Centennial Connect: Fall/Winter 2023

Movies in the Park Series

Friday evenings

Temple City Park

Movie starts approx. 15 min after sunset, pre-movie activities start 45 minutes before movie.

Fun pre-movie activities will include a themed arts and craft, raffle, and contests/ live entertainment. A food truck and a concession booth selling popcorn, drinks and more will be on-site.

From the City Manager Cheers to 100 years of community, pride, and history!

We can all agree that this year is flying by, and it feels like it was just yesterday that we were writing down our new year’s resolutions and gearing up for a fresh start. In just a blink of an eye, we are now in the fall season ready for cooler temperatures and ready to enjoy all the sweater weather activities with our families. We hoped you enjoyed your summer, and we are excited to share what Temple City has in the works for the rest of 2023.

This past May 26, 2023, Temple City celebrated the 100th founding anniversary of our town. In the spirit of celebration and honoring our town’s history, we will be celebrating our town’s anniversary for an entire year!

In this unique 2023 Fall Edition of Connect Magazine we decided to take you down memory lane and reunite with our town’s history. We hope you enjoy the stories from the past that made us stronger as a community. At times, Temple City gets underestimated as a “small” city. The truth of the matter is that Temple City is mighty and home to recognized individuals like Steve W. Lindsey and LeUyen Pham. We hope you enjoy reading and learning about our town’s history and we hope you treasure this keepsake magazine in your home and pass it down to future generations.

On behalf of the City Council, City staff, and the Historical Society of Temple City, we encourage you to show your Camellia pride and join us at all our Centennial festivities. Please visit www.templecity.us/centennial for more details. See you at big Centennial Celebration- Parade and Classic Car Show on September 30, 2023.

Cordially,

More info: www.templecity.us/movies

Bryan Cook City Manager

In this photo: Temple City Residents—Alani, Alyssa, and Kaylee Tien

Fall/Winter Calendar

In This Issue

Humans of Temple City

SEPTEMBER

8 Movies in the Parks Series begins, Fridays (for 4 weeks)

16–17 Autumn Festival

21 Neighborhood Watch Meeting 23 First Day of Autumn 30 Centennial Celebration: Classic Car Show and Parade OCTOBER 19 Neighborhood Watch Meeting 31 Halloween Carnival

Flashback to Temple City's History

HUMANS OF TEMPLE CITY

Get to know some cool Temple City humans making a difference.

Steve W. Lindsey

Steve Lindsey born on August 24, 1960, in Arcadia California but considers Temple City to be his hometown. Graduating from Temple City High School in 1978, he married fellow Temple City Alumni, Diane Trujillo and had three children. On July 4, 1976, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 161, based at the First United Methodist Church in Temple City. Lindsey earned a B.S. in Engineering Sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1982 and a Master of Science Degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1990. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in March 1995 and has been in five space shuttle flights and logged more than 1,510 hours in space. On May 30,2015, Steve Lindsey was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Lindsey currently resides in Colorado with his family.

Kent Devlin Kramer

Is a former American football tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He attended and played college football at the University of Minnesota.

Kramer attended Temple City High School in Temple City, California where he played varsity football for three years and was an All-CIF pick in 1961 for the undefeated Rams.

Bill Schmidt

In 1964, William Schmidt, was one of the most successful teachers at Oak Avenue School. Schmidt was the state’s first blind teacher to teach sighted children. His appointment was part of a unique Temple City Unified School District policy that brought together blind children and sighted ones in regular classrooms. When teaching math, Schmidt relied on a special overhead projector to show lessons on the wall instead of using the blackboard. He had to design most of his own material because almost nothing was available in braille, relied on his wife and student assistants for grading help, and employed the honor system for tests. While some kids took advantage of the situation and cheated, Schmidt said there were many others who discouraged the cheats and kept the others in line.

LeUyen Pham

Pham prides herself on providing multicultural representation in her books whenever possible or, as she has stated, to make sure children do “not feel excluded.” She, more than most, can firsthand relate to more than one culture and believes children should see themselves in books. LeUyen was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1973. She and her family were several of the last refugees on the roof of the United States (US) Embassy rescued by helicopter during the fall of Saigon in 1975. She was only 2 years old at the time Saigon fell and her family escaped. Her family made their way to the United States via several stops along the way with the help of a sponsor and settled in Temple City. She was also the Camellia Festival Grand Marshal in 2014.

Humans of Temple City

THE GREAT POWER OUTAGE

Aftermath of the heavy winds of 2011

On November 30 and December 1, 2011, wind gusts greater than 70 mph toppled trees and downed power lines. Reported calls for service indicated that approximately 200 fallen trees and 17 snapped power lines were covering the city streets and other public rights-of-way. Surrounding cities had also been affected. The areas in Pasadena, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Azusa, and Monrovia received damage. With power outages and blocked intersections, it was difficult to drive in the West San Gabriel Valley.

The areas hardest hit in Temple City were neighborhoods near Live Oak Park. The City Council directed city staff to open the emergency operations center and declared a local state of emergency. This declaration allowed the city to receive additional resources for disaster recovery, including possible cost reimbursement from federal and state emergency management agencies. Approximately 50% of the city didn’t have any power. Southern California Edison crew members worked tirelessly to get the power back. Additional sheriff’s deputies were deployed to increase evening patrol and direct traffic through key intersections.

Over 150 tree crew workers were deployed citywide to remove fallen trees and debris to focus on trees blocking roads, and trees fallen into homes. Road closures occurred on Live Oak Avenue between Baldwin and Hermosa, Temple City Blvd., between Las Tunas and Broadway; and Hermosa Ave. between Encinita and Rosemead Blvd. Due to safety concerns, the farmer’s market at Temple City Park was cancelled for a short period of time. Aside all the chaos, some regularly scheduled programming continued like senior meals and dial-a-ride service.

By the evening of December 3rd, all streets had been cleared for traffic. After 7 days 8,000 tons of debris had been removed. By December 23rd all the primary debris was gone. The removal of secondary debris like stumps continued until February 2012. This was the result of hundreds of City personnel hours, the sue of mutual aid, and contract services.

As a city, we learned many valuable lessons from this windstorm: The importance of public information- keeping residents informed and updated, the necessity of contracted services during unprecedented times, and the importance of pre-emergency planning- it’s never too early to be prepared for the unknown. By taking all of the proper measures, no one in our community was injured.

The Great Power Outage

It was in recognition of the significance of family life to its residents that the Camellia Festival was founded. The festival, which has attracted national recognition in ensuing years, is sponsored by the City of Temple City. Its purpose is to encourage every youngster in the community to belong to one of the recognized youth organizations and to participate in the affairs of their community. Only by “belonging” are they eligible to enter the Camellia Festival Parade, held the last weekend in February each year. A royal family of ten happy first graders reign over the festivities. The Royalty Coronation is held the first Friday of February to which the public has always been invited.

The first year the parade started with a handful of youngsters, who tossed Camellia Blossoms to the viewers, and it has grown and significance to the point that Temple City readies itself to welcome more that 5,000 children in its parade each year and to greet more than 20,000 visitors to the city. Floats throughout the parade are beautifully decorated in Camellias and carry the theme of the year; all work is done by the youth. Pride in the festival goes so deep that commercial floats are not allowed in the parade, and many businesspeople close their doors during the event in order that everyone may enjoy this outstanding community affair.

A carnival is now part of the three-day festivities, where the public may enjoy the hometown atmosphere in beautiful Temple City Park at Golden West Avenue and Las Tunas Drive, while they participate in game booths and food booths, manned by local service and youth organizations. Community minded individuals and groups take on a myriad of necessary duties involved. Each service and civic organization in town through volunteering has been assigned a specific phase of the festival and the entire community goes all out for the benefit of its children.

In 1944 a contest held by the Woman’s Club of Temple City brought forth a slogan “Temple City, Home of Camellias”, from which stemmed our Camellia Festival. Through some energetic citizens of this community, Temple City put its newly chosen slogan to work; not only to beautify the town but to inspire entire families to participate in the affairs of the community.

Flashback to Temple City's History

1845

Francisco married Antonia Margarita Workman, daughter of William Workman who became a wealthy cattle rancher and owner of Rancho La Merced.

1841

Francisco Pliny Fisk Temple left Reading, Massachusetts for Los Angeles, California to join his half-brother Jonathan Temple who he had never met. When reaching Santa Fe, New Mexico, Francisco joined up with William Workman and John Rowland, becoming the first immigrant caravan to cross the Santa Fe Trail trade route to Los Angeles.

1871

Workman and Francisco established a bank but closed in 1875 after the “Long Depression” struck California. To save the bank, Francisco and Workman borrowed money from E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin and used their rancho land as collateral. Unsuccessful, Francisco was forced to forfeit his land.

1914

Walter’s nine-year-old son Thomas discovered oil was on his family’s property in Montebello Hills.

1923

1917

Walter leased his land to the Standard Oil Company of California, enabling the now wealthy Temple’s to repurchase 75 acres of his family’s original land at Rancho La Merced.

1851

Workman gave Francisco an undivided half-interest in the 2,363-acre ranch, near the site of the original San Gabriel mission (Now known as the Workman Temple Family Homestead Museum). Francisco established his home and had 11 children, the tenth being Walter P. Temple (born in 1869), and future founder of Temple City.

1903

Walter Temple married Laurenza Gonzalez and had four children. With help from his friend Milton Kauffman, the Temple’s moved to a 60-acre estate in Montebello Hills, land that originally belonged to his father.

Walter purchased approximately 300 acres of land east of Alhambra, originally part of Lucky Baldwin’s Rancho Santa Anita. Here he established the original town of Temple as a memorial to his pioneering family who was associated with development of the Southwest. Walter founded the Temple Townsite Company and issued bonds for street paving and electrification. He named the streets after friends and family: Workman, Kauffman, Rowland, Temple and Agnes. During the same year, Walter announced plans for a new Pacific Electric “Red Car” passenger and freight station in the town of Temple.

Continues

on next page

1922

The Temple’s broke ground on La Casa Nueva, or “the new house.” This 12,400 square-foot Spanish Colonial Revival mansion is now open to the public at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum.

Image Courtesy of The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

Security Pacific National Bank Collection/ Los Angeles Public Library

Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library

Temple City Historical Society

Image Courtesy of The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

Image Courtesy of The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

Image Courtesy of The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

1924

The Red Car station opened at the corner of Las Tunas Drive and Kauffman Avenue, providing rail access for mail and passengers between Los Angeles and the town of Temple. The Temple City Chamber of Commerce was also founded to promote local business interests.

1945

Celebrating the city’s new slogan, eight-month-old Sharon Ray Pearson was crowned the first camellia “Queen” and rode in an open car down Las Tunas Drive as Camp Fire Girls gifted camellia blossoms to spectators. This simple celebration snowballed to become the nationally recognized Camellia Festival, held every February.

1941

Car ownership was increasing, leading to the abandonment of rail service, and ultimately the removal of “Red Car” tracks in 1943.

Timeline continued

1925

The Women’s Club of Temple City was founded to develop civic and social interests of the community.

Temple

1926

The community officially adopted the new name of “Temple City” to disassociate with similar sounding places like Templeton, AZ.

1944

The Women’s Club held a contest to select an official flower and slogan for Temple City. The winning entry was “Temple City, Home of the Camellias”, submitted by Mrs. Ralph Saunders.

1947

To support local youth groups, the Chamber of Commerce selected a royal court of first graders to lead the Camellia Festival parade— a tradition still practiced today.

1946

The first Camellia Festival was held with 150 members of local youth groups parading

1960

On April 26, 1960 voters formally approved incorporation as the “City of Temple City,” which at the time had a population of 31,838.

1953

Without formal incorporation of Temple City, the Chamber of Commerce was providing services normally provided by a local government; and was

Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library

Bill Walker, Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library

City HIstorical Society

Temple City's Incorporation Timeline

The First Winchell’s Donut House

In 1948, Verne Winchell opened the first Winchell’s Donut House in Temple City, California. Winchell had originally planned to open a hamburger stand but someone beat him to it across the street he wanted to set shop. Instead, Winchell decided to open a doughnut and coffee shop, where customers could watch the doughnuts being made through the store’s windows. Customers adored the concept and by the following year, Winchell opened two new restaurants in California.

Expansion was afoot by the early 50s, with more stores being opened every year. By early 60s, Winchell’s stock was trading on the over-the-counter market. Since his brand was gaining national recognition, Winchell started franchising his restaurants. From there, more than 30 restaurants were opened every year. In the mid 60s, the chain introduced their famous apple fritter. Winchell’s had built a strong moat around the brand and was even offered to be bought out by the United Fruit Company, but the deal never went through.

By the late 60s, the chain had over 250 restaurants under its umbrella. The chain merged with Denny’s Restaurants in a stock swap, and Verne Winchell was named chairman and CEO of Denny’s in 1972. Under Winchell, both brands expanded significantly. The donut division opened around 1,000 stores across the U.S. and in countries such as Japan, Spain, and Korea.

The First Winchell's Donut House

Veteran’s Day Celebration

Saturday, November 11

10:30 A.M. Temple City Park

Fall/Winter 2023

Contract Classes

Fall Session Registration starts September 4, 2023

Winter Session Registration starts December 4, 2023

Parent & Me AIR, LAND, AND SEA WITH BRICKS 4 KIDZ

Take to the sky in our Bricks 4 Kids helicopter model; race across the ocean in a sail boat, zoom through the water on a jet ski. Together we’ll learn what makes each machine unique and how it moves. Each child will build and get to take home their own custom mini-figure at the end of the session.

*Parent and me workshop (4-6 years old) one parent per child welcome to participate.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

JURASSIC BRICK LAND WITH BRICKS 4 KIDZ

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Put on your hiking boots and camouflage. You’re about to enter Jurassic Brick Land! Over two (2), Five-week sessions we will build a world that comes to life with gentle Brontosaurus, ferocious Velociraptor, terrifying T-Rex, and more. We’ll learn about amazing dinosaurs and other extinct prehistoric animals that lived during the Jurassic period. Each child will build and get to take home their own custom mini figure at the end of the session. Come learn, build, and play with us. *Parent and me workshop (4-6 years old) one parent per child welcome to participate.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Parent & Me

MISSION TO SPACE WITH BRICKS 4 KIDZ

Each week we will engage in fun STEM-enriched lessons inspired by NASA and Star Wars learning about real life space exploration and engineer rover models related to the NASA space program. Each child will build and get to take home their own custom mini-figure at the end of each session.

*Parent and me workshop (4-6 years old) one parent per child welcome to participate.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Light’s On TC

Friday, December 1

5 P.M.–9 P.M. Temple City Park

Snow and excitement are in the air! Light’s On Temple City provides an array of delightful family fun with a parade, snow areas, light tunnel, arts & crafts, food booths and of course a visit with Santa. This event for all ages is free to attend and a great way to ring in the holiday season with the official lighting of the City’s redwood tree.

Youth Dance

HIP HOP & BREAKDANCING

Beginner Hip Hop and Breaking will introduce you to the incredible dance styles of Hip Hop and Breaking and give you an introduction to the culture! You will learn basic Hip Hop party dances and Breaking top rock, go downs, footwork, and freezes. Learn to dance, make friends, explore your creativity, be active, and have fun!

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Youth Music

BEGINNING VIOLIN

Students will learn the correct, basic techniques, including how to play fun and simple songs.

Location: Arcadia Music, 32 E Duarte Rd. $25 materials fee

Youth Enrichment ARTS & CRAFTS FOR KIDS

STARS CLUB

STARS Club offers on-site after-school activities including homework assistance, sports, games, and arts and crafts in a fun and supervised environment. The program is offered at Cleminson Elementary School in the El Monte City School District (EMCSD) and La Rosa, Longden and Cloverly Elementary Schools in the Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD). Care is provided for youth in grades Kindergarten through 6th on site from school dismissal time until 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required for participation and includes care Monday-Friday during regular and minimum days. Registration now open!

El Monte School District Site (Cleminson Elementary):

BEGINNING GUITAR

Students will learn the correct, basic techniques, including how to play fun and simple songs.

AEROKIX

Be part of the new group fitness fever! Would you like to be fit? Would you like to be skilled? Would you like to have fun? Then, this is your place! Our group fitness class will include martial arts, aerobics, dance, and fitness elements.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Calling Volunteers!

Location: Arcadia Music, 32 E Duarte Rd. $25 materials fee

Temple City Unified School District Sites (La Rosa, Cloverly, Longden Elementary):

Art is a way for children to learn about another form of communication and expression. Classes offer hands-on learning and promote imagination through exploration of different materials, textures, and colors.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St. | $10 materials fee due on the first day of class

WINTER CAMP

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a fun and exciting Winter Camp that operates during the winter break period. Join us for our Winter Camp at Live Oak Park consisting of two winter sessions beginning December 26 through January 5 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration opens November 13th and is $114 per session. Participants ages 5-12 will engage in a variety of fun activities including games, arts and crafts, sports, and educational activities, plus a field trip!

Location: Live Oak Park

*Care for kindergarteners offered at La Rosa Elementary ONLY.

KIDS LOVE CHINESE & ARTS

Beginning level for students, they will learn to speak, read, write Chinese in simplified Pinyin. Classes will be conducted in Chinese and English.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St. $25 materials fee

We invite volunteers ages 14 and up to get involved and help Temple City Park & Recreation Department at our exciting special events and programs offered throughout the year! Be a part of this fun volunteer program as a great way to give back to the community or earn high school service credits. Volunteers get valuable hands-on experience, gain new skills, and make a positive impact on the community. Plus, volunteers are recognized at the yearly Temple City’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Sign up online and look for upcoming opportunities by visiting www.templecity.us/volunteers or contact Ana Casillas at acasillas@templecity.us for additional information or any questions.

ROBLOX WORKSHOP BY SNAPOLOGY OF ARCADIA

Does your child love playing or designing in Roblox? Is there a game that they just can’t seem to get enough of? In this Snapology workshop, students will recreate and explore their favorite Roblox adventures by using LEGO bricks to create interactive games! From designing an Obby to building a 3-D character skin, students will be fully immersed in the gameplay and game design of Roblox!

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

KIDS LOVE CHINESE

Students will learn how to speak, read, and write Chinese in simplified pinyin and words from the instructor who is very knowledgeable and has years of teaching experience in this field. Classes are assigned at the student’s level.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St. | $25 book and materials fee

ARCHEOLOGY WORKSHOP BY SNAPOLOGY OF ARCADIA

Snapology takes on Archaeology in this fun-packed workshop, Deep-dig into the world of artifacts, science, and exploration! Your Future archaeologists will practice techniques used to uncover artifacts, explore the history of ancient ruins, and develop research sites of the own. All using Lego bricks!

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Youth Sports

YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

It’s Volleyball time! We invite youth in grades 5th–8th grade to join our exciting coed-volleyball league where they will learn a variety of skills and compete in games in a fun league environment. This class led by recreation staff is designed to introduce players of all levels to the sport of volleyball. Players will experience working as a team, sportsmanship, and building the proper fundamentals of the sport (setting, serving, passing). Fee includes practices, games, t-shirt and trophy.

Location: Live Oak Park for Practices, Oak Ave Intermediate School for Games

BEGINNING FENCING PROGRAM

In this program you will learn the proper technique, conditioning, exercises, footwork, and drills of the Olympic sport of fencing. No prior experience needed, gear will be provided.

Location: 139 W. Maple Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016

YOUTH BASKETBALL

Dribble, shoot and score! Register youth ages 3.5 years–14 years (8th grade) for our popular co-ed basketball league where participants will play in a fun, exciting and positive environment. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the sports and improve their technique while practicing friendly competition, fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Practices meets twice weekly after school, and games on Saturdays or during week depending on divisions. No class 12/24–1/7.

Games start the week of 1/13 and Playoff games run 3/2–3/16.

Location: Practices—Cloverly, La Rosa, Longden, Emperor elementary schools and Live Oak Park. Games will be held at Oak Avenue Intermediate School.

LEAD PROGRAM

The Leadership Education and Development program (LEAD) facilitates opportunities for middle school and high school students ages 12–17 years old to earn volunteer service-learning hours, develop confidence in leadership skills through a mentored training program, and learn about educational and future career opportunities. In addition to accruing community service hours needed for school, participants also acquire the skills to apply for future employment opportunities.

For more information and to apply to the LEAD program please visit www.templecity.us/LEAD

MINI SPORTS BLITZ

Sports time = fun time! Have your little ones explore an exciting variety of sports in this upbeat program led by Recreation staff!

This 8-week session will focus on the basics of each sport (basketball, soccer, and flag football), highlighting skill development and sportsmanship.

Location: Live Oak Park

TENNIS (LIVE BALL)

Live ball is a quick game of double without the serve. The challenger side is trying to beat the champion side by winning 3 before losing 2! This is a fast pace game that will keep you moving for an entire hour!

*March 2 – March 16 (playoffs)

**LR- La Rosa Elementary, Cl- Cloverly Elementary, EMP- Emperor Elementary, LNG-Longden Elementary LOP- Live Oak Park.

†Practices meet twice weekly after school, and games are on Saturdays or during the week depending on divisions. Practices will be on Mon & Wed or Tues & Thurs depending on the site and division.

*No class 10/31. Games held on Saturdays 9 A.M.–12 P.M. starting from 9/9, with no games on 9/30.

Adult Dance

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCING

International Folk Dancing class will incorporate a variety of dances from different countries around the world. Explore rhythmic dances from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

YANG STYLE TAI CHI

Yang style Tai Chi in its many variations is the most popular and widely practiced style of Tai Chi in the world today. Beginner class will focus on basic techniques and forms such as Yang 8, Yang 16, and Yang 24. Intermediate class will review Yang 48 and Yang 42.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

BALLROOM DANCE

International standard and latin dance. (Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Waltz, and Tango). Learn the basics and advanced ballroom dance techniques.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

TAI CHI FAN

Tai Chi fan is one of the typical equipment for practicing Tai Chi. Movements are graceful but also can be powerful. This Tai Chi fan class will teach fan form 36, which combines both Yang and Chen style movements.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Classes

Adult Fitness

STRONG NATION

Combines body weight, muscle condition, cardio, and plyometric training moves synched to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move. Every squat, every lunge, every burpee is driven by the music, helping you make it to that last rep, and maybe even five more. This is a fast-paced workout class.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

CHEN STYLE TAI CHI

Chen style Tai Chi is a Northern Chinese martial art and the original form of Tai Chi. Chen style is characterized by silk reeling, alternating fast and slow motions, and bursts of power. Beginner class will focus on basic techniques and Chen 18. Intermediate class will review Chen 83 and Chen 71. For those who have no prior experience in Tai Chi, please start with Beginner Yang style.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Incomplete applications or checks may result in failed enrollment. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early!

Class schedules and prices are subject to change.

ZUMBA

We connect our body with the rhythm of cumbia, merengue, salsa, and bachata. The 3 levels are Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. We learn to move our body and enjoy exercising while dancing.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Holiday Decorating Contest

PICKLEBALL

Learn the rules and skills of pickleball for beginners. For the advanced players, learn techniques to further improve your skills.

(Paddles not provided)

Shelter Reservations

TENNIS

Grab your racket and tennis shoes and get ready to hop out on the court. Learn fun drills and games to improve your skills whether it’s hitting more consistently or moving better.

Looking for a place to host your next family gathering event? Live Oak Park has two picnic shelters available for rent! Applications can be found online or in person at Live Oak Park Community Center. The hours for renting are from 9 A.M-9 P.M. For more information, please visit the city website. More info: templecity.us

The annual Holiday Decorating Contest launches every December!

There is no need to apply—all you have to do is display your festive decorations in early December! A committee will canvass the entirety of the City in search of standout festive homes. If your home or business is selected staff will award each winning address with a winner sign and an invite to be recognized at the first City Council meeting of January. Judging will take place on the evenings of December 12 and 13, 2023.

Contest details and rules are posted on the City’s website, www.templecity.us or you may contact Jennifer Venters, Parks and Recreation Secretary by calling (626) 579-0461 or by email jventers@templecity.us.

Lunar New Year

Scholarship Programs

Youth Scholarship Program

The City of Temple City’s Youth Scholarship provides funding to income qualified families for City-sponsored programs. To see if you qualify for the program, families must complete an application, prove residency, and provide income documentation. If approved, a 50% or 75% scholarship discount will be applied toward recreation programs offered through the City of Temple City’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Camellia Trust Fund

Temple City’s Camellia Trust Fund is available to income qualified Temple City families. Applications will be considered to meet an immediate need for children under the age of 18 for non-City sponsored programs. To see if you qualify for the program, families must complete an application, prove residency, and provide income documentation.

For further information contact: Jennifer Venters, Parks and Recreation Secretary by calling (626) 285-2171 extension 4515 or by email at jventers@templecity.us.

Adult Programs

Senior Programs

All programs are held at Live Oak Park Community Center.

Adult Excursions

DODGER GAME

Date: September 1, 2023 | Time: 3:30–10:30 P.M. | Fee: $45

Join us as the Boys in Blue take on the Atlanta Braves! Enjoy the game and a firework show immediately following the game. Enjoy the firework show immediately after the game. Join us before we depart for some hot dogs and snacks.

HOLLYWOOD BOWL (WAITLISTED)

Date: September 6, 2023 | Time: 5:30–11:30 P.M. | Fee: $20

Join us as we enjoy the sounds of Buddy Guy at the Hollywood Bowl. Space is limited, register as soon as possible.

AVOCADO FESTIVAL

Date: October 7, 2023 Time: 8 A.M.–6:30 P.M. | Fee: $25

Spend the day at the 37th annual Avocado Festival. Known to be one of the largest festivals in Carpinteria. SO many Avocado food creations to choose from today! The day is yours to enjoy..

OAK GLEN VILLAGE

Date: October 19, 2023 Time: 8:30 A.M.–6 P.M. | Fee: $20

In the Fall season each year Oak Glen is known for its apples! We will spend the day starting out in Oak Tree Village for lunch and shopping on our own. We will also stop at Parrish Pioneer Ranch and Snowline Orchards for apple picking.

Registration for trips will begin the 1st Monday of the preceding month

Adult/Senior Volunteers

Adult Excursions Registration is accepted at Live Oak Park Community Center.

More info: (626) 579-0461

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAM

Date: November 2, 2023 | Time: 8 A.M.–5 P.M. | Fee: $52

Enjoy the view of the pristine wilderness aboard the World’s largest rotating tramcars. Once at the top, you will have lunch at the Pines Café. You will have a choice of an entrée, side dish, and non-alcoholic beverage and dessert. You will go into Cabazon with a quick stop at Hadley’s Fruit Orchards for some shopping before returning home.

MORONGO CASINO/ CABAZON OUTLET MALL

Date: November 18, 2023 | Time: 8:30 A.M.–5 P.M. | Fee: $20 The bus will drop those who want to go to the casino first and then the shoppers will be dropped off at the Cabazon Outlet mall. Lunch will be on your own today.

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM

Date: December 9, 2023 | Time: 9 A.M.–5:30 P.M. | Fee: $74

Enjoy your day viewing the many displays the museum has to offer. See 26 decorated trees representing the 26 countries that President Reagan visited while in office. You will also have the opportunity to go inside the retired Air Force One Aircraft as part of your tour today and in the Air Force One Pavilion. You will have a buffet lunch, foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, their annual parade, live entertainment and more all day.

The Temple City Parks and Recreation Department is currently looking for volunteers for Senior Lunch! Volunteers would assist with checking in seniors as well as serving the meals. For more information contact Rubi Ramos-Ruiz at (626) 579-0461 ext. 4545 or by email at rruiz@templecity.us.

Tree Planting Request

If you do not have a tree in your parkway or if you live on a corner lot and have only one tree the City encourages you to request a tree to be planted for free! If the Urban Forestry team finds that a new or additional tree can be planted in the parkway, one of three tree options will be selected from the City’s Master Tree List and planted. It is the City’s goal to continue to build our urban forest, engage community pride, and beautify neighborhoods. Want to learn more? Contact Jennifer Venters, Parks and Recreation Secretary by calling (626) 579-0461 or by email jventers@templecity.us.

Senior Programs

LINE DANCE

Step into this old western dance with a twist! Learn basic line dancing set to country and non-country music. Level I for beginners, level II for experienced dancers.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue St.

Senior Activities

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs and activities for the older adult population in Temple City. These programs are a great value as they are offered at no cost. Activities encourage socialization, exercise and mental stimulation for all. All programs are free!

Senior Meal Program

Attention seniors ages 60 and older: Get a hot lunch, participate in activities, and socialize with friends and neighbors. Monthly menus are available at Live Oak Park Community Center and online at templecity.us/lunch. Coffee is available for just 25 cents per cup. Call (626) 579-0461 for more information. A $3 donation for lunch is recommended.

Dial-A-Ride

Senior Database

The City of Temple City and Committee on Aging are working together to create a database of residents 50-years of age and older to ensure our aging adult population receive emergency notifications in a timely manner, to offer a channel of communication for the City to share information on critical resources, especially in times of crisis, and to assist in keeping aging adults connected. Stay informed of emergency notifications and community updates by requesting your form today.

When you complete and submit the form, your contact information will be added to the database to provide critical community updates. Email Parks & Recreation Coordinator Rubi Ramos-Ruiz at rruiz@templecity. us to request your form or call the Live Oak Park Community Center at 626-579-0461

ZUMBA GOLD

We connect our body with the rhythm of cumbia, merengue, salsa, and bachata.

Location: Live Oak Park Community Center, 10144 Bogue

Dial-A-Ride is a shared ride service that provides curb-to-curb transportation to Temple City residents 60 years of age or older or to those of any age that have a disability. Temple City residents can be transported anywhere throughout the City and be provided transportation to the cities of Arcadia, El Monte, Rosemead, and San Gabriel for essential services. To see how you can become a Dial-A-Ride member contact Jennifer Venters, Parks and Recreation Secretary by calling (626) 579-0461 or by email jventers@templecity.us.

Services times:

• Monday through Friday: 7:00am–8:00pm

• Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am–5:00pm