Vol. 52, No.32
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
August 27, 2014
Special Section
Local Events
Chamber Edition
Sports
Summer Travels
Temple City, San Gabriel, & ROSEMEAD PAGE 5
page 2, 3 Visit Car Culture at http://www.midvalleynews.com/
page 6-7
page 9,10
page 11
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Are You Prepared for the Big One!! by American Red Cross National
Are you at increased risk from earthquakes?
For the pulse of the San Gabriel Valley, local news, special events, and school events check us out.
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• Contact your local emergency management office, local American Red Cross chapter, state geological survey or department of natural resources. • Mobile homes and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk during an earthquake. • Buildings with foundations resting on landfill and other unstable soils are at increased risk of damage. Did you know? Doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure. During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. This will provide some protection from falling objects that can injure you during an earthquake. • Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly. • Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. • Practice drop, cover and hold on in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy
furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. • Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed. • Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation. • Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to
wall studs. • Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs. • Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit. • Brace overhead light fixtures. • Install strong latches or
Photo by Emergency Management Resources
bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor. • Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose. • Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin new construction.
Big One continued on page 8
El Monte Union High Shcool District Adopts Resolution Urging Repeal or Change to SB 858 or Current Resident
by Anne Donofrio-Holter El Monte
The El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) Board of Trustees adopted a resolution on the local reserves cap (SB 858) at their August 6, 2014 board meeting asking the California legislature and Governor Brown to immediately repeal or substantially change the language contained in Section 27 of the bill. Given today's uncertain economic climate, school district reserve funds are essential. During economic downturns, these funds can assist with payroll expenses and help the District pay for items such as school bus
replacement, supplies for students and unexpected maintenance like roofing or repairs to heating and cooling systems. The EMUHSD currently maintains a reserve of approximately 10.78% to provide for these expenses. SB 858, signed by Governor Brown on June 20 of this year, will require school districts to spend their reserve funds down to no more than two to three times the minimum level of the statutory reserve for economic uncertainties or emergencies. "In one year, school districts would be forced to
spend down their reserves and ending balances to levels that could jeopardize fiscal solvency," said Superintendent Nick Salerno. "Many school districts are still funded below their 2007-08 levels and cannot survive another downturn without fiscally responsible cash reserves." The EMUHSD resolution, passed unanimously by the EMUHSD Board of Trustees, states that Section 27 of SB 858 needs to be repealed allowing districts to establish and maintain reserves above the statutory limit to better enable the district to
maintain programs and services during economically challenging times. "The last round of budget cuts to schools was unprecedented in the quantity and duration in the history of our state. Now we are expected to keep minimal reserves, unless a waiver is granted for a specific reason, and rely on the state to help with a rainy day fund," added Salerno. "I do not want to have to rely on the state when an economic downturn comes again."