SEE PAGE 2 FOR titanium toilet scam flushed out by city
Pasadena Press
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014 - AUGUST 3, 2014
pasadenapress.com
California approves bill to minimize concussion risk for youth footballers by jennifer schlueter
Mike Gatto moves to adjourn the State Assembly in memory of American hero Louis Zamperini
Board) approval to mandate actions to conserve water supplies throughout California.
mer months and requires water leaks to be fixed within 72 hours.
Under Pasadena’s water waste prohibitions ordinance Chapter 13.10, the Level 1 shortage plan limits outdoor watering to three days per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during sum-
To declare a Level 1 shortage, the City must hold a public hearing and receive City Council approval. The Council is currently scheduled for its Please see page 2
Please see page 2
which will prohibit full-contact practices taking longer than 90 minutes a day in middle and high schools. Full-contact practices will be limited to twice a week, and completely banned during off-season. Furthermore, if a head injury is suspected, players cannot return to the game at all or before gaining approval from a medical professional. These regulations aim to prevent and reduce severe concus-
sions in young football players. The rules, supported by the California Interscholastic Federation and sponsored by Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), will be enforced starting January 1, 2015. California will then be one out of 20 states to prohibit off-seasonal full-contact practices. The CIF additionally voted Please see page 4
Pasadena Water & Power to implement Phase 1 Water Shortage Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) officials are recommending that the Pasadena City Council determine a local water emergency exists and to implement the Level 1 Water Supply Shortage Plan at its July 28, 2014 meeting. The recommendation supports the July 15, 2014 State Water Resources Control Board (State Water
VOLUME 1, NO. 13
Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) honored the life and legacy of local Hollywood Hills resident Louis Zamperini by moving to adjourn the Assembly floor session in his memory. A World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker, and Olympic distance runner, Zamperini was a true American hero. He died of pneumonia on July 2, 2014 at the age of 97. Zamperini lived in Gatto’s 43rd Assembly District. “I got to know Louis Zamperini when we sat next to one another during a flight one evening,” said Gatto. “He was a very memorable guy, and humble and charming despite his incredible life story. His tales are burned in my mind.” The child of poor Italian immigrants in Torrance, California, Zamperini became a celebrated runner, representing the United States in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Later, as a bombardier for the Army Air Corps, Zamperini survived for forty-seven days on a raft in the Pacific Ocean, rescuing two of his crewmates after their plane crashed behind enemy lines. Zamperini survived the ordeal by eating birds, fish, and
La Salle quarterback gets tackled with an opponents head last season. Luckily no one was injured in this incident but it helps illustrate the need for legislation.- Photo by Terry Miller
With more and more football players suing the National Football League because of severe head injuries and the increasing awareness of the public about the tragic aftermath of such concussions, the NFL and college leagues reacted by limiting full-contact practices, which has already proven to reduce concussions. Last Monday, Governor Jerry Brown signed the AB2127 law,
SEE PAGE 3 for largest food distribution company sued
2 | JULY 28, 2014 - AUGUST 3, 2014
Titanium toilet scam in Pasadena flushed out by city Apparently some Pasadena Water and Power (“PWP”) customers have been approached by a company named Titanium Power, an active vendor in Southern California, which is offering toilet replacements at no cost to the resident, according to a memo sent to City Manager Michael Beck. Titanium Power employees make door-to-door visits and line up toilets in neighborhoods throughout the city. The company often misrepresents themselves as “partners” of the city, providing city logos on their flyers and other misleading information in an attempt to coerce residents into replacing their toilets. PWP stresses that it is not affiliated with Titanium Power. They have not “partnered” with PWP, nor are they “working with” PWP. Titanium Power has been distributing and installing toilets and then submitting claims
for a $200 rebate offered by Metropolitan Water District as part of PWP’s water conservation program. PWP is not responsible for the products provided and installed by Titanium Power. Like with any contractor, PWP encourages residents to obtain multiple quotes, check references, and check product reviews. Pasadena residents may select any vendor when participating in any of PWP’s rebate programs, including the toilet replacement. Residents, or their vendors, may apply for a $200 high efficiency toilet rebate at SoCalWaterSmart.com. PWP will continue to offer increased rebates for water-saving devices. For a list of PWP rebates, please visit PWPweb.com/SaveMoney. For water conservation tips, please visit www.PasadenaSavesWater.com.
Gatto honors Zamperini Continued from page 1
American hero Louis Zamperini-Photo by Terry Miller
sharks, only to be captured and tortured as a POW at “Execution Island” in the Japanese-occupied Marshall Islands. Overcoming the continued abuse, Zamperini survived the war and eventually returned to Japan to offer forgiveness for his tormentors and carry the torch for the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. He leaves behind a son, Luke; a daughter, Cynthia; and a legacy of perseverance that
will be memorialized in the feature film Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, which will be released this Christmas. Gatto’s motion to adjourn in memory of Zamperini was published on July 3, 2014. A spoken motion will also be made by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), who represents Zamperini’s hometown, when the legislature returns in August.
Phase 1 Water Shortage Continued from page 1
Change lives. Make wishes come true.
Become a Make-A-Wish ®
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers for Make-A-Wish give their time and talents to help bring hope, strength and joy to children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. We have a special need for volunteers in the Inland Empire to help local children.
Get Involved Today ocie.wish.org | 714-573-9474
July 21, 2014 meeting to consider setting the actual hearing for the City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting July 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Second Floor. The State Water Board decision requires statewide adoption of four water waste restrictions that are already in place in Pasadena. “As early adopters of these measures, the City believes it’s important for everyone conserve water. These new regulations will ensure that everyone in the state will join Pasadena residents in this important effort,” said Eric Klinkner, PWP Chief Deputy General Manager. The City approved 13 permanent water waste prohibitions in 2009 as part of Chapter 13.10 ordinance. These measures will remain in effect under the Level 1 Shortage, including: • No watering outdoors between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., ex-
cept with a hand-held container or hose with a shut-off nozzle. • No watering during periods of rain. • No excessive water flow or runoff onto pavement, gutters or ditches from watering or irrigating landscapes or vegetation of any kind. • No washing down paved surfaces unless for safety or sanitation, in which case a bucket, a hose with a shut-off nozzle, a cleaning machine that recycles water or a low-volume/ high-pressure water broom must be used. • No washing vehicles except by using a hand-held bucket or similar container or hose equipped with a water shut-off nozzle . A complete list of Pasadena’s water waste restrictions is available at PWPweb.com/WaterWaste . Fines for repeat offenders can be up to $500 per violation for residential customers, and up to $1,000 per violation for all non-residential accounts.
JULY 28, 2014 - AUGUST 3, 2014 | 3
hlr media EDITORIAL jschlueter@hlrmedia.com Editor Jennifer Schlueter Publisher HLR Media Advertising advertising@hlrmedia.com Submissions:
Please send all press releases to: jschlueter@hlrmedia.com HLR Media, LLC .All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff at HLR Media, LLC 1000 E. Walnut St., Suite 227 Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 386-3457 Fax: (626) 600-4452
Alhambra PRESS ANAHEIM PRESS
Baldwin Park
Belmont Beacon INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
Pasadena Press
San Bernardino Press
Largest US food distribution company sued for holding perishable food in unrefrigerated sheds The nation’s largest food distribution company, Sysco Corporation, will pay nearly $20 million dollars in a consumer protection settlement for illegally holding perishable foods, such as seafood, milk and raw meat, in unrefrigerated, unprotected storage sheds. This is the largest settlement of a food safety prosecution in California history. This case was investigated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and prosecuted by The California Food, Drug and Medical Device task force, made up of the District Attorney’s Offices of Orange, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Alameda, Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and Shasta Counties. The case was filed in Santa Clara County. Deputy District Attorney Tracy Hughes of the Consumer Protection Unit prosecuted this case for the Orange County District Attorney. Circumstances of the Case: Sysco is the largest food distribution company in the nation and among the largest worldwide. California law requires food distribution companies to register all vehicles and sites used to transport or store food with CDPH, which regulates food distribution and storage of perishable items to protect consumers from unsanitary conditions and food-borne illness. Beginning in or after 2010, Sysco used unregistered storage facilities and vehicles to store and transport smaller food shipments to commercial restaurants, schools and hospitals. Sysco trucks routinely delivered food orders to unrefrigerated mini-storage units, the same type in which people store extra furniture and other household items. Most of these units had no refrigeration and some were unsanitary. The shipments included products such as seafood, pork, beef and dairy products, all of which are extremely perishable. These smaller orders were dropped secretly at these unreg-
istered locations for employees to transport later to commercial customers. Sales representatives transported these smaller shipments in personal, unrefrigerated vehicles, also in violation of California law. The practice was uncovered by a reporter in Northern California. State inspectors subsequently found that Sysco had used at least 22 unregistered storage sites throughout California. Food coming through these sites reached commercial customers, and ultimately consumers, throughout the state. Furthermore, Sysco engaged in misleading advertising, falsely claiming to use only “state of the art distribution warehouses,” and
go “above and beyond government regulations.” Sysco trucks also bear the slogan, “Quality Assured.” Sysco has agreed to strict injunctive terms to cease the unlawful and unsafe practices. As terms of the settlement, they will be required to pay $15 million in civil penalties, $3.3 million to fund a food inspection program administered by the CDPH, Food Safety Division, and to implement a company-wide food safety and food safety education program. Sysco will also provide $1 million worth of fresh food to California food banks to be distributed based on need. Approximately $55,000 of fresh food will go to Orange County food banks.
Long Beach Office 3780 Kilroy Airport Way Suite 360 Long Beach, CA 90806 Ph. (562) 472-0071 Fx. (562) 689-0071 Los Angeles Office 5701 South Eastern Avenue Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90040 Ph. (323) 727-1144 Fx. (323) 727-9198 www.heger-industrial.com Lic. #00814086
4 | JULY 28, 2014 - AUGUST 3, 2014
Pasadena Central Library façade restoration project Pasadena’s Central Library’s magnificent south façade is impressive to residents and visitors alike. On Sunday, September 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library and the Pasadena Public Library Foundation will co-host a cocktail party in Central Library’s Great Hall, 285 E. Walnut St. to raise funds to restore the eye-catching “face” of the building that overlooks Walnut Street and the historic civic center. Why is restoration needed? Consider the history of Central Library. Ninety years ago, ten architectural firms competed for the privilege of designing it; the commission was awarded to the firm of Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers. Construction began in 1925, the date inscribed over the front entrance. Dedicated two years later, the library now ranks on the
National Register of Historic Places. The last restoration took place between 1984 and 1990, funded in large measure by the Pasadena Public Library Foundation. Now the magnificent arched windows, stonework and exterior wall of the south façade are in critical need of restoration, repair and painting due to decades of sun exposure and general weathering. Funds raised from this event will restore the façade to its former glory. The fundraising gala will highlight the year-long celebration of 130 Years of Reading in Pasadena. Tickets for the event are $130 each and available for purchase through the Pasadena Community Foundation website; www.pasadenacf.org. Pasadena Public Library is extremely grateful to the two hosts for their sponsorship of this event, The Friends of the
Pasadena Central Library - Photo by Terry Miller
Pasadena Public Library and the Pasadena Public Library Foundation, true friends and supporters of the library. The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, founded in 1975, funds the library’s programs, special services and cultural events. Pasadena Public Library Foundation, now an endowment fund of the Pasadena Community Foundation, was
established 31 years ago to refurbish and maintain the beautiful and historic Central Library building. Tickets and donations benefiting the organization are taxdeductible to the full extent of the law. For more information, contact Catherine Hany at (626) 744-4207 or chany@cityofpasadena.net.
California approves bill to minimize concussion risk for youth footballers Continued from page 1
on limiting weekly practice hours to 18 per week. According to the LA Times, Cooley said: “AB 2127’s practice guidelines will reassure parents that their kids can learn football safely through three hours of fullcontact practice … to maximize conditioning and skill development while minimizing concussion risk.” A study by Dawn Levine, a clinical neuropsychologist and assistant director of the Youth Sports
Concussion Program for Kaiser Permanente, demonstrates that one-third of the average 600 hits to a high school player’s head occur during practice. Former New Orleans Saints executive Terry O’Neil estimates that per season, high schoolers endure 100,000 concussions - 60-75 percent of them during practice, The Sports Legacy Institute claims. Levine agrees with the bill, because less full-contact practices will reduce the number of injuries, and thus,
the “risk of any long-term damage,” the LA Times reports. According to the same LA Times article, Sen. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale) and Sen. Joel Anderson (R-San Diego) voted against the bill. In Knight’s opinion, the law makes California high schoolers less competitive for college scholarships, whereas Anderson believes that legislature should not interfere with sports practices. LA Roosevelt High School football coach Javier Cid said in an interview with the Times that full-contact practices are necessary to determine starters. “Concussion can change a kid’s life,” Cooley told Reuters. “Viewed through that lens, this bill is not crazy. It’s good for kids and it’s good for parents.” For the assemblyman, the players’ health and the concerns of their families are more important than a possible impact on football practices: “I anticipate other states will follow our lead as they consider the interests of kids and families,” he said in a press release. “We have a multitude of evidence that this does not just affect professional
athletes, but that younger kids who are still developing are just as susceptible and the effects of impacts. Research has shown hits don’t have to produce a concussion to have long-lasting effects.” In 2006, Zackary Lystedt, a middle school football player, had suffered severe head injury from a game. After a three month coma, and despite several therapies, Lystedt “still walks with a cane and has limited speaking abilities,” said the Washington post. Together with his parents, he fights for stronger regulations of football practices and awareness of concussions and their consequences. According to the LA Times, Loyola High School in Los Angeles has already taken an exceptional step to detect concussions. Principal Frank Kozakowski demands every single one of his students at the all-boy Catholic school to participate in a baseline test to assess “the student’s balance and brain functions [with the help of memory and problem solving skills] so it can be used and compared with a similar exam if the student is suspected of having a concussion.”