montereyparkpress.com
FREE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 - november 20, 2013 - Volume 1, No. 15
California’s healthcare site working just fine, says Sen. Dr. Ed Hernandez
Veterans Day celebrated throughout the Valley
State residents can easily sign up for Affordable Care Act coverage
Senator Californians will find none of the troubles plaguing the federal government's web site to sign up for health insurance, according to California State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez of the 24th District. Speaking at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Affairs Forum on Nov. 7, Hernandez reminded attendees that California has its own Covered California web site for state residents to access for the national Affordable Care Act that became national law in 2010. Among the benefits of the new service: • All adults over 18 must now carry health insurance, including the 4.5 mil. - 5 mil. currently
Glendale Water & Power (GWP) is warning customers that there is an increase in utility phone scams. Many GWP customers have recently reported receiving phone calls from impersonators posing as customer service representatives asking customers to pay their GWP bill over the phone. Callers direct customers to purchase a “Green Pack Money Card” from 7-Eleven or Rite Aid convenient stores, or face an immediate water or power shut-off. These scammers also use sophisticated spoofing software to display GWP or a local
uninsured, or a penalty will be charged when they file their annual income tax. Initially the penalty in 2014 will be 1% of the annual income or $95, whichever is greater. By 2016, the penalty increases to $695 per adult and $374.50 per child or 2.5% of family income, whichever is greater. (Exceptions for very low-income and a few groups.) • No one can be denied coverage, even those with pre-existing medical conditions. • There is a maximum amount that any insured individual would ever have to pay in the event of a catastrophic medical expense - $6,350 for an individual, and $12,700 for a family.
Please see page 6
Union Station homeless services’ Dinner-inthe-Park
Please see page 3
Jewish Federation establishes relief fund for victims of typhoon Haiyan The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has opened a Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund to raise money for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan and the aftermath. "An entire nation has been affected by the horrendous devastation of Typhoon Haiyan," said Jewish Federation Executive Director Jason Moss. "The Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys’ Jewish community is ready to respond to provide support to those most in need, and our thoughts and prayers go to all of those whose lives have been greatly affected by this devastating typhoon." Community members wishing to make contributions for this cause can
do so in one of two ways. The first is to mail, call or drop-off contributions at the Jewish Federation (Attn: Typhoon Haiyan Relief, 550 S. Second Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 or 626.445.0810). Or, you may donate to Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) online at https:// secure-fedweb.jewishfederations.org/page/contribute/ phillipines All funds collected by the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys will be directed to social welfare agencies in the affected areas serving both the Jewish and general communities. The Jewish Federation will absorb all administrative costs, ensuring Please see page 4
Utility fraud calls continue
-Photos by Terry Miller
This year, hundreds of friends, relatives and Veterans stood together in unity honoring each member of the military with a friendly “Thank you for your service, ” in Pasadena, Glendale, Monterey Park and thousands of cities all over the United States Monday. Service men and women from Sierra Madre VFW also were on hand in Pasadena for the ceremonies as was World War 11 decorated veteran Bollinger. This year’s events, while recognizing the important contributions made by all veterans, made a special emphasis on honoring the nation’s youngest and newest veterans. "This year, we are featuring the Pasadena Com-
munity College (PCC) program, which is the number one program in California for returning veterans from the Long Wars," said John Watkins, event committee chair. Bill Thomson, event
committee member, former Pasadena mayor, practicing lawyer and present PCC Trustee, arranged for the PCC Pep Band to play a selection of tunes inPlease see page 2
2,000 volunteers get set to serve 4,000 a warm Thanksgiving meal 2,000 volunteers. 4,000-5000 meals. Dubbed the “Biggest Potluck in the Nation,” Union Station Homeless Services’ Dinners-in-the-Park brings together 2,000 volunteers on Thanksgiving Day to feed homeless men, women and children in Pasadena’s Central Park. For 38 years, volunteers have purchased, prepared and served over 4,000 meals at this annual community event. Meal recipients include homeless and low-income adults and Please see page 5