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Freshman councilman Vincent Yu urged that the city appoint Cynthia Sternquist (left) as the alternate representative to the COG. Sternquist was recently appointed to the City Council following the resignation of David Capra. - Photo by Terry Miller
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to Assist City in Regional Planning At last Tuesday's meeting of the City Council, the longdebated issue of whether or not to rejoin the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG) was at last resolved, with the Council voting pay the $60,000 in backed dues necessary to rejoin the advisory and advocacy group. The decision by the new city council, elected to their
offices in the recent March election, is a marked departure from the decision of a past council in 2005 to leave the COG. The four year period in which the city was not a member of the COG represents the longest period of time any city has gone without an official membership in the COG. West Covina and Bradbury each left the COG for two years each, and when
Bradbury rejoined last month, Temple City was left as the only San Gabriel Valley city not to be a member. The Debate had gone on for weeks as the council members weighed the costs of rejoining. Those costs will include not only the $15,000 per year membership fee going forward, but also payment in full of the dues left unpaid while the city was not
TCUSD Celebrates Student Artists The TCUSD Board of Education recognized the accomplishments of two talented artists at their regular meeting on June 24, 2009. Thalia Loi, a second grader at Emperor Elementary School was recognized for her artwork being selected as the first place winner from kindergarten through second grade entries in the Water is Life art contest sponsored by the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. The TCUSD Board also recognized Isabel Tian, a 2009 graduate from Temple City High School. Her artwork received a third place award from all Water is Life high school entries. Isabel was
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Monday, JUNE 29 - JUly 5, 2009 Volume 2, No. 26
Despite Penalties, Council Votes to Rejoin COG
By John Stephens
Readers Choice09
unable to attend the meeting because she left yesterday to attend an out-of-State college. Thalia and Isabel’s artwork will now be entered into the annual art contest sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Both students are gifted artists who have a natural ability to express their ideas in an exceptionally creative way. All eligible art entries were displayed during the Upper District’s Board Meeting on May 18, 2009 where Board members, staff, and public attendees voted by ballot for their top five choices in grade level categories.
Thalia Loi proudly displays art award.
a member, with four years absent leaving the city with a $60,000 tab, should they wish to rejoin. At past council meetings, representatives from the COG had been unwilling to negotiate the penalty fees to a lower amount, arguing that they had never done so before and to do so now would set an inappropriate precedent for other cities who might be tight on cash and decide to leave the COG for a period of time in order to save money. City Officials have said that they intend to pay as much as 60% of the $75,000 total cost by using funds acquired through Proposition A transportation funds coming from the county. Councilman Tom Chavez said that he was concerned about the move largely because of the high costs involved, but that he was pleased to know that the city had a way to pay for it without jeopardizing other city services or accounts. As delegate to the COG, the council selected veteran councilman Fernando Vizcarra who had been a supporter of rejoining the COG, provided the money could be found without dipping to heavily into
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Air National Guard Band of the Southwest to Perform in Temple City
Enjoy a patriotic evening at Temple City’s Independence Day Celebration We d n e s d a y, Ju l y 1 featuring the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Drive Schedule of events 6p.m.– 7 p.m. Free hot dogs & chips (limited quantities) 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket and participate in Shape Up TC 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Free Patriotic Concert The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest will be performing a very special concert in Temple City to celebrate Independence Day. The band
is stationed at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, in Port Hueneme, California and will be under the direction of Major Eric Patterson and Associate Conductor, Master Sergeant Gregory Robinson. As musical ambassador, the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest is proud to represent the State of California, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force. Make your plans now to join with your friends and neighbors in Temple City Park for this special community event. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair. For more information please call the Parks & Recreation Department at (626) 285-2171 ext. 2328.
Upcoming Events Tuesday • Kiwanis Club
Wednesday • Pre-Concert Activities (Concerts in the Park) • Concerts in the Park - Air National Guard Band of the South West
Friday • High Twelve
Next Monday • Temple City Schools Foundation Meeting
Next Tuesday • Kiwanis Club • City Council Meeting
Next Wednesday • Pre-Concert Activities (Concerts in the Park) • Concerts in the Park - Suavé The Band Swing~ Blues & Oldies For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit templecitytribune.com and click on Calendar. Online listings include important information such as event times and locations.