Montebello Community News November 2009 by Montebello News LLC

�� March 2009 Jan/Feb 2009 ��

�� Volume 4 Issue 3 1� ��

RECALL RESULTS IN SPECIAL ELECTION OUR COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS URTEAGA’S FELONY URTEAGA’S FELONY �� EDITORIAL

CONVICTION SHOCKS CITY

Bring Honesty and �� Montebello Stability Back to �� Police Officers City Council �� Vote “No is is perhaps the most �� important Montebello election �� Confidence” in over a decade. Far too long, Residents question how Urteaga can remain on Council with �� Montebello Hall has�� been �� City �� in Police Chief controlled by a few, big money

Grand Theft Felony Conviction and Five Counts of Check Forgery. �� By Christopher Robles

By Christopher Robles �� Montebello residents ��

�� interests that favored candi�� dates who awarded contracts �� against Urteaga in 1998 or money to their contributors. �� While it may not be illegal, it alleging he committed the �� has tainted Montebello’s pocrimes during a 19 month �� litical process, and it is time to �� period. put it to an end. �� Investigated by the �� Los ere are nine candidates �� Angeles Police Departrunning for three seats on �� open �� ment’s Financial Crimes the Montebello City Council: �� Division, Urteaga was Incumbents Bill Molinari �� charged with one Vasquez count and Mayor Rosie �� of violating Penal Code are challenged by newcom�� 487(a) Grand Theft �� for ers Arturo “Art” Barajas, Dr. �� stealing $30,000 and “Joe” five Frank Gomez, Giuseppe �� Veneziano, Jamshid Jimmy counts of violating Penal �� Javaheri, Jorge Manzur, Nancy Code Check�� Forg��470(a) �� Cadena-Perez, and Richard �� ery. By October 1, the City Clerk certified the recall signatures as sufficient to order a special elecGarcia. Councilwoman Mary ��October �� In an 2008 arIncumbent Bill Molinari newcomer “Art” Barajas provenand themselves and �� tion. Proponents neededand a minimum ofArturo 5,376 signatures eachhave for Salazar Urteaga.worthy In the end, Anne Saucedo-Rodriguez did �� ticle appearing in the Moncapable to lead forward. there were 896 Montebello signatures over the requirement for Urteaga and 948 over for Salazar.

react first with disbelief, �� then shock, then anger, �� when told that their new�� est council member is a �� convicted felon. �� From donut shops to �� hair salons, at city func�� tions and after church, the �� hot topic is Councilman �� Robert grand �� Urteaga’s �� theft and check ��conviction �� forgery indictments. �� According �� to documents �� obtained by the Montebel�� lo News, the Los Angeles �� County District Attorney �� filed six felony complaints ��

See Page 2 SeeComet, RECALL, Pagead7 tebello Urteaga mitted he stole from a friend See URTEAGA, page 8

RecallHonesty Effortand Results Special Election Bring StabilityInBack to City Council

�� After �� five�� months�� of effort, �� Montebello Recall proponents �� were elated to learn that their �� signature gathering efforts �� paid off. 11,871 signatures for �� Robert Urteaga and 14,959 for �� Kathy Salazar were submitted �� the City Clerkitsonlifetime, July 27thnow With over 6,000 signaturestocollected relies on the decision of �� just a day before the deadline. for a Referendum asking for voters one judge to evaluate the claims from �� e grounds for Urteaga’s Athens’s attorneys that the petition was to decide the Athens trash contract, �� recall include his prior felony In the there were 896 signatures over the requirement council members Rosie Vasquez, Robert flawed, and those of end, the Referendum �� conviction, “lying to the pubfor Urteaga andthe 948 overBarrajas for Salazar. Urteaga, and Kathy Salazar refused proponents who believe that andcouncil Art have proven themselves wor�� lic”�� and �� “supporting special Bill Molinari (left) to place the issue on the ballot, citing majority acted improperly and not within thy of leading Montebello. �� interests,” and the grounds a lawsuit filed just�� two days by included the “allegedly law. �� earlier for Salazar terests,” as listed in notices of cards were returned to the �� Residents the Referendum in in Clerk Athens Services. �� laundering campaign money,” began filed with the Clerk�� back by the Athens sponsored �� misconduct” February. campaign against the recall to � The fight over the exclusive“alleged 15-yearethical response to the decision of only three �� See NO, Page 6 million �� and “supporting special in- �� AnSee undisclosed number signatures from�� the TRASH, page 6 remove contract worth nearly $150 over

Referendum on Controversial Trash Contract Goes to Court Recall of Urteaga, �� Salazar Set for �� February 23

Council Members Vasquez, Urteaga, and Salazar Ignore Public Pleas to Vote on Trash Issue, Leaving it in Judge’s Hands

petition. Registered voters who signed the petition but �� their �� later wished to remove �� signature were allowed to submit �� a “rescind” request to the �� Services �� Clerk. Athens spent �� an estimated $250 thousand �� dollars to stop the recall effort. �� e Athens campaign on �� behalf of Robert Urteaga and �� Kathy Salazar, both of whom �� voted for the Athens no-bid �� contract, became a vicious bat�� residents �� tle against organized �� Over �� to gather��signatures. �� 29 police reports were filed �� complaining of�� harassment by �� workers �� anti-recall including �� disruption of a child’s birth�� day party, cars following indi�� viduals home, a young woman �� followed by a man into a re-

Trash issue moves to the courts.

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See Seepage Page38

�� Montebello Community �� Montebello Community News News ™ ™ �� Ste �� 5280 E. Beverly Blvd., C277 5280 E. Beverly Blvd., �� Ste C277 Los Los Angeles, Angeles, CA CA 90022 90022

Montebello HighRanch School Premature Taylor Celebrates 100 Years ofCity Demolition Embarrasses Educational Excellence

See, Page Page 7 2 See Recall,

Page 22 Page

EDITORIAL

MontebelloCommunity Community News Montebello

EDITORIAL ��

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�� See LETTER, Page 4 We hold our elected �� year trash contract to a�� major contracts.

Is this the State of Our City?

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�� (323) 285-4713 �� 5280 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste C277 �� Los Angeles, CA 90022 �� (323) 285-4713 ��

5280 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste C277 �� Los Angeles, CA 90022

officials to higher standards political contributor without because we give them an open bidding process, but Vasquez, Urteaga, and �� positions of leadership and they went further and took Salazar used the Fire Issue �� power. If someone steps the extreme step of stopping to launch their political �� forward,from asking vote, the public from voting on careers and end those of continued pagefor 1 our department, or presently the trash to its standing as a leader among ning mates, Jamshid Jimmy Java�� 9 contract, the the community has no surrounding cities. heri, and Jorge Manzur who are and tells us that they have contract by preventing a � �� their rivals it�� worked ��because �� not seek reelection. better perennial watch- �� Dr. Frank Gomez is a for- all financed�� by Athens Services. �� what it takes ever, to protect us friend than Referendum from going on to their advantage. Now more ��than Mon- dog Bill Molinari. No more than mer Montebello School Board It was Vasquez who led �� the �� in our homes, protect our the ballot. tebello needs homegrown leaders ever, we need Molinari’s strength Member who teaches Chemistry effort to give Athens Services the �� who are interested in preserving and institutional knowledge to get at Cal State Los Angeles. He is exclusive trash hauling contract finances, and protect the Vasquez and Salazar are �� what is right about Montebello and the city back on track. He will a thoughtful, dynamic leader who without the required bidding pro�� they �� good of the community,�� Vasquez, Urteaga, and hypocrites�� because not about their next political move. bring balance to the new team on knows how to find money having cess. Vasquez was also behind the �� in�� TO LET THE changed �� we a judgment their position Aftermake much deliberation, the ouran council. Salazar REFUSED written numerous grants for his controversial hiring offor Dan Weast �� Montebello Community News Art Barajas is our topVOTE choice scientific research projects. His expediency. as Police Chief that has led to 13 election and select who�� we PEOPLE the Trash political �� on�� is recommending Councilman out of the seven challengers. Bara- position on the issues matches officers filing a lawsuit against believe, at that time, can be Issue, rejecting over 6,000 �� and �� Bill Molinari Art Barajas for jas, a Montebello High School the community’s interests, and his the city. With District�� Attorney If all printers were �� trusted with our government. signatures on a Referendum Urteaga is simply Montebello City Council. graduate, has impressive business deep understanding of Montebel- investigations, a theliar.screaming �� determined not Yes, there is a third seat open, experience and is no stranger issues is a much needed com- matches at council meetings, nupetition that towaslo’scertified He never lived in Montebello, �� and we are leaving it up to the City Hall having served many modity in a council member. merous lawsuits, wasted money, But when that by the Los Angeles County never signed the Fire �� person �� years �� voters. However we�� highly recas a City Commissioner. is is Giuseppe Veneziano’s and the awarding of $130,000 to print anything is found to have lied, Registrar it wasn’t petition, �� three ��because �� ommend Dr. Frank Gomez or they A homeowner raising boys second time on�� the ballot. He never to Kathychampioned Salazar, her council alli, till they were sure �� Giuseppe Veneziano, bothbrunt who along Irma, a Sch- made a good showing the two years has done much to damrightfully get the of with histowife, their advantage. issue,Vasquez and only took �� urr �� can bring much to the job. High��graduate, Barajas is here ago, and if the community knew age Montebello’s reputation. it would offend our anger and the label�� of �� credit to get himself elected. �� Without a doubt, Council- to �� stay. We like his no-nonsense, about Urteaga’s felony convic- �� In an effort to keep its trash HYPOCRITE. their campaigns man Molinari has �� demonstrated �� straight forward During attitude towards tion, he would have been elected. contract, Athens has financed nobody, there �� time and again, his willingness the issues, andVasquez, see a bright Urteaga, future Veneziano is a homegrown leader is the campaigns of Jamshid �� no �� Jimmy �� would be very and�� There one more to fight the special interests that for him and Montebello when currently serving on a City Com- Javaheri, and Jorge Manzur who �� Such ispolitics. the case with Salazar rallied behind the cry untrustworthy than a plague our � �� city �� elected. �� We��first met Art a real estate broker, and both have questionable �� Much �� he’s �� mission, �� business �� little printed. members RosieBarajas of band “Let the People Vote” for �businessman hypocrite, especially a �� has been of Mr. Molinari’s as �� the director of second generation Recent revelations show ��council ��made �� records. �� 20+ years of service in a nasty the all-volunteer Montebello in Montebello. Veneziano is cothat Javaheri has a bankruptcy and Vasquez, Robert Urteaga and the Fire Initiative and used it politician who betrays our �� Benjamin Franklin campaign launched by Robert Wiseguys Big Band. Barajas took founder of the successful Montetax liens, so does Manzur. At two �� Kathy Salazar. to take over our city council trust. (1706-1790) Urteaga and�� financially backed band from humble beginnings bello Fall Festival, demonstrating candidate forums held in October, �� the �� American journalist, 2007.a worldThey promised by Athens Services to “retire” and raised it in to become his ability to bring diverse points both extreme ig�� demonstrated �� publisher, author, him. On the contrary, now is not class orchestrachange demonstrating the ofan view together. He wouldItserve norance to the Vasquez, issues and offered It was offensive enough towards open is time to hold �� the time to remove Mr. Molinari. kind of leadership and vision we us well on the council. but superficial responses philanthropist, abolitionist, that�� Vasquez, Urteaga government, transparency, Urteaga, nothing and Salazar �� and �� Whether it was eminent domain, need at City Hall. We believe However, we cannot recom- to the important issues facing public servant, scientist, �� gave an exclusive, 15will and bidding of Rosie Vasquez oraccountable for their actions. theSalazar county take-over of our fire Barajas restoreopen Montebello mend her run- Montebello. diplomat, and inventor

Bring Honesty and Stability Back to City Council

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Montebello Community News

Page 3

$2 Million Night Club Expansion Angers Residents ��

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Armenian Food 2009 Armenian Food Festival Festival Doubles Doubles and Fun Attendance andAttendance Fun �� In its second year, the �� Annual Armenian Food �� Festival, held at the Holy �� Cross Armenian Apostolic �� Cathedral, doubled its at�� tractions and doubled its �� attendance over last year. �� You could hear the �� sound of drums beating, �� the rhythm of live Arme�� nian music and the aroma �� of shish kabob from as far �� away as Montebello Bou�� levard and Beverly. �� e Festival featured �� mouthwatering Armenian �� food and pastry ranging �� from old time favorites �� like beef, lamb, pork or �� chicken shish kebab served �� with shepherd’s salad and �� rice pilaf, to specialties like �� Piroshki, dough filled with �� a savory filling of lightly �� seasoned ground beef or �� potato with caramelized �� onions. �� If you liked what you �� ate, there were food dem�� onstrations led by local �� chefs showing how to pre�� pare Armenian pilaf rice, �� string cheese, and home�� made yogurt the natural �� way. Recipes highlighted �� the unique traditions of �� the Ararat Valley. And �� if you wanted more, the Holy Cross Ladies Aid sold their new Armenian Cookbook featuring the

��

The Festival featured mouthwatering Armenian food and pastry ranging from old time favorites like beef, lamb, pork or chicken shish kebab served with shepherd’s salad

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and rice pilaf, to

Sacramento and Solvang

specialties like Piroshki,

dough ��

savory filling of lightly

�� demonstrated recipes and more. Armenian dance ensembles performed throughout

the day, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Armenian people. e Hosharian Brothers Band

seasoned ground beef or potato with caramelized onions. ere were also a wide range of vendors offering a unique shopping experience satisfying every age and taste. A Kids Fun Zone featured Ecology’s “Eliminator” Monster Truck, a real fire truck, provided live Armenian music while festival goers joined to- moon bounce, slide, pony gether in the traditional Ar- rides, petting zoo, story time and much more. menian circle dance.

ON LOCATION: Solvang e Montebello Community News is a well traveled newspaper. Send us a photo of you and the paper while on vacation or at a historical location, and we just

filled with a

might publish it. Submit your photo to: MontebelloNews@gmail.com and identify the location, date, and people in your photo.

Montebello Community News

Page 4

Letter

that there is no such thing as a “Montebello Fireman’s Association’ but rather a “Montebello continued from page 2 Firefighter Association, Local Councilmember Molinari de- #3821.” The Montebello Ponied “initiating” an investiga- lice Association’s official name tion against Councilmember is “The Montebello Police OfSalazar? Or did the writer in- ficers Association.” After conducting my own tend to say that Councilmember Molinari has denied that investigation into this alleged the allegations were “untrue?” “Letter to the Editor” I found In either case, without further a Los Angeles Times article information about when and published in 1990 with the where this “public denial” took headline: place, it is impossible to verify whether it happened or not. “The District Attorney says ‘89 Montebello otherwise.” Council Race Costliest What exactly does the District Attorney say in this Yet - Elections: The record spending was letter? According to the letter spurred in part by an from the District Attorney, “A Orange County group city councilmember who receives campaign contributions spending $50,600 to is not disqualified from partic- beat two candidates. ipating in decisions affecting his or her campaign contribut. By TINA GRIEGO, TIMES . .”, the rest of the sentence as STAFF WRITER|February well as the rest of the letter is 11, 1990 cut off at this point. It is important to ask why h t t p : / / a r t i c l e s . l a t i m e s . the rest of this letter is not com/1990-02-11/news/hdincluded in the mailer. As 969_1_city-council-election presented, this letter does not show that the allegations According to the L.A. against Councilmember Sala- Times: zar were untrue, it only states “ One mailer, sent to Monthat if they are true, they would tebello residents by Citizens not necessarily disqualify her for a Safer Montebello, was a from participating in decisions “Special Report” which proaffecting some aspect of her claimed that the Montebello job as a councilmember. Police and Firemen’s Assn. was Nowhere in this letter from concerned about Molinari’s the District Attorney does candidacy. it state that the D.A.’s office The mailer said a letter concluded the allegations were from the association accused untrue and without the rest of Molinari of “spreading lies the letter it is impossible to designed to terrorize senior know what the D.A. did con- citizens and homeowners to clude. All we know from this further his personal political excerpt is that the D.A. decid- ambition.” ed not to file criminal charges. The association denied any 3. The lower banner of the knowledge of the piece, and its “More Lies From Councilman lawyer demanded that Citizens Bill Molinari” malier reads: for a Safer Montebello stop us“Even the Police and Fire ing the association’s name, said Associations called Bill a Liar” Montebello Police Detective The “proof ” given for this Ralph Newcomb, former vice charge is a reproduction of a president of the association.” “Letter to the Editor.” There A careful reading of the is no information given about “More Lies From Councilman which newspaper this letter Bill Molinari” mailer’s “Letwas submitted to nor when (or ter to the Editor” reveals these if ) it was published. partial phrases: The first highlighted por“spreading lies”, “terrorize tion is a colorfully written senior citizens” and “-owners personal opinion. The second to further his politic. . .” highlighted portion is supI believe the discredited posed to be a “paraphrase” of 1989 mailer which was the Mr. Molinari’s own words but basis of the news story by the the writer appears to be un- L.A. Times in 1990 is the clear about what a “paraphrase” source material for the alleged is. As written, it is simply an- “Letter to the Editor” reproother personal opinion and not duced in the current “More a “paraphrase.” The letter is Lies From Councilman Bill signed by Steve Waroff, Mon- Molinari” mailer. tebello Fireman’s Association 4. This “More Lies From and Joe Herrera, Montebello Councilman Bill Molinari” Police Association. The letter mailer is distributed by the does not state whether or not “Retire Bill Molinari Now! they are writing on behalf of A Committee to Retire Bill their professional associations Molinari from the Montebello or as individual members. City Council.” It is interesting to note See LETTER, Page 8

Montebello Community News

Page 5

20 YEARS MAKING MUSIC WE LOVE The Montebello Wiseguys Celebrate their 20th Anniversary

hat began as a fun way for some Montebello High School Sophomores to celebrate Christmas back in 1989 has turned into an award-wining, world-class band that’s been featured on numerous Los Angeles area news programs appeared on national television, opened for legendary performers, and has an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hal. The Montebello Wiseguys Big Band Machine has hit the big time, with a lot of hard work and the devotion of fans in and out of Montebello. Art Barajas is widely credited with raising the band from its humble beginnings to an extremely professional venture recognized for its quality and high energy performances. “I basically grew up along with the band,” says Barajas, “for many of us it’s been an extension of ourselves, our other family.” By 1999, the Wiseguys were gaining attention locally. Both Police Chief Garry Couso-Vasquez and then-Mayor Bill Molinari recognized the band’s efforts and lent their support. Soon the Wiseguys became the “Official City Band” by unanimous vote of the City Council. “We are proud to be the City’s official band,” says Barajas, “they can always count on us for the Concerts in the Park.” But the City does not financially support the band, only providing modest space for rehearsals. The Wiseguys must raise whatever money they need to operate, selling CDs and t-shirts as well as seeking donations. It is a community supported band says Barajas. The voice of the Wiseguys is Art's brother, Frank, who picked up the microphone at rehearsal one day and, to everyone’s surprise, sang like Dean and “the other Frank.” To state a cliché, the rest was history. The Wiseguys have so much fun on stage, what they do looks effortless. But, Art Barajas says a lot of hard work goes into making things seem impromptu. “A lot of people think the jokes and banter are spontaneous…it takes work to figure out timing and create the bands image for a performance.”

The Montebello Wiseguys Big Band Machine has hit the big time, and Art Barajas (above, drums) is widely credited with raising the band from its humble beginnings to an extremely professional venture recognized for its quality and high energy performances.

Part father figure and part drill sergeant, Barajas drives the band “like my own business.” To play in the Wiseguys is a privilege requiring many hours of volunteer time. Barajas demands as much from the members as he does from himself. Rehearsals are held every week and more often if there’s an upcoming performance. 22 year old tenor sax player Josh Salazar is representa-

tive of many band members. He joined the band when his family lived locally, but now commutes to rehearsals and performances from 100 miles away. The band is like his family. When Josh’s father took ill, the band went to his bedside to perform. And when his father passed away, Art Barajas gave him strength and support to get through the tough times. The Wiseguys are very

unique and there is no other band like them. With over 500 songs in their collection, every show is 2 hours of high energy. Featured on KNBC’s Vista LA in recent years, the Wiseguys gained a national audience when they performed at Christmas for the PBS broadcast from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. But it was opening for Maynard Ferguson, the renowned jazz trumpet player

and bandleader, that these musicians remember best. Today, the Wiseguys are bigger than Montebello, selling out the House of Blues in Anaheim and Universal, and attracting followers from throughout Southern California. What’s next for these intrepid musicians? They’ve been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. Just imagine where they will be in another 20 years.

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Montebello Community News

CALENDAR November 2009 December 2009 National American Indian Heritage Month American Diabetes Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month

2 U.S. Senate Youth Program winners announced 3 International Day of Disabled Persons

1 Daylight Saving Time Ends (Sunday)

7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

3 Election Day

15 Bill of Rights Day

9-13 School Psychology Awareness Week

16-24 Posadas

11 Veterans Day 15-21 American Education Week 17 National Education Support Professionals Day 18-19 State Board of Education meeting, Sacramento 22-28 National Family Week 26 Thanksgiving Day

12-19 Hanukkah 21 First Day of Winter 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Kwanzaa 31 New Year’s Eve

Thousands of Armenians and supporters of many other ethnic groups joined together in an annual event held in Montebello marking the beginning of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenians, Supporters Remember Start Of Genocide Montebello Memorial Serves as Site Honoring Millions Who Perished 94 Years Ago Thousands of Armenians and supporters of many other ethnic groups joined together in an annual event held in Montebello marking the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. April 24th 1915 is recognized the world-over as the beginning of the Armenian Genocide when more than 1.5 Million Armenians perished during the first Genocide of the 20th Century. Christian Armenians were systematically murdered primarily for their religious faith by a Muslim Turkish state. Montebello’s Bicknell Park, adjacent to the Quiet Cannon facility, is home to the Armenian Martyrs Monument built in 1968 and the first such monument built on public land in the world. Visitors of all ages came to pay homage and leave flow-

ers at the memorial, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaragosa and Montebello Councilman Bill Molinari. The Montebello Armenian Martyrs Monument is an internationally recognized sight for Armenians all over the world to gather and remember this holocaust. Today over 40 states within the continental United States and 40 Countries worldwide recognize the Armenian Genocide. But Turkey has continuously denied the genocide, calling it a tragedy brought upon by civil war and deportation. “It’s sad to say that in a world like this, lack of recognition of this Genocide allows many others to take place,” said a local resident referring to the Jewish Holocaust and the more recent ethnic cleansing in Serbia and Darfur. Adolph Hitler in a 1939 speech to his military commanders, ordering the massacre of Polish Jews, said, “Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” Many ask if we could have

stopped other 20th century genocides by preventing or just acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. President Obama before he was elected said “I believe that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widelydocumented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence,” Obama added “America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides. I intend to be that president.” Many local Armenians felt that President Obama fell short of following through on his statement when he became president this year, but are optimistic. Teaching about the Armenian Genocide is now part of the state curriculum. Montebello Unified School District was one of the first to adopt Genocide education, recognizing that knowledge of such events is the key to educating the leaders of tomorrow.

NO: MPD Officers have “No Confidence” in Chief continued from page 1 Weast was rated seventh out of seven and didn’t have a high school diploma or leadership experience. According to the Personnel Department’s job listing, the Police Chief job requires college degree at minimum. Molinari voted against the appointment. In another matter related

to Weast, 13 police officers filed a $30 million claim accusing police Chief Daniel Weast of being a racist and appointing his friends over more qualified minority officers. The accusations include “political payback” in appointing Weast because he headed the Montebello Police Officer Association when it endorsed

Salazar and Urteaga for council in 2007. The claim also cites “harassment,” “discrimination,” and a “hostile work environment.” The city had 45 days from July 16 to respond to the claim before a lawsuit could be filed The Montebello News has learned that a lawsuit is about to be filed this month.

Montebello Community News

Page 7

Montebello’s Newest Eagle Scout Brings Earthquake Preparedness to Local School

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RECALL Recall of Urteaga, Salazar Set for Special Election, February 23, 2010 continued from page 1 stroom, and another young �� woman who was prevented �� from leaving�� a parking lot. �� woman �� e filed a citizen’s �� arrest and the suspect was �� found to have an outstanding ��warrant. � �� arrest �� Vons �� market was�� a show�� down many times during �� the campaign. ��signature �� Residents were surrounded �� by Athens paid�� campaigners �� who shouted loudly to pre�� vent voters from signing the �� petitions. �� All �� of the recall �� signatures �� were turned over to the Los ��County �� Registrar �� Angeles �� for verification, but the City �� Clerk turned over the rescis�� sion cards to an independent �� contractor verification. �� for�� Under California State law �� the City Clerk had 30 days �� to verify signatures. �� e �� returned �� County Registrar �� the verified signatures well �� deadline, �� under the 30 day �� but the contractor was un�� able to complete the task. As �� a result, the Clerk granted ��

Vons market was a showdown many times during the signature campaign. Residents were surrounded by Athens paid campaigners who shouted loudly to prevent voters from signing the petitions. �� himself an additional 30 days �� beyond the legal require�� ment. �� By October 1, the City �� Clerk certified the recall �� signatures as sufficient to �� order a special election. Pro�� ponents needed a minimum �� of 5,376 signatures each for �� Salazar and Urteaga. In the �� end, there were 896 signa��over �� tures the requirement �� for Urteaga and�� 948�� over�� for �� Salazar. ��

VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Montebello’s newest Eagle Scout, Gregory Anthony Ziers stands proudly with his family and Councilman Bill Molinari who’s own son is an Eagle Scout. ��

Public Health H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Launch in LA County ��

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Montebello Community News

Montebello Oilers Reach Centennial Montebello High School Celebrates 100 Years of Educational Excellence MONTEBELLO,CA - Montebello High School has come a long way in 100 years and it's having a centennial celebration to remember. What began as one of the first high schools in the San Gabriel Valley has grown into a competitive educational institution for thousands of Montebello residents. To kick off a year of Oiler celebrations, California State Superintendent for Public Instruction Jack O’Connell joined students, faculty, residents, alumni, and other elected officials at the official starting event held on 09-09-09 at 9:00 a.m. The Montebello High School Alumni Association and their distinguished Oiler pride planned the kick-off centennial celebration at the high school featuring one of California’s largest centennial cakes measuring 20-feet wide and 16-feet high. The back-toschool celebration and morning event program included alumni recognition and perspectives, performances by students and refreshments. “The centennial anniversary celebration is, in large part, for our alumni and community,” said Montebello Uni- To kick off a year of Oiler celebrations, California State Superintendent for Pubfied School District Board lic Instruction Jack O’Connell joined students, faculty, residents, alumni, and othPresident Gerri Guzman. “It er elected officials at the official starting event held on 09-09-09 at 9:00 a.m. is the support of our alumni and community that makes our achievements possible. The centennial event is our way of giving something back to the people who have long stood by us during our journey. We are excited to share such a milestone with our community.” “One hundred years ago the doors opened to an educational institution that has, over the years, enhanced the lives of thousands of students,” said Edward Velas-

Letter continued from page 4 This committee has not filed a Form 460/461/450 for this election cycle but a reliable source told me it receives contributions from Athens Services (aka Arakelian Enterprises.) Athens Services was recently awarded an exclusive trash hauling contract with the City of Montebello, a contract which Councilmember Molinari opposed. The “More Lies From Councilman Bill Molinari” mailer concludes with this ironic statement: “What

Makes You Think He Is Telling You The Truth?” When it comes to down to making a decision about who to believe, I’ll take the word of the lawyer from the Montebello Police Officer’s Association over the anonymous writer from the Retire Bill Molinari Now! committee. YTW A Concerned Montebello Citizen

quez, superintendent, Montebello Unified School District. ‘’Today, we celebrate an educational success story.” Among the oldest four-year high schools in the San Gabriel Valley, it was in 1909 when Montebello High School opened its doors to students, the same year that the US minted the first Lincoln head penny and the first race at the Indianapolis 500 Speedway. Over the years, many notable alumni have claimed fame as Montebello High School Oilers, from a Nobel Lauriat, a famous actor, politicians and sports champions. Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, Bruce Merrifield (‘39) developed his interest in chemistry and astronomy while at Montebello High School. Acclaimed actor and director Edward James Olmos (‘64) competed for Montebello High School student body president against future California Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres (‘64). Sports legends, such as tennis champion Jack Kramer (‘39) and Darlene Hard (‘53), track’s Tom Tellez (‘51), baseball’s Bobby Knoop (‘56) and basketball’s Jerry Pimm (‘56), among many others are all celebrated alumni.

Mccarthy Completes $26 Million Parking Structure At East Los Angeles College New and returning students at East Los Angeles College are now enjoying the Monterey Park campus’ newest parking structure, which was recently completed by McCarthy Building Companies Inc. one of Southern California’s preeminent builders of parking structures. The $26.7 million structure provides space for 1,881 cars across six above-grade levels. After construction began at East Los Angeles College, a production crew visited the project site to film a ramp pour for children’s DVD series “Bob the Builder on Site.” A spin-off of the animated “Bob the Builder” series, the show

demonstrates how actual projects are constructed. Designed by International Parking Design of Sherman Oaks, Calif., the structure features a precast concrete façade with embedded brick veneer, a galvanized steel entrance canopy, galvanized steel screens, and pour-in place concrete elevator shaft with brick veneer and a glass curtain wall on south facade. Two pedestrian bridges connect the 553,725-square-foot structure to raised walkways; one on the east side at the second level and the second on the third level of the north side.

The structure will help resolve the congestion of the surface parking lots and help to eliminate the impact of street parking on the surrounding neighborhood. Construction was completed as part of the Los Angeles Community College District’s master expansion plan, which is funded through the Measure A/AA construction bond program. McCarthy is the nation’s 10th largest domestic general contractor and has been one of the nation’s leading parking structure builders since the advent of the modern parking structure in the 1960s.