PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 2244

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA

POSTAL PATRONPICO RIVERA, CA 90660

Distributed to Pico Rivera residents and businesses as an educational service. For information, contact Public Information at 562.801.4217.

P. O. Box 1016 · 6615 Passons Blvd. · Pico Rivera, CA · 90660-1016

The City of Pico Rivera’s Dial-A-Ride (DAR) program, which provides curb-to-curb transportation service to seniors over the age of 55 and disabled residents of the City of Pico Rivera will soon see some exciting enhancements to the current transportation program. While the current DAR service will continue to provide transportation to anywhere within the City limits and selected medical facilities outside the City, a new program, the Dial-A-Cab (DAC) program will be introduced to compliment the current transportation program. The DAC service will add more vehicles to the current transportation program and provide service to the same areas as the DAR program with a few enhancements. With DAC, participants will be allowed to request same day service with some extended service hours. Also, the new DAC service will have a nominal $1.50 per trip fee with a limit of 10 trips per month. The DAC program is anticipated to begin later this month. Residents interested in using the new DAC service will need to pre-register to receive a transportation card prior to use of the service. For further details on Dial-A-Ride or to register for the Dial-A-Cab program, please contact the Pico Rivera Senior Center at 562.948.4844.

Pico Park will be the scene of a screaming good time during this year’s annual Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday,

October 27. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. with food, games, Spooky Arts & Crafts and activities the whole family can enjoy. As always, the event is free with a small fee for the games and food.

Throughout the evening, children will be screaming with delight as they scramble through the Trick-or-Treat Village collecting devilish delights along the way. Halloween bags will be provided for children to collect their Halloween treats (while supplies last). Participants will also have the opportunity to take pictures at various character cutouts located throughout the event.

A Halloween costume contest kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with contestants vying for the title of “Cutest”, “Scariest” or “Most Creative” in six age categories – 2 years and under, 3 to 5 years old, 6 to 8 years old, 9 to 11 years old, 12 to 14 years old, and 15 years to 17 years old. New this year is a category for man’s best friend, the Howl-O-Ween Dog Contest. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

The Spooktacular at Pico Park will vanish at 8:00 p.m.

For more information about the Spooktacular, call 562.801.4430.

vol. 39, no. 9 OCTOBER 2012

CITY COUNCILMayor Bob J. Archuleta Mayor Pro Tem Gustavo V. Camacho Councilmembers David W. Armenta Gregory Salcido Brent A. Tercero

These pups were seen taking a joy ride in a shopping cart inside PetSmart which is now open at the Pico Rivera Towne Center. The Pico Rivera PetSmart store includes an adoption center, and pet grooming. An on-site veterinary clinic is coming soon to the Pico Rivera store.

BASKET HOUNDS

Halloween Spooktacular returns to Pico Park

Dial-A-Ride service to change beginning November 2012

CITY HALL PARKING LOT ENTRANCE NOTICEA reminder to residents that the Citronell Avenue and Homebrook Street entrances to the City Hall Parking Lot will be closed to thru traffic from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. every Monday and Friday, and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The Passons Boulevard entrance will remain open throughout the day. For more information, call 562.801.4413.

WEST NILE VIRUSprotecting against

PAGE TWO Pico Rivera Profile · October 2012

This month on CTV3 See Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in Fathers Little Dividend. Also catch The Vintage Vehicle Show and California Bountiful. Don’t miss the October edition of CTV3 News and live coverage of the Pico Rivera City Council meetings on Tuesday, October 9 & 23 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Complete schedule at www.pico-rivera.org.Time Warner Cable, Channel 3 > Verizon FioS, Channel 33 > AT&T U-Verse, Channel 99

UPCOMING CITY HALL MEETINGSCity Council Meeting - Tuesday, October 9 & 23, 6 p.m.

Planning Commission - Monday, October 1 & 15, 6 p.m.

Sister City Commission - Monday, October 15, 6 p.m.

All above meetings are held at City Hall, 6615 Passons Blvd.

Parks and Recreation Commission - Thursday, October 11, 6 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Building, 6767 Passons Blvd.

City Hall Closed: Friday, October 12 and Friday, October 26

Editor Deborah LopezLayout & Design Gabriel DaigleStaff Writers Gabriel Castorena Michael Maxfield Photographer Oscar CastilloThe Pico Rivera Profile is produced by the City of Pico Rivera and is distributed to Pico Rivera residents and businesses as an educational service. For information about the Pico Rivera Profile contact Public Information at 562.801.4217.

Now you can receive important City news, information and updates directly by email by subscribing to the City’s e-newsletter service. The e-newsletter service is designed to keep you up to speed on all city events, activities and issues with special email messages and alerts. To subscribe, simply email us at gcastorena@pico-rivera.org. Sign up for City e-mails

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Bridge structure completed

The railroad bridge structure over Passons Boulevard is now complete, putting the

overall project at more than 85% complete. Officials anticipate that one lane of traffic in each direction will be opened through the underpass in late October. Shortly thereafter, the Serapis Avenue at-grade crossing will be closed permanently to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Crews continue to pave the new Rivera Road east of Passons and the Bermudez Street cul-de-sac. Once that work is completed, residents along Rivera will have access to Cord Street. Rivera west of Cord, however, will remain closed. The project is on track for completion this December. Check out future issues of the Profile for announcements regarding the Grand Opening and stay tuned to CTV3 for updated announcements on the opening of Passons Boulevard.

Local businesses open during construction

Residents are reminded that the Extra Space Storage Business Park and the

shopping center located on the west side of Passons Boulevard are open for business during construction. Access to these businesses is available along westbound Slauson Avenue. Log on to the City’s website for valuable coupons offered by the stores located at these shopping centers.

Stay up-to-date on the project

Updated information on the Passons Underpass project is available through

a special telephone hotline at 562.949.9499. Specific questions may also be directed to the City of Pico Rivera’s Construction Manager, Steve Quezada, at 562.949.9450.

Chamber to host business and health expo

Stay informed with ALERT LA County

The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend the Chamber’s Spooktacular Expo on Tuesday, October 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is free for this event, which is being held at El Rodeo Restaurant and Nightclub, 8835 E. Washington Blvd in Pico Rivera. Local business owners will be on hand to highlight the products and services they offer. A number of local health organizations will also be there with important health-related information. Those in attendance can also experience the Taste of Pico Rivera, a showcase of food offerings from local businesses. For more information about the Expo or how to be an exhibitor, call the Chamber of Commerce at 562.949.2473. Deadline to reserve an exhibit space is October 5.

County health officials are once again cautioning residents to protect themselves from West Nile Virus (WNV). The virus has been detected in a number of samples taken from birds and mosquitoes throughout the area. The best way to prevent WNV is to avoid mosquitoes, as the disease is spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has contracted the virus from an infected bird. Tips for avoiding mosquitoes include:

Staying away from mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors. Using repellants containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of eucalyptus.Checking window screens for holes.Emptying water that collects in old tires, flowerpots, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls or other containers as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Regularly cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools. Stocking garden ponds with goldfish or other mosquito-eating fish. Emptying and washing birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus and most people that are bitten are not exposed to the virus. The virus is not spread through person-to-person contact, or directly from birds to humans. Most people infected with the virus never become sick, or have only very mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches and a mild skin rash. Fewer than one in 150 people who

Critical, updated information about emergencies and disasters that strike Southern California is available through ALERT LA County, the County’s mass notification system. The system delivers recorded phone messages via mass telephone calls and sends text messages or emails to residents and businesses during emergencies or disasters. All land-line phone numbers, both listed and unlisted, are automatically included in the system. However, if you have a cellular phone, Voice over IP (VoIP) phone number or an email address, you can register that information with ALERT LA County and receive the same critical information via those devices. To register, visit the ALERT LA County website at www.alert.lacounty.gov.

For many families, Halloween traditions such as dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating, are a must. In order to ensure Halloween is safe and fun for you and your child, the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station recommends the following safety tips:

Preparing for Halloween:Ensure costumes and accessories are flame-

resistant. Keep costumes short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement.

Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks can be uncomfortable, and may limit or block vision.

Place reflective tape on costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

Plan and review with your children their trick-or-treating route. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children.

Reminders for Trick-or-Treaters:Make your trick-or-treat stops only at

familiar homes with the outside light on.

Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

Do not eat your treats until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

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News from the Sheriff’s Station

are bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill. Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. For more information call 800.975.4448 or visit the website at http://westnile.ca.gov.

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Trick or Treat for Hunger

Non-profit organizations invited to participate in the process

PAGE THREE Pico Rivera Profile · October 2012

Winter Youth Basketball registration underwayThe Pico Rivera Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its Winter Youth Basketball program until Friday, November 9. The youth basketball program is open to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 16. Teams will compete in age appropriate divisions. During the ten-week program, participants will learn the basics of the sport, including shooting, dribbling and teamwork. Fee for the league is $45 for Pico Rivera residents and $55 for non-residents, which includes a team uniform and participation award. All games will be played at Pico and Rivera Parks. Practices begin in mid-December. To register your child, visit the Parks and Recreation Department, 6767 Passons Boulevard, or any City park. A copy of the participant’s birth certificate and proof of grade will be required at the time of registration. The Department is also actively recruiting volunteer coaches with some knowledge of various sports. For information or to volunteer, call 562.801.4454.

Parks department offers volleyball clinic The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is currently taking registrations for a Volleyball clinic to be held October 8-17. The instructional program will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Department staff will instruct participants in the basic fundamentals of the sport, including passing, setting and serving. The clinic is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 15. Fee for the clinic is $55; Pico Rivera residents receive a $10 discount. For more information, call Rivera Park at 562.801.4454.

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The holidays will be a little brighter this year for hundreds of qualifying Pico Rivera families, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Pico Rivera Christmas Baskets Committee and its annual food and toy distribution.

Families interested in receiving a basket must pre-register and meet certain income requirements. To qualify, families with one to four persons can not have more than $2,000 per month in income, while families of five or more must have a monthly income of $2,500 or less. Following are the locations, dates and times to register to receive a basket. Applicants are asked to bring the following items; photo identification, identification of all children, proof of income and proof of Pico Rivera residency.

St. Francis Church 4245 S. Acacia Ave. November 1 & 29 9 a.m. - noonPico Park 9528 Beverly Blvd. November 2, 15 &16 9 a.m. - noonRivera Park 9530 Shade Lane November 3, 9 &17 9 a.m. - noonSt. Marianne’s Church 7922 Passons Blvd. November 5 5 - 8 p.m.Rio Hondo Park 8421 San Luis Potosi Pl. November 28 5 - 8 p.m.Senior Center 9200 Mines Ave. November 7 & 27 9 a.m. - noonSmith Park 6016 Rosemead Blvd. November 8, 13, 26 & 30 9 a.m. - noonSt. Hilary Church 5465 Citronell Ave. November 14 9 a.m. - noonMontebello Gardens Elem. 4700 Pine St. November 19 8 a.m. - noon For more information, call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 562.801.4430.

The Pico Rivera Community Gardens is going to flourish with even more plants, vegetables and fruits this season thanks to a donation of seeds from M&M Mars, Incorporated. The company, best known for its candy products, also owns an organic seed company, Seeds of Change. During a visit to the Gardens last month, a representative from the company commended the Community Gardens for the friendships, sense of community and family atmosphere it promotes. As part of that visit, M&M Mars agreed to donate 1,000 packets of seeds, enough to ensure that all the users of the Community Gardens would receive some seeds to plant in their plots.

A different type of Trick or Treating will be taking place on Saturday, October 20 as volunteers will be knocking on doors throughout the community as part of the 16th Annual Trick or Treat for Hunger. Volunteers from the Pico Rivera Christmas Baskets Committee and other community volunteer groups will be going door-to-door collecting non-perishable goods, unopened toys and can openers. The collected items will be used to create Christmas Baskets to be distributed to Pico Rivera families in need this upcoming holiday season. Suggested food items include cereal, peanut butter, pasta and any canned food. Items can be placed in a bag or box and left by your front door no later than 8:30 a.m. on October 20 to ensure pick up. For more information about donating items or volunteering for this campaign, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 562.801.4430.

Non-profit organizations in need of playground equipment are invited to apply to receive used slides, swings and other items from the City of Pico Rivera. The items have been retired from use in several City parks. Equipment available for donation includes Miracle Playground structures for ages 5 to 12, a spiral slide structure, a traditional playground six-seat swing set and a two-seat traditional swing set. All equipment has been dismantled and is being donated ‘as is.’ Action steps for information or viewing and submitting a request:Interested non-profit organizations must submit a request for the items they are interested in, along with proof of non-profit status to: Pico Rivera City Hall, Purchasing Dept., ATTN: James Morales, or email to jmorales@pico-rivera.org no later than 4:00 PM Friday, October 19, 2012. For more information or to attend the October 17 viewing of the equipment, contact Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Jose Rico at 562.801.4430.

City to donate used playground equipment

Christmas Basket registration

Community Gardens receives Seeds of Change donation

PAGE FOUR Pico Rivera Profile · October 2012

The City of Pico Rivera Trips and Tours program is hosting trips to see two Cirque Du Soleil performances in October and November. On Sunday, October 28, the program will be traveling to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for a performance of Cirque Du Soleil’s Iris. Spectators are treated to a show that combines acrobatics, dance, projections and live music. The trip is scheduled from noon to 6:00 p.m. The fee for all ages is $59. Deadline to register is Monday, October 8. On Sunday, November 4 it’s Cirque Du Soleil’s Dralion at the Long Beach Arena. This amazing show combines Chinese acrobatic arts with the unique style of Cirque Du Soleil. The trip is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and costs $59 for all ages. Deadline to register is Friday, October 12. Both trips will depart from the Pico Rivera Senior Center, 9200 Mines Avenue. For more information on these trips and available space, call 562.801.4931.

The Pico Rivera Senior Center, 9200 Mines Avenue, will be providing flu vaccinations on Thursday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. The vaccines are provided free of charge to individuals age 50 years and older, children ages 6 months to 18 years of age, pregnant women, anyone suffering from a chronic illness and anyone living with or caring for a child under 6 months or an adult over 50 years of age. All vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Vaccines are provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services and administered by the Whittier Health Center. For more information, call 562.948.4844.

The El Rancho High School Marching Band & Color Guard will be heading to San Diego next month to perform in several Veterans Day parades and ceremonies. The group will be participating in the 2012 Band of Pride Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 12, marching through the historic Gas Lamp District of San Diego. Prior to the Monday parade, the Dons will march in a Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 10 in Otay Ranch and then participate in a mass band performance aboard the retired aircraft carrier, USS Midway, in San Diego. The El Rancho Band & Color Guard Booster Club is working hard to help offset the cost of this trip for the students. Anyone who would like to help pay for the trip or sponsor a student can send donations to:

El Rancho High School BandC/O Director Reggie Cordero6501 S. Passons BoulevardPico Rivera, CA 90660

Donations can also be made by credit card on the band’s web site at donsband.weebly.com/booster-club.html. For more information, call 562.801.5355, extension 1136.

Residential streets require drivers to be especially careful. In addition to having to share the road with all types of traffic—from cars and bicyclists to pedestrians and children—they have to do so on roads that are much narrower than major streets. That’s why the speed limit for all residential streets is 25 mph. Speed radar trailers have been placed on various residential streets around the City recently to gently remind drivers about the speed limit. Speed radar trailers monitor and influence driver speeds, alerting speeders of how fast they are driving. While the City is working with residents to explore a variety of options for dealing with residential speeding, the most effective option is for everyone to simply slow down and obey residential speed limits. Residents with any residential traffic concerns may call the Public Works Department at 562.801.4415.LIB

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The Pico Park Express Library and the Rivera Library will be hosting a variety of activities for all ages during

the month of October. Storytime for Children is hosted at both libraries every Wednesday; 4:00 p.m. at the Rivera Library and 4:30 p.m. at the Pico Park Express Library. The Pico Park Express Library will also host a special Halloween Storytime on Wednesday, October 31 with special treats to be given out. Starting Thursday, October 4 and continuing every Thursday through November 8, the Rivera Library will host Yoga for Youth. The class, which begins at 4:00 p.m., will teach participants basic yoga poses and relaxation techniques. Finally, the Rivera Library continues its Parent Café every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Parents are given the opportunity to meet with other local parents and learn about resources to strengthen their family. Those wanting to attend may register at the Library. The Pico Park Express Library is located at 9528 Beverly Boulevard and the Rivera Library is located at 7828 Serapis Avenue. For more information and a complete list of events, call the Pico Park Express Library at 562.271.7615 or the Rivera Library at 562.949.5485.

Library hosts Children’s Bookmark Contest Young Pico Rivera readers are invited to submit entries for the County Libraries’ 33rd Annual Bookmark Contest. The theme of this year’s contest is ‘It Came from a Book!’ The contest is open to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade and highlights the wonder and importance of books and reading. The winning bookmark designs will be printed by Pentel of America, Ltd., and be available at County Libraries during National Library Week in April 2013. Winning designs will also be published on the County Libraries’ web site at www.colapublib.org/children. Entries must be submitted by October 27. Entry forms can be obtained and submitted at the Pico Park Express Library, 9528 Beverly Boulevard or the Rivera Library, 7828 Serapis Avenue.

Watch your speed in neighborhoods

Marching Dons hit the parade route

Protect yourself from the flu and get vaccinated

Trips and tours heading to Cirque Du Soleil

Rosemead/Mines intersection improvements completedTraffic along Rosemead Boulevard and Mines Avenue is back to normal following last month’s completion of improvements at the intersection. A major component of the project was to narrow the roadway on Mines to help calm traffic flow in the area. Other upgrades done as part of the $800,000 project included pavement rehabilitation, ADA ramp upgrades, curb, gutter, drive approach and sidewalk repairs, extension of an 8-inch water main, installation of a fire hydrant and a traffic signal upgrade to include left-turn phasing. The project was done in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Library Construction Project, which is currently under construction at the northeast corner of Rosemead and Mines. The Library project is expected to be completed by Fall 2013.