Park lunch hours, and sometimes her recess time, reading to Ms. Martinez’s special education kindergarten students or helping them with math. “The kindergart-ners light up when they see Jazmin; they all want to sit next to her,” Ms. Martinez said. “Jazmin talked about the kinder-gartners so much that now her friends, Jennifer and Vicky, volunteer with her. The kids are in heaven.”

Wife, mother, scout leader, and PTA parent, Mrs. Morales arrived in the U. S. from Guatemala as a 9-year-old and remembers what it was like to need help when one doesn’t know the language or the culture and has very few resources while other kids were being mean. “I like to champion the underdog, and Jazmin feels that even more. We have a drive to help whenever we can.”

Studies show that kindness is con-tagious. The spirit of contribution is catching. Connection, empathy, and trust are the building blocks of a school culture that fosters learning.

What stands out in the conversations with Principal Infranca, award-winning teacher Ms. Martinez, parents Sandra and Tony Morales and daughter Jazmin is that each of them think the others are the ones really doing something important for the school yet all of them are constantly scan-ning for who needs help and thinking of ways to provide whatever they can to help.

Emery Park, it seems, is in the best possible hands.

From left: Emery Park Principal Jeremy Infranca; Karina Martinez, SGV Special Education Teacher of the Year; fifth-grade student Jazmin Morales; her mother, Sandra Morales; and her father, Tony Morales. Each contribute to culture of connection and empathy at the school.

alumna, said, “It was the teachers I encountered at Garfield and Alhambra High who inspired me to love learning. I always tell students there are many paths to college. There are multiple ways to a career you want to get into. It was my teachers who sparked what I call ‘light bulb moments,’ who showed me there are many learning styles. I wanted to be that kind of teacher for my kids.”

She said that rather tell her students “this is the way to get a good grade,” she instead challenges them to decide what they feel is a valued achievement for them and work toward that goal. “I want to inspire students to see the possibilities and then really dig in to explore how they can get what they want. Self-motivated learning changes everything.”

October Agustin Ramos, Safety and Security

guard at the district office, was nomi-nated for the Beyond the Call of Duty badge by colleagues in the office of risk management, Elaine Laroya and Eva Garcia, who both commented on his signature “warmth, kindness, his morning greeting that starts everyone’s day off right, and for his ability to see that you need help before you ever ask.”

One of the first security guards hired to monitor the district during daytime hours, Mr. Ramos has been with the district since 2014. Working

with AUSD student/employee welfare, under the direction of the safety coor-dinator, Micheal Barbara, Mr. Ramos is part of a team providing 24/7 coverage to all 20 school sites. Mr. Ramos said he stays flexible about schedules and pitches in whenever needed: “I think of myself as a team player. I want to help out however I can.”

Asked about his approach to his long hours at work, Mr. Ramos said, “Hon-estly, I’ve always been motivated by the desire to do a good job in whatever position I have. I believe in teamwork. I stay positive and optimistic. That’s what keeps me going,”

“You can always count on Agustin,” Ms. Laroya said. ”He is a fabulous co-worker, always smiling, immacu-lately uniformed, all his gear polished.” Ms. Garcia agreed: “His good spirits make everyone feel better. He is fair, professional and honest in everything he does. Agustin really steps up to the plate in any situation and is an excellent role model.”

Anyone can thank or recognize any Alhambra Unified employee by nom-inating them for the Beyond the Call of Duty or Spotlight badges program by visiting www.ausd.us/badges/. Out of that pool of nominees, two Game Changer award winners are chosen each month.Take a moment to thank someone today.

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AUSD GAME CHANGERS

Alhambra High School’s Moor Friends Program recognized with 2018 top statewide educational honor

Alhambra High School’s Moor Friends program has been chosen as one of 51 recipients of the state’s leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award. The Golden Bell Awards, now in their 39th year, are sponsored by the California School Boards Association to recognize outstanding public school programs for innovation, sustainability, and best practices that facil-itate positive student outcomes. Alhambra Unified School District received its award at a recognition reception and ceremony on Nov. 29 at the California School Boards Association’s Annual Education Confer-ence and Trade Show in San Francisco.

Alhambra High School founded Moor Friends in the interest of nurturing a growing culture of young, socially con-scientious, and egalitarian leaders. Moor Friends is devoted to establishing long lasting partnerships between all members of the student body. Moor Friends are forging bonds that are based on a deep re-spect for the wealth of diversity within the human condition and a profound under-standing of the nuances that inform each individual’s unique experience. A team of instructors that include Wendy Osawa, Melissa Martinez, and Jamie Peralta spear-heads the club. This triumvirate of advisers is assisted by the diligent leadership of Emi Takemoto and Nicole Hui, Alhambra High School students who serve as co-presidents. Alhambra High School principal Duane Russell, along with staff members, support and encourage the program, which exem-plifies and values the contribution of every student by acknowledging that all students contribute, including special education students.

“Moor Friends is a master class in how to grow a school culture of respect, inclusion, trust, empathy, and resilience — both in the general education students and the special education students,” said Alhambra Unified Superintendent Denise Jaramillo. “Moor Friends is a shining example of how to build safe schools and better societies: Create a model for helping those most vulnerable among us. When we teach help-seeking and help-giving as

strengths, every student flourishes. We are honored to receive the 2018 CBSA Golden Bell Award for the Alhambra High School Moor Friends program and so proud of the exceptional work by our students and the Alhambra High School and district team that made the award possible.”

A 17-member judging panel made up of experts from school districts and county offices of education reviewed the written entries and made the initial recommen-dations for the awards. On-site validators assessed the programs in action. This year’s awards are presented to school districts and county offices of education helping students achieve through after-school programs, mentoring, instructional interventions, use of data, and other innovations.

“The Golden Bell recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence for which all of California’s public schools strive,” said California School Boards Association CEO and Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “The Golden Bell Awards reflect the depth and breadth of outstand-ing education offerings in our state, and demonstrate the tenacity, vision, and dedi-cation of school leaders across California.”

To learn more about the Golden Bell awards, visit the California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell website at https //gb.csba.org/.

The California School Boards Associ-ation is a nonprofit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies state-wide, the association brings together school governing boards and district and county office administrators to advocate for effec-tive policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. Learn more at www.csba.org.

Alhambra Unified iSchool District is dedicated to its richly culturally diverse PK-12 community of 17,000 students through a whole student excellence + equity + social emotional learning approach. Learn more at www.ausd.us and @alhambrausd.

The 90 members of Moor Friends, Alhambra High School’s largest club, have been meeting every Thursday at noon for four years. This unique partnership between general education and special education students at the richly culturally diverse high school works together on school- wide art and garden projects, including the Winter Dance, the Moor Friends Garden, and the AHS Craft Fair.

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Boys and Girls Club honors School District Assistant Superintendent John Scanlan

At its annual Youth of the Year Cele-bration Nov. 28, the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley honored John Scanlan, Alhambra Unified School District assistant superintendent of student + em-ployee welfare, with the 2018 Leadership Impact Award.

As Mark Keppel High Principal, Mr. Scanlan was instrumental in helping the Boys and Girls Club reach more teens by providing a site for its club meetings. In his current district post, he has worked to identify transportation funding to bring students from other Alhambra School District schools to Mark Keppel for club meetings.

“I am especially honored to be chosen for the BGCWSGV Leadership Impact award by an organization that is doing so much for so many teens in our communi-ty,” Mr. Scanlan said. “All of us at Alhambra Unified salute this important work, which we proudly support”

“At MKHS, John was instrumental in working with us to have BGCWSGV on site to provide greater impact for their teens,” said Kevin Lian, Boys and Girls Club director of advancement and philanthropy. “At the club, we have a Teen Center, and we saw an opportunity to reach more teens with life-changing programs by having a presence at the high school.

“Currently, our members who are en-rolled in Brent’s Club, a drug and alcohol awareness and abstinence program, partner with the Human Rights Association at MKHS. Those two groups meet weekly on-site at MKHS. Additionally, our Teen Center staff is on-site every other Thurs-day to promote teen programs offered at BGCWSGV. The addition of Brent’s Club at MKHS is so vital to the well-being of students, and we credit John and his leader-ship for making our partnership that much stronger.”

As the Mark Keppel club continues

As Mark Keppel High Principal, Mr. Scanlan was instrumental in helping the Boys and Girls Club reach more teens by providing a site for its club meetings.

to grow, the Boys and Girls Club’s goal is to reach more teens than ever before to offer them programs around character and leadership, education and careers, health and life skills, the arts, sports fitness, and recreation, as well as specialized programs like Brent’s Club, the Youth of the Year Leadership Program, STEM Sailing, and a music program.

“Needless to say, we are so thankful and grateful for John’s work to make our club and community better by placing the inter-ests of students first,” Mr. Lian said. “We are proud to honor John on Nov. 28 at our Youth of the Year Celebration at Grapevine Arbor in San Gabriel, where the winner of the 2018-2019 Youth of the Year was announced.” [Winner’s name not available at time of printing]

Also honored were San Gabriel Coun-cilmember Chi Ho Liao, who received the Excellence in Service Award, and Cathay Bank, which received the Corporate Part-nership Award.

The San Gabriel High Nov. 29 – 30 Winter Art Gallery, a venue for the school’s most talented artists in one of its biggest visual arts-related events, featured work in mediums such as clay, charcoal, and gouache in the form of drawings, paintings, and sculptures. The Art Gallery is an interactive experience open to students and staff during lunch and after school. The Spring Art Show is slated for April 3 – 5.

26A ACADEMIC NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA 12/2018

Joanne Russell-Chavez, President Robert L. Gin, Vice PresidentAdele Andrade-Stadler, Clerk Jane C. Anderson, Member

Patricia Rodriguez-Mackintosh, Member

Alhambra High School government teacher Jose Sanchez, far right, with former students Eduardo Flores, left, and Briana Garay, second from right, when they met Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, this past summer.

Alhambra High School teacher Jose Sanchez to serve on advisory committee

Alhambra High School government teacher Jose Sanchez is one of 14 teachers in the state asked to serve on the California Department of Education State Seal of Engagement (SSCE) Advisory Committee.

Mr. Sanchez will participate in the pro-

cess of developing criteria for awarding the SSCE to deserving graduating high school seniors, as mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 24, signed into law by Gov. Brown in October 2017.

San Gabriel High presents The Miracle Worker dinner theatre production Dec. 4 – 8

The San Gabriel High School dinner theatre production of The Miracle Worker opens Dec. 4 through Dec. 8 in the school’s Little Theatre.

The dinner includes lasagna or baked ziti, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, and coffee or tea. The prices are $25 to $30,

depending on the night.Tickets may be purchased through the

Student Bank or online at the Matador Store.

For information, please call 626-943-6820.

FREMONT SPANISH DUAL IMMERSION From Page 1A

shared her own language story.Ms. Bermudez, who is Salvadoran

American, told her audience that she and her Armenian American husband vowed to speak to their newborn daughter in each of their home languages in order for the daughter to be able to communicate with both sets of grandparents and to be able to absorb the two cultures. Her 5-year-old daughter is now fluent in English, Spanish, and Armenian and recently asked to learn French.

One day last spring, a stranger at the park scolded Ms. Bermudez for speaking Spanish to her daughter, saying, “Speak English. You are confusing the poor girl.” Ms. Bermudez responded, “No need to worry. My daughter speaks four languag-es. How many do you speak?” The inci-dent stayed with Ms. Bermudez, and she decided to write about the experience and her daughter for the Los Angeles Times. Her story went viral on Twitter with nearly 400,000 likes and over 76, 000 retweets in less than 48 hours, followed by requests for television appearances, including from Univision34 and ABC7, among others. Ms. Bermudez’s story has helped change the national conversation about the value and importance of bilin-gualism and multilingualism. To read her story visit:

http://www.latimes.com/local/cali-fornia/la-me-speak-english-20180616-story.html.

“One of the best gifts you can give your child — a gift that keeps connection to all generations and keeps your culture — is the gift of teaching your home lan-guage,”Ms. Bermudez, who was raised in Whittier, said. She said she is the first in her family to graduate from elementary

school, middle school, high school, and university. “Spanish is being lost within a generation when parents decide their children ‘should only speak English.’” Ms. Bermudez is such a supporter of the Alhambra USD Fremont Spanish Dual Immersion program, she agreed to the visit despite having just returned from two weeks in Rome, where she reported for the LA Times on the historic canon-ization of the Salvadoran Bishop, Oscar Romero, at the Vatican. ”It’s so important to have this conversation,” Ms. Bermudez said. “The benefits of learning two or languages are enormous.”

The California Department of Ed-ucation agrees. The CDE’s new Global California 2030 Initiative wants all K-12 students in the state to be bilingual within 12 years. When Ms. Bermudez asked the Fremont first graders how many languag-es they spoke at home besides English and Spanish, she learned that students hailed from families that speak nearly 10 languages. “That’s inspiring,” she said.

Benefits of dual immersionStudies show that students who learn

two or more languages have stronger, healthier brains with more connections to both right and left hemispheres and more flexible thinking, and they are more sought-after job candidates. In addition, bilingualism unites communities and cultures and builds empathy, trust, and creative problem solving. It is important to note that students who learn their home language proficiently learn English more swiftly and effectively.

To learn more about the AUSD Fre-mont Spanish Dual Immersion program, visit www.ausd.us or https://www.fremontelementary.us/apps/video/

12/2018 AROUND ALHAMBRA 27A