April 2007 June 2007 NOVEMBER 2009 FEBRUARY 2010 March 2009 Jan/Feb 2009 April 2007 June 2007 NOVEMBER 2009 March 2009 Jan/Feb 2009
Volume 2, V,Number ISSUE VOLUME ISSUE 4 3 Volume 4IV, Issue 11664 Volume 2, Number VOLUME ISSUE 3 Volume 4IV, Issue 1 44
Salazar RECALL Hides Montebello Montebello Police Athens Police Officers Officers Vote “No Vote “No Funding Confidence” Confidence” in Complaints Filed in Police Police Chief Chief with State Agency 13 Officers File 13Kathy Officers SalazarFile who, along Lawsuit Alleging with Robert Urteaga, is the Lawsuit Alleging subject of a recall this TuesDiscrimination Discrimination day, February 23rd, failed to
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RESULTS IN SPECIAL ELECTION EDITORIAL
Recall Recall of of Urteaga, Urteaga, Salazar Set Salazar Set for for February 23 February 23
After five months of effort, After fiveRecall months of effort, Montebello proponents Montebello Recall were elated to learnproponents that their were elated to learn thatefforts their signature gathering signature gathering efforts paid off. 11,871 signatures for paid off.Urteaga 11,871and signatures Robert 14,959 for for Robert Urteaga and for Kathy Salazar were 14,959 submitted Kathy Salazar were submitted to the City Clerk on July 27th to Citybefore Clerkthe ondeadline. July 27th justthe a day justThe a day before the deadline. grounds for Urteaga’s Theinclude grounds Urteaga’s recall hisfor prior felony recall include his prior conviction, “lying to thefelony pubconviction, “lying to thespecial public” and “supporting lic” and “supporting special Alberto Perez Christina Cortez interests,” and the grounds interests,” the “allegedly grounds for Salazar and included for Salazar included laundering campaign“allegedly money,” laundering campaign money,” “alleged ethical misconduct” “alleged ethical misconduct” and “supporting special interand ests,”“supporting as listed inspecial noticesinterfiled ests,” as listed in notices filed with theto Clerk back in Februfter nearly two years of a council ma- politics-as-usual incumbents they seek replace. with the Clerk back in February. business backjority that more than ignored the citiChristina Cortez offers a sound ary.An undisclosed number zens of Montebello—they exhibited ground coupled with an honest commitment to An undisclosed cards were returnednumber to the By October 1, the Cityoutright Clerk certified the for recall as sufficient to order a special eleccontempt thesignatures voters—it her community. Cortez has of logged hundreds of cardsbywere returned to the By October 1, the City Clerk certified the recall signatures as sufficient to order a special elecClerk the Athens spontion. Proponents needed anew minimum of 5,376 signatures each for Salazar and Urteaga. In the end,sports is time to bring hope to Montebello. of volunteer hours in local programs as a Clerk by the Athens spontion. needed a over minimum of 5,376 signatures each for Salazar andfor Urteaga. In the end, sored campaign against the rethereProponents were 896 the requirement for Urteaga 948 over Salazar. Thesignatures Montebello News is proudand member, youth activities, sored schoolcampaign events, and against the rethere were 896 signatures over Community the requirement for Urteaga and board 948 over for Salazar.
disclose a $50,000 Police contribuThe Montebello OfThe Montebello Police Officers Association, group tion from Athensthe Services ficers Association, the group that the 86 men and the represents Montebello Commuthat represents the 86 men and women who protect Montenity News hasprotect learned. women who Montebello, voted that they had law, “no Under California bello, voted that they had “no confidence” in the current pocandidates are required to confidence” in Weast. the current police chief, Dan disclose all campaign exlice chief, Dan The vote ofWeast. 90% has come penses and contributions The vote of 90% has come on the heels of two other votes on the heelsthe of intervals. two votes at The to scheduled rescind 2007other endorseto rescind the 2007 endorseSpecial of Election held ments councilbeing members ments of council members in Montebello required Robert Urteaga for concealing Robert Urteaga for 5concealing Salazar to file by p.m. on his felony conviction, Kathy his felony conviction, Kathy Salazar for interfering deThursday, Februarywith 11th. Salazar formatters, interfering department and with both for See 7 As of Friday, February 19th, to endorse Christina Cortez to replace Robert civic programs that prove she will put inRECALL, the time Page partment matters, and both for See RECALL, Page 7 their support of Chief Weast. Salazar still had not filed. Urteaga and Alberto Perez to replace Kathy Sala- to serve us well. A graduate of UCLA, Cortez is their support of Chief Weast. EDITORIAL Police Association PresiSeveral Montebello resi- EDITORIAL Police Association Presizar in the Recall Election on February 23, 2010. dent Al Martinez and his dents Al filedMartinez complaints with dent and his See Editoral, page 4 Both are in sharp contrast to the self-centered, board announced the “no con-
New Hope for Montebello
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board announced theits “nomemconfidence” decision to Seeto Hides, page 4 fidence” decision its membership with this comment, bership with this comment, “The ballots have been counted “The ballots been counted and the votehave of no confidence and the vote of no confidence has been passed…although we has we maybeen differpassed…although with the philosophy may differ with the philosophy of the Chief of Police, I urge of theyou Chief of Police,that I urge all of to remember we all of you to remember that we are professional Police Officers are professional Police Officers and our duty is to protect the and our duty is to protect the public.” A power shift resulted from public.” was 2009 appointed theWeast November City by Weast was appointed by council members Vasquez, Council Elections held last council members Urteaga and Salazar Vasquez, in 2008 November unseating Urteaga and Salazar inone 2008 amid much controversy. An incumbent, leaving another amid much controversy. An independent panel of Police independent panel of Police for a record 6th term, Chiefs interviewed 7 and candiChiefs interviewed 7 candibringing in two newcomers. dates that included Weast, but dates thatwas included Weast, but This thethat most expenrecommended the city recommended that the city sive campaign in Montebelsearch elsewhere since they search elsewhere they didn’t find any Athens of since the seven lo history with Serdidn’t find any of the seven qualified. vices spending an estimated qualified. See NO, Page 6
Bring Bring Honesty Honesty and and Stability Stability Back Back to to City City Council Council Our Our Council Council Recommendations Recommendations
Saucedo-Rodriguez did not Saucedo-Rodriguez did not seek reelection. seekNow reelection. more than ever, MonNow ever, Montebello more needsthanhomegrown tebello needs homegrown leaders who are interested in leaders whowhat are isinterested in preserving right about preserving about Montebellowhat andis right not about Montebello and not about their next political move. their next political move. After much deliberation, much deliberation, the After Montebello Community Montebello Community What began as a lawsuit the for $25,000 in early 2007 News is recommending CounNews is recommending Counover her removal from the cilman all-volunteer Montebello Bill Molinari and Art cilman Bill Molinari andto Art Citizens Patrol has resulted in a payout $130,000 Barajas for of Montebello City Barajas for Montebello City Councilwoman Kathy Salazar. Council. Council. Yes, removed there is afrom thirdthe seat Salazar claimed she was unfairly Yes, there is a third seat Bill Molinari (left) and Art Barrajas have proven themselves wor- filed open,just and we are leaving it Citizens Patrol in a lawsuit before she ran for Bill and Art Barrajas have proven themselves wor- open, and we are leaving it thy Molinari of leading(left) Montebello. up to the voters. However we re-election to the City Council She named thewe thy of leading Montebello. up in to 2007. the voters. However recommend Dr. Frank City and former Police Chiefhighly Garry Couso-Vasquez as highly recommend Dr. Frank turo “Art” Barajas, Dr. Frank Jorge Manzur, Nancy CadenaGomez or Giuseppe Veneziadefendants.Nancy Cadena- Gomez or Giuseppe Veneziaturo “Art” Barajas,“Joe” Dr. VeneFrank Jorge Gomez, Giuseppe Perez,Manzur, and Richard Garcia. no, both who can bring much Before being elected, Salazar asked for $25,000, reGomez, Giuseppe “Joe” Vene- Perez, and Richard bring much See, Page 2 ziano, Jamshid Jimmy Javaheri, Councilwoman Mary Garcia. Anne no, both who can See, Page 2 ziano, Jamshid Jimmy Javaheri, Councilwoman Mary Anne
Wave of Reform Sweeps in Molinari, Barajas and Gomez
$300,000 to elect three canSee NO, Page 6
This is perhaps the most This isMontebello perhaps the most important election important Montebello election in over a decade. Far too long, in over a decade. Far too Montebello City Hall has long, been Montebello City Hall has been controlled by a few, big money controlled by a favored few, big money interests that candiinterests that favored candidates who awarded contracts dates who awarded contracts or money to their contributors. or money to their While it may notcontributors. be illegal, it While it mayMontebello’s not be illegal, it has tainted pohas tainted Montebello’s political process, and it is time to litical process, and it is time to put it to an end. putThere it to anare end. nine candidates There are nine candidates running for three open seats on running for three open seats on the Montebello City Council: the Incumbents Montebello City Bill Council: Molinari Incumbents Molinari and Mayor RosieBill Vasquez are and Mayor Rosie Vasquez are challenged by newcomers Archallenged by newcomers Ar-
Councilwoman Salazar Settles Lawsuit Against City for $130,000
See Settles, page 4
See Reform, page 5
PRSRT STD PRSRT STD U.S. PoSTage U.S. PaID PoSTage PaID Ca Montebello, Montebello, Ca Permit #207 Permit #207
Seepage Page See page85 famed eatery at Montebello and Whittier See See Page38
Montebello Community News™ News ™ Montebello Community Montebello Community News™ Montebello Community News ™ P.o. Box 1433, Montebello, Ca Ste 90640 5280 E. Beverly Blvd., C277 P.o. Box E. 1433, Montebello, Ca Ste 90640C277 5280 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022 Los Angeles, CA 90022
Montebello High School Premature Taylor Ranch Montebello High School Zankou inTaylor the Ranch Premature Celebrates 100 Years of Celebrates 100 Years ofCity Demolition Embarrasses Heart of Montebello Demolition Embarrasses City Educational Excellence Owner abides by customers, opens Educational Excellence See page 3
Page 22 Page
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL EDI TORIAL October 27, 2009
ED I TO RI A L
Montebello CommunityNews News Montebello Community
MONTEBELLO COMMUNITY NEWS’
LETTER THE EDITOR YES ONTOINBOX Dear Editor,
RECALL
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ast week I attended letterhead or other identifying Molinari who gave his account reads: City Hall. the Candidate’s Fo- information. This alone raises of what he had observed. over Montebello “He (Molinari) also Lied rum hosted by the doubts as to the authenticity If these two documents his Council Colleagues” Theirtoinfluence resulted in League of Women and integrity of these docu- are authentic, their contents mailer shows electingThe a convicted felonatoreproRecallCannon. campaignments has been asking VotersThe at Yes the on Quiet merely show that 3 different duction of a letter bearingisthe the council. Their influence the community to “Finish What We Started,” At the end of the event I was Working on the assump- eyewitnesses: Investigator Miletterhead ofthe thecampaign Los Angeles still bankrolling I have Montebello handed copy ofagree a mailer theseofdocuments are lived chael in Aguilar, Councilmember County District Attorney’s and wea couldn’t more. tion The that removal coffers of Councilwoman Kathy “More Lies From Councilauthentic and have not been Rosie Vasquez and CouncilOffice, Bureau of Fraud And all my life and am heartbroken Rosie Vasquez this past November was just Salazar who’s a sellout to the man Bill Molinari.” Here is altered, the point of displaying member Bill Molinari, all obCorruption Prosecutions, Pubby the current state of affairs in a start. We urge the community to remove highest bidder. myCouncil analysisMembers of this Kathy politicalSalazar theseand twoRobert documentsmy sidecity. by Montebello served the same event; albeit lic Integrity Division. Now has always I’m on whose mailer: side is to somehow “prove” wetaking have control a document beenthat a safedifferently. haven for me and Urteaga by voting rd February 23 by voting 1. The banner at the top of Councilmember Molinari lied Anyone who of has ever taken aunthenticity is onto firmer my children and a source Yes on the recall Let’stomake recallground. Kathy Salazar and Robert the “More Lies From Couninvestigators by comparing a class in basic Psychology (or tremendous pride. ballot measure on Urteaga.The I hope my fellow cilman Bill Molinari” mailer statements contained in each. is in law enforcement) would mailer’s sidebar comAfter these past few years, Tuesday, February sure that states: Does this “proof ” hold up? know that it is quite common mentary residents to this dodocument Montebello the rd that source of pride has eroded 23 . “Bill Molinari Lied toMontebello the No, it does not. for eyewitnesses to give con“Molinari same.states: Restore decencydenied and puba sense SHAME. I never Salazar Police and DepartMontebello The Memorandumto gives an of flicting accounts of the same lically (sic) that he initiated dignity to Montebello City the a clean thought see the day a Urteaga are the gets account ment” of the incident from I would incident. Hall!investigation of Councilwomconvicted felon would serve on The top,left corner of the the perspective of one eyewitIt certainly does not prove an Kathy Salazar with untrue perfect examples slate so our inside fold our allegedly Senior that Councilmember allegations. The District Atcouncil. I never thought I’Molinari d of why State shows a ness, Michael Aguilar,the John Perez City can reprint of a Memorandum sent Investigator. was lying about what he obtorney says otherwise.” see the day that a Montebello Constitution has by a Tori Jordan, Supervising The Letter is far more in- served. Councilmember The writer’s intended City Councilwoman would start Moprovision for restore its Investigator Michael Agui- teresting. In the letter,screaming Detec- linari have simply at hermay colleagues and viewed meaning behind the sentence removing to elected lar, Senior Investigator. image The tive as R. Thomas statescouncil he wasstaff theinincident from a different “Molinari denied publically a public meeting. officials before plan that to exercise my the intop, right corner of the mailer first approached by Council- vantage point or had a differ- I (sic) he initiated Why is she so angry? their next election. constitutional right by voting to Beverly allegedly shows a portion “the of a member Vasquez who gave ent interpretation of what he vestigation of Councilwoman What’s happened here In just two short letter signed by a Detective R. an account of what she had observed. with alrecallKathy KathySalazar Salazar anduntrue Robert of theA few minutes in Montebello? years, Salazar Hillsobserved. Thomas. later, 2. And The more middle banner Urteaga. of legations.” not enough entirely clear. I haveishad of importantly, did Lies we get and BothUrteaga of thesehave documents the same detective was ap- thehow “More From CounIs theplaying writer trying to Hall say that the game at City Eastside.” here? Where did public civility bankrupted arenearly reprinted without a visible proached by Councilmember cilman Bill Molinari” mailer See LETTER, Page 4 with my children’s financial
Give us back our pride
Is this the State of Our City?
go? It must have been voted out the city with livelihood at stake. along with ethics and humility. their irresponsible spending sprees for selfI’m a single parent that Ms. Salazar and Mr. Urteaga, works hard to pay my bills and promoting events, forgiveness of loans, you have brought shame to awarding of lucrative contracts to campaign taxes. When I go to work, it this city. Your only saving grace contributors, and the hiring of unqualified costs me time away from my been to resign from political allies important city positions. business would continued fromtopage 1 impressive experi-haveous grants for his scientific effort to is give Athens Services family – this irreplaceable. In You chose instead Both Salazar and Urteaga ence are named in at their rivals because it worked and is no strangerpublic to Cityoffice. research projects. His posithe exclusive trash hauling return, I am paid a fair wage so to “be right” instead “doing three lawsuits against the Hall City having which may to least the job. served many years tion on theof issues matches the the with required I cancontract providewithout my family what’sAright” for the residents Without a doubt, as athere Citysettled. Commissioner. community’s interests,ofand his bidding process. Vasquez was cost taxpayers millionsCounby the time their basic needs. As a lifelong cilman Molinari has demhomeowner raising three boys deep understanding of Montealso behind the controversial Montebello. They also were the decisive votes to give Athens Montebello resident I take onstrated and again, his along with his a to bello’s is a you much needed hiring of Dan Weast as Police I plan voteissues to recall Servicestime an exclusive contract that resulted in wife, Irma, pride in paying my share. willingness the in special Schurr High graduate,both Barajas commodity a council that has led to 13 offion February 23rdinand take mem- I Chief two yearstooffight turmoil Montebello. think I’m anot that against different interests that plague our city is here to stay. We like his nober. cers filing lawsuit the back my sense of pride in this Kathy Salazar was investigated by the from other residents when I politics. Much has been made nonsense, straight forward atThis is Giuseppe Veneziacity. With District Attorney wonderful city! District Attorney’s office for conflict of interest say that I want my the hardscreaming earned of Mr. Molinari’s 20+ years of titude towards the issues, and no’s second time on the ballot. investigations, in voting for the Athens contract. Although tax money be council well managed. service in a nasty campaign see a bright future for him and He made a good showing two matchesto at meetings, Gloria Ramirez When the DAbydidn’t pursue the case, they did when not he’s elected. years ago, launched Robert Urteaga I learned lawsuits, that my trash Montebello and if the communinumerous wasted exonerate her as she claims. Whether legal or and financially backed by Ath- We first met Art Barajas as the ty knew about Urteaga’s felony money, andMontebello, awarding of fees were totheincrease He never livedgoing in Salazar to has“retire” definitehim. issues with ensnot, Services band ethics. directorThe of the all-volun- conviction, he would have been $130,000 to Kathy her because of a few greedySalazar, council revealed has given Wiseguys Big elected. Veneziano is a homeOninvestigation the contrary, now isthat not Athens teer Montebello council alli, Vasquez has done members, I was moved to thethousands time to remove Mr.toMoliBarajas much to damage Montebello’s of dollars Salazar’sBand. campaigns andtook the band grown leader currently serving action. I held neighborhood nari. it was eminent fromCounseling. humble beginnings and on a City Commission, a real reputation. her Whether tax-exempt business, MELA meetings at my house and domain, take-overDirector raisedofit MELA to become a world- estate broker, and second genIn an effort to keep its trash Salazarthe wascounty the Executive recruited my neighbors to of and our fire department, or presclass orchestra demonstrating eration businessman in Montecontract, Athens has financed received a salary with that position. She register to vote andofvote to Jimently trash the kind and of leadership and vi- bello. Veneziano is co-founder the campaigns Jamshid alsothe served on contract, the Boardtheof Directors an recallmy Robert Urteaga and Mancommunity has no better friend sion we need at City Hall. We of the successful Montebello Javaheri, and Jorge Athens executive also served on her board. Kathy on February 23rd. than perennial watch-dog Bill believe Barajas will restore Fall Festival, demonstrating his zurSalazar who both have questionFor years now this city has Perhaps the most damming problem recall Recent these Molinari. No more than ever, Montebello to its standing as ability to bring diverse points Montebello, able businesslet’s records. been subject to fragile and for Salazar is that she sued her own city for we need Molinari’s strength a leader among surrounding of view together. He would irresponsible revelationsindividuals show that and Javaheri pathetic leadership. The and knowledge received payment as a sitting and$130,000 institutional to cities. serve us well onfocus the council. keephas bankruptcy tax liens, ouraeyes on the and future members has recgetcouncil the citymember. back on track. He Dr. Frank Gomez by is acertain for- council However, we cannot so doessoManzur. At two canleadership this doesn’t been back room politics for the Robert Urteaga has new a cloud ofMontebello corruption School Board ommend Rosie Vasquez or her will bring balance to the mer didate forums held in October, happen again. hanging control of running city coffers. hid hiswho felony team on ouraround council.him. First, heMember teaches Chemismates, Jamshid Jimmy both demonstrated extreme conviction fromis voters and supporters Art Barajas our top try at Cal when State Los Angeles. Javaheri, and Jorge Manzur ignorance to the issues and ofWhy can’t Montebello Cathy Rios choice out of the seven chal- He is a thoughtful, produce dynamic good wholeaders? are all financed The by Athens fered nothing but superficial lengers. Barajas, a Montebello leader who knows howanswer to findis simple: Services.outside responses to the important isSee YES, page 3 High School graduate, has money having writteninterests numer- haveIttoo wasmuch Vasquez who led the sues facing Montebello. control
Bring Honesty and Stability Back to City Council
Enough is enough
Montebello Community news™
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Montebello News™ is published monthly by Montebello News, LLC. Christopher Robles Publisher and Editor (323)285-4713 482-1731 (323) montebellonews@gmail.com Kathy Salazar Managing Editor Gabriel Moreno Design/Layout Steve Stokes Photo Editor Denise Hagopian Community Page Editor Montebello News, LLC. Montebello Community News Montebello News 5280 E. Beverly P.O. BoxBlvd., 1433,Ste C277 Los Angeles, CA CA 90640 90022 Montebello, (323)285-4713 482-1731 (323) montebellonews@gmail.com Publisher shall not be liable for errors or damages for errors in advertising except up to the actual cost of space occupied by the item appearing in error. Montebello News, LLC. reserves the right to approve or reject any and all copy and assumes no responsibility for errors not of its making. This newspaper cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited news releases or photographs. We welcome letters, photos, press releases, and contributing items; however, we cannot guarantee publication or return. Montebello News, LLC.
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Montebello Community News
George ‘Steve’ Simonian ’63 Inducted into MHS Alumni Hall of Fame Steve Simonian, retired Montebello Police Chief, was inducted into the Montebello High School Alumni Association “Hall of Fame” at the annual Alumni Barbeque this past November as part of a year-long celebration marking the 100th Anniversary of Montebello High School. “He is the perfect icon for the school’s Centennial Celebration,” said committee chairperson Denise
Hagopian. Simonian attended elementary, junior and senior high school in Montebello. He attended East Los Angeles College, Rio Hondo College, and received an honorary doctorate in laws from Seoul Christian University in 2004. Simonian began his career in law enforcement in 1966 for the City of Montebello as a police officer and rose through the ranks to eventually be-
Snow Day! 12-19-2009: Children from Montebello and surrounding cities came with sleds and enthusism at the 11th annual Montebello Snow at the Park event, held at City Park.
come Chief of Police. In 1998 he served as assistant city manager and Interim Police Chief for the City of Bell Gardens. He’s also served on the La Habra City Council since 1998, serving as Mayor four times during his tenure. In 2000, Simonian was appointed by District Attorney, Steve Cooley, as Chief of the Bureau of Investigation. With more than 250 investigators, it is
Steve Simonian, retired Montebello Police Chief, was inducted into the Montebello High School Alumni Association “Hall of Fame”
the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County. After retirement from law enforcement in 2006, he was a consultant in the public management field. Two years after that, he was
appointed City Manager for the City of Bell Gardens. He has served on the Board of Directors for Beverly Hospital and on the Board of Managers for the Montebello-Commerce YMCA.
YES continued from page 1 he ran in 2007. So outraged was the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, they rescinded their endorsement of him—something that is very rare. While he now admits to his felony conviction for Grand Theft of $30,000 from a friend to pay off an illegal gambling debt, he has yet to apologize to the community for not giving them the opportunity to choose freely. Urteaga has not learned his lesson. He lied on a campaign mailer when the issue of his residency surfaced in 2007. Urteaga claimed to be “a long time voter in Montebello,” but county records showed he was never registered in Montebello and was previously registered in Anaheim just days before he ran for City Council. Urteaga was instrumental in the hiring of his two political allies, former LA City Councilman Nick Pacheco and his campaign manager John Edwards. Both were hired without council approval and at salaries that far exceeded their credentials. Urteaga also ran the campaign to “Retire Bill Molinari” and the campaigns of Jorge Manzur and Jimmy Javaheri. Montebello can and must do better than Salazar and Urteaga. Their continued presence on the council still brings the stigma of corruption and unscrupulous behavior to our City. Let’s make sure that Montebello gets a clean slate so our City can restore its image as “the Beverly Hills of the Eastside.”
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Settles continued from page 1 instatement to the Citizens Patrol, and to be recognized as its sole founder, according to court documents. But, disputes with the previous council arose over the wording of Salazar’s plaque according to court documents. “The city kept saying, `no, no, no,’ and the price kept going up, up, up,” Salazar said to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. “It was important to me to be named as founder and to be reinstated.” Once elected, Salazar formed a new three-member council majority, but was unable to receive a settlement because of a Cali-
Montebello Community News fornia law prohibiting sitting council members from receiving That law was changed in 2009 and Salazar immediately pushed for settlement. Under the settlement agreement, Salazar was awarded $130,000, reinstated into the Citizen’s Patrol Group and recognized as the sole founder. The cost in legal bills to the city may amount to over $100,000 according to city staff, making Salazar’s lawsuit a potential $230,000 liability to the City. Salazar would get $50,000, and $80,000 would go to her attorney, Michael McGill of Lackie, Dammeier and McGill. The firm has represented the Montebello Police Officers Association.
Editorial continued from page 1 serving on the City’s Culture and Recreation Commission. She is right on the issues and can make the tough decisions required to return Montebello to its greatness. Alberto Perez is one of those outstanding citizens that you just hope would run for office. Perez too has a track record of community service. In fact, he’s incoming president of our local Lions Club and is a Cub
Hides continued from page 1 the California Fair Political Practices Commission in Sacramento. One complaint alleges that Salazar “acted with the full intention of preventing the voters of Montebello from learning who was paying for her campaign.” A call to the California Secretary of State revealed that Salazar changed treasurers on February 4th, from David Gould and Company to Esperanza Vielma. Vielma has ties to Nick Pacheco,
$5
Scout Master. Perez knows the issues and will take a reasonable, common sense approach in making council decisions. Both Cortez and Perez are raising their families in Montebello, placed their children in local schools, and own their homes—they have a lot at stake in making Montebello a great place to live and work. Cortez and Perez have an impressive array of endorsements that include Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, new Council Members Art Barajas and Dr. Frank Gomez, Mon-
tebello School Board Member Hector Chacon, Montebello Police Officers, the Armenian National Committee in Montebello, and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFl-CIO. While we considered the other candidates, we found them lackluster and ill prepared to serve. We would like to see change on the council and not more of the same. Cortez and Perez stand out from the crowd of candidates as solid choices to bring a brighter future to Montebello.
the former Los Angeles City Councilman who was hired by Salazar and his former employee, Councilman Robert Urteaga, as Interim City Administrator for $15,000 per month. Pacheco was later terminated. Salazar was the subject of a District Attorney investigation looking into possible conflict of interest charges based on campaign donations made by Athens Services, their undisclosed donations to MELA Counseling, a tax-exempt business established by Salazar, and
Salazar’s vote to amend the city’s trash contract. Salazar was listed as Executive Director of MELA on tax forms, and regularly solicited contributions to the tax-exempt business from City contractors. Public records show that Athens contributed $20,500 to Salazar from 1999 to 2008 and Salazar benefited from $308,748.73 contributed on the Say No on Recall committee established by Athens Services. Calls to Veilma and Salazar were not returned.
Montebello Community News
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Zankou in the Heart of Montebello Owner abides by customers, opens famed eatery at Montebello and Whittier Answering the call of patrons at his other restaurants to bring his world renown Mediterranean chicken closer to their home, Vartkes Marjik opened the newest addition to the Zankou Chicken restaurant chain last July at Montebello and Whittier Boulevard. The location has been teeming with activity after an expansive city revamping project turned the once sleepy corner into a bustling haven of eateries and retailers. The first Zankou Chicken was opened in 1962 in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon by Marjik’s grandfather, Vartkes Iskenderian. The mission was simple – to share with the community the delicious family chicken recipe and secret garlic sauce. As the restaurant’s Mediterranean menu grew, so did its customers and it wasn’t long before Zankou Chicken’s homemade dishes made the restaurant a household name. After serving Lebanon’s diverse community for 20 years, Vartkes moved to Los
Reform continued from page 1 didates that included incumbent Rosie Vasquez, restaurateur Jimmy Javaheri, and real estate agent Jorge Manzur. Athens also sponsored the Retire Bill Molinari campaign aimed at defeating long-time Councilman Molinari. At stake was Athens exclusive 15-year contract that Kathy Salazar, Robert Urteaga, and Rosie Vasquez strongly supported. The contract was rushed through two council meetings in July 2008 without a competitive bidding process. When hundreds of residents and local business owners voiced their objections to the contract, Salazar and Urteaga joined forces with thenMayor Rosie Vasquez to push through the agreement. When residents filed a referendum to roll back the 3-vote decision, Salazar,
Angeles, California. In 1984, Zankou opened its doors in Hollywood. Centered in the heart of America’s motion picture industry, Zankou attracted thousands of aspiring actors, writers, artists, and musicians with its delicious, inexpensive meals. Zankou opened in Monebello last July and has experienced steady success and owner and manager, Vartkes Marjik continues to abide by the Zankou standard, “Our food is 100% natural and we have made a strong commitment to keep it that way. It is prepared fresh every day in our kitchens by using only the finest ingredients. We will never use cans, freezers, microwave ovens, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. We only use Foster Farms chickens, which are all natural and delivered to us daily. Our bread is baked fresh every morning. We only use the best produce. Our tomatos are Roma tomoatos. Only the best.” Urteaga and Vasquez rejected the petitions, forcing the issue into the courts. Residents throughout Montebello have seen dramatic changes since the election. With the new council majority of Mayor Molinari, Barajas and Gomez, money was allocated to fixing sidewalks and trimming trees. They also voted to provide a much needed scoreboard for the youth sports programs at Grant Rea Park. Controversial Police Chief Dan Weast, a Salazar, Urteaga, Vasquez appointee who received a 90% vote of no-confidence by Montebello Police Officers, was removed from office. With the retirement of long-time City Administrator Richard Torres, the new majority brought in Randy Naramore who served as interim City Administrator just 3 years ago. He will head a transition process that will seek a permanent City Administrator and Police Chief.
Zankou Chicken 125 N Montebello Blvd, E Montebello, CA 90640 (323) 722-7200 Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. www.zankouchicken.com
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Montebello Community News
2010 Census
MONTEBELLO HOOP DREAMS
Coming to Montebello Counting Everyone Once — and Only Once — and In the Right Place
Matthew Hernandez #22 of the Celtics led his team to victory as the lead scorer. Assisting offensively was Neil Madrid #25 of the Celtics, leading a strong defensive game was Martha Vasquez #11 of the Clippers.
Montebello Goldenstate Basketball provides competitive basketball for boys and girls ages 5-14 years of age. On Friday, February 5th the Tiny Division Celtics played the Clippers, coached by Miledy Manzo . Coach Ruben Guerrero of the Celtics, “It starts with Defense�, and Miledy Manzo are some of the many volunteers that unselfishly give their time and effort to provide the opportunity for young boys and girls to develop competively through sports. At right: Troy Roper #24 Celtics shoots over Martha Vasquez #11 Clippers.
The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities like Cudahy receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $4 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood im-
provements, transportation, education, senior services and much more. Reaching an Increasingly Diverse Population The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in any of its surveys and census programs. To help ensure the nation’s increasingly diverse population can answer the questionnaire accurately and completely, about 13 million bilingual Spanish/English forms will be mailed to housing units in neighborhoods identified as requiring high levels of Spanish assistance. AdSee Census, page 8
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Montebello Community News
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CALENDAR March
ing, 4:30 p.m.
Arts Education Month In California Music In Our Schools Month National Nutrition Month National Social Work Month National Women’s History Month Red Cross Month 2 Read Across America Day Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. 3 Traffic & Safety Commission Meeting, 6 p.m. 8 International Women’s Day 9 Youth Commission Meet-
10 City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. 14 Daylight Saving Time Begins 14–20 National Poison Prevention Week 16 Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. 17 Saint Patrick’s Day 19 Culture and Recreation Commission, 5:00 p.m. 20 First Day of Spring 24 City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Public Service Announcement
VOTE
Montebello Special Election Tuesday, February 23, 2010 POLLS OPEN AT 7 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 8 P.M. Your polling place may have changed! This is a list of polling locations, but check with the City Clerk at (323) 887-1437 to identify where to vote. Wilcox Elementary School, Cafeteria 816 Donna Way Montebello Intermediate School, Parent Room 1600 West Whittier Blvd Montebello Senior Center, Meeting Room SW 115 South Taylor Montebello City Hall Lobby 1600 West Beverly Blvd Montebello Parks & Recreation Office, Conference Room 1700 West Victoria Ave. La Merced Elementary School, Cafeteria 724 Poplar Drive Potrero Heights Elementary School, Cafeteria 8026 Hill Drive Grant Rea Park, Meeting Room 1 600 North Rea Drive City of Montebello Corporate Yard, Meeting Room 311 South Greenwood Avenue Reggie Rodriguez Park, Meeting Room 1 200 West Mines Avenue Holifield Park, Meeting Room 3 1060 South Greenwood Avenue
28 Palm Sunday Passover 30 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 31 Cesar Chavez Day
April
Mathematics Awareness Month Month Of The Military Child 1 April Fools’ Day 2 Good Friday 4 Easter Day 4–10 Labor History Week 6
California Poppy Day
7pm - Midnight
11 Holocaust Remembrance Day
30 Arbor Day
11–17 National Environmental Education Week 11–17 National Library Week 12-16 Spring Break, Montebello Schools 15 Tax Day 21 Administrative Professionals Day 22 Earth Day 24 Armenian Memorial Day, 95th Anniversary 24 Montebello High School Prom, Long Beach Hilton,
Montebello High School Class Reunions CLASS OF 1965 45TH REUNION Saturday, June 26, 2010 - 6:00 pm La Quinta Resort and Club, 49-499 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta, Ca. 92253, 800598-3828 www.classreport.org CLASS OF 1960 50 YEAR REUNION Committee forming... Contact: Helene Streisand Moss @ 562-6967937 or heleneee@aol.com CLASS OF 2000—10 YEAR REUNION Class of 2000 10 year Reunion forming Contact: Matthew Wilson at 213-422-1249 or wilson.matthew@gmail.
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Montebello Community News
Montebello High School Celebrating 100 Years with Centennial Banquet The Montebello High School Alumni Association is hosting its Grand Centennial Banquet on Monday, April 26, 2010 at the Quiet Cannon, to celebrate 100 years of Montebello High School. Over 100,000 students have walked the hallways of Montebello High. “We will be honoring accomplishments of graduates who have gone on to become highly respected individuals in many different fields including a Nobel prize winner, Wimbelden Tennis Champion, scientists, doctors, lawyers, sports, entertainment, government officials, and community leaders,” said committee chairperson Denise Hagopian. “Of course we are especially honoring the many teachers and support staff that devoted their lives to education at Monte-
Census
continued from page 6 ditionally, questionnaires in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian - as well as language guides in 59 languages - will be available on request. Recruiting Census Workers By 2010, there will be an estimated 310 million people residing in the United States. Counting each person is one of the largest operations the federal government undertakes. For example, the Census Bureau will recruit nearly 3.8 million applicants for 2010 Census field operations. Of these applicants, the Census Bureau will hire about 1.4 million temporary employees. Some of these employees will be using GPS-equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for the mailing of the census questionnaires. 10 Questions, 10 Minutes to Complete With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete. Questions about how we live as a nation - our diversity, education, housing, jobs and more - are now covered in the American Community Survey, which is conducted every year throughout the decade and replaces the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire. Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. For more information, visit your city’s web site at www.cityofmontebell. com
be provided by Montebello High School Alumni: The Esquires, the Montebello High School Mighty Oiler Band, the Oiler Drill Team, Oiler Cheerleaders, Montebello High School Choir and the Montebello Wiseguys. Everyone is invited to join in the evening of Montebello High School memories by attending or becoming a sponsor or volunteer. Tickets are $75 for VIP Seating and $ 50.00 reserved. Cocktail reception starts at 4:00 pm followed by dinner with entertainment and dancing from 6:00 - 10:00 , The Montebello Wiseguys. All proceeds will endow scholarbello High.” especially emphasizing the impor- ships and future school projects. For tickets contact Barry Schwartz The yearlong celebration is bring- tant role education has played in 323 728-0121 Ext 4438 or email ing awareness of Montebello High Montebello. School’s history to the community; The evening’s entertainment will montebelloreunions@msn.com.
Montebello Wiseguys Are Featured Entertainment