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Monday, July 12 - July 18 , 2010 Volume III, No. XXViII
Arcadia Gold Line Station Relocated
Major Reorganization Plan Freezes Salaries By Amy Leong
Temple City’s Council decisions took a huge downhill fall for employees after approving the new bud g et pl a n ; e n abling the workers to pay into their retirement fund and freezing the employees pay raises. With the new 2010-11 budget, the $9.8 million cuts down on three jobs, but open three new positions: an economic devel-
opment director/assistant to t he cit y ma nager, a community development director, and a code enforc ement s uper v i s or. A lt hough it seemed as i f it c ou ld n’t g et a ny worse, employees’ op tional medical benefits were reduced and a 1-percent salary contribution to the California Public
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50 Books for 50 Years Program Continues By Amy Leong
Adding to the one of many new developments and dramatic changes in Arcadia, the Gold Line’s Relocation breakthrough was decided at the end of June to create easier transportation for nearly ever yone involved. A fter months of planning, the City of Arcadia was informed that the Gold Line station is relocating from the eastside of First Avenue to the westside of First Avenue. However, the extension not only affects the Gold Line, but the parking lot located on the Westside will also be
extended to four levels instead of the original two, which also creates safety to those who are crossing the parking lots to the station platforms. As far as the station platform designs, the once chosen color scheme of plain vanilla is now in the process of being approved, instead to reflect elements of the Santa Anita Park. Added to the station canopy (rooftop) and station platform benches as well, the thoroughbred horse theme is tentatively to be funded by Santa Anita Park. In addition to the new dramatic relocation, a major agreement was finally signed by Metro and the Foothill Extension Con-
st r uct ion Aut hor it y on July 2 to formalize the schedule of funding (totaling $810 million) over the next nine years and to layout the working relationship between the two agencies. During Phase 2A, L.A. County’s Measure R half-cent sales tax approved in November 2008 will adhere to many transportation improvements in the county, the Gold Line being the first and is also likely to be the single largest public works contract awarded in 2011 anywhere in the nation. With the new expansion in progress, the new Gold Line Bridge will be extended an additional 11.4 miles from the Sierra Madre Villa station
in Pasadena. Desig ned by a M innesot a a r t ist , t he G old L i ne Br idge is expected to bring in $1 billion in economic output during construction, $40 million in tax revenues, and 7000 jobs with 2600 in construction alone. Because of the artist’s inspiration of the area’s frequent snakes and Chumash Native Americans, the structure was designed to include four basket-shaped columns that light up. As one of t he f irst projects to be state funded, a major dedication ceremony was held on Saturday, June 26 at New Castle Park in Arcadia.
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Edward Wong Installed as President of Arcadia Chinese Association By floretta Lauber
T he A rcadia Chinese Association hosted its installation and a del ic iou s su m mer bu f fet in the Sunset Room at Santa Anita Golf Course on June 29t h. Off icers all wore orchids, and the theme for the eveing was “Get to Know You.” T he event w a s a t tended by all five Council Members and some spouses, the city manager
a nd ma ny depa r t ment heads. The large turnout from City Hall was in honor of the Chinese Association for their effor t s to br ing toget her the Chinese community into the mainstream of A rcadia, a nd for t heir volunteer efforts for over 20 years. Mistress of Ceremonies, Angeline Chen, was assisted by Polly Ho and
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Arcadia mayor, Peter Amundson (right), installed on June 29th Edward Wong (center) as new president of Arcadia Chinese Association, shown here with Pearl Chen, immediate past president.
Reading has become a favorite past time for many and there is nothing better than to stop by you r neighborhood library to find that “special” book. The City of Temple City is continuing to accept donations of new books and DVDs to support the Los Angeles County Library – Temple City with “50 Books for 50 Years.” Residents are invited to stop by City Hall, 9701 Las Tunas Drive to
choose a book or DVD title from the library wish list. All donations will be gladly accepted. Each book or DVD will have a special “donated from” plaque affixed to each donation. Let us do the shopping for you! Monetary donations will be accepted. For additional information, please call Debbie Ingram at the Department of Parks and Recreation (626) 285-2171 ext. 2328.
Tickets on Sale Now for “Jukebox Nights” The City of Temple City proudly presents Dining Under The Stars, “Jukebox Nights” on Thursday, August 19, 2010. This highly anticipated event will be held at Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Drive from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Event tickets must be pre-purchased at City Hall, 9701 Las Tunas Drive beginning July 12. Tickets are $15 each - reserved tables for groups available - tickets are limited and usually sell out prior to the event date. Guests will enjoy café style seating, food
samples from local restaurants and bakeries and all your favorite hits from the 1950s by The Mike Nelson Band. Alex DiPeppe’s, Baskin-Robbins, Beto’s Grill, Cabrera’s Restaurant, Café Roule, Casa Del Rey, Edible Arrangements, El Super Burrito, Jr., Munoz Catering, Olympic Bakery, Pino’s Place Italian Restaurant, Rose’s Donuts, Starbucks, Subway and Susie’s Kitchen will join the evening’s festivities. For additional information, please Debbie Ingram at (626) 285-2171 ext. 2328.