Thursday, JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
PACCD Board Fires Dr. Richard Van Pelt On June 20, The Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees President, Geoffrey Baum announced a unanimous decision to sack Richard van Pelt who is under investigation by the County of Los Angeles District Attorney for bribery. “The Board in closed session voted to terminate the employment contract between the District and Dr. Richard van Pelt in accordance with the terms of that contract. Specifically, the Board acted pursuant to Section 11.4 of the agreement. The vote was unanimous with Trustee Brown abstaining. This action will be final effective immediately upon delivery of theBoard’s written decision to Dr. van Pelt. The Board’s action is independent of the ongoing criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Please see page 8
A zusa B eacon Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
Battle of the Bands
Two Major Orchestras Change Venues for Summer Programs
Volume XVII, No. XXV
Parents’ Persistence Pays Off in Sierra Madre Students and Parents Score ‘Big Win' for Campus
A giant crane helps pull the CalPhil musicians’ dome into place last week in preparation for the inaugural season at the new venue, Santa Anita Park in the infield, west. -Photo by Terry Miller
BY TERRY MILLER In what has been lovingly called ‘The Battle of the Bands’ by some, The Pasadena POPS marked the start of their new summer concert season with a performance by Marvin Hamlisch last Saturday at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden which has
replaced Cal Philharmonic which had called the Arboretum home for the last 15 summers. While there was tension and confusion over the changes in the early stages, Cal Philharmonic has adapted to the new venue of the race track seamlessly. And, as Andre Vener points out,
Investors Sought for Rose Bowl Construction Shortfall of $35 Million BY TERRY MILLER It was suggested in other media outlets that Chinese investors seeking to immigrate to the United States could possibly help bail out the Rose Bowl’s construction’s staggering $35 million overrun and get a Green Card as a thank you gift from the feds. In 2010 Pasadena City Council approved a $152 million financing plan for a major renovation of the Rose Bowl stadium. It is the largest investment in the history of the 90-yearold iconic structure. The renovations were to improve public safety; enhance fan experience; maintain the national historic landmark status of the
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there is no less shade at Santa Anita than there was at the Arboretum. While the Arboretum boasts more trees that the race track, they certainly aren’t shade trees for concert goers on the main lawn where the tables are located. Vener pointed out that before sunset, the new location’s Dome will provide a
significant amount of cooling shade for attendees at the race track. We got a behind the scenes look last week at the splendid new stage and grass area for seating as well as a sneak peek at the giant dome for the orchestra. Please see page 12
San Gabriel Approves Further Study of ACE Project Reorganization BY JIM E. WINBURN
-Photo by Terry Miller
Rose Bowl Stadium; develop revenue sources to fund the project and other longterm improvements; and enhance the stadium’s facilities. The financing plan includes lease extensions that will ensure UCLA will play its home games at the Rose Bowl stadium
through 2042 and the Rose Bowl Game will be played there through at least 2043. With an eye to 2014 at the BSC Championship games, the Rose Bowl is going to be very much in the public eye and financPlease see page 14
It is hardly surprising that a $500 billion construction project has outgrown its San Gabriel Valley parent organization. The City of San Gabriel, one of several cities affected by railroad construction under the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority, approved further study and discussion into separating the ACE project from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. Although there was agreement to support further study of the separation, explanation for ACE’s proposed autonomy remained vague at Tuesday evening’s
On Tuesday, at the Facilities Sub-Committee meeting, Bond Manager Robin Brown presented the revised Facilities Master Plan (FMP). This presentation included a very ‘big win’ for Sierra Madre Middle School (SMMS) - the revised proposal includes all of the buildings as originally designed for the new Middle School campus. This plan takes into Please see page 5
Wife, Neighbors Defend Monrovia Council Member Spicer BY SUSAN MOTANDER
council meeting. “These are two really big powers, and while they have a common purpose, now ACE has a wholly different path of its own, and it can survive without the COG, and vice versa,” said Councilman John Harrington. Although absent from the meeting, Councilman David Gutierrez, who also serves as the ACE Board Chairman, told San Gabriel City Manager Steven Preston, he hoped “that council would support the motion that would provide (other)
Several neighbors of Monrovia Council Member Larry Spicer contacted this newspaper to support him after a story that appeared last week. The story reported on allegations by Mike Vallejo that Spicer was a bully and that his wife was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of Spicer. Vallejo also said that Spicer’s neighbors were afraid of him because of his abusive behavior. Delphine Spicer, the council member’s wife chose to use the same forum
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