BeaconMediaNews.com
OCTOBER 15, 2012 - OCTOBER 21, 2012 | 9
Opinion Here We Go Again; Another Handicapped Lawsuit By susan motander Another business owner has stepped forward to acknowledge that he and his property owner have been sued for inadequate access to the handicapped. Last week, it was the Copper Lamp in Monrovia; this week it is the Peacock Donut Shop in Arcadia. The interesting thing about both these lawsuits is that the plaintiff in each case is John Ho, believed to be a resident of Vista, California. The virtually identical suits were both brought by the same San Diego based law firm using what is usually referred to as “boilerplate,” shorthand for standard language in a contract or lawsuit. Part of that standard language is interesting in that it says the plaintiff would “like to return and patronize” the targeted business, but cannot do so until there is compliant parking. A logical question arises. Why would a man believed to be from Vista in North San Diego County want to patronize a donut shop in Arcadia and a liquor store in Monrovia? Granted, Peacock Donuts does have really good coffee (they recently won a silver medal for their cof-
fee in our readers poll) and Copper Lamp does carry the early racing forms for Santa Anita, but does Mr. Ho really want to drive around a hundred miles for a cuppa good Joe and a racing form. It strains credulity. (My editor says I shouldn’t use words like credulity – “Its strains credulity” means it isn’t logical or realistic, i.e. No one really believes it). What is credible is that Ho is filing these lawsuits for the money. And by these lawsuits, I mean all of them he has recently filed. The more than 150 filed in the East District of Los Angeles County were all filed using fee waivers. In other words, other words, as tax payers we are paying for these lawsuits. Usually unless there is a recovery of more than $10,000, the state does not try to recoup the fee waived for indigent plaintiffs. Unfortunately, these small business owners and the property owners (in both these cases small businessmen themselves) have to defend themselves in these lawsuits. The only thing we can do is patronize their businesses. Buy donuts and a cup of that highly rated coffee at Pea-
cock. If you don’t drink or go to the races, you can buy your lottery tickets at the Copper Lamp (they are the same price everywhere). Or support their respective property owners, Mike Martinez at Star Auto Electric right behind the Copper Lamp in Monrovia (from personal experience, the shop does great work with complex foreign car electrical systems as well as with the audio systems) and Alan Wilson whose TV repair shop, Service TV is located just two doors west of the donut shop on Duarte Road (he must do good work – he’s been in business for more than 45 years). We agree, that the handicapped should have easy access to businesses, but lawsuits are not the way to do it. The individual who filed the lawsuits contacted neither business. Both property owners said that if notified they would have made changes to the property if that were what the law requires. Patronizing these small businesses is a small way to show support for them as they face this new challenge. After all, we are already supporting the plaintiff.
Public Arts Commission in Temple City Seeks Applicants The Temple City Council is seeking applications from those who live or own a business in the community to fill five seats on its newly created Public Arts Commission. The Commission, established as part of a recently enacted public arts ordinance, will shape Temple City’s public arts program by developing a philosophy, guidelines and public arts master plan for the community. Serving in an advisory capacity to the City Council, it will also recommend funding mechanisms for public art, as well as evaluate the design and selection of installations planned as part of the upcoming Rosemead Boulevard and Las Tunas streetscape projects. Both
projects will result in new public art over the next five years, with three installations to be selected and completed by January 2014 as part of the Rosemead Boulevard Enhancement Project. With the incoming art installations, Temple City becomes the 34th community in Los Angeles County to adopt and implement a public arts program. Those interested in becoming part of the new commission are encouraged to apply. Candidates should be visual arts professionals (e.g. curator, arts educator, architect, design professional), practicing professional artists, or have a keen interest in public art. Applications can be downloaded from the City
website, www.templecity. us, or by visiting the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 9701 Las Tunas Dr. Deadline to submit applications is Nov. 9. Commissioners will be selected through an interview process with selections named by the City Council on Dec. 4. Commissioners serve for two-year terms without compensation; however, the City does cover commissioner costs for training and conferences as resources allow. The Commission will begin meeting regularly in January. A standing meeting date is tentatively set for 7 p.m. on the first Wednesdays of the month. For more information, contact Brian Haworth at (626) 285-2171, ext. 2323.
Life Remembered Ruby Alice Fromm - St. George, Utah Ruby Alice Fromm, 99, passed a way peacefully in her sleep August 13, 2012 in St. George, Utah. She was born Junbe 8, 1913 in Pasadena to George and Alice Dodge. She married Earnest A. Fromm on October 19, 1935 and lived in Temple City California for over 65 years. In 2011, she moved to St George To be closer to her family. While she lived in Temple City, she became Lifetime (50 year member) of both the order of the Easter Star #299 and Temple City Shrine No. 81.
Ruby is survived by 2 nieces, Patricia Feary, of
St. George, Utah and Virgina West (Don), of Fallon, Nevada; five grandnieces:
Karen Feary, Moab Utah. Kimmberely, Victoria, Kelly, Valeria all of Fallon, Nevada and a grandnephew Alan (Janet) Feary of St. George, UT. Ruby was a loving wife for over 65 years, and a good friend to many who shared her life. She will be greatly missed by her family and fondly remembered by her many friends. Memorial services will be held October 20, at 2PM at the San Gabriel Cemetery. Rev. David Palmer, First Methodist Church of Temple City will officiate.
Voter Information Night, Oct. 23 in Temple City Are you in the know for this coming election? On October 23rd at 7pm, the League of Women Voters will present both sides of the propositions
and initiatives that will be on the ballot this coming November. This free event is open to the public. The event is being hosted by Temple City First Unit-
ed Methodist Church at 5957 Golden West Ave. in Temple City. For more information visit www. templecityumc.org.