BeaconMediaNews.com
8 | january 20, 2014 - JANUARY 26, 2014
Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduces broad government data privacy bill Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) has introduced legislation to lessen the chances that government collection of “Big Data” jeopardizes the privacy of citizens. The broad mandate, AB 1442, would strengthen the notice requirements before the government gathers personal data and would require the prompt destruction of personal data when it is collected by a government entity. “Protection from government intrusion into our personal lives has been a tenet of American liberty since the founding of our republic,” said Gatto. “Whether it is the NSA, a city, or a school district, people have the right to know when, and for how long, the government can gather and keep their personal data before destroying it.” One aspect of the measure requires that parents be notified when school districts gather information about their children and that any such information be destroyed
within one year of the student turning 18 years of age or leaving the district. This provision is in response to concerns expressed by students and parents in the Glendale Unified School District, when it was discovered that the district had hired a company to monitor students’ social-media accounts. Such monitoring raises concerns that pictures and text posted by still young and impressionable students could be stored by private companies, only to be released (or threatened to be released) decades later by a hacker or an unscrupulous employee (perhaps while a former student is engaged in a job search or grad-school application). “I support Glendale Unified School District’s commitment to preventing cyber-bullying, drug abuse, and other threats to the safety and security of its students,” said Gatto. “But parents and students alike should be given reasonable warning and assurances that information
will be properly destroyed after its need has passed.” The now-outdated Information Practices Act of 1977 set basic rules for California’s maintenance of personal information, to guarantee that agencies protect citizens’ information and their privacy to the greatest extent possible. The Act requires government agencies to keep personal information that is “relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required or authorized by the California Constitution or statute or mandated by the federal government.” AB 1442 adds local agencies to the list of governmental entities governed by the Act, and sets strict rules for data destruction after it has served its necessary and relevant purpose. “During an era of omnipresent intrusion in our lives and increasingly frequent data breaches, all levels of government must take steps to safeguard our personal information,” said Assemblyman Gatto.
Digital billboards alert drivers and residents during Colby Fire
The Colby Fire near Glendora, CA has already burned through 1,700 acres in the Angeles National Forest and caused the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents. In an effort to aid those who have been affected by the fire, Clear Channel Outdoor is using space on 19 of its digital signs in the area to display emergency information about evacuation shelters. The signs are being updated in real-time to offer the most up-to-date information on evacuations that are currently underway. -Courtesy Photo
High school boys' basketball scores Mark Keppel 56, San Gabriel 38 Monrovia 63, Edgewood 28 Muir 82, Burbank 80 Hoover 64, Arcadia 55 Temple City 67, Alhambra 57 Pasadena 63, Glendale 43 Buckley 80, Blair 37 Sunny Hills 75, Gabrielino 67 El Monte 44, Rio Hondo Prep 35 San Marino 46, Rosemead 32 La Salle 52, South Pasadena 49 Bishop Amat 53, Bosco Tech 39
Long-term Myrtle Ave. closure at railroad crossing
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Continued from page 1 now the rail crossing over Santa Anita which heralds the fast pace at which Gold Line Construction Authority is working to get the light rail through the San Gabriel Valley cities. The next phase in Gold Line construction in Monrovia begins this weekend with a full closure of Myrtle at Railroad next week. Crews will be constructing grade crossing improvements on Myrtle Ave at the railroad crossing (just north of Duarte Rd) in the City of Monrovia, as part of the 11.5-mile Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project. This grade crossing work requires a full closure of Myrtle Ave at the railroad crossing for four months. To prepare the street for the long-term closure, the intersection of Myrtle Ave and Duarte Rd will be closed nightly on Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. On
Monday morning, Duarte Rd will re-open to thru-traffic; while Myrtle Ave will remain closed for four months at the railroad crossing (just north of Duarte Rd). Saturday, January 18, 2014 to Sunday, January 19, 2014, nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Intersection of Myrtle Ave and Duarte Rd will be closed to thru-traffic. Monday, January 20, 2014 through May 2014: Duarte Rd will re-open to thrutraffic; while Myrtle Ave will remain closed to thru-traffic at the railroading crossing (just north of Duarte Rd). Standard construction work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Occasional longer hours, work on Sundays and/or night work may also be performed. - During the closure of the street, detour routes will be in place and signage will be posted to direct motorists and truck drivers.
- Pedestrian access through the closure will be provided on one side of the street. Detour signs will be posted to direct pedestrians and bicyclists during the closure, and a crossing guard will be available for assistance during school hours. - Motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternate routes when possible. - Bus stops in this vicinity may be temporarily relocated. For information about: - MTA bus stops, call (323) GO-METRO (323-4663876) or go to www.metro.net - Foothill Transit bus stops, call (800) RIDE-INFO, (800-743-3463) or go to www. foothilltransit.org - All businesses in the area will remain open and accessible during the closure. For more information call Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority 626-305-7004 (office) www.foothillextension. org.