Temple City Connect Summer 2012

8 COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING 12 BUILDING ON THE PAST 20 AT HOME IN THE FOREST

Temple City

INSIDE! SUMMER

RECREATION GUIDE

PAGE 25

Summer 2012 news events people

neighborhoods THE

ISSUE

Temple City Presents

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Free Family-Friendly Concerts CONCERTS START AT 7 P.M. AT TEMPLE CITY PARK

BRING LAWN CHAIR OR BLANKET FOR SEATINGInfo: (626) 285-2171, ext. 2360

June 20SURFIN’ SAFARI

Beach Boys Tribute

June 27THE ANSWER

Classic Rock

July 11THE SILVER BEATLES

Beatles Tribute

July 18RAYMOND MICHAEL

Tribute to Elvis

July 25BUMPTOWNDecades of Dance

August 1HOT AUGUST NIGHT

Tribute to Neil Diamond

August 8THE FUNKY HIPPEEZ

Disco

August 15TOMMY TASSI

AND THE AUTHENTICSClassic Oldies

August 22STONE SOUL

Classic Soul and Motown

August 29THE SILVERADOS

Country

Temple City Connect

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Temple City Presents

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

8 Community-Oriented Policing

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

20 At Home in the Forest

4 City Manager’s Message The neighborhoods issue

5 Perspectives Upcoming summer plans

6 Snapshots Capturing the community spirit

8 Community-Oriented Policing Sharing responsibility for public safety

12 Building on the Past Creating a foundation for the future

17 Counterparts Showcasing “shear” talent

18 A Truly Global Community A look at our cultural fabric

20 At Home in the Forest Growing a partnership with nature

25 Recreation Guide Summer 2012 classes and activities

33 Ask City Hall New street-sweeping laws

34 People Louis Paletta, Older American of the Year

12 Building on the Past

Temple City Connect

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Summer 2012

HELLO,

Neighbor!Our inaugural issue of Temple City Connect was met with an incredible response,

and we continue that momentum in this summer edition. Flipping through the pages,

Connect not only looks different from other municipal publications, but provides real

journalism, not just cheerleading.

This issue, we focus on life in Temple City’s neighborhoods. Each has its own

personality and vibe, but together, they make up a single community united by shared

hopes and dreams. In the following pages, explore what can be done to make our

neighborhoods the best in Southern California to live, work, play and raise children.

On page 20, discover the City’s expansive “urban forest,” the thousands of public

trees that give our neighborhoods character. Though often taken for granted, the

loss of 500 trees in last November’s windstorm engendered a new appreciation for

our leafy assets. Toward creating a great community, our physical environment is an

integral part of the equation. Every resident, you will learn, has a role in preserving it.

Speaking of preservation, on page 12, learn about the City’s recent historic

resources survey. For lifelong Temple City natives and incoming residents alike,

shared appreciation for local historic

resources can unite our diverse

community. With that survey

complete, it is now time for residents

and elected officials to decide how

committed we are to preserving local

landmarks, so our kids and grandkids

can feel they are part of a truly

enduring place.

One reason Temple City is consistently ranked one of the best towns to raise a

family is safety. But security doesn’t happen by accident. On page 8, read about the

reenergized Community-Oriented Policing Strategy (COPS), and learn how residents

like you are playing an increasingly important role in law enforcement. While Temple

City’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, also see how language and cultural

barriers can sometimes present challenges that we, collectively, must overcome.

While we’re celebrating neighborhoods, let’s also recognize the people and

establishments that make us a true community. We pay tribute to the unsung heroes

among us—including neighbors honored as an Outstanding Older American and a

Woman of the Year—and visit two contrasting hair-grooming businesses showcasing

Temple City’s “shear” talent. To experience more of what our community offers, be

sure to check out the various upcoming family-friendly events—featured in the City

Calendar on page 7 and throughout the magazine.

Everyday, I see more vitality and optimism in Temple City—and our lively

neighborhoods are the places to experience it. I hope this issue of Connect will inspire

you to become more active in helping take our community from good to great.

temple city

city manager’s message

TEMPLE CITY CONNECT is the City’s quarterly magazine that connects the community to City Hall.

EDITORJose Pulido

MANAGING EDITORBrian Haworth

COPY EDITORRoger Grody

WRITERSStephanie Chan Wendy Chung Jessica Hsu

PHOTOGRAPHERSJerry Jambazian Steve Scauzillo

TRANSLATORStella Yu

DESIGNERFuel Creative Group

CITY COUNCILVincent Yu MAYOR

Cynthia Sternquist MAYOR PRO TEM

Carl Blum COUNCILMEMBER

Fernando Vizcarra COUNCILMEMBER

Tom Chavez COUNCILMEMBER

COVER PHOTOIdentified historic building in Temple City. PHOTO BY JESSICA HSU

City of Temple City 9701 Las Tunas Dr. Temple City, CA 91780 ©2012 City of Temple City. All rights reserved. If you have questions or comments regarding our magazine, please email us at [email protected].

Our neighborhoods insist on

retaining their own individual

character and identity, but

all share the same aspirations

for Temple City. JOSE PULIDO, CITY MANAGER

Temple City Connect

5

“My mom’s turning 75. She has seven brothers and sisters so we’re going to have a big extended-family reunion in Quebec.” KEVIN, TEACHER

“Anything I want to! I’m retiring in June, so I’m just going to start the retired life—a little of this, a little of that. I love what I do, but it’s time.”GLADYS, TEACHER

“I’m going to New York City and Washington, D.C., with my family. Since I’ve been so busy during the school year, I want to take advantage of summer to spend more time and build a stronger relationship with them.”ASJIA, FRESHMAN

“The last 15 years, I’ve been traveling to Southeast Asia in summer—to Indonesia and Vietnam. I’m a Vietnam War veteran, so going there always brings back a whole different feeling in me.”SHORTY, MAINTENANCE WORKER

“Being able to drive. I turned 16 this year and hope to see if I can get my permit. Also academic obligations—I’m starting to get ready for the SATs. It’s not something fun, but it’s a responsibility as a student.” MARSHALL, SOPHOMORE

“I’m just going to be teaching here at summer school, so it’s nothing too exciting for me!”MIHEE, TEACHER

“Good reading weather! I’m hoping this summer students will stay focused and hopefully pick up at least one book.”TIM, LIBRARIAN

“I’m going to Yosemite. Also the beach—I want to learn how to surf.”JACOB, JUNIOR

“This is my summer before going off to college at UCSD, so I’m looking forward to spending time with friends and making my last high school memories.”RACHEL, SENIOR

“Football practice—working out, conditioning and stuff. I’m also looking forward to going to the beach. My family always has a bonfire beach party.”AARON, FRESHMAN

“Six Flags is the only amusement park I’ve never been to because I’d always been scared—but I’m excited to go this summer!”TATYANA, FRESHMAN

“I’m looking forward to staying here even though normally I go away—I usually go to Korea to teach English and hang out with my friends. This year, I’m looking forward to staying here and hanging out with my stateside friends, which I never get to see because I always leave them!”KRISTY, TEACHER

“Spending time with my friends before we go to college. I’ll be going to Claremont McKenna—probably to study literature.”

LESTTER, SENIOR

“WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER?”

At Temple City High School,

the nearing end of the school

year also marks the beginning of

a refreshing three-month summer

break. We wanted to know what

exciting plans students and staff

had in store, so we asked…

BY WENDY CHUNG

temple city

perspectives

ASJIA SHORTYLESTTER KRISTY

Temple City Connect

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1

1 EASTER EGG HUNT Live Oak Park was the place to be on April 7, when the City hosted its annual Easter festivities—including pancakes with the Easter Bunny, a spring crafts and activities booth, and petting zoo. But the highlight—as always—was the sight of hundreds of children, scurrying to collect the more than 4,000 treat-filled eggs.

2 CIVIL WAR DAY Eighth graders at Oak Avenue Intermediate School were treated to a blast from the past March 16 when the Washington Artillery of New Orleans brought “the olden days” to life with the school’s 12th Annual Civil War Reenactment.

3 COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIRIt was all about fun and fitness at the Sixth

Annual Community Health Fair and 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Temple City Unified School District. The May 12 event drew children, adults—even a few furry four-legged friends—for a day of exercise and education to raise awareness on the importance of healthy eating and physical well-being.

temple city

snapshots

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Summer 2012

THE SUN CAME OUT TO PLAY THIS SPRING—AS DID TEMPLE CITY! FROM THE ANNUAL EASTER FESTIVITIES TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR, HERE’S A LOOK BACK AT SOME LOCAL EVENTS THAT BROUGHT PEOPLE TO PLACES AND SMILES TO FACES.

2

18 Summer class enrollment begins Summer camps begin

20 Concert in the Park

27 Concert in the Park Energy Efficiency Fair

28 Senior Bingo Meeting: Downtown Parking Study

29 Movie in the Park

CITY CALENDAR FOR DETAILS, CALL (626) 285-2171

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS: Have you attended a

recent Temple City event? Submit your favorite

photos to [email protected] for possible

publication in our next issue.

concerts in the park

Temple City Connect

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3

3 Senior Summer BBQ

4 Independence Day Holiday (City offices closed)

9 Summer classes begin


13 Movie in the Park Rabies Clinic

14 Compost Giveaway


20 Camp-A-Palooza Neighborhood Watch Meeting: Area 4


26 Senior Bingo Presentation: Historic Resources Survey


JUNE

JULY

AUGUST1 Concert in the Park

8 Concert in the Park National Night Out



16 Dining Under the Stars

17 Neighborhood Watch Meeting: Area 5


23 Senior Bingo

29 Concert in the Park Finale

CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEETINGS

City Council First and third Tuesdays

Planning CommissionSecond and fourth Tuesdays

Public Safety Commission Second and fourth Wednesdays

Parks and Recreation Third WednesdaysMeetings begin 7:30 p.m. at 5938 Kauffman Ave.Meeting agendas and public notices can be viewed at www.templecity.us.

STAY CONNECTED

Get updates on City events

@ConnectwithTC facebook.com/ConnectwithTC

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Summer 2012

temple city

feature

Welcome, Neighbor It’s a stormy Friday night in April, yet nearly a hundred residents of “Area 11” are filing into Temple City’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church. While they help themselves to the complimentary dinner, City staff and Sheriff’s deputies prepare for another Neighborhood Watch meeting, part of a dramatically restructured program launched last September. This meeting, like many across the country, is part of a whole new attitude about law enforcement’s engagement with a diverse community heavily invested in the safety of its neighborhoods. Since then, a meeting has been held each month in one of 12 designated areas to help residents gain a better understanding on how to keep their homes and streets safe. Led by Bryan Ariizumi, the City’s Public Safety Officer, and a Temple City Sheriff’s team headed by Deputy Rick Adams, the revamped program is designed to generate more civic interest and participation. Prior to the new

joint effort between the City and Temple Station, officers led Neighborhood Watch meetings with as few as four to five residents. The old program established meetings for individual blocks, but was extremely time-consuming and the anemic participation was demoralizing. Lacking a strategic vision and widespread community support, an overhaul of the entire program was required. The reorganized Neighborhood Watch program, designating larger zones consisting of many blocks, has resulted in a dramatic increase in community engagement. Now, each meeting—addressing topics such as property crimes, effective home security and how to effectively communicate with Temple Station in the event of an incident—draws 50 to 80 residents. “Along with the deputies and volunteers, I go out to the area a few days before to remind residents about the meeting. We want everyone to be involved,” says Adams, referencing a more personal and interactive marketing strategy. This

persistent contact is just one way the Sheriff’s Department is attempting to build a stronger relationship with Temple City residents. Deputies also call homes in the neighborhood and use the City’s mass notification system to ensure good turnout. Not only does the new program generate more interest in law enforcement issues, but it has the added benefit of introducing neighbors to one another. With the new format, attendees are meeting residents living behind them or on streets parallel to theirs, not just folks down the block. Because close-knit neighborhoods are one of the best defenses to crime, this in itself is valuable, and it also makes it easier for neighborhoods to mobilize in response to local issues that transcend public safety. The City and Sheriff’s Department make it as painless as possible to attend, providing dinner and on-site childcare services. Neighborhood Watch meetings offer residents the opportunity to meet the City’s law enforcement officers in a laid-back, unintimidating environment in their own neighborhood. “Usually, the only time residents see us is when they’re being pulled over and they’re not too happy to see us,” quips Captain Christopher Nee, the Temple Station Commander. “But these meetings give us the chance to rebuild that relationship and create a sense of trust with residents,” he adds.

COMMUNITY- ORIENTED POLICING:RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

The City and Temple Sheriff’s Station have teamed up to provide

a Community-Oriented Policing Strategy (COPS) that focuses

more on crime prevention than the traditional reactive approach

to law enforcement. This new philosophy emphasizes a shared

responsibility between Temple Station and the public for

keeping the community safe.

BY STEPHANIE CHAN

Temple City Connect

9

Contract LawLike many small cities, Temple City relies on other government agencies to provide essential services, particularly the expensive proposition of public safety. As a contract jurisdiction, the City pays the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department approximately $3 million annually to protect and patrol our community. It’s a staggering sum, but is only about one-third the cost of maintaining a full-service police department in-house. The arrangement has generally been very successful, but some residents argue that because Temple Station also serves several other San Gabriel Valley communities, officers are not as tuned into local issues as a City-operated police department might be. Having the Station physically located in Temple City, however, is a comfort to most residents. By contracting with the Sheriff’s Department, as opposed to working with the police forces of neighboring municipalities, Temple City benefits from sophisticated services such as a SWAT team, Detectives Bureau, Narcotics Bureau and Emergency Operations Bureau—specialized resources very few suburban police departments could ever afford. The value of these resources was made clear during last November’s devastating windstorm, when Temple Station was able to provide the

required manpower and services during the city’s weeklong power outage. Typically, there are between two and five officers on patrol at any given time in Temple City and, if necessary, Temple Station can dispatch additional officers.

COPS: The New BeatImplementation of the Community-Oriented Policing Strategy (COPS), which cities large and small have instituted with considerable success, has resulted in increased civic engagement and participation. “As opposed to traditional policing in which there is more of a reactive approach to situations, COPS emphasizes proactive ways to prevent crimes,” reports Nee. COPS is based on the “broken window” theory promoted by police theorist James Q. Wilson and criminologist George L. Kelling. The theory explains how fixing a few broken windows, as an example, can help deter further vandalism or misconduct from occurring. While traditional policing focuses entirely on arresting perpetrators, COPS insists police officers play the role of problem-solvers, examining what remedies are available to prevent future crimes. These might include, for instance, adding more lights on a dark alleyway. The nostalgic cop-on-the-beat, who gets to know the names of kids in the neighborhood,

is a classic example of community-based policing. When the public is involved—like at Neighborhood Watch meetings on Friday nights—Sheriff’s deputies and residents can directly engage in problem-solving with citizens, rather than simply react to criminal incidents.

An Effective ModelTemple Station’s interpretation of the COPS model focuses on empowering residents. “We want them to communicate with us and tell us what’s right and wrong in their neighborhood,” says Nee, adding, “they should have true ownership of their community.” However, even when this model works properly, it is not always a love fest. Working together may well involve a spirited, even occasionally contentious, dialogue about what is not working as well as it should. Sheriff’s deputies have been able to effectively introduce the COPS model to Temple City, whose relatively affluent population and tradition of civic involvement has ensured a degree of success. In lower income communities, where families are struggling to make ends meet, attending Neighborhood Watch meetings generally tend to be a lower priority. Temple City’s rate of homeownership and tightly-knit families also enhance the success rate of community-based policing.

BY STEPHANIE CHAN

10

Summer 2012

Consistent with Wilson and Kelling’s model, the Sheriff’s deputies engage in the problem-solving approach, working with City staff to address citizens’ concerns. If the Station is unable to resolve an issue strictly through law enforcement resources, deputies may work with various City departments to assist with the situation. “If deputies are called about a noise complaint and end up discovering the issue results from a resident living in a garage conversion, they will notify the City about the code violation,” explains Ariizumi. For law enforcement officers, collaborating with City staff to create a safe environment is part of their mission, and COPS makes these partnerships a priority.

Hometown ChallengesTemple Station takes pride in its ability to build lasting relationships with Temple City residents. With a rapidly growing Asian population, however, that desired connection becomes more elusive, as language barriers and cultural nuances can make communication challenging. But an underlying foundation of community policing is an effort to overcome barriers between police officers and citizens, whether it be cultural differences, language, race, or simply a history of strained relationships between police officers and the community (as was the case in Los Angeles before major reforms). The most effective means of overcoming cultural barriers is to increase diversity on the local police force. In Temple City’s case, a shortage of Asians entering careers in law enforcement has compounded the problem. Instead of viewing it as a prestigious profession, many elderly Asian immigrants—those who have suffered at the hands of abusive or corrupt police in their home countries—discourage their children or grandchildren from opting for a career in law enforcement. There are currently no Chinese-speaking Sheriff’s deputies patrolling Temple City, which places the community policing effort at a disadvantage. Effective community-oriented policing is extremely challenging without Chinese-speaking officers to communicate with non-English speaking residents, just as it is impossible to effectively interact with the Latino population without the benefit of Spanish-speaking officers. In Temple City, the aggressive recruitment of Asian officers must be part of a long-term

PUT IT AWAY

A recent increase in auto burglaries means car owners need to take more precaution. Anything in plain view is a crime of opportunity for criminals, especially with portable GPS navigation systems in sight. Store minimal valuables in your car, and if necessary, put these items in the trunk.

TAKE PRECAUTION

There have been cases of criminals knocking on doors, posing as repairmen from cable or gas companies. Unless you contacted these companies directly, it is highly unlikely they will ever arrive at your home unannounced. Acknowledge the visitor, but state that you are unable to come to the door. Choosing not to respond can sometimes be as unsafe as carelessly opening the door or prompting the “repairman” to sneak in since no one is supposedly home. It’s highly encouraged for residents to contact Temple Station so they can help verify whether the person is professionally certified.

CALL FOR HELP

For residents more comfortable speaking another language, call with a statement such as, “Help, Mandarin” or “Help, Cantonese,” and wait a few extra seconds to be transferred to the proper translator. Temple Station transfers calls to an AT&T service that accommodates dozens of different languages.

STAY INFORMED

To sign up for weekly e-mail blasts on crime trends, e-mail Bryan Ariizumi at [email protected]. Temple City residents can also sign up for Nixle, a community information service designed to help them stay connected to what is going on in their neighborhoods. To receive the most updated news, community members and business owners can sign up directly at www.nixle.com.

GET MORE INVOLVED

Temple Station offers the Community Academy and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. The Community Academy is a six-week program that introduces a variety of topics each week, from patrol procedures to the coroner’s office, while the CERT Program is a 20-hour FEMA-approved course designed to educate residents about emergency preparedness. For more information, call (626) 285-2171, ext. 2333.

BE VIGILANT

Having a good relationship with your neighbors is one of the best crime-fighting strategies available to Temple City residents. Staying alert for the sake of your own home and your neighbors’ homes can help prevent crimes such as house burglary.

DON’T FORGET

Temple Station is open 24/7 and you can call it anytime. Dial 911 for emergencies, but don’t abuse it. Call (626) 285-7171 for the business line.

STAY AWARE, BE ALERT!

Temple City Connect

11

strategic approach for an effective, sustainable COPS program. In the interim, the program must depend on local leaders to assist with communication and outreach strategies. “We need the second generation immigrants to help spread the word, and act as a liaison for us when we want to communicate with the older Asian generation,” states Nee. Young Asian professionals may not be as biased against law enforcement as their parents or grandparents, but are often too busy to get involved in Neighborhood Watch. Their participation, however, is critical to bridge the gap between Temple Station and the community.

Teamwork RulesWhile the Sheriff’s Department protects and monitors the public’s safety, the deputies can’t do it without the help of residents. The community’s involvement in law enforcement is as critical as officers in uniform. “Community involvement has increased. Residents are calling while crimes are in progress. If they didn’t call, a lot of these cases would be left unsolved,” says Ariizumi. The essence of COPS is to enhance and further develop this spirit of teamwork. In that regard, follow-up to Neighborhood Watch meetings is critically important. After meetings, Temple Station continues to keep residents informed about criminal activities in their neighborhood and relevant issues through weekly e-mail reports. All Temple City residents are encouraged to subscribe to these notifications, sent by Ariizumi, to keep updated about any ongoing suspicious activities that would require them to take extra precautions. Conversely, the community must take ownership of their neighborhood and contact Temple Station when they witness any misconduct.

Moving Forward“The City has always worked toward community-based policing. But as technology has changed, we lost touch with human interaction. We’re redeveloping that again with the Neighborhood Watch meetings and our one-to-one interactions,” explains Nee, who insists that receiving support from the community is a large part of ensuring the success of COPS. He adds, “It’s a team effort. Who knows an area better than its residents? They let us know what belongs and what doesn’t in their neighborhood.” Security is only ensured when residents and law enforcement personnel work together, and the Neighborhood Watch meetings are just one way to get involved. Temple City residents can volunteer to be area leaders of their neighborhoods, and as Adams states, “We can never have too many volunteers.” As the first edition of the redesigned Neighborhood Watch meetings wrap up toward the end of this year, the Temple Station and the City welcome feedback from residents. Police protection is usually taken for granted in American communities, but effective law enforcement is absolutely dependent on an engaged and interactive citizenry. Like any other function of government, the more people who participate, the greater potential there is for a successful outcome. The first and easiest step for any Temple City resident is to attend a Friday night meeting in the neighborhood. Dinner will be served!

“We want them to communicate with us and tell us what’s right and wrong in their neighborhood,” says Captain Nee, adding, “they should have true ownership of their community.”

TO FIND OUT MORE about the next

Neighborhood Watch meeting, please visit

the City’s website at www.templecity.us or

call (626) 285-2171, ext. 2333.

City staff and Sheriff’s deputies have covered at least half of the 12 designated zones for Neighborhood Watch meetings in Temple City. Have you been able to attend a meeting in your neighborhood? Visit the City’s website, www.templecity.us, to download a Neighborhood Watch map and see when your area is having a meeting. For more information or a copy of the map, contact Bryan Ariizumi at [email protected] or (626) 285-2171, ext. 2333.

Upcoming Meetings

Do you live near one of these following locations? If so, it’s likely you belong to that Neighborhood Watch area, so take advantage of this program and attend the meeting!

June 15: Area 12 at Cleminson School5213 Daleview Ave., 6–8 p.m.

July 20: Area 4 at First Lutheran Church9123 Broadway Ave., 6–8 p.m.

August 17: Area 5 at St. Luke Church5605 Cloverly Ave., 6–8 p.m.

September 21: Area 7 at Live Oak Park10144 Bogue St., 6–8 p.m.

October 19: Area 2 at Temple City High School9501 Lemon Ave., 6–8 p.m.

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Summer 2012

temple city

feature

Historic preservation creates a foundation for the futureBY WENDY CHUNG

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Summer 2012

Temple City Connect

13

Historic preservation creates a foundation for the future

istoric preservation should be pushed forward. And I would push it fast, because everyday

we’re losing something,” insists a passionate preservationist Manuel Valenzuela. No sooner had the former Temple City Planning Commissioner, lifelong resident and self-professed “historic preservation nerd” heard news of the recent completion of the City’s Historic Resources Survey, than he unleashed his imagination with ways the 96 newly identified potential landmarks might be preserved. And though duly impressed by the extensive list of documented properties, Valenzuela could not help but be wistful for resources already gone. “We’ve already lost some great history,” he laments. “We lost Winchell’s—I think people would have been really fascinated to find out, ‘Wow! There is a Winchell’s all the way out in New Zealand, and the first one started right here in Temple City!’”

Making History“Through the years,” reads a staff submission to a December 2009 City Manager’s Report, “this small building has been a bakery and before that, it was a donut shop. Aesthetically speaking, the building will be dramatically improved with a new parapet roof, new stucco, windows and doors.” The record indicated that building permits had been issued for tenant improvements and an addition to an existing commercial building at the northeast corner of Las Tunas Drive and Hart Avenue. The “donut shop” described was, of course, the original Winchell’s Donut House, opened in 1948. “That started opening up some discussion—‘We’ve lost the first one in the world to alterations,’” remembers Valenzuela, who was on the Planning Commission at the time. “Actually the building was kind of altered to begin with—I don’t know if it would have actually qualified as a historic landmark— but still, it started to breed some awareness with the Council and staff, like, ‘Hey, we’re losing some historic resources here!’” Another source of motivation, as Councilmember Tom Chavez recalls, was the City’s preparation for its 50th Anniversary celebration. “There was a lot of reflection going on at that time about what the City had done in the last 50 years. I remember

the Council took a trip to the Workman and Temple Homestead Museum in the City of Industry [to learn about founder Walter Temple’s family]. That kind of stoked the fires a bit and got everyone interested not only in our past history, but also how we could preserve that history for future generations.” Chavez—who acts as the City liaison to the local Historical Society—raised the issue to City Manager Jose Pulido, who suggested gathering seed money to support further action. In 2010, the City applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist in completing the community’s first-ever Historic Resources Survey. Work commenced in February 2011 under a $45,000 agreement with consultant Historic Resources Group (HRG) to undertake a systematic evaluation of potential

landmarks, based on criteria established by the California Register of Historical Resources. After more than a year of data collection and synthesis, HRG submitted a draft report in May, which included a Historic Resources Survey presenting potential landmarks and recommendations for further action. “This survey project is a first step in the City of Temple City officially identifying its historic properties for future preservation,” explains HRG’s Senior Preservation Planner Kari Fowler. “Every community has a unique history, and one of the best ways to understand that unique history is through its built environment.” Agreeing, Community Development Director Steve Masura notes, “Buildings and architectural style reflect the roots of the community. Everyone has a sense of community and place, and many are interested in seeing a little bit more about what Temple City’s about and how it developed. Without at least some mechanisms to try and preserve some of it, stuff just is going to go away.”

Preservatives AddedAmong HRG’s recommendations is for the City to explore the option of adopting a historic preservation ordinance. While proponents like Valenzuela are eager to see measures implemented to start protecting local historic resources, the City is advancing cautiously. Of the 96 potential landmarks listed in the draft survey report, the vast majority are in the hands of private owners who may have genuine concerns about their properties being designated as historic sites. In fact, the financial interests of property owners frequently outweigh a desire for preservation—sometimes turning the process into an issue that divides communities. But these conflicts can be avoided, according to Fowler, who explains, “Local historic preservation ordinances vary widely in terms of what they may require of property owners,

as well as the kinds of financial and other incentives they may offer.” Although some may react negatively to what is sometimes viewed as a public encroachment on private property rights, Temple City resident Bryan Brandes—who happens to be the current Chairperson of the State Historical Resources Commission—sees the value of government involvement in historic preservation. “I’m not in favor of very strict ordinances or regulations, but I think it’s important for a framework to be set up in a government body so as to have a neutral forum.” And on the premise that preserving heritage is a public good, many agencies offer various incentives, financial and otherwise, to encourage and facilitate the rehabilitation and maintenance of historic properties. Non-profit organizations (e.g. The Getty Foundation) provide conservation grants, while state and federal governments offer tax breaks. In California, the Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program is a contractual agreement between property owners and

“Buildings and architectural style reflect the roots of the

community. Everyone has a sense of community and place,

and many are interested in seeing a little bit more about what

Temple City’s about and how it developed. Without at least

some mechanisms to try and preserve some of it, stuff just

is going to go away.” COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR STEVE MASURA

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Summer 2012

municipalities, through which owners receive a property tax reduction that is to be used toward preservation. The challenge, according to Valenzuela, is lack of awareness about what preservation really is. He believes that, were there more public education, widespread community support would ensue. “Many people think that historic preservation means taking away the rights of the property owners and that it equals ‘I-can’t-touch-my-building-whatsoever,’” he says. “But people will find that, in reality, you can make improvements, and the [California Historical] Building Code becomes a lot simpler to help update your building and save money. You may even get a property tax reduction for preserving your building.” An outreach effort, he suggests, should be focused on dispelling misconceptions about preservation, as well as publicizing its benefits both for property owners and local economies. Fowler agrees that education is a key component to any successful program. “Often, there are common perceptions about what local

designation means for a property owner, or the extent of regulatory control that comes with being a local landmark,” she says.

A Rich HeritageThere is growing consensus that integrating designated landmarks into future development plans is a viable economic model. A Brookings Institution report explicitly asks, “Does preservation pay?” Drawing from economic impact analyses conducted across a wide range of communities nationwide, researchers concluded, “The answer to this question is a resounding ‘yes.’” Data indicates a much greater likelihood for historic preservation to enhance, rather than suppress, property values. “There’s a market for historic properties and people will pay a lot of money for those,” concurs Paul Deibel, Community Development Project Manager. In addition to benefiting individual properties, historic preservation efforts can revitalize local economies by spurring activity in industries like heritage tourism and rehabilitation construction. “Historic

preservation can be a highly effective economic development tool for a local community in revitalizing neighborhoods, attracting investment, generating tax revenue, and supporting small business,” suggests Fowler. Many cities—think of those with districts carrying the “Old Town” prefix— are using historic resources to define both a sense of place and community character. Pasadena, Riverside and Orange have all made historic restoration a very powerful economic development strategy. A recent concern in Temple City has been how traffic tends to pass through, without ever stopping in, the community. “Publicizing historic resources is of interest to people on a larger scale, so it might generate visitors to come experience Temple City’s village ambiance. This is particularly true of downtown, which is identified as a potential conservation area,” says Deibel. He also notes that Temple City is lucky to still have characteristics that contemporary developments like The Grove or The Americana attempt to mimic.

Craftsman California Bungalow Spanish Colonial Revival

1910S AND 1920S

S1910S THROUGH 1930S

SInspiration

Associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. Larger styles are Craftsman;

smaller, California Bungalows.

R Key Elements

Low-pitched gabled roof Exposed rafters, beams visible inside

Wood exterior wall cladding

Inspiration Popularized following the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego.

R Key Elements

Red tile roofs Stucco exterior cladding

Arched windows or door openings

Stylin’ ThroughThe AgesJUST LIKE ERAS IN FASHION, HISTORICAL PERIODS ARE ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES. LOOK AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND SEE IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY DEFINING FEATURES OF THESE ICONIC DESIGNS.

14

Summer 2012

Temple City Connect

15

Sweet Memories “I don’t remember much, but the main thing I do recall about visiting Temple City was Cool’s Candies,” Josette Temple reminisces. “And you know, a kid in a candy shop—that’s dangerous!” Though born and raised in La Puente, where she continues to reside, the 75-year-old granddaughter of Temple City founder Walter Temple always maintained a connection with her family’s namesake town. Even though Cool’s is no longer—the store closed in 1986 after 45 years in business—Ms. Temple still comes around, these days as a member of the Temple City Historical Society. Although historic preservation is primarily centered on maintaining a building’s architectural style and physical characteristics, Ms. Temple reminds us that intangible history and material place are often profoundly linked. “It’s not just preserving a building and that’s it. It also turns into an oral history,” says Valenzuela, noting that structures are imbued with the values and intentions of their original

builders and tenants. “There’s a vibe that was created because of different ideas, different tastes in architecture and different personalities that all contributed to making them what they are today.” The values of the community transcend the buildings themselves, observes historian Paul Spitzzeri, who as the Assistant Director of the Workman and Temple Homestead Museum has studied the Workman and Temple families for 25 years. “Walter Temple wanted to create an environment for middle-class people to feel like they were living in the country,” explains Spitzzeri, who suggests Temple City continues to be attractive for that very same reason. “I think an ordinance would remind people of why the town was founded in the first place and of the continuity of values.” In the draft survey report, 96 noteworthy structures were documented, seven of which appear eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings span six decades, from 1907 to 1965, with the mix in potential

landmarks encompassing residential, commercial and institutional uses—even public infrastructure. Through varying architectural styles, the story of Temple City’s development is told, from the original townsite to the postwar boom years.

Tudor Revival French Revival Streamline Moderne Mid-Century Modern

1920S, EARLY 1930S

SPOST WORLD WAR I

SLATE 1930S

SMID-20TH CENTURY

SInspiration

Based on Medieval English building traditions.

R Key Elements

Steeply-pitched gabled roof Stucco or brick wall cladding

Half-timbering

Inspiration Draws from simple farmhouses

of rural France.

R Key Elements

Tall, narrow windows May include round towers

Steeply-pitched roof

Inspiration Aerodynamic elements are an homage to contemporary advancements in the

airplane industry.

R Key Elements

Smooth wall surfaces Curved corners

Flat canopy over entrances

Inspiration Simple materials and

construction reflect the post-war demand to build homes efficiently

and at a moderate price.

R Key Elements

Flat roof with canopies Simple geometric forms Unadorned wall surfaces

Although some may react

negatively to what is

sometimes viewed as a

public encroachment on

private property rights,

Temple City resident

Bryan Brandes—who

happens to be the current

Chairperson of the State

Historical Resources

Commission—sees the

value of government

involvement in historic

preservation.

Temple City Connect

15

16

Summer 2012

temple city

feature

United by History“I’ve always thought it was important, not only for cities but for people in general, to understand where they came from and what they’re all about,” says Chavez, adding, “It helps us determine where we want to go in the future.” This sentiment, it can be argued, commands even more weight in our fast-paced, highly mobile society. “Because people are so mobile these days, residents may not always be aware of the history of the place they live,” suggests Fowler. In this sense, the City’s Historic Resources Survey allows the community to see, touch and interact with the history of their neighborhoods via brick-and-mortar artifacts handed down from the past. Regarding building a community in an increasingly diverse society, Valenzuela believes that drawing on a common place-based history could bring Temple City residents closer together. “I think a lot of people—regardless of age, gender or culture—really do appreciate history, so it could be something that unites everyone.” The completion of the Historic Resources Survey sets the stage for a potentially ambitious commitment to historic preservation in Temple City. However, as Deibel notes, further action will be guided and informed by public input and involvement. If residents and community leaders are dedicated to preservation, some of the cited properties can ultimately be designated as local landmarks through a formal process that would be established by the City Council. But whether or not the City pursues a historic preservation ordinance, a valuable use for the Historic Resources Survey is the ability to digitize the data and incorporate it into the City’s land management database system. “That way, when somebody with a historic resource comes to the counter to improve their property, it turns into a teachable moment where we can let them know that it may not be in their best interest to stucco over the wood exterior wall cladding of a Craftsman bungalow, or remove the masonry porch piers often part of that distinct architectural style,” explains Deibel.

If there happens to be community consensus for a greater preservation effort, the next step could be to draft and adopt a historic preservation ordinance through which specific criteria for landmark designation can be established and financial incentives provided. “A local ordinance is the single most effective tool for protecting historic resources. However, ideally an ordinance is just one part of a comprehensive program designed to protect a community’s historic properties,” says Fowler. Other tools may include design guidelines educating property owners on how to preserve the architectural styles of historic structures, as well as integrating preservation as an element in the City’s General Plan.

Back to the FutureLooking ahead, Chavez notes the pressure to take some sort of action, and soon. “History keeps going and time doesn’t stop, so the longer we wait, the more we will have to lose,” he reflects. “We had the Winchell’s going first—what’s next? It’s sad when things just disappear.” As the City opens discussion on the possibility of establishing a preservation program, Chavez stresses the need for public involvement. “We haven’t reached the point of knowing how an ordinance might play out—we still have a long way to go—but we would treat this issue like we do all others,” he explains. “The City would be receptive to community concerns, we’d weigh the plusses and minuses and make sure we preserve our history while recognizing the rights of individual owners to reach some type of compromise.”

The draft historic resources

survey makes several

recommendations outlining

how the City might launch

a preservation program:

S Create an Inventory of Historic Resources, which can be periodically updated.

S Draft and adopt a Historic Preservation Ordinance establishing criteria for landmark designation, financial incentives for private property owners and provisions for economic hardships.

S Adopt a Historic Preservation Element for the City’s General Plan, identifying strategic goals and objectives for historic preservation.

S Prepare a Design Review Process for historic preservation, establishing a separate set of design guidelines for identified historic properties.

S Encourage the use of financial incentives to make it economically advantageous for private property owners to voluntarily apply for landmark designation, utilizing local, state and federal funding sources.

S Develop a Historic Resources Database available to local residents and scholars.

To review a list of identified historic resources and learn more about the above recommendations, access the full survey report available on the City’s website, www.templecity.us.

GET INVOLVED The Historic Resources

Survey will be presented at a public workshop

on Thursday, July 26 from 7–9 p.m. at the

Temple City Historical Society Hall, 5954

Kaufman Ave. Staff will be on hand to answer

questions and solicit community input. For

more information, contact the Community

Development Department at (626) 285-2171.

Preservation101

Temple City Connect

17

Sometimes, a quick trim or cut can make a world of difference in both your appearance and attitude. Whether you’re a gentleman who wants to bond with the guys while getting a buzz cut, or a lady who wants to feel like a million bucks after a good blow dry, Temple City has barbershops and hair salons to fit everyone’s beauty and grooming needs.

temple city

counterparts

Shear Talent

BY STEPHANIE CHAN

MASORS BARBER SHOP

It’s rare to see old-fashioned barbershops nowadays, but if you’re passing through Las Tunas Drive, you’ll notice Temple City is lucky to still have Masors Barber Shop. “We’re unique because there aren’t many barbers anymore,” notes owner Rick Chavez. “We’re a dying breed.” In a community that has recently undergone dramatic changes, Masors has been a welcome mainstay. The shop was first established back in 1947, and switched hands twice before Chavez—a longtime barber who owned shops in Arcadia—finally bought the business in 1968. “We specialize in shorter men’s hair, military cuts, men’s hair-styling, beard-trimming and if needed, perms,” explains Chavez proudly. But loyal customers value Masors for more than its services. It’s a place to bond, share stories, give advice and meet others with similar interests. “People who love to talk about hot rods come here, and we love talking about them, too,” said Chavez. “Also, since I compete in bodybuilding, a lot of younger guys interested in muscle building stop by to chat.” For this barber, it is these very human connections that make his job so rewarding. “I enjoy the camaraderie with clients and other barbers. I have an Asian friend who comes and teaches me Chinese. I love the diversity of people who come here.”

Masors Barber Shop

9651 Las Tunas Dr. (626) 286-9001

PHD SALON

At Michael Lee’s PHD Salon, a typical day might very well be mistaken for a grand opening. Here, Lee and his staff carefully maintain a clean and tidy environment to make clients feel at home. “We try to create an environment where it’s of the utmost, 110% satisfaction for the clients during their overall experience at the salon,” explains Lee. “Before cutting any client’s hair for the first time, we always find out their needs, likes and dislikes. Everyone’s perspective on hair is different so we like to get a better idea of how to interpret the hairstyle they want.” Opened in 2010, PHD Salon is fairly new to Temple City, but the business has deep roots in the region. It was first established in 1986 in San Gabriel and moved to Alhambra in 1995, before finally settling on the corner of Las Tunas Drive and Hart Avenue. Despite the hassles that come with relocation, one thing Lee has enjoyed is keeping in touch with his loyal regulars, as well as receiving new clients who are just discovering what his salon has to offer. Lee is one of those rare individuals who look forward to a day at the “office.” Not only does he enjoy what he does, but the opportunity to interact and make connections with his customers is extremely gratifying.

PHD Salon, Professional Hair Designers

9103 Las Tunas Dr. (626) 285-9900

These days, barbers tend

to limit their services to

hair- and beard-trimming,

but did you know the

job description used

to include surgery and

dentistry? In fact, the

iconic barbershop pole

is a relic of this peculiar

history. With its red-and-

white stripes—intended to

mimic the appearance of

bloody bandages—it was

originally used to advertise

bloodletting services in the

Middle Ages.

Thankfully, the barbering

profession has progressed.

Advancements in medicine

and in-home grooming,

notably Gillette’s 1904

introduction of the safety

razor, have reduced

demand for some of those

original services. In the

1960s, evolving trends in

hair fashions—influenced

by Beatlemania and the

Summer of Love’s hippie

movement—had men

growing out their hair and

heading to unisex salons

for styling.

Women’s hairstyling has a

longer history, emerging

as an art form as early as

ancient Egypt. Hairstyling

services were available

in Rome around 300

B.C., where hair-coloring

practices reflected a

woman’s class status. But

it wasn’t until 1890 that the

first hairdressing academy

was opened—in Chicago.

hairy history

18

Summer 2012

temple city

feature

A TRULY GLOBAL COMMUNITYPLACE OF BIRTHU.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54%

Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45.4%

Naturalized U.S. Citizen* . . . 68.3%

U.S. Island Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6%

GENDER

POPULATION35,558

= 1,000

18

Summer 2012

*Based on foreign place of birth

U.S.

Naturalized

Foreign

Temple City Connect

19

A TRULY GLOBAL COMMUNITY

Temple City’s residents reflect a wide range of cultures, and their diverse

heritage can be traced to every corner of the world. Here are some fascinating

statistics on the people who inhabit our neighborhoods.

LANGUAGE (NATIVE)English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36.7%

Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.9%

Indo-European . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.8%

Asian and Pacific Islander . . . .50.3%

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.3%

Want more Temple

City facts and

figures? Download

a complete listing at

www.templecity.us.

Hola

Hello

ETHNICITY

55.7% 14.3% 19.3% 0.8% 0.4% 0.1% 6.5% 2.9%

Temple City Connect

19

BY JESSICA HSU

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Asian

White

Latino

Black

Native American

Pacific Islander

Other

2+ Races

20

Summer 2012

The urban forest, a green infrastructure, is our partnership with nature BY ROGER GRODY AND JESSICA HSU

temple city

neighborhoods

One of the many things that distinguish Temple City from more recently developed suburbs in Southern California—those with the cookie-cutter subdivisions and nondescript strip centers—is its rich, mature landscaping. Our streets are lined with stately trees that have shaded generations of residents. “Just imagine

what Temple City would look like without them,” says Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Burroughs, whose staff is responsible for maintaining the leafy assets. “When you drive through Temple City, you see the difference,” she adds, citing the tree canopies over streets like Woodruff Avenue to reinforce the point.

Temple City’s “urban forest” refers to the endless rows of trees planted along the public rights-of-way, in the City’s medians and parkways where most of the community’s largest trees are found. Early environmental efforts focused on simply preserving the natural environment, but the philosophy has evolved to include the comprehensive management of living, breathing urban amenities. It is important for people to realize that the City’s urban forest is not merely a collection of trees, but a green infrastructure that, if properly maintained and cared for, enhances local quality of life.

Priceless BenefitsThe City’s urban forest consists of 5,647 trees—more than one-quarter of the total number of trees in Temple City—and is

The City’s “urban forest” consists of 5,647 trees planted along public

rights-of-way, a $17.4 million asset that greatly enhances the aesthetic

appeal of the community and contributes to Temple City’s healthy home

prices. But the urban forest requires constant management by City staff,

and residents must also do their part to nurture young trees near their

homes. During the windstorm of last November, 500 trees were lost

and the City is committed to replanting them, possibly through grants

obtained by staff. With an aggressive planting program—300 trees by

June 2014—and careful management and maintenance, Temple City’s

urban forest program can be a model for the nation.

AT HOME IN THE FOREST

Temple City Connect

21

Above: Children planting

trees in celebration

of Arbor Day.

Right: “Trees are worth

it!” drawing by a fourth

grade student.

safety in neighborhoods, providing shade without interfering with power lines or endangering homes and residents. The City has a diverse portfolio of public trees, but 10 species of trees make up 50 percent of the street trees in its urban forest. One particular tree the City has had problems with is Liquidambar styraciflua, or “Sweetgum,” a tree that drops limbs for unexplainable reasons, leaves piles of “stickerballs” and pushes up sidewalks. These trees were originally planted for their shade coverage in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but as they die or are removed, Sweetgums are usually replaced by other species that require less maintenance (e.g. Firewheel, Brisbane Box, Sweetshade, Maidenhair). Burroughs reports that trees are planted based on a master tree plan from 1989. “The goal over the next few years is to update that plan to introduce other varieties of trees to certain neighborhoods,” she says. Diversifying the City’s tree portfolio makes it less susceptible to devastation by pests and disease. “We also want to update that plan to create more tree canopies and themes for neighborhoods and to make sure that the species planted will fit into our overall maintenance plan,” she says. “As the City’s arborist, I would love to see more trees in Temple City,” states Cruse. But trees are not universally loved, as some perceive them as messy, a nuisance to sewer lines and sidewalks, or even bad feng shui. One of the most important factors to tree planting is location. If trees are planted too close to underground infrastructures, their roots can cause structural damage. If trees are planted in front of doorways, followers of feng shui may request removal because they believe that those trees are blocking positive energy. In cases when the City removes a street tree because it was diseased or considered a liability, only about 75 percent want it replanted. “Our biggest challenge over the next few years is getting people more educated on the benefits of the City-owned urban forest and how they can be better stewards,” says Cruse.

Shared ResponsibilityThe importance of urban forestry in the United States has grown in recent years due to the increasing loss of trees to pests and diseases, natural disasters and urban development. According to a U.S. Forest Service study, 4 million urban trees are lost

Tree maintenance team

hard at work, keeping

Temple City trees healthy

and neighborhoods safe.

a resource of immeasurable value. City Arborist Rob Cruse notes, “Our trees are a $17.4 million asset. Value isn’t measured just in dollars, but how it enhances the look of our community, benefits our community, characterizes our community and brings a green element to how we look at the community.” The presence of mature trees enhances the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods and contributes to the high home values in Temple City. Homebuyers, sometimes even subconsciously, tend to be drawn to heavily forested neighborhoods, and residents often reference their tree-lined streets as one of their community’s greatest assets. In addition to drawing new residents, a healthy urban forest yields economic benefits through the attraction of businesses and visitors to Temple City. Urban forestry is not only about the responsible management of trees, but also the growth and development of the community that lives within the local urban forest. Beyond home valuation and business attraction, trees provide significant environmental and social benefits. They improve water quality by absorbing rainwater, which helps prevent flooding, reduce runoff, minimize soil erosion and promote groundwater recharge. They produce oxygen and filter air pollutants such as dust, soot and greenhouse gases. Through shading and wind buffering, an urban forest also reduces annual heating and cooling costs. At the neighborhood level, trees promote strong social ties and encourage outdoor activity. “Urban trees are the hardest working trees in America,” declares United States Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. They provide benefits that far exceed the substantial costs of planting, but require thoughtful planning and regular care from local governments and the public.

Constant Care“Trees in the City’s urban forest don’t have a lifespan of a Sequoia, which can live hundreds of years,” says Burroughs, noting that most of Temple City’s trees live between 40 and 100 years. As a result, it is critical to keep trees in different states of maturity to maintain a healthy, hearty tree stock through the generations. “There are challenges to an urban forest including liability issues, hardscape and landscape damages, and constant care,” warns Cruse. Trees must be trimmed regularly to ensure

CALL THE CITY

How do I know if the tree in front of my house is a City-owned tree?

Generally, if it’s within 12 feet of the curb (this varies throughout the city), it’s most likely a public street tree. Call the City at (626) 285-2171, ext. 2360, and staff will check for you. Residents are also encouraged to call for pointers on how to prune and better care for trees.

22

Summer 2012

temple city

neighborhoods

annually in America. Tree City USA is a certification given to communities that have demonstrated an understanding of how trees contribute to the quality of life, and have shown a commitment to maintaining their urban forests to achieve positive results. “We’ve been a Tree City for nine years now,” says Burroughs, “We are very proud of it.” But receiving this prestigious designation is just the start of marshalling support from the public to ensure a healthy urban forest for future generations. Homeowners are responsible for the trees located on their private properties, but are also encouraged to take care of public trees near their houses. City officials worry that after street trees are planted, nobody will take responsibility for watering them. The

City is charged with planting, removing and trimming trees, but does not have adequate staff for consistent watering, so that must be undertaken by the residents whose homes directly benefit from those trees. In Temple City, the urban forestry program is funded primarily through the General Fund, gas tax and Lighting and Maintenance Assessment District. Grid pruning is carried out through the City’s $85,000 contract with West Coast Arborists, a respected private contractor that is also responsible for more extensive services such as tree removals and plantings. Burroughs, Cruse and two tree maintenance workers are in charge of day-to-day operations including service requests, inspections and spot trimming. They are developing a more comprehensive urban forestry program that involves community residents in stewardship of their local urban forest. One of the most important, and easiest, things residents can do is to call City staff more frequently with tree questions and

concerns, which will help the team manage trees in specific areas, track pests and diseases, and plan future tree plantings. “With their eyes and ears, if they hear or see a crack, it’s important for them to let us know,” says Cruse, who emphasizes that the health of the urban forest depends on a strong partnership between the City and the public.

Restoring the ForestDuring the devastating windstorms of last November, the City lost approximately 500 trees, or a full 10 percent of its urban forest. Burroughs notes, “People were in a panic to have their street trees removed because they thought the trees would fall down on their homes.” It is important for the public to know, however, that all trees have been inspected for

structural integrity and those that posed any kind of danger have been removed. According to Burroughs, the City wants to replace all of the 500 trees lost and is seeking funding sources for the effort, including a $75,000 grant proposal from County Supervisor Michael Antonovich’s office. Most of the replanting will focus on the areas around Temple City and Live Oak Parks, which were hit the hardest. “It’s really important that we put the right tree in the right spot so we don’t have to manipulate the tree and it can grow to its full capacity,” says Cruse, who adds, “then all we have to do is trim it properly and end up with a safe, healthy product.” The trees will begin to be replanted in fall, when the moderate weather gives them the best chance of survival. But Cruse and Burroughs note that even the healthiest trees are never out of danger. “When you get 80 mile per hour winds, no degree of regular maintenance can prevent massive damage to the forest,” says Cruse.

The City is constantly replanting to maintain a constant number of trees in the urban forest, but Burroughs explains, “It’s a challenge because not everyone wants a tree, and many trees in excess of 50 years old are dying.” Nonetheless, the director has a goal of planting 300 trees by June 2014. “Education is going to be important, and we hope that this article is a step in the right direction,” she says. Those who want a new tree in front of their home just need to ask for one and make sure they water and take care of it, advises Cruse. “We’ll provide the tree and plant it for free; we’ll also give you instructions regarding weeding, mulching and watering. But owners will have a maintenance responsibility for them,” he insists. When trees are living in an urban environment, conflicts arise. “The hardest part of my job is dealing with people destroying young trees, neglecting to weed and water them, or girdling the base of the tree,” says Cruse. That is why staff now asks people if they want a tree, rather than imposing a newly planted tree on them. Burroughs explains the City’s policy for removing a street tree is simple. If it poses a safety concern (e.g. toppling, imminent broken branches) or is dead or diseased, then it gets removed. Sometimes residents take the City-owned urban forest for granted, partly because it rarely generates controversy. But those trees reinforce high real estate values, boost neighborhood character and are good for the environment. Cruse, who like Burroughs is a long-time Temple City resident, would like to see more funding for urban forestry. He notes that allocating monies for both planting and maintenance is absolutely critical. “We need to remember the many benefits related to having a vibrant, healthy forest,” he says of this priceless Temple City asset. “My goal and dream would be for the City and the community to build and maintain the safest, most productive and beautiful urban forest in Southern California through hard work and education.”

During the devastating windstorms of last November, the City lost approximately 500 trees, or a full 10 percent of its urban forest.

Temple City Connect

23

BRANCHING OUT Lagerstroemia Indica “Crape Myrtle” 527 trees

“A small vase-shaped tree

that flowers from June

to September. It grows

to approximately 25 feet

tall. The City is currently

planting a hybrid Crape

Myrtle that is mildew

resistant.”

Liquidambar Styraciflua “Sweetgum” 489 trees

“They’re good shade trees,

and people enjoy their fall

colors. However, they cause

extensive hardscape and

landscape damage. The

City is no longer planting

them.”

Cupaniopsis Anacardioides “Carrotwood” 332 trees

“These trees attract the

loud red head parrots with

their seed crops. There

are several of these on

Lower Azusa between Rio

Hondo and Temple City

Boulevard.”

Magnolia Grandiflora “Southern Magnolia” 282 trees

“A grandiflora evergreen

tree that grows to

approximately 60 feet tall.

They produce beautiful,

white flowers and give off a

nice fragrance.”

Quercus ilex “Holly Oak” 280 trees

“These trees tend to have

a lot of water sprouts and

suckers that need to be

pruned as they appear. You

can see a few of these on

Daines between El Monte

and McCulloch.”

1

2

4

3

5

Here are the top five tree species in the city by number. City Arborist Rob Cruse provides his thoughts on them.

1

2

3

4

5

Rob Cruse

city arborist

Temple City Connect

23

For more information, call (626) 285-2171, ext. 2360.

COWBOY CAMP-A-PALOOZA

JULY 20–21, 4 p.m.–9 a.m., LIVE OAK PARK $50 per spaceFolks, there’s nothing like an evening on the range, under the stars—something we Temple City slickers don’t often get a chance to experience! Bring the whole family and some appropriate camping gear, and get ready to enjoy a fun-filled night in the suburban wilderness. This unique event features dinner and breakfast, rodeo races, movies, prizes and more.

DINING UNDER THE STARS—WESTERN ROUNDUP

AUGUST 16, 6:30 p.m., TEMPLE CITY PARK $20 per personEnjoy a feast under the stars as local restaurants, bakeries and caterers feature their favorite dishes. In addition to the tasty grub, the evening features live Country-Western tunes by American Made. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased at Live Oak Park Annex beginning July 9. Tickets are limited so don’t miss out on this sure-to-sell-out event.

WESTERN CONCERT FINALE

AUGUST 29, 6–9 p.m., TEMPLE CITY PARK FreeThe Summer Concert series concludes with a stirring finale featuring Top 40 Country hits by The Silverados, a performance by expert trick roper Dave Thornbury and professional line dance instruction. A BBQ dinner with tri-tip or chicken sandwich, baked beans and drink is offered for just $7. Pre-sale dinner tickets are available starting August 1 at Live Oak Park Annex and at the City information table during the summer concerts.

8 p.m., LIVE OAK PARK FreeThis summer’s movie series features family-friendly, Western-themed films. So bring your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for as much action as a Texas rodeo. Concessions are available for purchase.

JUNE 29: Home On The Range (PG)JULY 13: Rango (PG)JULY 27: Three Amigos (PG)AUGUST 10: Barnyard (PG)

FOR 1st–5th GRADERSSESSION 1: JUNE 18–JULY 20

SESSION 2: JULY 23–AUGUST 24 $210 per session

FOR 6th–9th GRADERSSESSION: JUNE 18–AUGUST 24

$160 per session Free transportation available

WILD WEST1SUMMER1

If you don’t own a

cowboy hat, now is

the time to run out

and find one!

Sports, games, field

trips,* crafts, fun,

fun and more fun!

OLD WEST FILM FESTIVAL IN THE PARK

VISIT LIVE OAK PARK ANNEX TO REGISTER

For more information, call (626) 285-2171, ext. 2360.

*Trips are weekly; additional fees apply.

++++++++++

++++++++++

This summer, bring the family out for some Wild West fun!

2012 Summer Camps are transformed with the Old West spirit!

Temple City Connect

25

Sign up for classes starting June 14 online at www.templecity.us or by mailing in completed registration forms, which can be obtained at Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St. In-person enrollment begins June 18 at the Community Center. Incomplete applications or checks may result in failed enrollment. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early! For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (626) 579-0461.

Classes begin the week of July 9 at Live Oak Park unless

otherwise noted.

temple city

recreation guide

Get

Act

ive!

Don’t just stand

there! Get your body

moving and your

brain recharged with

stimulating classes

offered by our Parks and

Recreation Department.

Temple City Connect

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Summer 2012

Youth and Adult ActivitiesCHILD DEVELOPMENT

LITTLE STARS / Recreation Leaders

Bond with your tot through song, game, stories and crafts in this parent participation class.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8668 6/26–8/16 2 yrs. T/Th 9:30–10:30 a.m. $908669 6/26–8/16 2 yrs. T/Th 10:45–11:45 a.m. $90

TINY TOTS / Sarah Nichols Tiny Tots

Toddlers can build social skills, make new friends and learn independence while experiencing music, art projects and group activities. Children must be at least 3 years old and potty–trained by the first class. In–person registration required; bring proof of birth date and immunization record.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8670 7/9–8/24 3–5 yrs. M/W/F 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $2358671 7/10–8/23 3–5 yrs. T/Th 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $160

DANCE

BALLET & TAP / Shekinah Glory School of Dance

Lively music and classical steps introduce children to the art of dance. Ballet and tap shoes required. Family members allowed during 2 year-old class only.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8647 7/13–8/31 2 yrs. F 1:30–2 p.m. $558648 7/13–8/31 3 yrs. F 2–2:30 p.m. $558649 7/13–8/31 4–5 yrs. F 3:15–4 p.m. $658650 7/13–8/31 6–8 yrs. F 4–4:45 p.m. $658651 7/13–8/31 8+ yrs. F 4:45–5:45 p.m. $65

BALLROOM DANCE / Dance with Virginia

Learn the basics of the Rumba and East Coast Swing. Singles and couples welcome. Leather or plastic-soled shoes required.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8652 7/11–8/15 Beg. 16+ yrs. W 7:45–8:45 p.m. $408653 7/11–8/15 Int./Adv. 16+ yrs. W 8:45–9:45 p.m. $40

LINE DANCE / Bill Chang

Step into this Old Western dance—with a twist! Learn basic line dancing set to country and non-country music. Level I for beginners. Level II and III for experienced dancers.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8654 7/13–8/31 Level II 15+ yrs. F 6:20–7:50 p.m. $508655 7/13–8/31 Level III 15+ yrs. F 8–9:30 p.m. $508656 7/10–8/28 Level II 15+ yrs. T 7:40–9:10 p.m. $508657 7/9–8/27 Level I 15+ yrs. M 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. $508658 7/12–8/30 Level II 15+ yrs. Th 9–10:30 a.m. $508659 7/10–8/28 Level I 15+ yrs. T 6–7:30 p.m. $508660 7/11–8/29 Level I 15+ yrs. W 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. $50

EDUCATIONAL

Classes with the following symbols will be held at the locations indicated: ● San Gabriel Library, 500 S. Del Mar Ave., San Gabriel● AGI Academy, 29 S. Electric Ave., Alhambra

AP BIOLOGY PREVIEW / AGI Academy

Develop the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with modern biology. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8769 6/29–7/20 13–17 yrs. F 4–6 p.m. $132

AP CHEMISTRY PREVIEW / AGI Academy

Understand the major concepts of chemistry and gain reasonable competence in solving chemical problems. $20 fee due at first class. ●


BRICKS 4 KIDS TRAINING CAMP / Bricks 4 Kids

Have loads of fun—and learn a bunch!—using Lego® bricks to explore the worlds of engineering and architecture.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8765 7/10–8/14 3–5 yrs. T 10:45–11:45 a.m. $1008766 7/10–8/14 6–11 yrs. T 2–3 p.m. $100

CHALLENGE YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS / AGI Academy

Learn word processing, and creating art and graphics on Microsoft Word. $10 lab fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8759 6/29–8/3 6–15 yrs. F 10–11 a.m. $88

COMPUTER ADVENTURE FOR ADULTS / AGI Academy

Explore communications through Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. $5 lab fee and proof of free library card due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8758 6/30–8/4 16+ yrs S 8:30–9:30 a.m. $88

COMPUTERS FOR SENIORS / AGI Academy

It’s never too late to learn! Get hands-on practice with basic computer usage and word processing. $5 lab fee and proof of free library card due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8666 6/29–8/3 55+ yrs. F 9–10 a.m. $888667 6/30–8/4 55+ yrs S 9:30–10:30 a.m. $88

CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING / The Left Brain

Develop creative strategies to solve complex math problems and improve academic performance. Students who successfully complete Level II (for which Level I is a prerequisite) will be invited to compete in a math competition.

CODE DATES AGE LEVEL DAY TIME FEE8663 7/12–8/30 9–11 yrs. Level I Th 5–6 p.m. $908664 7/12–8/30 9–11 yrs. Level II Th 6–7 p.m. $908773 7/12–8/30 9–11 yrs. Level III Th 6–7 p.m. $90

CRITICAL READING & WRITING TECHNIQUES / AGI Academy

Helps students gain critical reading and writing techniques for class essays, term papers and overall academic success. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●


DEBATE & PUBLIC SPEAKING / AGI Academy

Boost academic success by developing debate and public speaking skills through oral communication and argumentation training. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8768 6/29–8/3 10–16 yrs. F 11 a.m.–12 p.m. $85

INTENSIVE MATH OLYMPIADS TRAINING / The Left Brain

Offers intensive math training to students entering 4th to 6th grade. Prerequisites: Creative Problem Solving I and II. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8774 7/9–8/3 8–12 yrs. M–F 9:30–10:30 a.m. $210

INTRO TO COMPUTERS & MICROSOFT OFFICE / AGI Academy

Learn the basic skills to operate a computer and maneuver Microsoft Word in this hands-on class. Experienced learners can advance their skills to Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8763 6/30–8/4 6–15 yrs. S 12–1 p.m. $85

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recreation guide

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INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM / AGI Academy

Get the fundamentals of news reporting, news writing and news judgement—all while improving your writing skills! $10 materials fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8761 6/30–8/4 10–15 yrs. S 10–11 a.m. $85

INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH CONVERSATION / AGI Academy

Practice comprehension and production of the Spanish language. Cultural topics will be discussed. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●


INTRO TO TYPING / AGI Academy

Develop your child’s typing skills through fun and games. $10 lab fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8673 6/29–8/3 6–15 yrs. F 11 –12 p.m. $88

INTRO TO TYPING, WORD & POWERPOINT / AGI Academy

Give your kids a head-start in school with basic keyboard skills, and lessons in Microsoft Word and Excel. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8762 6/30–8/4 6–15 yrs. S 11 a.m.–12 p.m. $85

PSAT/SAT READING COMPREHENSION / AGI Academy

Focuses on reading comprehension, sentence completion and paragraph length critical reading. $20 materials fee due at first class. ●


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PSAT/SAT MATH PREPARATION / AGI Academy

Review number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement; and data analysis, statistics and probability. $20 materials fee due at first class. ●


SPELLING, GRAMMAR & PROOFREADING / AGI Academy

Gain skills to identify and correct common spelling and grammatical mistakes. Learn helpful proofreading tips and peer editing skills. $10 materials fee due at first class. ●


FITNESS

45+ CARDIO DANCE & STRENGTH TRAINING / Amy’s Health & Fitness

Burn calories as you build strength through a fusion of low-impact, high-energy dance and exercise. Bring two light hand weights (2–3 lbs. each).

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8674 7/9–8/27 45+ yrs. M 8:15–9:45 a.m. $408675 7/11–8/29 45+ yrs. W 8:15–9:45 a.m. $408676 7/9–8/29 45+ yrs. M/W 8:15–9:45 a.m. $68

CARDIO & FUN BELLY DANCE WORKOUT / Amy’s Health & Fitness

Get the strong, sleek, toned abs you’ve always wanted. This workout is designed to help define and elongate your muscles while enhancing your natural grace and flexibility.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8504 7/12–8/30 16+ yrs. Th 7:30–8:45 p.m. $50

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Summer 2012

temple city

recreation guide

SENIOR FITNESS SWEATING TO THE OLDIES / Amy’s Health & Fitness

Burn calories and strengthen your heart through gentle stretching and exercising (from both standing and seated positions) that focus on cardio, toning and balance.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8628 7/13–8/31 55+ yrs. F 8:30–9:45 a.m. $40

SLIM & TONE PILATES/YOGA BLEND / Amy’s Health & Fitness

Get relaxed and strong at the same time. Reduce stress while increasing strength, flexibility and energy. Yoga mat required.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8505 7/14–9/1 16+ yrs. S 8:45–10:30 a.m. $50

SUN–MOON YOGA / Michael Appleby

Balance, strengthen, align and flex. A well-developed mind–body rapport brings better health and well being. Yoga mat required.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8680 7/9–8/27 16+ yrs. M 7–9 p.m. $55

ZUMBA / Sylvia Escobar & Clarissa Fawk

Zumba features exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’re getting fit and your energy level is soaring!

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8775 7/10–8/28 15+ yrs. T 7:30–8:30 p.m. $608776 7/11–8/29 15+ yrs. W 6:30–7:30 p.m. $608777 7/12–8/30 15+ yrs. Th 6:15–7:15 p.m. $60

MUSIC AND PRODUCTION

ABC, MUSIC & ME / Emily Chang

Help your little one build social skills while having fun singing, moving and playing instruments. $6 materials fee per child; $22 materials fee per family—includes instrument, CD and home activity guide. (No class 8/3 and 8/10.)

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8684 7/20–8/24 19 mo.–4 yrs. F 10:30–11:15 a.m. $59

FLUTE / ARK International

Learn the fundamentals of playing a flute. No experience required. $10 materials fee due at first class.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8535 7/12–8/2 Beg. 8+ yrs. Th 4:15–5 p.m. $708536 8/9–8/30 Int. 8+ yrs. Th 4:15–5 p.m. $70

GUITAR / Six String Poetry

Jam like a rock star! Learn basic chords, note reading and the culture of music. Limited guitars available for purchase or rent.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8537 7/11–8/29 Beg. 10–18 yrs. W 6–7 p.m. $1008538 7/11–8/29 Int. 10–18 yrs. W 5–6 p.m. $100

KINDERMUSIK ADVENTURES / Emily Chang

Strengthen bonds with your baby while you stimulate their physical and cognitive development through song, dance and musical activities. A $36 materials fee per family is due at first class—includes book, duck mitten, ducky gentle ball, CD and home activities poster; $20 for each additional sibling. (No class 8/3 and 8/10.)

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8688 7/20–8/24 Newborn–19 mo. F 9:30–10:15 a.m. $74

PIANO, PIANO! / Music, Math and More

For anyone interested in learning to play piano. Learn to read music and play basic songs. Bring a three-ring binder and 20 sheet protectors to the first class.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8693 7/9–8/27 Beg. 5+ yrs. M 4–4:30 p.m. $808694 7/9–8/27 Int. 7+ yrs. M 4:30–5 p.m. $80

VIOLIN / Vic Che

Learn the fundamentals of playing violin. No experience required.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8695 7/14–8/11 Beg./Int. 3+ yrs. S 10–11 a.m. $40

VOCAL–POPULAR SONG / ARK International

Calling all singers! Come learn the fundamentals of singing—including breathing, vocal power range, pitch and rhythm skills. $10 materials fee due at first class.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8696 7/12–8/2 Beg. 5–11 yrs. Th 5–6 p.m. $588697 7/12–8/2 Beg. 18+ yrs. Th 6–7 p.m. $668698 8/9–8/30 Int. 5–11 yrs. Th 5–6 p.m. $588699 8/9–8/30 Int. 18+ yrs. Th 6–7 p.m. $66

SELF-DEFENSE AND MARTIAL ARTS

JAPANESE SWORD–IAIDO / Rojen Recreation

Iaido is a traditional art of Japanese swordsmanship. Learn to draw and cut the samurai sword in this hands–on class.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8700 7/13–8/31 15+ yrs. F 8–9 p.m. $51

JU–JITSU & JAPANESE SWORD / Rojen Recreation

Learn self-defense in this class, which covers the fundamentals of traditional martial arts—Judo, Aikido, Kendo—and weapons of self-defense. The second hour will include fundamentals of Iaido, the art of Japanese swordsmanship.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8701 7/13–8/31 15+ yrs. F 7–9 p.m. $61

JU–JITSU & KARATE / Jennies Gym

Build strength while learning martial arts techniques for self-defense. Lessons include Judo, Aikido, Kendo and Karate.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8702 7/10–8/30 All levels 13+ yrs. T/Th 8–9 p.m. $608703 7/10–8/30 New 8–12 yrs. T/Th 6–7 p.m. $608704 7/10–8/30 Green Belt+ 8–12 yrs. T/Th 7–8 p.m. $60

LITTLE KICKERS JU–JITSU / Jennies Gym

Teaches self–esteem and discipline through age-appropriate martial arts lessons.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8705 7/13–8/31 New 5–7 yrs. F 4:30–5:15 p.m. $448706 7/13–8/31 Yellow Belt+ 5–7 yrs F 5:15–6 p.m. $448707 7/13–8/31 All levels 8+ yrs. F 6–7 p.m. $51

NIPPON KEMPO KARATE / Do Mar

Develop respect, discipline and self-confidence through this self-defense system based on punching, kicking, blocking, joint locks and ground combat.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8708 7/9–8/29 All levels 7+ yrs. M/W 6:30–8 p.m. $488709 7/11–8/29 New 5–9 yrs. W 5:45–6:25 p.m. $328710 7/9–8/27 Yellow Belt+ 5–10 yrs. M 5:45–6:25 p.m. $32

SPECIAL INTEREST

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN / Jennies Gym

Let’s get cooking! Little chefs can learn their way around the kitchen practicing new skills, techniques and recipes. $25 materials fee due at first class.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8711 7/11–8/29 4–7 yrs. W 4–4:45 p.m. $538712 7/11–8/29 8–12 yrs. W 5–6 p.m. $53

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NATURE AND SCIENCE WORKSHOP / Jennies Gym

Explore the wonders of nature and learn the principles of science through simple experiments with household items. A list of materials for the entire session will be provided at the first class.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8713 7/11–8/29 6–12 yrs. W 3–3:45 p.m. $61

PARENT WORKSHOP / Platinum Academy

Taught by a Harvard-educated instructor, this workshop empowers parents to forge strong relationships with their teenagers during the high school years. Learn to increase mutual trust and prepare your kids for the challenges of college, both academically and emotionally.

CODE DATES DAY TIME FEE8566 6/26 T 7–8 p.m. Free8714 7/10 T 7–8 p.m. Free8715 7/24 T 7–8 p.m. Free8716 8/14 T 7–8 p.m. Free8717 8/28 T 7–8 p.m. Free

SPORTS

GYMNASTICS & TRAMPOLINE / Jennies Gym

Young gymnasts will learn basic skills for tumbling, balance beam, bars, vault and trampoline. New students will be evaluated and grouped by ability.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8567 7/14–9/1 4–7 yrs. S 10:30–11:30 a.m. $718568 7/14–9/1 7–15 yrs. S 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $718575 7/14–9/1 13+ yrs. S 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $71

KINDERGYM / Jennies Gym

Kids are not the only ones allowed to have fun, since parents get to come, too! You’ll learn forward rolls, back rolls, handstands and more with your kids. Together, you’ll walk the balance beam, swing on the bars and jump on the trampoline! One parent per child must attend each class.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8729 7/14–9/1 9 mo.–2 yrs. S 9–9:45 a.m. $718730 7/14–9/1 3–4 yrs. S 9:45–10:30 a.m. $71

TABLE TENNIS / L.A. Table Tennis Association

Learn table tennis from the pros! Former U.S. Olympians and National Champions teach rules and proper techniques. Dress in athletic wear and light shoes, and bring your own paddle. Equipment is available for purchase on-site. All classes held at the L.A. Table Tennis Association facility, 10180 Valley Blvd., El Monte.

CODE DATES AGE DAY TIME FEE8731 6/19–8/28 6+ yrs. T 7–8:30 p.m. $1908733 6/23–8/25 6+ yrs. S 2–4 p.m. $2508734 6/24–8/26 6+ yrs. Su 3–5 p.m. $250

TENNIS ACADEMY / TJP Tennis Professionals

Have fun while preparing for match play. Challenge yourself with physically demanding court workout and drills. Tennis shoes required. Bring a racquet and new can of three tennis balls to first class.

CODE DATES LEVEL AGE DAY TIME FEE8735 7/9–8/27 Beg./Int. 5–12 yrs. M 6–7 p.m. $758737 7/11–8/29 Beg./Int. 5–12 yrs. W 3:30–4:30 p.m. $758738 7/9–8/27 Int./Adv. 10+ yrs. M 7–8 p.m. $758739 7/13–8/31 Beg./Int. 5–12 yrs. F 6–7 p.m. $758740 7/13–8/31 Int./Adv. 10+ yrs. F 7–8 p.m. $758741 7/11–8/29 Beg. 14+ yrs. W 6–7 p.m. $758742 7/11–8/29 Int. 18+ yrs. W 7–8 p.m. $758743 7/11–8/29 Adv. 18+ yrs. W 8–9 p.m. $75

PHOTO POLICY: Please be advised that all participants involved in any City of Temple City (“City”) programs or special events are subject to being photographed. Such photographs may be used by the City without an obligation to provide compensation to those photographed.

Hey kids! After a productive school year in the classroom, it’s finally time for summer vacation. So head outside, get active and play!

MINI-SPORTS CAMPLive Oak Park

Back by popular demand, the Mini-Sports Camp introduces boys and girls

to different sports in an environment that encourages sportsmanship

and teamwork. Medals will be awarded after each session, and those who

complete all four sessions receive a distinctive plaque.

CODE DATES AGE SPORT DAY TIME FEE8750 6/19–6/28 4–5 yrs. T-Ball T/Th 5–6:45 p.m. $408751 6/18–6/27 6-7 yrs. T-Ball M/W 5–6:45 p.m. $408752 7/3–7/12 4–5 yrs. Flag Football T/Th 5–6:45 p.m. $408753 7/2–7/11 6–7 yrs. Flag Football M/W 5–6:45 p.m. $408754 7/17–7/26 4–5 yrs. Basketball T/Th 5–6:45 p.m. $408755 7/16–7/25 6–7 yrs. Basketball M/W 5–6:45 p.m. $408756 7/31–8/9 4–5 yrs. Soccer T/Th 5–6:45 p.m. $408757 7/30–8/8 6–7 yrs. Soccer M/W 5–6:45 p.m. $40

The cost is $40 for one session, $60 for two sessions, $75 for three sessions, and $85 for all four sessions.

REGISTER NOW AT LIVE OAK PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

SUMMER BASKETBALL Oak Avenue Intermediate School

Can’t get enough basketball? Try

our summer basketball program,

designed to teach fundamentals

through team and individual drills

as well as scrimmages. All levels

stress teamwork, sportsmanship

and fun with a focus on shooting,

dribbling, and basic defense and

offense. All participants receive a

T-shirt and trophy.

CODE DATES AGE LEVEL DAY TIME FEE

8744 6/18–8/8 8–12 yrs. Girls M/W 4–5:30 p.m. $608745 6/18–8/8 10–12 yrs. Beg/Int M/W 5:30–7 p.m. $608746 6/18–8/8 10–12 yrs. Int/Adv M/W 7–8:30 p.m. $608747 6/19–8/9 8–9 yrs. Beg/Int T/Th 4–5:30 p.m. $608748 6/19–8/9 8–9 yrs. Int/Adv T/Th 5:30–7 p.m. $608749 6/19–8/9 13–15 yrs. All T/Th 7–8:30 p.m. $60

All divisions are co-ed except for the girls division, ages 8–12.

REGISTER NOW AT LIVE OAK PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Summer Sports!

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Summer 2012

AARP DRIVER SAFETYJULY 9 & 10, SEPT. 10 & 11, 8:30 A.M.–12 P.M.

Everyone could use a few tips on how to cope with Southern California’s crazy traffic! But as you age, driving proficiency becomes increasingly important. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the largest and most respected refresher course, designed to help those 55 and older tune up their driving skills, allowing for normal age-related physical changes. In fact, depending on your auto insurance company, you may be eligible for a multi-year discount just for completing the course.Classes will be offered at Live Oak Park Community Center. The fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, payable by check at the first day of class. Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited.

LINKAGES PROGRAMFIRST & THIRD MONDAY OF THE MONTH, 9–10:30 A.M.

Linkages is a care coordination program that offers frail seniors (ages 60 and over) and adults with disabilities (ages 18 and older) with case management services allowing them to remain safely at home and independent in the community. In addition to on-site services at Live Oak Park Community Center, case management services are also available by appointment. For more information, contact the YWCA San Gabriel Valley at (626) 214-9465.

temple city

recreation guide

Dial-A-Ride adds Home Depot stopTemple City’s Dial-A-Ride is a convenient curb-to-curb transportation service for elderly or disabled residents with limited mobility. Schedule a trip in town for any purpose; or to Arcadia, El Monte, Rosemead or San Gabriel for medical appointments, government and daycare facilities, convalescent home visits, church, or shopping at Westfield Santa Anita Mall. Now, a newly added destination will also take full access members to the Home Depot, 9700 Lower Azusa Rd., El Monte—perfect for gardeners and anybody who loves tackling projects around the house! To become a member, and for more information including eligibility requirements, call (626) 285-2171, ext. 2361.

Senior ProgramsFOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (626) 579-0461

SENIOR BINGOLAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, 1–3 P.M.

Play bingo for free at Live Oak Park Community Center. Studies show that bingo can enhance memory skills and improve concentration. Plus, it’s fun and all games are played for prizes!

SENIOR LUNCHWEEKDAYS, 11:45 A.M.

Seniors over 60 years of age are invited to Live Oak Park Community Center for a hot lunch, activities and socializing with friends and neighbors. Monthly menus are available at the Community Center and on the City’s website, www.templecity.us. There is a recommended donation of $2 per meal, while hot tea and coffee are available for just 25 cents per cup—best price in town! Reservations required 24 hours in advance.

SUMMER BBQ AND LINE DANCEJULY 3, 4:30–7:30 P.M.

Join us for an evening of dining and dancing at Live Oak Park Community Center. Purchase a BBQ dinner for $8 a person, and stomp your feet as a line dance instructor teaches a few “boot scootin’” boogies. Be sure to don your best hat and boots, because the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl will be recognized at the end of the evening. Pre-registration deadline: June 28.

SENIOR WELLNESS SERIES

A series of talks on senior health issues will be offered at Live Oak Park Community Center on the third Wednesday of each month from 10–11 a.m. The workshops are free to seniors, their families and caregivers.

JUNE 20: ARTHRITIS (NATURAL HEALING AND PAIN RELIEF)

Workshop provider: Trinity Chiropractor

JULY 18: FALL PREVENTION

Workshop provider: Home Watch Caregivers

AUGUST 15: MEMORY LOSS AND AGING

Workshop provider: Alzheimer’s Association

SEPTEMBER 19: TIPS FOR ANTI-AGING

Workshop provider: CareMore

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Senior ExcursionsThe City offers one-day excursions to local and

nearby destinations. These day trips—which

show off the incredible diversity of attractions in

Southern California—range from tours and shows,

to dinners and unique shopping opportunities.

Registration is taken on a first-come, first-paid

basis at Live Oak Park Community Center. For

more information, call (626) 579-0461.

GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOODJUNE 25, 8:30 A.M.–3 P.M., $83

Experience living history at the Paramount Pictures Studio. The extensive two-hour tour will feature the world famous New York City street backdrop, the “B-Tank” used in the movie The Ten Commandments, sound stages and much more. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy an included lunch in Hollywood. Your day concludes with a stop at The Grove and the adjoining Los Angeles Farmer’s Market. Registration deadline: June 18. Note: The Studio does not allow video cameras on-site and photo ID is required.

PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS AND LAGUNA BEACHJULY 27, 4 P.M.–MIDNIGHT, $57

Your tour begins with a drive down to picturesque Laguna Beach. Included is admission to Laguna Beach’s famous Festival of Arts—where local artisans display their works—and reserved seating at the “Pageant of the Masters,” a unique and extraordinary display of “living pictures” from classic and contemporary artists, scored by a live orchestra. Dinner will be on your own. Registration deadline: July 20.

STATELINE GAMBLINGAUG. 27, 8 A.M.–11:30 P.M., $30

Try your luck at the Stateline casinos—with the thrill of the Strip, but closer! Play all your favorite games—roulette, poker, blackjack, craps and endless rows of slot machines—the way they should be played: Vegas style! A lunch buffet is included. Registration deadline: August 17.

CHUMASH CASINO RESORTSEPT. 21, 8 A.M.–7:30 P.M., $30

The fabulous Chumash Casino Resort, in picturesque Santa Barbara County, offers gaming at its best with 2,000 of the most popular slot machines, plus 50 table games including blackjack and poker. Several dining options are available at this full-service casino resort. Registration deadline: September 10.

EVA ARRIGHI, 80, NAMED TEMPLE CITY’S 29TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEARCongressman Adam Schiff recently named Eva Arrighi

Temple City’s 2012 “Woman of the Year” for her

outstanding contribution to the community. She has

volunteered many hours to the Boy Scouts of America,

Temple City Chamber of Commerce, Temple City

Women’s Club, Friends of Foster Children, Historical

Society of Temple City, the School of Fashion and

Design in Alhambra, and other church and charity

organizations. A special acknowledgement in her

honor was entered into the Congressional Record

on March 28.

NOTE: Trips may be cancelled or changed at the City’s discretion. Refunds will be offered only if a replacement is found and notification of cancellation is provided at least eight days in advance of the trip.

Senior Spotlight

Eva Arrighi with Congressman Adam Schiff.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 86–9 P.M.

TEMPLE CITY PARK

CITY OF TEMPLE CITY ★ 9701 LAS TUNAS DR., TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780 ★ (626) 285-2171

The City of Temple City and Los Angeles County

Sheriff’s Department are proud to present the

annual National Night Out, an event dedicated

to strengthen and build a safer Temple City.

The evening is a great opportunity for residents

to learn more about crime prevention, and

to establish relationships with neighbors and

local law enforcement. Be on the safe side and

be a part of the community.

For more information, contact the City’s Public Safety Division at

(626) 285-2171, ext. 2333 or visit us online at www.templecity.us.

★Free hot dogs and

refreshments

★Child finger printing

★Children’s activities

★SWAT and Bomb Squad

demonstrations

★Special appearance by

McGruff the Crime Dog

★Live disco entertainment

by the Funky Hippeez

★Raffle prizes and

giveaways

★Neighborhood Watch

information

POLICE-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Temple City Connect

33

What’s wrong with the current system of street sweeping?

The current biweekly service level, with parking allowed during street-sweeping hours, is not providing the desired results or efficiency. Not only does it allow too much debris to wash into storm drains—thereby coming into conflict with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1987—but the current practices allow standing water to collect in gutters, which could breed bacteria and mosquitoes. Most importantly, when street-sweeping vehicles have to sweep around parked cars, large amounts of debris are left behind. This leads to unkempt neighborhoods that present an unflattering image of Temple City.

Don’t we live with enough regulations already? Does this

new procedure really make Temple City a better place to

live and work?

Weekly street sweeping makes neighborhoods more attractive and inviting, while eliminating harmful pollutants and bacteria from standing water. Litter-strewn streets do not enhance home values or draw new customers to our business districts. Ultimately, the cleaner streets will make neighborhoods healthier and more attractive for both residents and visitors. Vehicle brakes contain copper and tires contain zinc, two potentially toxic pollutants that sweeping eliminates and puts out of the reach of kids or pets. In fact, the new street-sweeping program will remove an extra 600 tons of debris from Temple City streets every year—enough to fill up a football field!

Doubling the frequency of sweeping sounds expensive. How

much is this going to cost us?

It will cost more, but generally only an extra $1 per month for an average homeowner. As an improvement to public health and an investment in our community’s appearance, that is one of the best bargains in government. Just don’t park on the street during posted sweeping hours—then it becomes much more expensive, as each parking violation results in a $55 ticket. For the City, not complying with environmental regulations can be very costly, with fines in the

Temple City Connect addresses questions from residents on a wide variety

of City activities, projects and policies, keeping you connected, engaged

and educated. In this issue, we respond to inquiries about Temple City’s new

street cleaning policies, which increase sweeping from biweekly to weekly

and prohibits street parking during designated sweeping hours.

temple city

ask city hall

HAVE A QUESTION FOR CITY HALL? E-mail it to [email protected].

Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.

Ask City Hall

tens of thousands—even millions—of dollars. Those funds can be much better spent supporting public safety programs, improving parks or paving streets.

When does the new program begin, and how will we be

advised of the details?

The enhanced service and parking enforcement takes effect January 1, 2013. Residents will begin seeing the installation of 1,600 “No Parking” signs beginning in September. After implementation in January, there will be a 30-day grace period for parking violations. After that, beginning February 1, 2013, parking regulations will be strictly enforced. Staff is currently working with Athens Services, our street-sweeping contractor, to define new routes and no-parking areas. Most streets will have a three-hour no-parking restriction, typically from 6–9 a.m. or 9 a.m.–noon one day per week. By this coming September, new routes and no-parking hours will be established, and residents will continue to be updated on the program in future issues of Temple City Connect, on the City’s website, through news releases, and on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages. For additional information, or to provide your input, contact the City’s Public Safety Division at (626) 285-2171, ext. 2333.

34

Summer 2012

“America first,” says Louis Paletta, “and then my mother team Italy.” This is in reference to his favorite soccer team, and is also a reflection of his Italian-American identity. At nine years old, he and his family immigrated to the U.S. from the Bel Paese (“Beautiful Country”) aboard the “Rex,” the second largest ship after the Titanic at the time. Paletta has vivid memories of running around on deck and losing his red beret to the ocean winds. Arriving in New York, Paletta had to quickly learn English so as to not be bullied by the other children at school. It is a tough city after all, and there were no ESL classes in those days. In 1938, he and his family made the long cross-country drive to California. “We were walking and working in the days as pioneers,” he recalls, “Things were tough all over for people. The police would come by and ask, ‘Are you gypsies?’” Before finishing high school, Paletta joined the U.S. Air Force in 1946. He performed his basic training in San Antonio and was then transferred to Washington State, Guam and Japan. In 1949, he was honorably discharged as a veteran of World War II with good conduct and a victory medal. His grandfather served in World War I, and his twin grandsons in the Marine Corps. “We basically just about hit every war,” he jokes. In 1953, Paletta married his wife, Regine, whom he had met in a Catholic youth organization, and the happy couple moved to Temple City. They have lived in the same house since and will be celebrating their 59th anniversary together this year. In 1955, Paletta earned his bachelor’s degree in Foreign Trade from the University of Southern California. He worked as Marketing Director of Creftcon Industries until his retirement in 1992. When he isn’t volunteering, watching a soccer game or spending time with his beloved family, Paletta and his wife attend the Senior Lunch at Live Oak Park Community Center. “We get to meet different people, and that’s good,” he says.

temple city

people

Louis Paletta

Louis Paletta, 84, is the recipient of Temple City’s 2012 Outstanding Older American of the Year award. He was nominated for his admirable personal qualities, exceptional community service and hearty spirit. This year’s award theme was “Never Too Young to Play,” and Paletta embodied this attitude as a Protocol Ambassador for the Men’s 1994 and Women’s 1999 FIFA World Cups, a coach for the Little League and Pony/Colt League and a volunteer for the Olympic Swim Team tryouts. He enthusiastically supports his granddaughters in their track and field meets, and still follows his long-time favorite sport of soccer. Other organizations Paletta has contributed to include the City of Hope Medical Center, Cullen School, where his granddaughters attended, Elks Club of San Gabriel, St. Luke’s Catholic Church and the Temple Station Sheriff Support/Booster Group.

We were honored for Mr. Paletta to share his life story from an immigrant to a World War II veteran to his active retirement in Temple City.

TEMPLE CITY’S 2012 OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICAN OF THE YEAR

BY JESSICA HSU

Temple City Connect

35

Emergencies

911Request immediate sheriff, fire department or ambulance assistance to protect life or property.

Animals

285-7187Call to report a lost pet and stray or dead animals; get or renew a license.

Building and Development

285-2171, ext. 2301 Obtain permits and inspections for repairing, remodeling or adding onto your home or business.

Business Assistance

285-2171, ext. 2303Find out how to start or expand a business, and how to do business with the City.

Community Involvement

285-2171, ext. 2317 Learn of upcoming public meetings, volunteer opportunities and how to serve on a City commission.

Community Preservation

285-2171Improve your neighborhood— report property maintenance issues, illegal construction and garage conversions.

Dial-A-Ride (First Transit)Request shared transit service for seniors and the disabled.

285-2171, ext. 2361Establish membership; general inquiries

286-2456 Schedule service

Elections and Voting

285-2171, ext. 2317 Register to vote, get information on election dates and find out how to run for City public office.

Emergency Preparedness

285-2171, ext. 2333Receive training to handle an emergency situation or local disaster.

Employment

285-2171, ext. 2330 Apply for a City job and learn of other government employment opportunities.

Environment

285-2171, ext. 2333Learn about water, recycling and energy conservation programs.

Facility Rentals

285-2171, ext. 2361Reserve one of our facilities for sports team practices, birthday parties and private events.

HotlinesHelp keep Temple City looking great by reporting:

(800) 252-4613Abandoned Shopping Carts

(800) 794-7384Graffiti Removal

285-5240Illegal Construction (after hours)

Housing

285-2171, ext. 2303 Get information on rehabilitation programs, homeownership opportunities and landlord/ tenant rights.

Mayor and City CouncilLet them know what you think!

285-2171, ext. 2322Schedule a meeting

285-2189Leave a suggestion, comment or complaint

Parking

285-2171, ext. 2333 Ask about residential parking permits and parking tickets; report nuisance vehicles on public streets.

Permits and Licenses

285-2171, ext. 2300 Find out what is required to improve your property, operate a business and conduct special events.

Planning and Zoning

285-2171, ext. 2303See what you can do with your property and what developments are planned in your neighborhood.

Public Safety (Temple Sheriff’s Station)

285-7171Form a Neighborhood Watch group, request increased patrolling and obtain police reports.

Public Records

285-2171, ext. 2317Review or request copies of City records and documents.

Recreation and Parks

285-2171, ext. 2361Participate in our many recreational and cultural activities; report maintenance needs at City parks.

Seniors

579-0461Stay active and healthy with our lunch program, recreational classes and referrals to wellness providers.

Streets and Sidewalks

285-2171, ext. 2333Request street or sidewalk maintenance; report broken street lights, traffic signals and signs.

Trash and Street Sweeping (Athens Services)

336-3636Report service problems or make a special service request; get help with billing.

Tree and Median Maintenance

285-2171, ext. 2361Get a street tree; report maintenance issues on street trees and medians.

Youth

285-2171, ext. 2360Learn about after school programs, day camps, sports leagues and recreational activities.

City Services ALL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 626 AREA CODE UNLESS DESIGNATED.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Arcadia Unified

821-8300

El Monte City

453-3700

Rosemead Unified

312-2900

Temple City Unified

548-5000

MASS TRANSIT

Foothill Transit District

(800) 743-3463

Metro Transportation Authority

(323) 466-3876

RESOURCES

Chamber of Commerce

286-3101

Temple City Library

285-2136

UTILITIES

AT&T

(800) 288-2020

Charter Communications

(866) 499-8080

Southern California Edison

(800) 655-4555

The Gas Company

(800) 427-2200

WATER DISTRICTS

California American Water Company

(888) 422-5269

East Pasadena Water Company

793-6189

Golden State Water Company

(800) 999-4033

San Gabriel County Water District

287-0341

Sunnyslope Water Company

287-5238

temple city

city services

QUICK CONTACTS

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU NEED? We’ll

find it for you! Just call (626) 285-2171.

Temple CityFarmer’s Market

Locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants,

flowers, honey, cheeses, baked goods

and much more!

Every Sunday

8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

City Hall, 9701 Las Tunas Dr.

Stay up-to-date on the

latest Temple City Farmer’s

Market news and events!

Cash and EBT only/ATM on-site

City of Temple City 9701 Las Tunas Dr. Temple City, CA 91780

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAID San Gabriel, CA

Permit No. 10016

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMERTEMPLE CITY, CA 91780

Documents

Temple City Connect Summer 2012