Moskowitz Foundation Donates $500,000 Toward Construction of Sports Complex in Hawaiian Gardens

Mrs. Irving Moskowiz presents check for $500,000 for the Sports Complex to be constructed on the Fedde Middle School athletic grounds to members of the Hawaiian Gardens City Council and Superintendent Dr. Gary Smuts and members of the Board of Education Oct.19.

By Jerry Bernstein

The long awaited Sports Complex at Fedde Middle School to be built by the City of Hawaiian Gardens took a step forward Oct. 19 when Mrs. Irving Moskowitz, wife of the founder of the Irving Moskowitz Foundation, presented a check for $500,000 to members of the Hawaiian Gardens City Council and ABC School Board, to be used toward the construction of the said Complex.
The Foundation had pledged a total $1.5 million three years ago toward the project. Monday’s presentation fulfilled the pledge.
When complete the complex will house four baseball/softball diamonds, backstops, bleachers, drinking fountains, three football/soccer fields, one storage building, restroom, snack bar and multi-purpose room building, modification of the irrigation system, parking lot improvements, sports field lighting and a multi-purpose athletic field.
“This is a huge undertaking for the city of Hawaiian Gardens,” stated Mrs. Moskowitz, “and we are delighted to be part of that development. To date we have given the city $1 million and I now have the pleasure of presenting to the city of Hawaiian Gardens a check for $500,000. All of us are looking forward to the completion and opening games at the Moskowitz Sports Complex.”
Superintendent Dr. Gary Smuts described an Education Program consisting of a solid combination of Health and Classroom Instruction. “The Sports Complex will make a difference to our adults and children in our community for many years to come,” he stated.
Estimated cost of the project is $8 million. The City will contribute $7.5 million and the ABC School District will contribute $500,000. The City has identified $6,443,880 for their share in Grant Foundation, Redevelopment Bonds and non-allocated reserve funds from the current year for this project and will need to contribute $1,056,120 in future years to complete the project. In a report to the council at its Oct. 13 meeting, City Attorney John Cavanaugh noted that with the addition of non-city monies-including State Bond Act, donations and school district funds-amounts to a $3 million reduction in the cost of construction for the project and is equal to a 35 percent discount that would normally be required to pay for the project. He also said State Bond funds need to be expended by June 30, 2011.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in November 2010. City officials said with the available funding, the project may need to be completed in phases. They said the City is pursuing additional grant funding and is seeking to purchase CDBG funds , which can be used for the project.
Mrs. Moskowitz said she and her husband have had a close association with Hawaiian Gardens for almost 40 years when the Tri-City Regional Medical Center opened as Cerritos Garden Hospital. She said the Foundation has contributed to numerous projects in the city, but the one the Foundation is especially proud to sponsor is the Food Bank.
“In 2008 we helped feed 862 families. We estimated there were seven people to a family. So far in 2009, we have helped more than 1100 family and this is only October. In addition we have helped this year 256 emergency families that may be from outside Hawaiian Gardens. She concluded by saying, “We will continue to serve the neediest of the Hawaiian Gardens family.”

Supervisor Knabe Celebrates Birthday, Says He Will Seek Re-election in 2012

Supervisor Don Knabe celebrated his birthday Oct. 15 at his14th annual Oktoberfest and Birthday Celebration aboard the Queen Mary. Helping him blow out the candles on his birthday cake are his wife Julie and grandchildren.



By Jerry Bernstein

Supervisor Don Knabe celebrated his birthday Oct. 15 aboard the Queen Mary and announced he would be a candidate for re-election in 2012. “I love my job”, Knabe told estimated 450 supporters and friends in the ship’s main ballroom.
He said the business downturn in the state was bad, but stated, We will come out of it.” He said, “We saw it coming and put aside money in a rainy day fund. We’re in a better situation than some other government agencies. At the same time each of our departments has had a 6 1/2 percent reduction in funding and there have been no raises. In addition the unions are working with us and have signed a two year agreement with us, helping stabilize the situation.”
Introducing Knabe was Dave Gillotte with the Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014. He reviewed Knabe's public service, noting he was elected to the Cerritos City Council in 1980 and served for eight years, including two terms at Mayor. He said he was very involved in supporting and implementing the city’s general plan, first as a citizen, then as a planning commissioner and later as a member of the city council and mayor.
He said the plan is now regarded as a national model for sensible growth. It called for development of the Cerritos Auto Square, the Los Cerritos Center, and the Cerritos Towne Center, creating a tax base that provided jobs, more citizen services, doubled the number of city parks, and allowed for the creation of the nationally acclaimed Cerritos Performing Arts Center.
Following a successful career as a small business owner, the Supervisor joined County Supervisor Deane Dana’s staff in 1982, soon becoming his chief of staff. Gillotte said it was through Knabe’s personal effort that the County ocean lifeguards were transferred to the County Fire Department.
He concluded by describing Knabe as a family man who looks at the county like it was his own family.

Artesia Historical Society Holds Sixth Annual Gala

By Jerry Bernstein

The Artesia Historical Society held its sixth Annual Gala Fundraiser Oct. 10 celebrating the city’s 50th birthday. The fundraising festivities were held in the Albert O. Little Community Center across from city hall with the organization raising $11,000. All funds raised will be used to continue the many programs of the Society, including maintenance and continued development of the museums, docent guided museum tours for school children, which officials said is in a continuous growing mode.
Greeting the guests was Society President Barbara Applebury who thanked them for their continued support. She said they had come a long way, with the Artesia museum a going concern and the restoration of old Fire Station #30 moving forward. Applebury called Past President Veronica Bloomfield to the podium and commented, “Veronica was president for 10 years. We owe a lot to her. I’ve been president for just a few weeks, and have thought about resigning twice.”
Bloomfield said when they first organized there were just two or three members who met in a member’s house. Eventually, as group grew, they started meeting in the Community Center. She related how they had begun going through the city archives and salvage many original pictures of the early days of the city and various artifacts.
Activities at the Gala included a silent auction and an Opportunity Drawing. Dinner was prepared by Vital Lourenco, who served Tri-Tip and Salmon. Will Donato provided musical entertainment.

ABC Unified School District Wins Two Golden Bell Awards

ABC Unified School District will be honored in the 30th Annual Golden Bell Awards Program of the California School Boards Association. The District will receive two Golden Bell Awards this year. One was won for the Network for a Healthy California Program under the direction of Dipa Shah, Program Coordinator. The goal of the Network for a Healthy Program is to promote healthy eating and regular physical activity among low income families. The program began in 2004 in response to the growing concern of childhood obesity among school aged children.
The second award was won for the Red Carpet Media Festival at Tetzlaff Middle School. The program is administered by Crechena Wise, Principal of Tetzlaff MS and under the direction of Greg Porter, Journalism teacher.
The goal of the Red Carpet Media Festival is to celebrate student achievement inn the areas of technology and media productions in a culminating event. The event creates a platform for students to communicate to the local community as well as the professional community while teaching life long technology skills. The program has been in place since September 2005.
According to Dr. Mary Sieu, Deputy Superintendent, the highly respected Golden Bell Awards will be presented at a special ceremony during CSBA’s Awards Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel and Marina in San Diego on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The event is held in conjunction with the California’s School Boards Association’s Annual Education Conference. The Golden Bell Awards Program promotes excellence in education by recognizing outstanding programs in school districts throughout California. ABC Unified School District has received six Golden Bell Awards from CSBA during the past seven years.

Lakewood Regional Medical Center's New Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Increases Local Access to Highly Specialized Heart Care

To help improve local access to highly specialized heart care services, Lakewood Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has completed a $10 million expansion of its cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Due to the increasing number of cardiac patients being treated, LRMC found it necessary to expand the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cardiac cath lab) by 7,000 square feet. After 18 months of construction, the new cardiac cath lab opened two weeks ago. The new lab enables LRMC to not only increase the number of patients that can be seen and treated, but it also enhances the types of cardiac services LRMC can provide to patients.
“We are extremely excited that this caliber of unit has been built at our hospital,” commented Mark Korth, chief executive officer at LRMC. “The new cath lab procedure rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art digital imaging systems that have consistently been one of the highest rated systems in the market. To go along with this latest technology, the cardiac cath lab has a dedicated and highly experienced staff of nurses to care for patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The expanded lab also has the capabilities to perform a full range of peripheral vascular imaging and treatment.
Brown explained, “In addition to cardiac procedures, the new procedure rooms are equipped to perform most peripheral vascular angiography procedures.”
The cardiac care program at LRMC has seen tremendous advancements over the last few years under the leadership of several key physicians.
“Being able to offer the highest quality cardiac care to our patients has always been our top priority,” stated Jack Dobkin, M.D. medical director of Lakewood’s cardiac cath lab. “It is wonderful to know that patients in this area have access to such a great facility and experienced physicians to count on when it comes to heart care.”
The newly expanded area gives the cardiac cath lab extra square footage needed to offer a full range of services. Included in the redesign is a dedicated waiting area for family and friends, express admitting and reception area, a pre and post procedure recovery room, consultation room for patients, a conference room and a completely remodeled locker room for physicians and staff.
Brown explained, “By adding these facilities, we are able to provide better service and even a higher quality of care to our patients.”
The design of the lab was created to make patients more comfortable while undergoing cardiac procedures. Also, the newly installed technology assists physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced heart disease.
“Over the past several years, Lakewood Regional Medical Center has made high quality cardiac care in this area possible. We will continue to do whatever it takes to make this facility and all the services we provide the very best for the people of this region,” said Korth.
For more information on Lakewood Regional Medical Center, please visit www.lakewoodregional.com.

NWC Hosts Kitchen Shower for Orange County Ronald McDonald House

By Helen M. Brown

The ladies gave a Kitchen Shower at their September meeting of the Norwalk Woman’s Club (NWC) for the Orange County Ronald McDonald House (OCRMH). It was an overwhelming success as the ladies all participated with generous gifts and donations. Centerpieces on each table consisted of baskets filled with a variety of supplies.
The guest speaker was Ms. Kathy Russell who took time off from her many duties at the OCRMH to spread the good word of just what the House provides for its many visitors each year. Families with sick children come from all over the world to get medical help for their young. This home is their ‘home away from home’ while they are here. They may need to stay for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few years. What ever the need, the RMH provides it.
The Federation of Women Clubs (GFWC) headquartered in Washington; DC has long supported the Ronald McDonald Houses in all 50 states and overseas. The NWC focuses on our local House in Orange. Our support goes there. While there are several Houses in California, the one in Orange is closest to our hearts.
The Ronald McDonald house program in 1974 when Philadelphia Eagles player, Fred Hill’s small daughter, Kim, was diagnosed with leukemia. Thanks to Dr. Audrey Evans, Jim Murray, the General Manager of the Eagles, Ed Rensi, McDonald’s Regional Manager, and Fred Hill himself, the first Ronald McDonald House was built.
Ten years later in 1984 the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) was established in memory McDonalds founder, Ray Kroc, a strong advocate for children. The following year, in 1985, the first overseas RMHC was opened in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Within eleven years there had been eighty-eight (88) houses built worldwide. By year 2007 there were 271 Houses in thirty-one (31) countries.
In November of 1989 the doors of Orange County Ronald McDonald House Charities were opened. The vision for it began in the early 80s when Ron Van Winkle admitted his nine year old son, Patrick, to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) for treatment of cancer. It would be three years, three months, and six days before the vigil for Patrick’s successful cancer treatment ended. In the meantime, Ron found himself sleeping in his car, on sofas in the hospital, or anywhere he could lay his head. One night when a security guard woke him in his car and had him return to a sofa back in the hospital waiting room that the need for a home for parents in Orange County was finally recognized.
The need was brought to the attention of Dr. Geni Bennetts. With her backing Ron was easily elected to the first newly formed board of directors. The board negotiated the purchase of the land and worked with architect Bill O’Keefe to design a 20-bedroom house that was warm and inviting built close to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. This was to provide the families with ‘a home away from home’.
Since its opening in 1989 this Orange County House has provided affordable housing for over 8, 000 families from over 22 countries. The Norwalk Woman’s Club has proudly supported this project for many years. They plan to continue to do under the leadership of Chairperson Betty Lou Larsen. Showers, pull-tabs, and cash donations are just a sample of the ways in which we raise funds.
Pull-tabs is another exciting way in which the NWC raises funds. This allows you to meet a variety of people. Imagine going to a rally, fair, luncheon, ballgame, etc where you may know only one or two people. You ask your neighbor if you can have the pull tab from their can of beverage they are drinking. Before you know it, everyone in sight is helping you collect pull tabs, plus you’ve talked to a dozen different people. Meeting new people, making new friends makes life more interesting.
The OCRMH is planning a fundraiser of their own, a High Tea & Fashion Show, to celebrate their 20th anniversary. It will be held Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Balboa Bay Club. If you are interested in sponsoring, advertising in this event, donating a raffle gift, or purchasing a ticket to attend you may contact Melanie Pollak at 714-516-3669.

Fedde Middle School Hosts First Annual Community Roundtable

By Larry Caballero

Fedde Middle School in Hawaiian Gardens invited school and community leaders “to work in partnership with the school community” at its Fedde International Studies Academy’s First Annual Community Roundtable Oct. 16. Interim Principal Carol Castro told participants “We want to answer any of your questions regarding the school and share with you our school plans for this year.”
Castro explained the school’s Instructional Focus and shared its objectives of informing the community stakeholders about the current state of the school and the goals for this school year, as well as working in partnership with stakeholders to “create the best educational environment for our students.”
Classroom tours allowed community leaders to observe first hand the effectiveness of new teaching methods for promoting student achievement and were asked to share their experiences with the group. Castro believes that the school needs to do a better job in educating the community about the many improvements at the school. “There is a lot of untrue information out there.”
Fedde lost 120 students last year to neighboring schools such as Haskell and Tetzlaff even while it was experiencing success with its International Studies Academy. Associate Superintendent Mary Seiu suggested starting a district community leadership team to serve as an advisory committee that could meet on a quarterly basis to promote student achievement and address community concerns. All the participants agreed that Fedde was doing an admirable job instituting holistic learning and instructional practices and congratulated the school for reaching out to the community by hosting a community barbeque scheduled Nov. 12 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on campus.
Castro said, “We have been planning and discussing how best to show off our campus and programs during the event. We remain hopeful that this will continue a growing positive perception within the community.”

Cerritos Councilwomen Laura Lee Honored At Charity Concert

By Larry Caballero

Cerritos City Councilmember and former mayor Laura Lee was honored with the A3M Human Spirit Award Oct. 18 at the 12th Annual Charity Concert and Dinner benefiting A3M, Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
A3M’s goal, in addition to raising funds for their programs, is to raise awareness and add new registrants to the national Be The Marrow Registry. “It is my hope that, together with all of you, we will be able to help all patients who are looking for their matching donor who can help them live out their dreams,” said A3M Assistant Director Shin Ito.
Inscribed on Lee’s award were the words, “For making a difference in the lives of patients and giving hope to families around the world.” Lee said that it was “a great honor to receive this award, and I consider all of the many volunteers and donors as the true heroes in the fight against leukemia and other deadly diseases who have hosted more than 700 donor drives during the past year.”
Lee first learned of the organization through a Cerritos resident whose husband was suffering from leukemia. The resident asked Lee to assist a family living in Arizona who had adopted a six-year-old Chinese orphan girl who was recently diagnosed with the disease. Data has proven that there can be up to an 85% bone marrow match if the patient and donor are of the same ethnic background. Since Cerritos has a huge Asian population, it made sense to ask Councilmember Lee to assist in finding a donor.
“I was glad to help. I find moments like those to be the best part of being on council. It gives me an opportunity to give support in so many ways.” Lee, a registered marrow donor, has participated in numerous press conferences to draw attention to the urgent needs of patients in their searches for a chance to live. Whenever possible, she has also involved local politicians by conveying the importance of A3M’s work in the community and the potential the city of Cerritos holds in assisting to increase the diverse data base of donors in the national registry.
“Everyone should consider becoming a registered bone marrow donor. Who knows, you may be saving the life of a loved one. All life is precious,” said Lee.

Blind Start of America Holds Successful Premiere Event

By Larry Caballero


Blind Start of America’s President and Founder Brian Tom wanted to hold his premiere event Dinner in the Dark at the Cerritos Sheraton Oct. 10 in recognition of World Blindness Awareness Month. The event was branded by Tom as a special visionary experience…blindfolded to give guests a greater understanding of the plight and challenges that the blind and visually impaired experience each day.
“I hope this knowledge will empower us all to work together with BSA to make positive changes for thousands of Persons with Disabilities,” said Tom, who has been blind for the last seventeen years.
“Although I lost my sight, I never lost my vision to communicate with the world that we are not disabled, just differently abled.”
Special guests included Board of Supervisor Don Knabe, Cerritos City Councilmember Jim Edwards, ABC School Board member Maynard Law and Los Cerritos Community News Publisher Brian Hews. Everyone enjoyed cocktails and a private wine tasting, entertainment by the International Peace Choir that sang several songs including “Let There Be Peace On Earth”, and lessons on how to eat blind before dinner was prepared by Chef Carlos Garcia.
Many guests attempted to eat with their blindfolds while others were seen trying to peek over or under theirs. Commissioner Lily Kuo and Financial Planner John Meinert are to be commended for not removing their blindfolds during most of the dinner and program.
After Motivational Remarks and a Scholarship Ceremony by Tom, there was a centerpiece drawing game and a live auction. The closing performance by professional singer Emy Baysic was mesmerizing as she sang numbers from “Les Miserables”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Miss Saigon”.
It was a very special evening that will be cherished for many years to come and a visionary experience that will not soon be forgotten.

Cerritos Gets Clean Bill of Health on Air Pollution at Town Forum

By Jerry Bernstein

Cerritos is off the hook. The city is not and has not been a recipient of undue pollution resulting in the city’s air being a Cancer risk caused by “Hydrazine” released from a plant in Santa Fe Springs as stated in a June report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA}. That was the message given to residents attending the Town Forum Aug. 18 held in the Sierra Room at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Hydrazine is a colorless liquid used in rocket fuels and chemical manufacturing and is listed as a possible carcinogen by the EPA.
Representatives from the EPA and South Coast Air Quality Management District [SCAQMD] along with Congressional Representatives Linda Sanchez and Grace Napolitano joined members of the City Council in questioning how the repudiated report was released and what steps have been taken to see this does not happen again.
Mayor Bruce Barrows opened the meeting saying it took two months to get information for tonight’s meeting. “It is good to have two members of Congress in your corner,” referring to Grace Napolitano and Linda Sanchez. “Two months is a short time to get a response in government,” he added.
Representative Napolitano said after Cerritos Mayor Bruce Barrows contacted her, she talked to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson who said the report should not have been released since it had not been verified. Napolitano said she and her colleague Representative Linda Sanchez want to guarantee this does not happen again. “The report was a mistake. There was no toxic effect. The report was wrong.”
The Congresswoman said they looked at the different agencies, local and national, that provided the information and questioned how and why it was used. Correct reporting needs to be done,” she asserted. “Your City Council and your mayor put that issue immediately before us. Not only is the city due an apology but the plant that was accused to be the cause of the bogus pollution should receive one as well. The amount of Hydrazine released by the plant was found to be way below the safety level.”
Rep. Sanchez complimented the Mayor and City Council whom she said responded very forcibly and quickly to the EPA air quality report. She said something went very wrong in the analysis of how much Hydrazine was released and we need to know what happened and how it happened. We also need to know what steps are being taken so this will not happen again.
Sanchez said the factors used in future reports have to be checked much more carefully. She was pleased that the Air Quality Management District acted so promptly last month with its plant inspection and testing of Cerritos air quality. She said the AQMD has informed her the data used goes back to 2001 and likely to 1989 or earlier. It looks like the 2001 data was never verified. The Congresswoman concluded by assuring that she and her colleague are going to stay on top of this to its conclusion.
Dr. Phillip Fine, with the SCAQMD, speaking in behalf of all the agencies involved, said
Cerritos air quality was similar to other areas of Southern California. He said the plant inspection was conducted both indoors and outdoors and it was determined the plant was not polluting the atmosphere with toxic materials. He said they measured for the maximum emission rate, which is the worst-case scenario and concluded the plant was operating safely, adding in the future the EPA and SCAQMD are committed to work closely so this type of error will not occur again.
City Consultant Julia Lester, Ph.D. of Environ International Corporation, agreed with Fine. She said the results of Environ’s investigation shows Cerritos air quality is good and is comparable to other urban areas.
EPA Website Results Differ
Upon researching the EPA website she said different data revealed different conclusions. Pointing to a map on a screen in back of the stage, she noted EPA data had had three different location for the plant. One was in a front yard about six miles south of the actual plant site. In 1999 the plant was placed in another location. The 2005 report shows it in its correct location. She said there needs to be a closer relationship with the entire data base before they are used in order to get a correct analysis, adding the SCAQMD concurs.
How did this happen? Dr. Lester answered her own question. “There are a multiple number of databases used by the various agencies which often contradict one another. There needs to be a closer coordination between the agencies and their various databases, she asserted. She also noted that some of the databases have multi uses not related to air quality.
Dr. Lester said they would recommend there be an on going report on air quality and not the current policy of one every seven years. City Councilmember Carol Chen concurred but didn’t understand how a report based on 20-year-old data could be released as current information.
Chen wanted to know if the 2002 report showed a high toxic rate in the atmosphere and if so why wasn’t it double checked to see if it was correct, and if it was high why wasn’t anything done about it? Dr. Fine said the data wouldn’t have shown whether it was healthy or unhealthy. That’s why we need better communication between the agencies, he added.
EPA official Warren Beckman interjected that the 2002 data has been updated. He said all the agencies have agreed they have to coordinate and work closer together so this does not happen again. He said an example of this is tonight’s joint presentation. This has never happened before. “We are now working together to resolve the differences in how we treat carcinogen exhaust in California.”
In a letter to Mayor Barrows, EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy admitted the 2002 report did not accurately reflect the plant’s emissions of hydrazine. She said it also included incorrect census tract information [location] for the facility. She added the agency would revise the 2002 NATA with correct data.
Councilmember Laura Lee said she feels more has to be done to prevent this from happening again. Referring to the two months it took Cerritos to get the participants of tonight’s Towne Forum together so residents could receive s answers; she said it might have been a short time in government response, but a long time for our residents. How are you going to do your checking in the future so the people don’t have to wait so long for answers? Dr. Fine said they would be doing their checking well in advance to prevent this from happening again.
Left unanswered was why an unverified report was released.

Greening Cerritos

By Jonathan Ho and Jonathan Liang

Thousands of dollars in incentives and green energy savings are just part of the benefits Cerritos businesses and residents can obtain through the Voluntary Green Development Program (VGDP) recently approved by the Cerritos City Council. The program stemmed from the City of Cerritos commitment to protect the environment and promote sustainability and aims to provide comprehensive information on the City’s
website, which explains green "building" and the incentives of the Green Development program.
“After the approval of the program, the City Council anticipates residents and businesses who wish to practice green development techniques, but who may not have had reliable and useful information available, could utilize the program as a resource and informational guide in using green building techniques,” said Torrey Contreras, the Director of Community Development. “The City Council] hopes to encourage better environmental design and construction through program incentives and a recognition program.”
Since buildings constructed through current practices account for 39 percent of total energy use, 12 percent of total water consumption, and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the US, Cerritos has developed the VGDP to combat this problem.
Build it Green, a non-profit organization, explains that green building is a building practice to help increase efficiency with natural resources and establish energy efficient buildings. Such practices include taking advantage of the sun for heat, power, and light. It also calls for the incorporation of salvaged materials, the use of native, drought tolerant plants, and the application of shading elements.
Energy efficiency is the most important aspect of building green. Installing solar panels and low energy-using major appliances are a few methods of this feature help to reduce the potential of energy supply interruptions and the need for new power plants. Indoor air quality is another element to consider for building green. Poor indoor air quality is a result of moisture infiltration and poor maintenance and can emit volatile organic compounds.
These problems can be improved by some simple steps, such as installing permanent front door walk-off mats to reduce indoor dust and ensuring that gas appliances have their own exhaust fans routing towards the exterior of the residence. Another important step in building green is resource conservation, which ensures more efficient building practices, especially when using wood, water, metal, and fossil fuels.
Resource conservation starts with reusing and recycling old construction and demolition waste while also diverting project demolition and construction waste from landfills. It also includes using durable roofing materials that have 40-50 year warranties and using recycled materials for counter tops and walkways.
Resource conservation involves efficient water management with methods such as installing low or dual flush toilets, plumbing fixtures with below standard flow rates, and on- site water retention systems. With these resources, there are many ways that residents and businesses are able to obtain incentives. Not only does building green help the city and environment, but it also helps businesses and residents save money through incentives.
To further promote building green, the Cerritos City Council will provide incentives based upon on a structured basis, the LEED Certification Project. It is a four tiered system that, from lowest to highest, is ordered as certified, silver, gold, and platinum. The permits and plan check fees will be waived by 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% respectively. Incentives for the LEED Project include waivers for the Development Code, Conditional Use Permit, Precise Plan, and Subdivision and Parcel Maps.
Residential and business rebates are also available through Southern California Edison and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Southern California Edison provides Energy In-Home Surveys to present suggestions for making a home more energy efficient. Some rebates such as the Energy Efficient Evaporative Cooling Rebate gives reimbursements of up to $600. The California Solar Incentives also provide monetary stimulus based upon the characteristics of the installation and the watts generated. The Water District provides incentives through its Social Water Smart Program. As such, it provides rebates that start at $100 for highly efficient toilets and $85 for highly efficient washers.
The VGDP is a new way for the City of Cerritos to "go green." It structures such projects to be more efficient and clearer than before. The City Council expresses its enthusiasm for the VGDP and hopes that this program will encourage the city to be more environmentally friendly.
Contreras said, “Green Cerritos encourages the development of environmentally friendly buildings by providing information on the City's web site on what green development is, why green development is important and beneficial to the community, methods and techniques for green development, and information on resources, rebate programs, and incentives.”
For more information visit http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/cominfo/business/green_cerritos.html

Hawaiian Gardens Approves New Contracts for City Administrator and City Attorney

By Jerry Bernstein

The Hawaiian Gardens City Council approved new three-year contracts with its City Administrator Ernesto Marquez and City Attorney John Cavanugh at its Aug. 25 meeting.
Opponents of the contracts criticized the council for its approval. Citing the current economic condition, this was not the time to approve new three-year contracts for the City Administrator and City Attorney that include salary increases. They also felt with an election in November that could see a new council majority the contracts could have been postponed until after the election. Criticized was Marquez’s new base salary of $169,941 a year. They also noted that Marquez did not have a Masters Degree in Public Administration, which they said is normally required.
Also noted was the Aug. 11 approval of a new five-year contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. “It seems you are approving the contracts to tie the hands of the new council,” stated one resident.
Dr. William Mathis, of the Mathis Group who earlier this year conducted an extensive review of the performance by the City Administrator and City Attorney as requested by the City Council said they found that John Cavanaugh Associates have kept the City very well protected. “The Council had asked us to look at different strategies where the city could save costs.” He said the Cavanaugh Group received a high rating. He also noted there is a 60-day exit clause. He explained when new councilmember’s are elected, they have to wait 90 days before they can use the exit clause. This gives them time to weigh the pro and cons and sees for themselves how the City Attorney is doing before making a decision. He said the new contract is $125,000 less than the previous one.
Turning to the City Administrator’s contract, he said there is also an exit clause. Looking back on recent city history he said it appears every other year there has been a change in the City Administrator, which has harmed the city. “Often,” he said, “it appears that previous City Administrators have been fired on the whim of a single council member. This contract says if the individual does something dishonest there is no compensation when terminated.
The raise in the new contract is the same as the city workers, which is three percent. He said Mr. Marquez did not ask for a raise. This was an evaluation conducted by the City Council. He said a survey of the 30 cities in Los Angeles County reviewed revealed Hawaiian Gardens is rated third from the bottom as far as the City Administrator’s salary is concerned. “For city managers in the area, it’s in the bottom end.” Dr. Mathis sai, there is also an incentive in the contract for Mr. Marquez to get his Master’s Degree.
He said there is also a clause in the contract that basically states it is the City Administrator who works with the different departments in the city and sets the evaluations. The city council’s job is to set policy and work with the City Administrator and City Attorney
A Play on Words
After the salary debate, Barry Bruce, Pastor at the Way Out Ministries in Hawaiian Gardens accused the Council of forcing out low-income families in favor of middle class families. He said the council was following a policy of gentrification, which he said the dictionary defined as moving from a working class community to a middle class community. “I think this is what we all aspire for, to better our lives,” he stated.
He accused the Mayor of not reading the entire meaning of the word at the Aug. 11 Council meeting He said the American Heritage Dictionary defines it as a restoration and upgrading of deteriorating urban property by middle class and/or affluent people often resulting in the displacement of low-income people. He said the Mayor left out the part about the displacement of the poor, adding that according to the last Census report the average person in Hawaiian Gardens earns $13,765 a year compared to the California average of $28,678. He said 19.8 percent of these people were below the American poverty line, many of which are 65 years or older. He asked what would happen to these people when the city upgrades their neighborhoods?
He also accused the city of giving up to 80 percent free grants to businesses on Carson and Norwalk Boulevard but next to nothing to residents who desire to fix up their
homes.
Former Mayor Kathy Navejas asked the Council what they received from the city for there services, accusing them of getting $35,000 a year.
Councilman John Heckerman said that would be nice, but they only receive $40 a month. “Furthermore, the council unanimously voted not to take a cost of living increase this year. Referring to the City Administrator’s salary, he said Marquez did not ask for an increase. The Council thought it was time to give him one. “He’s earned it,” he stated.
Heckerman said he is getting tired listening to people coming before the Council and saying things that are not true and taken out of context. He said he has been a working man all of his life – a blue collar working man. “I identify with the people in Hawaiian Gardens. We are not going to throw anyone out of their homes. That’s the last thing I would do.”
“It’s not true that the city is not providing money to the people who want to improve their homes,” he asserted. “We have grants. That is what they are for. All they have to do is apply and if they qualify they get the help.”

Norwalk Council Denies Variance for Check-Cashing Business

By Andrew Perry

After an odd request from a check-cashing business, the Norwalk City Council voted against its opening a location in Norwalk at its Aug. 18 meeting.
Norwalk has had an ongoing moratorium on check-cashing/ payday loan businesses since April 15, 2008. Advance America, a check-cashing business, previously had a business in Norwalk and wanted to re-open its business. However, at the time of the council meeting, the company has indicated that it is no longer interested in opening its business at the proposed location, but was interested in what the city council would have voted, and so opted to keep the item on the council’s agenda.
“Why are we even voting on this?” asked Mayor Cheryl Kelley. The property owner Huey Byrne explained that “we are here on a forethought. While the business has since rescinded its interest, it wanted to look at the possibility of a variance based on the fact that the tenant was a previous business owner in the city.”
“If the city is interested, then they’re interested,” said Byrne.
The Council voted 4-0 against Advance America’s request.
In other news, the council voted to increase parking fees for the Civic Center, in an effort to offset revenue losses associated with the Norwalk Superior Court’s scheduled furlough and increasing costs of maintenance. The last fee increase for the Civic Center was in August 2006.
The council also adopted a resolution for additional funds to be put toward the purchase of nine hybrid buses. According to the staff report, the procurement of the hybrid buses is 90 percent funded from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from a capital grant, and 10 percent from Proposition 1B’s. Six 40-foot buses will cost $3,734,497 and three 35-foot hybrid buses will cost $1,866,970.
This procurement has no fiscal impact to the city’s general fund, as the cost is covered by other sources.
The Council also voted to enter into an agreement with Central Basin Small Water Producers Group. From 2006 to 2008, Central Basin and West Coast Basin developed a framework for groundwater storage.
The Central Basin Group wishes to do an economic analysis of the impacts of the developed framework on small water agencies before supporting it.
The agreement with Norwalk allows the city to participate in the analysis, and contribute towards the legal costs involved with the court submittal process.
The fiscal impact is determined to be $15,000. Ten thousand of this money has already been budgeted, and the resolution t the council voted on appropriated the remaining $5,000.

No Solution Yet To Gahr High School Traffic Congestion

By Larry Caballero

Cerritos residents began showing up early for the Special Meeting of the Cerritos City Council at the Performing Arts Center on Aug. 25 to learn what the City or ABC School District were going to do about the traffic congestion that occurs each morning and afternoon when parents drop off or pick up their teenagers from Gahr High School.
In attendance were all five members of City Council, ABC Superintendent Gary Smuts, Associate Superintendent Mary Sieu, Board members David Montgomery and Sophia Tse and the Principal and Assistant Principal of Gahr.
The problem isn’t new—the school was built in 1965, and from the time it was opened, Gahr was heavily attended. In 1972, the District converted the school to double session until ABC could complete construction of Cerritos High School in 1973. Gahr’s annual attendance is currently 2,020 students.
Gahr is located in the westerly portion of the district, but many of the students live east of the school. Consequently, pedestrian and automobile traffic has been an issue with many residents for a very long time. Typically, a majority of students arrive between 7:45 and 8:00 am and leave campus between 2:30 and 2:45 pm.
Over the years, the City has been contacted several times by residents who live near the school who are concerned with issues relating to the heavy traffic. Specifically, they are worried about cars blocking the street, making u-turns, using driveways to drop students and with pedestrians who congregate near the homes at the entrance to Mapes Avenue leaving litter and graffiti behind.
Numerous residents have contacted City staff and requested such solutions as limiting turns, providing additional signage, providing additional law enforcement, and installing a traffic signal. They have also requested that the City work with the School District on improving the unload/load capacity within Gahr High thereby reducing student drop off and pick up related traffic in the residential tracts adjacent to the school.
In 2007, several residents approached staff again regarding the problems, and in response, staff retained the services of Hartzog & Crabill, Inc. (HCI) Consulting Traffic Engineers, to conduct a traffic circulation analysis for the entire area. Its findings supported the residents’ concerns and suggested the creation of an on-campus loading/unloading zone of sufficient length that should provide the necessary convenience to serve all students being dropped off during the morning peak hour.
In 2008, the City approved the HCI/City Staff/ABC Administration plan to improve traffic circulation at Gahr at a cost of $130,000. It was hoped that the plan coupled with an aggressive education program administered by the School District would result in improvements to the neighborhood concerns. Unfortunately, residents continue to complain and parents continue to utilize the area neighborhoods to drop off and pick up students.
The City is considering six options that could potentially provide some relief to the issues raised by the Mapes residents:
• Increased law enforcement/security
• Staggered starting/ending school schedule
• Create No Stopping/Standing/Parking zones on Mapes Avenue
• Install a traffic signal at Mapes and Artesia
• Convert the neighborhood to a gated private community
• Close Mapes Avenue at Artesia Boulevard
Unfortunately, each of the options may lead to additional problems. Increased law enforcement and security is not feasible due to budgetary concerns which leaves three motorcycle officers to patrol 22 school sites with similar hours of attendance and similar traffic congestion and law enforcement issues.
A staggered school schedule may be difficult to implement and would be at the discretion of the School District and the Gahr Administration. A No Parking Zone would have limited impact since cars are parking only long enough to drop off or pick up. A traffic signal may encourage even more use of this location to drop off and pick up students, and a gated community would necessitate the creation of a Home Owners Association (HOA), the installation and maintenance of gates and the privatization of the streets and public rights-of-ways.
Closing Mapes at Artesia would be very expensive and may lead to additional traffic measures. Closing Mapes at Artesia with a service gate has the same issues. Consequently, City staff was seeking input from the impacted residents as well as from City Council as to the best course of action to take in exploring additional traffic congestion measures for this neighborhood.
Mayor Bruce Barrows said the Aug. 25 meeting was an attempt to correct the traffic congestion at Gahr and encouraged the 80 residents in attendance to speak. One resident stated that he has called the School District in the past to only be told that it isn’t their problem. Another resident of 40 years complained that it is impossible to go shopping or make a doctor’s appointment during the time of school opening and closing because of so many cars blocking her street. She also complained about speeding on Gridley from the 91 Freeway and sometimes her house will shake. One car crashed into a neighbor’s home when he couldn’t make a turn onto Artesia. “I’ve complained in the past, but the problem still exists. There are too many kids and cars.”
One resident was worried about property values with so many teenagers loitering and ditching school during school hours. She suggested issuing more citations to the drivers and pedestrians who are not obeying the laws. Yet another said it takes her 20 minutes to drive by four houses in the morning and suggested No U-Turn signs for non-residents.
A resident said that she called the Vice-Principal at Gahr who told her that there’s nothing that can be done, but she doesn’t believe it. She asked, “What is the school doing to resolve these problems? We’re living the nightmare every day.” She accused school administration of not doing their job. “Lip service is not enough.”
Barrows reminded residents that the City does not have authority over the School District but is sure the District wants to work with the City to find solutions. Superintendent Smuts said t the District has mailed numerous letters to parents, made announcements to students, made phone calls and wrote articles in the Community News asking parents and students to drive safely and legally.
Councilmember Laura Lee felt that “we have to keep working hard because there is always a solution to every problem.” Councilmember Jim Edwards said he knows the problems since he was an educator at Gahr for 30 years. “It’s a matter of respect for the law,” he said. Councilmember Carol Chen asked several questions of staff and Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Cho wanted to take an informal survey of the residents who were present at the meeting. He was interested to know which city options that were mentioned that night were acceptable to the residents. Mayor Barrows told Cho they were not going to do any surveys that night.
Cho understood that the survey would not be a scientific one, but he was still interested in getting input from the residents. Again, Barrows told Cho they were not going to do any surveys. The City will probably choose to do a more scientific survey in the future.
Property Preservation Commissioner Alon Barlevy suggested one option could be retractable steel bars on Mapes that would be implemented in the morning and afternoon times. “It may be expensive, but it’s technically feasible.” Councilmembers Lee and Cho asked City staff to research and/or modify Barlevy’s suggestion and to report back to the Council.

ABC School District Board Votes to Cut Member Compensation

By Shelley Henderson

In an action that continued a long-standing spirit of exemplary cooperation and support between the ABC School District Board of Education and the District’s administration, faculty and staff, the members of the Board voted 6-0 to cut the amount of money that each member receives for serving on the Board in an amount proportional to the cut taken by the District’s faculty and staff in contract negotiations approved at the June 23rd meeting of the Board.
Board member David Montgomery was absent. However, in an email sent to Board member Mark Pulido and read into the record, Montgomery expressed whole-hearted support of the proposal by invoking something his own mother had taught him: Don’t ask others to do something that you are unwilling to do yourself.
The budget approved at the June 23rd meeting assumed that the student population will shrink by 150, that new flexibility legislated by the state will allow transfer of $3.6 million in categorical funds the district will have available, $5.4 million in state fiscal stabilization funds from the federal stimulus program, and $1.8 million will be available from federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and that employee furlough days will provide approximately $2.2 million in savings.
The approved budget further assumed delayed rehiring of non-classroom personnel, reduced contracts and operating expenses, and elimination or modification of class size reduction programs.
Also approved at the same June 23rd meeting were labor agreements that called for a reduction of the work year and consequent reduction in compensation for teachers, staff and administrative personnel that explicitly included four unpaid furlough days.
Total net revenues in the approved budget came to $163 million and total expenditures of $165 million for a deficit of $1.5 million. The deficit will be made up from the district’s reserve fund.
Superintendent Gary Smuts opened discussion of the agenda item by praising the hard work and foresight of those who put the budget and labor agreements together under the cloud of the California state budget crisis. Because of that hard work and foresight, no further cuts are currently needed to bring the School District’s budget into line with the current state budget.
In his comments, District Chief Financial Officer Toan Nguyen stressed that changes to the budget may be forced later in the year should promised funding from the state be further reduced. That promised state funding depends on state revenues meeting projections in the current state budget.
On Aug. 10th, California State Controller John Chiang released information stating state general fund revenues dropped 8 percent in July 2009 when compared to July 2008. Personal income tax revenue dropped 11.5 percent ($335 million) year-over-year. Revenue from corporate taxes rose 9.1 percent ($18.9 million) and sales tax rose
20.8 percent ($185 million), not enough to make up for the drop in personal income tax. Gavin Riley, representing the ABC Federation of Teachers, Local #2317, spoke in favor of the proposal, expressing the consensus that all bargaining units were treated in a similar fair manner that would avoid long--term animosity. Especially appreciated was that no permanent employees have been laid off. He expressed gratitude for the Board members willingly voting to “join the club.”
Following the close of discussion, the proposal was approved by voice acclamation. It will result in a small but highly symbolic savings of $1,510 to the District general fund.
The headquarters for the ABC Unified School District is located at 16700 Norwalk Blvd. in the city of Cerritos. For more information call the District’s main telephone number at 562-926-5566 or visit the official District website at www.abcusd.k12.ca.us.

Artesia Council Studies Pioneer Boulevard Parking Proposals

Off-street structure will be built at 186th and Corby.

By Jerry Bernstein

The Artesia City Council took under study three proposals for off-street parking on Corby Avenue off 186th Street to serve the downtown area along Pioneer Avenue. The proposals include an automated multi-story parking structure with a computerized valet parking system that doesn’t need human assistance, a standard multi-story structure, and a surface parking lot.
As outlined by the company Dasher/Lawless U-Parkit, the driver would pull his/her car into an “Entry” compartment in the computerized parking structure similar to an automatic carwash, turn off the engine and set the emergency brake. The driver then takes the time to gather his/her belongings, children etc. and exits the compartment. The driver than activates the storage process by taking a coded parking ticket at the parking kiosk as he/she exits the compartment.
Upon activation of the storage system, sensors measure the vehicle for compatibility with the design of the system. The door of the Entry compartment is closed and the vehicle is mechanically lifted from the ENTRY compartment to a location in the storage vault via a conveyor transport device. The storage location is recorded in the system for retrieval to the bearer of the coded parking ticket.
To retrieve the vehicle, the driver returns to customer lobby and swipes the coded parking ticket at the pay station and pays the required fee. This activates the mechanical retrieval of the stored vehicle; the computer determines the vehicle location from data records for the user of that parking system.
Advantages of this parking system include it’s a compact system; the structure takes up only two-thirds of lot, expandable for future parking demand. no mechanical ventilation due to transporting vehicles without engine running, vehicle emissions ventilation system is not required, reduced lighting with interior lighting not required, safety and emergency lights only, enhanced convenience. Comparable to valet parking, there is no need to search for a parking stall.
Disadvantages are there is no U-Parkit System currently in existence in California, no information presented about event of mechanical failure, what solutions are to assist patrons whose vehicles are stuck in storage areas, lack of evidence about public acceptance, advantages/ benefits to city of for pioneering such a system in Artesia,
If the company goes bankrupt how will city find replacement parts or another company to assume maintenance and operation of facility?
Second Proposal
A second proposal is by Edge Development Company, who is managing construction t for the city’s new Public Works Yard. The firm proposed a more conventional parking structure.
Under its proposal the company would be responsible for the preparation of design plans, building the parking structure and then handing over the building to the City as a “turn key” package. Deputy City Manager Justine Menzel said this concept is extremely beneficial to a city that has no available staff personnel capable of administering and handling such a capital improvement project.
She said cost estimates for a permanent parking structure could range from $3.5 million to $5 million depending on the type of structure built. Menzel said even if
it is a pay parking facility, it can take 25 years or more to recuperate the investment
cost. Funding sources for the project will be from the proceeds of the 2007 bonds program.
The Council also looked at the possibility of constructing a surface parking lot. The costs, including demolition of the existing buildings on the land, installation of a 93-spaced surface paved parking lot, complete with lighting and landscaping is estimated at $250,000. Unlike the proposed multi-story parking structure, the surface lot could be constructed in two months and quickly recover the initial investment costs within two years.
In her report Menzel pointed out that once the paved parking lot is operating, City staff could then evaluate and report back to the Council and Parking Authority whether a parking structure is needed. Such an evaluation is important to prevent the City from investing $3.5 to $5 million dollars in construction costs for a parking structure that might not be effectively utilized or under-utilized after completion of the parking lot.



•

Cerritos Joins Group in Lawsuit Against State

Part of League of California
Cities challenge to state’s seizure of local funds.

By Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council approved a resolution authorizing City Manager Art Gallucci to join the League of California Cities, the California Redevelopment Association, and other cities and associations in litigation challenging the constitutionality of any seizure by the State of local funds.
In her report to the Council, Assistant City Manager Kathleen Jung Matsumoto said recent action by the Governor and State Legislature to balance the state budget by seizing local government funds is unconstitutional. She said it is estimated this fiscal year.
2009-10, Cerritos will lose $8.9 million in redevelopment funds and $1.1 million in property taxes through a loan allowed by voter approved Proposition 1A.
In addition, another $2.3 million in redevelopment monies will be seized in the next fiscal year 2010-11. She said the redevelopment funds will be a total loss to the agency and the property tax loan should be paid with interest within three years under Proposition 1A. “The seizures of these funds will reduce available resources to the City and Redevelopment Agency and alter the course of our operations for the next several years,” she concluded.
In other business the council authorized the construction of a mid-block pedestrian crossing on Moore Street between Studebaker Road and Manning Way.
In his report to the council Assistant City Engineer Kanna Vancheswaran said in 2006 United Parcel Service [UPS] completed a 425 space parking structure for its employees on the north side of Moore Street. The nearest legal pedestrian crossing is more than 1,000 ft. to the west at the intersection of Moore Street and Shoemaker Avenue.
Vancheswaran said UPS has agreed to test for the installation of light standards and to install flashing LED pavement markers and safety signage similar in scope to what the City has done at other unprotected mid-block crossing along arterial streets.
The Council also approved a Voluntary Green Development Program recommended by the Planning Commission. In her report to the council, Planning Assistant Kristin Huy said the goal of the program is to address and promote green development site design and construction resources for residents or businesses interested in healthy, energy-and resources-efficient green development practices.
Huy also said it will encourage the development of environmentally friendly buildings by providing information on the City’s website on what green development is, why green development is important and beneficial to the community, methods and techniques for green development, and information on resources, rebate programs and incentives.
In a 3-2 vote, the Council voted to end its membership in the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System [MCLS], which is an association of 33 independent cities, county, and special district public libraries located throughout Los Angeles County. MCLS members extend on an equal basis, loan privileges to residents of other member libraries and provides a link for reference referral to members, enabling them to provide answers to difficult questions without purchasing the range of expensive resources required for an in-depth research.
The council’s action follows MCLS joining with two other systems. Members of the Council however, felt the Cerritos library is available for students and employees of the ABC School District and employees who work in the city as well as its residents. Councilmembers Carol Chen, Mayor Bruce Barrows and Jim Edwards felt, with the economy being in recession they did not believe the library should be further open to the public. “We’re not a regional library, but a city library,” they said. Councilmember Laura Lee and Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Cho, said the benefits of the library should be available to all who want to use it. They did not believe the expansion of MCLS would influence how the library was run and the number of books that would be available to Cerritos residents.

Cerritos Polluted City?

Publisher's Rant
Time to Act

I heard about the most polluted city report while at the car wash Tuesday morning on Good Day LA, the local Channel 11 show on FIX, excuse me, Fox TV. This is owned by the same corporation that airs Hannity, Beck, Bill O’Really, and other right wing nut jobs, so is this report surprising coming from an organization that allows the aforementioned on the air?
As the owner and I watched, he was as shocked as I. “Not a good way to start your short retreat to Santa Barbara with you daughter for her college orientation”, I said. The reporter blithely stated Cerritos is the blah, blah, blah, and then did not back it up with any facts, much like many reporters on FOX, she must be in training to move up. It got so bad that the lead anchor said, “in all fairness Cerritos is a beautiful city”. “Damn right”, I said.
So what should be done about this? I trust that the city will handle its’ own but that still leaves you and us. Call your congress-people (Linda Sanchez, Grace Napolitano), senators (Tony Mendoza, Alan Lowenthal), Supervisor Knabe, any ear you can bend and tell them that you are outraged and something needs to be done. Post your comments on our blog and we will publish, http://lccng.blogspot.com.
This paper respectfully asks our local politicians act too, and we, as the watchdog in the community, will be monitoring this closely.
It is damage control time, we were broadsided in an attack that took everyone by surprise, but the damage was done. So its time to act.

Letters to Editor and Opinions

Editor's Column
A Fine is a Fine-Albeit a Penalty-a Tax is a Tax and a Fee is a Fee

By Jerry Bernstein

At the April 9 Cerritos City Council meeting a resident during public comments accused the Council of adopting a tax under the guise of a fee. He said this was in violation of the City Charter and Proposition 218. He also said the Charter required fees “be cost based and not a revenue stream to the City.” He was referring to the Administrative Citation Fine for violation of city code by property owners. He concluded by stating if the administrative citation fines were not reduced, then he would report the matter to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
City Attorney Ken Brown rebutted the accusation at the Council’s April 23 meeting, pointing out that an Administrative Citation Fine was a penalty, and not a tax nor a fee. He said a tax was a monetary imposition by government for the purpose of raising revenue for public use. A fee was a monetary imposition for the use of a service or operating a facility. The Citation Fine enacted by the Council was a way for the city to enforce violations of city code without having to go to court. “”It is neither a fine nor a fee. It’s a penalty.” He concluded by stating the Administrative Citation Fine was legal and valid and was not in violation of Proposition 218, nor in violation of the Cerritos Charter.
Residents have the right to object about city policy and/or ordinances they believe are intrusive. They don’t have the right to throw about accusations they know are not true and which they hope Cerritos residents are gullible enough to believe without checking on the facts. Residents can be upset over actions taken by the city council, and they can come before the council and state their objections. What they should not do however, is spin facts around to fit their opinion.
Cerritos is and has been governed well since it became a city. It may have an overabundance of city codes that some believe should be modified and updated, but the majority of Cerritos residents like their city. They like its environment, the paved streets, its designation as a tree city and an “All American City.” They also like the programs available to their children, seniors and their library and Performing Arts Center. It’s a city where crime is low, especially when compared to other cities.
Cerritos is a city families want to live in. It may not be perfect, but that’s where you, its residents come into play. Members of the City Council are elected to serve you. The do the best they can and need to hear your voice, but they need to hear sound suggestions and/or complaints.
The Council’s adoption of the ordinance amending the city code pertaining to the regulations, driveways and walkways on single family residential property didn’t
really change the code. It updated it so residents could understand it more clearly.
At its April 9 meeting the Council sent back to the Planning Commission the
section pertaining to RV’s and campers for further study. In so many words, that part
of the code stays the same. The Council listened to your comments and acted accordingly.
Concerning night off-street parking, One suggestion made after the meeting by the Mayor was the city might utilized the internet whereby residents could e-mail their requests for parking, saving them the time of coming down to the sheriff station for a permit. Not a bad idea.


Publisher's Rant
Thanks Rush!

You heard it here first, on newsprint, forever emboldened in ink. I want to thank Rush Limbaugh (and Hannity and Beck). I want to thank you for being bombastic and racist, and for taking one-fifth (and dwindling) of the country that believes your drivel with you. Thanks for making the Right Wing Republican Party the “Talk Show Radio Party”.
You want Obama and his ideology to fail? Keep proclaiming it from your den filled with smoke and drugs (allegedly).
Thanks for being so darn far to the right that you are chasing some of your own out of the party. Keep up the good work! A recent Pugh poll showed that 79% of the voting Republicans don’t know where the party is headed and don’t like it. Spew Rush spew.
I can just hear what you will say about Arlen Specter leaving the party. “Outrage, let’s support the other Democrat running against him in Pennsylvania in 2010 (much like his failed vote for Hillary campaign this past year) to kick the bum out!” How dare he leave the party of the people! Traitor, he is doing it to save his political career!
True statement given the current wave in Pennsyvania-much like the party with only forty seats in the Senate now.
Truth is Rush, you and your colleagues have done the work, and I thank you.
Specter, 79, a veteran of 29 years in the Senate, has found his party dominated by ultra-conservatives and himself becoming one of a handful of Republican moderates remaining among the 535 members of Congress. “I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans,” Specter said.
Well said Senator. Who in their right mind would align with such radical political views?
In typical conservative criticism, not long after Specter met privately with Republican senators to explain his decision, the party’s leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, said the switch posed a “threat to the country.”
The issue, he said, “really relates to ... whether or not in the United States of America our people want the majority party to have whatever it wants, without restraint, without a check or balance.”
You mean Senator McConnell, like when Bush and his cronies had the majority for eight years? Where were your complaints then?
The “threat to the country” is not one Senator jumping to the other side, it is, as I said in a column in this paper two months ago, the unchecked, uncensored blather that comes from right wing radio. But who knew that it would get so bad as to cause voters and politicians to jump the Republican right-wing ship? Not me. But in any case, I want to thank you for that Rush, keep on broadcasting!

Comment on Luera

Dear Editor:

You recently reported that Norwalk Councilmember Jesse Luera was sued for sexual harassment by a city employee. While I defended another Councilmember who was sued for sexual harassment, I cannot defend Mr. Luera when it comes to these charges. First and foremost, the employee involved is a valued member of our community and to my knowledge has a stellar record as an employee of the City of Norwalk. I have personally worked with Mrs. Sanchez on various volunteer projects and have seen her perform an excellent job as both a Public Safety Officer and being in charge of the Public Safety Cadet Program.
Unlike the other Councilmember who had no previous accusations of harassment, Mr. Luera has a long legacy of sexual harassment allegations and lawsuits brought by employees and residents. He was sued in 1985-1986 for wrongful termination and harassment by an employee and sued again in 1991 by a minor child and her mother for personal injury while a member of the Norwalk LaMirada School Board. In addition, I am aware (as reported in another newspaper) that two employees of the Social Services Dept. brought accusations of sexual harassment against Mr. Luera, who was the City’s Social Services Director in 1994. Mr. Luera’s employment was terminated due to those charges. I worked for the local community newspaper at the time and was aware of not only these charges, but that one employee also accused Jesse Luera of rape. The Sheriff’s Department investigated the complaint but did not find enough evidence to charge Mr. Luera. I am told that there are two other lawsuits from the late 1970’s and early 1980’s but the Superior Court only keeps records online from 1983 so I was unable to verify that information.
Finally, in his comments during the City Council meeting on April 21st, Jesse Luera said that he would retaliate against this employee and file his own lawsuit later. The word RETALIATE was an interesting choice of words by Mr. Luera. On March 6, 2008 Mr. Luera himself told me that he was angry at the Public Safety Director and the Cadet Program and in his words, “he was going to get rid of that girl in charge of the Cadet Program”. The “girl” he referred to was Mrs. Sanchez. I asked him why and he refused to elaborate. Mr. Luera and I had this conversation just prior to Mrs. Sanchez being informed that she was being removed from the Cadet Program based on a complaint by a City Councilmember. I can only see this as retaliation by Mr. Luera against an employee. For what reason, I do not understand. As I said previously, Mrs. Sanchez was a good employee and did not warrant this type of retaliation.
I would hope that the City would settle this matter immediately, restore Mrs. Sanchez’s good name, and not retaliate any further against her or her family. She has suffered enough.
Hopefully, the voters in Norwalk will show Jesse Luera that we will no longer accept this type of behavior from him should he run for re-election in two years.

Mary Jane McIntosh
Norwalk Resident

Open Letter to Korean Veterans

Mayor Pro Tem Cho is working with the Friends of American Veterans of the Korean War to commemorate the 61st Anniversary of the Republic of Korea. As part of this event, the Korean and Korean American communities would like to express their appreciation to those members of the American military which assisted the Republic of Korea in expelling the Communist invasion. An appreciation dinner, concert and symposium will be held on June 21 and 22 (Sunday and Monday), at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada to honor those veterans.
Mayor Pro Tem Cho would like to obtain the names of all American Veterans of the Korean War that reside in the City of Cerritos, and extend an invitation to those veterans and their spouses to this special event. The Friends of the American Veterans of Korean War will host the event and provide for full accommodations for the night of June 21 and meals associated with the two day program. Transportation will be at the expense of the attendees.
We are asking for your help in locating these individuals so that they can be acknowledged by the Friends of American Veterans of Korean War for their help and sacrifices during that time. Please submit any names and addresses of those that served during that time to my attention and I forward the information to Mayor Pro Tem Cho for mailing of the formal invitations. Since time is of the essence, I would appreciate any information at your earliest possible convenience.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

Thank you.
Kathy Matsumoto
(562) 916-1303

ABCUSD Swine Flu
Information to
Parents and Staff

Dear Parents and Staff,

In an ongoing attempt to keep staff and parents informed on important health issues, we are providing this information letter regarding the Swine Flu.
Recently there have been a few diagnosed cases of Swine Flu in Mexico, San Diego County and Riverside County. Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Los Angeles County.
The following information includes facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health. It addresses many of the questions you may have regarding this strain of flu.
Swine Influenza is a respiratory virus with symptoms similar to that of regular flu.
• The virus is not spread by food, such as eating or handling pork products, but by direct contact with an infected person and/or coming in contact with a contaminated surface.
• This season’s flu vaccine will not protect against the swine flu.
• Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.
• We encourage you to continue to use the same safety practices you have had in place during the flu season. These practices include:
• Stay home when ill. Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications to control fever.
• Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom and after using a tissue for coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Cough or sneeze into the fold of your elbow or into a tissue.
• Stay in good general health by getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
Flu symptoms usually come on quickly (within 3-6 hours) and consist of the following: fever, lethargy, sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches, and lack of appetite. Less common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, stay home and speak to your doctor within 12 to 48 hours of becoming ill. Antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are recommended by CDC for treatment if swine flu. Swine flu can only be diagnosed by the collection and laboratory testing of a respiratory specimen within the first 4-5 days of becoming ill.
We will continue to keep you informed on the status of Swine Flu in Los Angeles County based on information received from the California Public Health Department and/ or the CDC.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gary Smuts
Superintendent
ABCUSD