City Government

City Council agenda: $95,000 for a Rose Parade float? *Updated

Esmee Xavier — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:47:49 +0000

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May 15, 2012

*Updated 05.15.2012

The Alhambra City Council approved $95,000 for the city's 2013 Rose Parade float on Monday night.

Originally posted 05.14.2012

The Alhambra City Council will meet tonight at 7pm. City Council members will consider a staff request for $95,000 for the city's 2013 Rose Parade float. Have your say: Do you think the city's Rose Parade float is important for civic pride?

Read the complete agenda below. You can also download the document or make it larger using the controls on the bottom.

Meeting agenda for Monday, May 14

Atlantic Blvd: Center of urban renewal?

daniela.gerson — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:58 +0000

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May 14, 2012

The LA Times' architecture critic, Christopher Hawthorne, posits that Atlantic Blvd., which runs from Alhambra to Long Beach, is undergoing significant changes to become less auto-centric.

The classic drive-through architecture of the Southern California strip, though a whole lot of it remains, is slowly making way for a new, more public cityscape.

The Alhambra area, though, appears behind this trend according to his analysis. His first stop? Mrs. Lin, psychic.

The drive-in car-centered architecture of Atlantic Blvd isn't limited to fast-food joints and motels. Near the northern end of Atlantic in Alhambra you can pull into a massive parking lot and walk just a few steps to the Mrs. Lin psychic shop. ..The bright red shop is half architecture, half billboard and easy for drivers to spot.

And Hawthorne's next stop down Atlantic indicated that even if in Long Beach or East LA a thriving new public cityscape may be emerging, some of the local experiments still fall short. He calls the massive Atlantic Times Square development "decidedly uneven architectural results" with its found-floor shops and 210 condos. "It attempts to bring together the street-front energy of nearby Valley Boulevard in Alhambra, with its noodle shops and cacophony of signs in Chinese, and the upscale residential amenities and flashy lighting of Rick Caruso's Americana at Brand complex in Glendale," Hawthorne writes. "It is not a happy marriage."

Still, he writes, the trend along the boulevard points to a new path for Atlantic, including its roots in Alhambra: "Especially among younger Angelenos, including foreign-born immigrants and transplants from other American cities, there is a hunger for better-designed roadways and new ways of getting around. And L.A.'s political leadership is finally responding."

Alhambra art walk debuts

Wed, 09 May 2012 01:05:39 +0000

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May 9, 2012

Scores of Alhambra residents came out on Friday night for the first of a monthly series of art walks. The event — where local artists, musicians, and vendors display their skills and wares at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Main Street — was still far from the scale of developed ones in Downtown Los Angeles or Venice, but it got a nice bump due to the debut of the Avengers movie at the Edwards Theater.

Friday night's artistic line up included live painting, colorful car hoods, hand crocheted scarves and more. Alhambra Source was also out silkscreening our t-shirts and creating a mural. (Conspicuously missing, though, was Main Street's Gallery Nucleus.)

The food trucks of the other art walks were not there yet, but Menchie's ice cream was popular and benefits supported Fremont Elementary. Proceeds of the art walk go to the entertainment fund to support other events such as the summer cultural series, the "Hot Spot" and Hallowscreem. The next art walk will be Friday, June 1.

Alhambra launches an Art Walk of its own

daniela.gerson — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:10:03 +0000

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May 3, 2012

Downtown LA has one, so does Venice, Culver City, Silver Lake and South Pasadena. And starting Friday night, so too will Alhambra. From five to eight pm the city will host its first Mosaic Monthly Art Walk, where local artists, musicians, and vendors will display their skills and wares at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Main Street.

Friday night's artistic line up includes henna body art, live painting, photo buttons and "car art." (Alhambra Source will also be out silkscreening our t-shirts and with prints from some of our articles. If you come out, be sure to say hi).

Don't expect the food trucks of the other art walks — at least not yet. For now, the Downtown Business Association, which is sponsoring the event, hopes visitors will eat at local restaurants. Proceeds go to the entretainment fund to support other events such as the summer cultural series, the "Hot Spot," Hallowscreem, and the upcoming Cinco De Mayo mariachi players.

"The Mosaic Art Walk will be an inviting, all ages, family friendly night out and relaxing evening," organizer Joanna Vargas said. She encouraged people interested in getting involved to sponsor a vendor booth, showcase their art work, perform if they're in a band, help spread the word, and, of course, "visit the Art Walk and support our artists."

Alhambra proposed fireworks ban draws protest

Jessman — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:41:43 +0000

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May 2, 2012

Alhambra organizations came out in force to object to a ban on the sale of fireworks that was considered at a City Council meeting on Monday evening.

Eileen Flores, a 20-year-Alhambra resident and Alhambra High School band coordinator, spoke for many when she said that the firework stands are a major fundraising opportunity for non-profit groups, ranging from the Knights of Columbus, Little League, to high school football and wrestling programs. Representatives of these groups said that selling fireworks contributed 50 – 85% of their annual budget, and that its absence would jeopardize programs and equipment for area youth.

Mayor Luis Ayala was perplexed at how so many organizations could be so dependent on the sale of fireworks. Some cited the recession from 2008 as an ongoing reason, as parents have less disposable income to spend on activities for their children. Others said the traditional fundraisers of selling chocolates don’t work as well as they used to, and they often don’t raise enough funds needed to run the youth programs.

Councilman Gary Yamauchi said that he felt that the presentations only represented one side of the issue, and wanted to hear from those who have complained to him about safety and noise issues. City Manager Julio Fuentes, after assuring that no action would be taken impacting this year’s fireworks booths, proposed a full-level discussion on this issue in the summer (promoted through all available local media outlets). Councilman Steven Placido emphasized the need for both sides to be present at that meeting, and invited all the organizations in the room to come back.

“To be continued,” said Mayor Ayala.

Alhambra identifies potential sites for dog park

Jessman — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:59:46 +0000

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May 1, 2012

Alhambra came closer to getting a dog park at a special City Council meeting Monday night at the Alhambra Civic Center Library.

City staff proposed four potential locations: Burke Heritage Park (behind the Alhambra Historical Museum), Alhambra Park, a New Avenue area shared by San Gabriel, and the Edison easement on Raymond Ave. Of these, Burke Heritage was identified as an ideal location since it is not actively used. A wash area near Chapel and Commonwealth was also identiied as a potential location for a dog park.

Proposed Alhambra dog park locations

An Alhambra Source reader poll found that just over half of respondents favored a dog park in an existing park, and 21% encouraged a dedicated dog-park in a new space.

Requirements for the park included clean-up stations, fencing, water and shade stations. Challenges outlined that staff and residents would face, include noise, smells, and maintenance of the park.

Only one resident, Lola Armendariz, gave public comment. She proposed the City Hall lawn as another workable solution.

The cost of creating a dog park is not clear, since it's dependant upon the chosen location. City Manager Julio Fuentes said current park funds are prioritized for replacing playground equipment at Almansor Park and a new roof at the Almansor Court facility.

While there is no extra money for a dog park, the city could take a line of credit if necessary. Councilman Steven Placido said that while a park would be a great asset to the city, he wouldn’t “want to go to debt over a dog park.” Placido proposed an incremental approach where the city could plan on setting aside money over the next few years.

Mayor Luis Ayala said that parks should prioritize people over animals. He recounted negative exchanges with dog owners at local parks and how the size of some dogs could intimidate children. Councilman Stephen Sham expressed concerns that the park could attract residents from neighboring cities.

The Council asked the staff to pursue the Burke Heritage Park and Commonwealth wash locations. No time frame was provided.

A space for dogs? Fireworks ban? No smoking in public spaces?

daniela.gerson — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:49:41 +0000

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April 30, 2012

These are a few of the items on the City Council meeting agenda. Open to the public, Monday night at 5:30 pm in the Civic Center Library.

12-04-30Agenda

Alhambra City Council meeting agenda for Monday, April 23

Esmee Xavier — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:30:47 +0000

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April 23, 2012

The Alhambra City Council will meet tonight at 7pm. City officials will recognize outgoing Board and Commission members for their dedicated service to the City of Alhambra, as well as the 100 year anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America.

Items on the consent agenda include a request for proposals regarding the Midwick Tract Street Improvement Project.

Read the complete agenda below. You can also download the document or make it larger using the controls on the bottom.

Agenda for Monday, April 23

Alhambra's Joanna Vargas named "Woman of the Year"

daniela.gerson — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:12:53 +0000

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April 19, 2012

Dance teacher and entrepreneur Joanna Vargas was named Alhambra's "Woman of the Year" on April 14. Congressman Adam Schiff, who presented the annual recognition in each of the communities he represents, described her as "an accomplished woman who has brought multi-generations together and joy to the lives of many, through her extraordinary vision for the arts."

The 34-year-old Alhambra High graduate was far younger than most of the women recognized, but as Schiff noted she has already accomplished a tremendous amount in the less than a decade since opening JayVee Dance Center on Main Street.

In an Alhambra Source interview last year, Vargas shared what has propelled her:

People say, “Oh my gosh, you made that happen in Alhambra.” I think the key is being positive and believing in Alhambra. I always feel like if you have five good students that's all it takes. No matter the location, five people will tell other people. Also always give customers more than they expected. And you’ve got to market. It’s not advertising. It’s talking to everybody and anybody. It’s thinking outside the box.

I want to say Alhambra is my roots. Let’s keep our roots and give Alhambra a name. I want to be Joanna from Alhambra just like Jenny from the Bronx and throw it back to here.

Schiff's complete recognition, which will be entered in the Congressional record can be found below:

A TRIBUTE TO JOANNA VARGAS, 29TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR--2012

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HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF of California in the House of Representatives

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History
Month. Each year during the month of March, we pay special tribute to
the accomplishments made by our nation's most distinguished women.

Today, I pay tribute to Joanna Vargas of Alhambra, California, an
accomplished woman who has brought multi-generations together and joy
to the lives of many, through her extraordinary vision for the arts.
Born and raised in Alhambra, Joanna is a graduate of Alhambra High
School and opened her first dance studio at the age of 26.

Joanna's passion for the arts has been evident throughout her career.
She is the creator of an astounding number of projects and has an
exhaustive list of accomplishments. Joanna has launched various dance
companies for adults and teens, created Alhambra's Monthly Mosaic Art
Walk, Jayvee Dance Center, the Annual Maxt Out Dance Competition,
``Streetease Fitness and Dance'' classes and instructional DVDs, and
the Alhambra Hot Spot, which is home to an annual art event that
celebrates music, dance, art and fashion. She is also the Chief
Executive Officer of Dance for Peace Charity, a non-profit she
established two years ago.

In addition to her projects, it is noteworthy to mention Ms. Vargas's
unparalleled service to the community. Joanna is a Board Member of the
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, a member of the San Gabriel Chamber of
Commerce, charter member of the Rotary International New Generation
Club, and President of the City of Alhambra Downtown Business
Association.

Joanna is a charitable woman who gives back to her community through
her invaluable service. She has awarded scholarships to deserving
underserved teens and children, and to people who have the desire to
further their dance training.

I ask all Members to join me in honoring a remarkable woman of
California's 29th Congressional District, Joanna Vargas, for her
exceptional service to the community.

Asian insect threatens SGV citrus trees

Esmee Xavier — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:41:32 +0000

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April 12, 2012

Small insects, known as the Asian citrus psyllid, are threatening to devastate the San Gabriel Valley's citrus trees. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued a quarantine in the regions affected by the psyllid, which span a huge part of Southern California, and now include the Hacienda Heights and West Covina areas. The psyllids are comparable in size to aphids, and feed on the leaves and stems of citrus, as well as plants closely related to citrus. They are carriers of the deadly plant disease Huanglongbing, which kills citrus trees.

Alhambra City Councilman Gary Yamauchi urged residents to be on the lookout for the small insects, and to alert their neighbors to the psyllid's presence. He said the insects have already damanged much of the San Gabriel Valley's citrus. More information on the Asian citrus psyllid and what you can do to prevent its spread can be found at www.CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org.