arcadiaweekly.com Thursday, SEPTEMBER 05 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
Rep. Adam Schiff speaks out for military action in Syria Congressman Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a senior Member of the Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after briefings by the Administration over the past few days on the Syria crisis . Schiff joins a growing list of Democrats and Republicans who feel that action is warranted now after the chemical attacks. “During the past ten days I have been receiving updated intelligence briefings and reports, and the evidence is now compelling that the Assad regime gassed its own people on August 21, killing about 1400 including over 400 children. This evidence of chemical attack comes from intelligence sources, respected NGOs, widespread and contemporaneous social media reports and video, and soon Please see page 4
1st Ave. & Santa Clara St., Arcadia closed September 9, 2013 through February 2014 Crews will be constructing grade crossing improvements at the intersection of 1st Ave and Santa Clara St in the City of Arcadia, as part of the 11.5-mile Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project. This work requires a full closure of the intersection at the railroad crossing through February 2014. Additionally, to construct the parking structure and transit plaza adjacent Please see page 23
Volume 18, No. 36
Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
Federal appeals court upholds ban on gay–to–straight ‘therapy’ Law bans harmful psychological abuse of children
grateful to the court for recognizing that the law is a valid exercise of California’s duty to regulate medical professionals and ensure that they do not advance ineffective and harmful prac-
A $5 million gift from David and Kathleen Berkus and their family will create a new endowment that will enhance Occidental College’s ability to stay current with the latest advances in technology. In recognition of the Berkus family’s generosity, Occidental’s newest, largest and most popular dormitory, currently known as Rangeview Hall, will be named Berkus Residence Hall. A formal dedication ceremony will be held on Sept. 29. Berkus, a 1962 Occidental graduate and Arcadia resident, is a long-time college trustee who as a member of the board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee played a major role in the development of the five-year-old, 274-bed residence hall that will bear his name. “Dave’s practical knowledge of the nuts and
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-Photo by Terry Miller
Thursday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld California SB 1172 which prohibits dangerous and disproved efforts designed to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender expression that have
proven to inflict great emotional harm. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law last year. A similar bill in New Jersey was signed into law by Republican Gov. Chris Christie just last week. Upon learning of the Court’s decision, Human
Sierra Madre to import ‘treated surface water’ Sept. 16 Water is treated with chloramines instead of chlorine The City of Sierra Madre is preparing to temporarily change the source of water supply residents are receiving. Beginning on September 16, 2013 the source of water will change from local groundwater to imported water from San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD). SGVMWD will provide imported treated surface water produced by the Metropolitan Water District
of Southern California (MWD). The change to MWD water supplied by SGVMWD is necessitated by the seriously reduced local groundwater levels resulting from several years of dry weather conditions according to a press release sent out last week. MWD is a fully permitted water system to treat and distribute treated surface water. Please see page 5
Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin issued the following statement: "Today the court made a powerful statement that California’s LGBT young people deserve to be protected from grave psychological abuse. We're
Arcadia family donates a $5 million gift to Occidental
Monrovia city manager Laurie Lile offers resignation after only 16 months The short-lived city manager made the following statement: “After much consideration, I have decided to retire from my position as City Manager and conclude my more than 30 years of public service. While I have enjoyed my time in the City of Monrovia since April 2012 and the opportunity to serve this community, I look forward to the next chapter of my life. My husband and I plan to retire and move to Nevada. I advised the City Council on Monday of my decision to leave effective October 14, 2013. This is a wonderful
City, and the support and collaboration within the community, City Council and City Staff is extraordinary. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to talk with so many residents through the Plan Monrovia process, and to gain a greater understanding of the community. I wish Monrovia all the best and I have great confidence that the City will continue to remain an excellent place to live and work for many years to come.” According to Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, the City Council will discuss the process for filling the City Manager position during Closed Session at its
-Courtesy Photo
next City Council meeting on Sept. 3. Following the Closed Session item, the Council will report publicly any action it took. Please see page 2