Entertainment
Tech Bits
Movie Review, page 6
Echo Show, page 6
Vol. 54, No. 11
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
July 05, 2017
El Monte Rosemead Adult School Celebrates its Youngest Graduates by Staff writer El Monte
El Monte-Rosemead Adult School Babysitting Program celebrated its first EMRAS Promotion Ceremony on June 8, 2017. The ceremony celebrated nine children who will transition to Kindergarten in August. The children, wearing their graduation gowns, marched and sang songs, which delighted the parents and staff alike. Each student was presented a Certificate of Promotion, and the children, their families, and special guests enjoyed cookies and punch after the ceremony. The EMRAS Babysitting Program uses preschool curriculum including literacy and math activities, development of social skills, and self-discipline competencies. Most of the babysitting staff have certificates in early childhood development – and are well versed to prepare these graduates for kindergarten success.
Courtesy Photo
Disney Pillow Case Project Comes to El Monte Parks by Staff Writer El Monte
Beginning July 6th, and running through the month of July at various parks, the City of El Monte Parks and Recreation Services, the El Monte South El Monte Preparedness Coalition, and The American Red Cross will host will host The Disney Pillow Case Project. Through instructor-led presentations, participants learn the best ways to stay safe and how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport during a disaster. Students also can decorate and personalize their pillowcases and share what they’ve learned with friends and family. The American Red Cross Pillowcase Project sponsored by Disney is a free, interactive preparedness workshop designed for youth ages 8 to 11. The program aims to increase awareness and understanding of natural hazards and teaches safety, emotional coping skills, and personal preparedness. Through instructor-led presentations, students learn the best ways to stay safe and how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy
transport during a disaster. Students also have the opportunity to decorate and personalize their pillowcases and share what they’ve learned with friends and family. The goal of the one-hour workshop is to make sure students who participate in The Pillowcase Project will be able to identify the best way in an emergency, identify ways to prevent a home fire, manage stress in an emergency, and act as advocates for emergency preparedness in their homes and communities. Disney has contributed to the creation and expansion of the Pillowcase Project by investing more than $3 million since 2012. And as a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program, Disney helps the Red Cross respond immediately after disasters. Disney employees also support Red Cross disaster relief operations by contributing hundreds of volunteer hours through the Disney VoluntEARS program. Disney Pillowcase Projects are scheduled throughout El Monte beginning July 6th at Zamora Park on Penn Mar Ave and followed by Lambert Park on July 11th. The Pillow Case Project Workshop for Arceo
Park on July 18th will be held at the El Monte Community Center and the Mt. View Park event is scheduled for July 25th. Gibson Mariposa Park participants on July 27th will be provided free transportation to Lambert Park for the workshop. Free shuttle busses are provided to the public, but reservations are re-
quired. For more information please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at (626) 580-2200. Ed Note: In the interest of full disclosure, we would like our readers to know that members of the Mid Valley News Editorial Board are actively involved in the El Monte South El Monte Preparedness Coalition.
Mid Valley News
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July 05, 2017
El Monte Animal Control Hosts Pet Resource Fair by Staff Writer, El Monte
Educated and Informed pet owners make happy, healthy pets and the City of El Monte want to make sure there are plenty of both. On Saturday, July 22nd, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at Lambert
of Southern California’s most active mobile vet clinic providers, VetCare Pet Clinic and Vaccination Services, will be available to provide vaccinations, exams, micro-chipping, nail trimming, and consultations, among other services. Other highlighted vendors include Spay4LA who offer free spay & neuter for pet owners in the San Gabriel Valley and low-cost vaccines to spayed and neutered pets. The Dog Zone will be on hand providing tips, tricks, and techniques on the proper care and feeding of your canine compan-
ion. Petco is available to discuss products and services, offering goodies and discounts and The ASPCA is always available for education, information, and opportunities. For more information on the Pet Resource Fair, please contact Animal Control at 626580-2080 or sending an email to animalcontrol@elmonteca. gov During the City’s Animal Control Services transitional period from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, all Animal
Control issues within the City of El Monte will be available Monday – Thursday from 7:30am until 4:30pm. LA County Department of Animal Care and Control will be assisting the City with after-hours and holiday emergency calls only.
Park in El Monte, the Animal Control Department hosts a full Pet Resource Fair with several vendors offering low cost services, education, and opportunities to learn about available animal resources and how to become a volunteer with organizations that work with animals. A Mobile Clinic provided by one
Coyote Alert Issued for Residents of El Monte by Staff Writer, El Monte
Residents of El Monte are warned to be on alert for coyotes after sightings of the clever and savvy animals were reported roaming the streets and parks of the Friendly City. El Monte is situated between two river beds that are dry most of the year, two lakes surrounded by open space that are home to fish, wild birds, and lots of small mammals. Throw in the amount of small pets in back yards or on leashes and El Monte is a prime Coyote territory. According to the Humane Society of the United States, “An encounter with a coyote in the urban and suburban landscape is a rare event, even where coyotes are found in large numbers. These animals are generally nocturnal and seldom seen. You may catch a glimpse of a coyote, however, as they move from one part of their territory to another in search of prey.” Animal Control Division reminds residents that coyotes are wild animals and should never be approached or fed. If a coyote is spotted never ignore, turn your back, or run since the coyote may see you as prey. Instead, be as big and loud as possible or wave your arms or throw objects in the direcCoyote Alert continued on page 8
AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH
TM
Julius Gaines, SINCE 1933. He’s got a curious intellect that can’t be satiated. Now, he and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org
July 05, 2017
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Mid Valley News
El Monte’ s Parks and Recreation’s “Red, White, and Bounce!” A Health and Wellness Fair for the Entire Family by Staff Writer El Monte
The City of El Monte is committed to improving quality of life and providing opportunities to increase health and quality of life for our guests, families, and friends. Enjoy a fun and healthy summer afternoon outdoors with the entire family during one the City’s healthiest and most entertaining events at the City of El Monte’s annual Red, White & Bounce! Health and Wellness Fair. The Fair takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 7 at Mt. View Park located 12127 Elliott Ave. Families will enjoy a host of physical activities including giant bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course, dodgeball, jousting, boxing, volleyball, and a great Tae Kwon Do dem-
onstration the highlights the physical benefits of martial arts. In addition, attendees will be treated to free fitness classes, health screenings and a variety of arts and crafts. In 2008, the City of El Monte was one of five recipients in Los Angeles County awarded with a three-year grant to support the development of healthy, active environments for residents. Almost 10 years later the City is going strong through the #HealthElMonte campaign and by offering multiple events and activities through the Parks and Recreation Department including Hikes, Family Fitness Sessions, and special events like the Red, White & Bounce! Health and Wellness Fair.
A young lady have fun coming down one of the slides at the 1st Annual “Red, White and Bounce event. Courtesy photo by D. Johnson / MVMC
2016 Parks, Recreation and Community Service “Red, White and Bounce event . Courtesy photo by D. Johnson / MVMC
The Red, White & Bounce! event is free, open to the public, and designed to encourage children and residents of all ages to stay healthy via exercise and proper dieting.
For more information, call El Monte Parks & Recreation at (626) 580-2200 or visit the Parks, Rec, and Community Services section of the city’s website.
A young lady have fun jumping over some tubes at the 1st Annual “Red, White and Bounce event. Courtesy photo by D. Johnson / MVMC
Metro News Glendora to Montclair First Measure M transit Project & Procurement Project gets Green Light Metro Board Approves Budget, Update At their January 2017 meeting, the Board of Directors approved an updated project schedule for the 12.3-mile, six-station Glendora to Montclair extension. The updated schedule is based on detailed constructability reviews conducted as part of the advanced conceptual engineering phase, and anticipates breaking ground on the project in October. Two contracts are planned for the project. The first, to be awarded later this year, is for utility relocation work. The second, to begin procurement toward the end of this year and to be awarded in late-2018, is the Alignment contract. The Alignment contract is anticipated to be a designbuild procurement, and will include
Project Agreements to Build Second Phase of the Foothill Gold Line Project
all aspects of the light rail extension project, including design and construction of the freight and Metrolink tracks and Metrolink Claremont Station relocation/reconstruction, as Project Update continued on page 8
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board today approved a $1.4-billion budget and partnership agreements to extend the Metro Gold Line in the San Gabriel Valley another 11.5 miles east to Claremont. Partnership agreements establish a funding plan and shared roles and responsibilities between Metro and the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, the agency that will build the extension. Metro will fund the portion of the new segment from Glendora to Claremont within Los Angeles County. The Construction Authority plans to utilize other fund-
ing to complete the line to Montclair in San Bernardino County as part of the overall project. The extension will be the first rail line to begin construction from a multitude of new transit projects funded by Metro’s Measure M halfcent transportation sales tax approved by L.A. County voters in November 2016. “This second phase of the Foothill Gold Line is truly significant because it’s the very first Measure M transit project out of the gate,” said John Fasana, Metro Board Chair and Measure M continued on page 8
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July 05, 2017
Mid Valley Sports
Lonzo Ball Drafted by the Lakers by Mike Nelson, Contributing Writer National
On June 22, 2017 the Los Angeles Lakers selected former UCLA Bruins point guard Lonzo Ball 2nd overall in the 1st round of the 2017 NBA Draft. This pick could signify the end of the Lakers misery, this team has failed to make the playoffs in the last 4 seasons which is unheard of in a franchise that had never even gone two straight seasons missing the playoffs. This team has gone through three different coaches in this horrible run and nothing has really helped this team. For the third consecutive NBA draft, the Lakers had the 2nd overall pick, they drafted D’Angelo Russell in 2015, Brandon Ingram in 2016 and now Lonzo Ball in 2017. The Lakers were extremely lucky this year to keep their pick, because if they would fell below the top 3 spots they would have lost the draft pick. The lottery went their way and the Lakers got Ball. Two days before the NBA Draft the Lakers traded point guard D’Angelo Russell and center Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for power forward/center Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in the 2017 draft, which the Lakers used to select power forward from Utah, Kyle Kuzma. This trade signified that the Lakers
were going to select Lonzo Ball because they were trading away their young starting point guard. Magic Johnson, President of Basketball Operations felt that it was best to move on from Russell because he wanted a “leader” and he felt he wasn’t going to get that from him. Russell had been a disappointment for the Lakers in his two seasons with the team, he did not perform at the level that was expected, he did finish out last season well but that was only after a position change to shooting guard. The Lakers wanted to get a playmaker and they are going to get one in Lonzo Ball. Ball averaged 14 points a game and 7 assists a game with the UCLA Bruins in his only season with the team. He was arguably the most exciting player to watch all season in College Basketball and he has the potential to be a real star in the NBA. The question is how his odd shooting motion will work in the NBA, he has a very low release when shooting the basketball. The Lakers were also debating whether they should draft him or not due to fitness concerns, they even held a second Pre-draft workout with him which is unheard of to see if he looked more fit the second time around. Ball will debut with the
Lonzo Bal1. Courtesy photo by Tony Tiger / Wiki Commons
Los Angeles Lakers Summer League Team in Las Vegas on July 7 at 5:30 P.M (ESPN, Spectrum Sportsnet) against ironically, the Los Angeles Clippers Summer League Team.
The Summer League will be good opportunity to show his talents to the world and for Laker fans to maybe finally feel a little better about the upcoming NBA season.
Chris Paul Traded to the Houston Rockets by Mike Nelson, Contributing Writer National
On June 28, 2017 the Los Angeles Clippers made a trade that no team ever wants to make which is trading your best player away. The Clippers traded Chris Paul, to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle
Chris Paul. Courtesy photo by Keith Allison
Wiltjer, Houston’s Top-3 Protected 2018 1st Round Pick and $661,000. On June 23rd, Chris Paul notified the Clippers that he was going to opt
out and test free agency. The Clippers then scheduled a meeting with Paul on June 27th to discuss his future with the team and make a final offer to try and keep him. According to the media, Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer and Head Coach Doc Rivers were the only two people present at that meeting, recently hired special consultant Jerry West was allegedly not at this meeting. The Clippers offered Chris Paul a 4-year 155 million dollar contract instead of the max deal which was 5-years for 201 million dollars. Paul was not happy with the Clippers offer and he told the team that he would be joining the Houston Rockets and that led the Clippers to then trade him to the Rockets to try and get something for him since he was going to be a free agent on July 1st when he opted out his deal. The Clippers got some decent players in this trade, Patrick Beverly was voted to the NBA’s All-Defensive team as a point guard so he has very good defensive skills. Lou Williams who is a shooting guard is a very good 3-point shooter, he shot 38% from the 3-point line in the first half of the year last season when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was then traded at the trade deadline to the Rockets in exchange for Corey Brewer and a 1st round pick. The Lakers made this deal to clear cap space Chris Paul continued on page 8
July 05, 2017
Cracker Barrel “Happy 4th of July, Let the Summer Begin!” By: Mike McClure El Monte
…so last week I was looking through all the flyers that I have received from the El Monte Coordinating Council’s last meeting regarding all the activities coming up for the 4th of July and through- out the summer. City Councilmembers Vicki Martinez and Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Velasco are doing a great job supporting the community with the Coordinating Council and Sheila Crippen is working hard to get/keep everyone involved. Thank you. The Coordinating Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 4:00PM in the City Hall. I want to congratulate the El Monte Police Officers Assoc. for another successful Pancake Breakfast. This
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annual event has become one of the premier fundraisers for many of the local non-profits in the El Monte area. Thank you. We have started the Summer Concert Series with the “Battle of the Bands” at Arceo Park and will continue with “Como la Flor” July 12th , “Mariachi Divas” on July 19th and then “DW3” on July 26th. All of these are free and are held at Arceo Park on Tyler Ave across from the Community Center. Many thanks to everyone at Parks & Recreation for your service to the community. I hope you all had a great, safe, and sane 4th of July and are ready for a wonderful summer.
Webb's Rules
FOURTH OF JULY by Eugene R. Webb
A birthday is always a very special day; That we personally celebrate in our own way. Fourth of July is the birthday of our nation; We get together with our friends and relation. So Fourth of July is a special day in the year; It’s a big celebration with a lot of cheer. It’s a time that brings everyone together;
In Philadelphia is where it did begin; Declaration of Independence was signed by men. These men with courage set our country free; And that’s the way we want it to always be. So the American flag will be flying high; That’s what is expected on Fourth of July. Even the little kids stay up late that night; Seeing the fireworks in the sky so bright.
And in California it’s usually nice weather.
When those beautiful colors light up the sky;
On July 4, 1776 was born the good old USA;
Then you just know it has to be Fourth of July.
We never want to forget our freedom day.
“Working Overtime”
“Earning My B.S. Letter to Editor Degree or When Elvis Great to reconnect after all pee’s Everyone pee’s!” of these years!
Dick : Great to reconnect after all of these years! Your recollection of the “Memories of El Monte” by the Penguins brings back many memories of the 1950’s and early 60’s. That is why I perused having a radio show that featured the music and artists of that era and wrote a book chronicling those years. I had the pleasure of inducting Cleve Duncan, lead singer of the Penguins, into the Doo Wop Music Hall of Fame a few years ago. His beautiful wife, Emilie, accepted on his behalf, as he passed away almost 5 years ago. Great talent, great memories.
I think of the City of El Monte like one would an old friend. El Monte Legion Stadium was a hallmark location for Johnny Otis, Richie Valens, Rosie and the Originals, The Cadets, The Midnighters and so many more. Having grown up right next door, in Whittier, I cruised Whittier Boulevard, went to Harvey’s Broiler in Downey and, with my surf band, “The Sunsets” played in the Montebello Armory for a summer, winning the Battle of Bands contest in 1961!
Catch up on the Latest News and Events on our Facebook and Website.
My radio show, Making Your Memories with Rock & Roll and Doo Wop is live on Sunday nights at 10PM on KSBR 88.5 in Orange County but also on www.ksbr.org [1] on the web. We are a jazz station during the week so our listening audience is all over the world.
Visit Us Online:
If there is anything I can do to help keep the music alive in your readership area, please let me know. I have attached an article to share with your readers and hope that they find a bit of pleasure and nostalgia in thinking of those simpler times. By the way if you cannot stay up that late, I have posted my show as a podcast on my facebook page.
midvalleynews.com
and Check Us Out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ midvalleynews
Joe D The Doctor of Doo Wop KSBR 88.5 FM www.ksbr.org
After getting my start in the hotel business working the front desk at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles I got a job in Las Vegas at the Flamingo Hotel and a couple of years later over at the Stardust. During my
by Dick James El Monte career, I worked at the Del Coronado Hotel in San Diego (great hotel) and the Disneyland Hotel (boring), but I had the most fun in Las Vegas. This was during the 60’s or what is often refer to as the “good old days”. Funny, but Vegas really hasn’t changed that much. A lot bigger now - and maybe the owners were a little tougher back then. There’s the story in the Green Felt Jungle about how poor old Morris Kleinman , who had served time for tax evasion and was part of the management team at the old Desert Inn and then the Stardust, couldn’t get along with the Sicilian “partners” and how Marshall Califano knocked him out of his chair in the coffee shop at the Flamingo and chased him across the casino in full view of everyone, up the stairs where Mr.Kleinman barricaded himself in his room while Mr.Califano pounded on the door with the butt of his gun yelling threats. A short time later, Morris Kleinman ran into Sam Giancano, who was visiting the Stardust and Mr. Giancano chased him out of there. Of course, neither Mr. Califano or Mr. Giancano were listed as own-
ers of either hotel but they made Mr. Kleinman’s life miserable. I had been taught to “walk the property” every morning, everyone at the front desk is encouraged to do this so that they will know if there are any problems, construction or repairs going on so that we could advise the guest. I did this each morning and the owners/managers like that (believe me Mr.Dalitz ,the owner of the Stardust knew every inch of that property and I would run in to him almost every day) and I moved up quickly into Sales. This practice served me well when one afternoon one of the other Sale Reps. wanted to show off for a client and jumped into the pool with all of his clothes on. Unfortunately, the maintenance crew had drained the pool that morning for cleaning. Mr. Dalitz walked over, looked down at this guy bleeding with his head split open and said, “That’s not funny, if you do it again your fired!” All the salesman hung out together, we didn’t have computers or cell phones so we had to see each other to help send business back and forth. The Rat Pack were first at the Sands then down at the Sahara, we had the Lido de Paris (where Siegfried & Roy got their start), Kylie Smith & Sam Butera were at the Lounge in the Desert Inn and Elvis Presley started at the Frontier Hotel before moving to the International. I had to pick up Elvis once as a favor for one of the guys at the Frontier. He was a nice guy. They were all nice - except maybe Sinatra once in a while but Sinatra was Sinatra and he brought the business in. Every time he was in town the city would be jumping, and people would come to Vegas just to be in the same city. Elvis was like that too. I was at the Flamingo one night with a buddy of mine and his wife when Elvis came in with his entire entourage. We watched as they walked Working Overtime continued on page 8
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July 05, 2017
Entertainment
Transformers: The Last Amazon’s Revamp Echo, Knight Now it’s the Echo Show By Glen Maldonado, Contributing Writer National
In this Installment of Transformers we pick up where we left off with Cade and the transformers. Optimus Prime has left to find answers about his creators. Humans are at war with the Transformers, and Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving the future lies buried in the secrets of the past and the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Transformers have been around since the Middle Ages and help King Arthur and his knights battle many wars. With Quintessa the transformer goddess heading to earth to destroy it. Now, it’s up to the unlikely alliance of inventor Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, an English lord and an Oxford professor to save the world.
Transformer was directed by Michael Bay. Bay has directed all the Transformers films since they have started and will no longer direct the future films of transformers. Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, and Ken Nolan wrote The Last Knight. Collectively they are known for Iron Man, Punisher War Zone, and Black Hawk Down. The film stars Mark Whalberg as Cade Yeager. Whalberg was in the previous Transformers film Age of Extinction. We get some familiar faces Stanley Tucci returns but as Merlin. Josh Duhamel returns as military man William Lennox and John Turturro as Agent Simmons. We get 3 new people in the cast Anthony Hopkins as Sir Edmund Burton, Laura Haddock as Vivian Webley and Isabela Moner as Izabella. Transformers: The Last Knight, brings a lot of answers. We learn that transformers have been here longer then we knew. They help Arthur and his knights and created a bond with humans that would protect them from harm. The film was very action packed and left very few scenes without explosions. The style of this movie reminded me of Michael Bay’s previous film 13 hours. The problem with so much action is that the story tends to take a hit and it did. The felt a little longer then it needed to be and with having a 3 man team for writers it seems they had too much going on in the time they were given. Over all this movie did well then the previous Transformers but the magic that made the Transformers great is no longer what meets the eye. Grade C Rated Pg-13
by Devette Johnson, Contributing Writer National
The Echo Show is the latest hardware release by Amazon. They are starting to become your next go to for inexpensive / budget friendly electronics’. Some of the items that they are known for are the Fire Stick, Fire Tablets, Kindle, Echo Dot, Echo and now the Echo Show are just a few items to choose from. Amazon electronics are not the most stylish but they get the job done and pricing is somewhat reasonable. The going price for the Echo Show is estimated $229 and began shipping in June. So, if you’re a fan of the original Echo Dot and Echo, then you might enjoy the upgrades, which make the Echo Show. Here are a few features that make the show different than its little brothers the Echo Dot and Echo. The Show has a 7-inch touch screen display, with a 5-megapixel webcam, dual 2-inch speakers, and the Echo Show, Alexa’s “flash briefings” become a video highlight reel from the daily headlines. Hands-free video calls and
voice messages only communicates with only other Echo Show devices. If your friends and family are willing to use the Alexa app, then they can communicate with you. Urgh another app to install! Users can stream music from their phones by Bluetooth but are not able to connect other Bluetooth devices for additional audio sound. Overall, if you’re a fan of the original Echo Dot and Echo, then you may enjoy the upgrades that make the Echo Show. Security is still a concern because the microphone is always on waiting for a command and now there’s a camera to add in the mix. This camera is no different than the camera on a computer, I suppose. There is a way of disabling the camera and microphone with one swoop of the finger at the top of the device. Press it and your set. Our homes are becoming more and more automated, enjoy the new toys as they keep coming.
Courtesy photo
MAKING YOUR MEMORIES: The Music and Artists of the 1950’s and early 60’s by “Joe D, The Doctor of Doo Wop” tm National
We are a culture forever fascinated by our past and our future. We gaze into crystal balls, check our horoscopes, dream of a life less complicated and wish for the house on a hill, a luxury car, and the ideal mate. We also reflect on our childhood, our adolescence. We embrace fond memories of times that were fun, full of adventure, heartbreak and a lack of responsibility. That was a description of the 1950’s in the United States. It was clearly a simpler time. The 1950’s was a unique period. It was before the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam war and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was before the Beatles. Our country could have withstood any one of those events, but not all four. Facing just one event, we would have continued unabated into the later sixties much as we had in the late fifties;
with stability, innocence and simplicity. But that was not to be. The fifties represented a time of long periods of stability with only periodic episodes of chaos. After 1963-64, that would all change. The later 60’s were a time of infrequent levels of stability with more and more chaos. Those of us who matured in the years from 1954 through 1960, were exposed to the innocence that the music of the day captured. It would be at an eighth-grade graduation party, with boys on one side and the girls on the other. It would be 1956 when we would be captivated by Shirley and Lee’s “Let the Good Times Roll,” just to hear a faint grunt that said, “we do not have to follow all the notes in the song.” We would watch the 45 RPM records spin and drop down “Eddie My Love” by the Teen Queens and look for someone, anyone, to hold in a small embrace. And then we would thank our musical dance partner and look for someone else. With the development of the juke-
box industry during the 1930’s, Billboard began publishing music charts as an expansion of their business of selling sheet music for the vaudeville theaters. Information for rankings was based upon records sold and jukebox plays. In 1953 there was not one Rock & Roll song on the Billboard top 30. The charts reflected artists such as Tony Bennett, the Four Aces, Eddie Fisher, Patti Page, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day and Kitty Kallen who had the number one song of the year, Little Things Mean a Lot. Those artists had two songs each in the top 30 and dominated the industry. Nat King Cole and the Four Knights represented African Americans on the charts. One of the most powerful influences of the fifties and early sixties was clearly the music. World War II was over, the Korean conflict went to the second page, and music was having a more profound effect on our lifestyle. Rock & Roll, with its beat, the influence of rhythm and blues and
an emphasis on lyrics, as unique as they were, precisely expressed the feelings between two people. We would “watch” the radio and listen intently to the words and how they affected us. The car radio played music that extended to our hi-fi record player that spun 45’s and 33 1/3 rpm long playing albums. Early Rock & Roll would eventually fade out those 78 RPM’s in favor of the smaller 45 RPM discs and twelve inch 33 1/3 albums. The turning point for music in the 50’s was to occur in 1954. Two songs made the Billboard top 30 that would forever change the fabric of what was listened to; Sh-Boom and Shake, Rattle and Roll. Billboard recognized Sh-Boom by the Crew Cuts and Shake, Rattle and Roll by Bill Haley and the Comets, while much of the country listened to the versions recorded by the Chords in 1953 and Big Joe Turner at house parties. Making Memories continued on page 8
July 05, 2017
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Mid Valley News
into Summer Fun O SS S W CCRRO WO O RRDD
Sudoku
Crossword Puzzle solution in issue 07.19.17
Solution for Sudoku in issue 07.19.17
Horoscope
THE 4TH OF JULY ACROSS 1. Like Catherine or Peter, in Russia 6. Norwegian band of “Take on Me” fame 9. “I call first ____!” 13. “Home on the ____” 14. Charlie Parker’s style of jazz 15. Comedian Silverman 16. Not upright 17. Greek H 18. Acrobat maker 19. *Like the July 4th holiday 21. *Pre-state state 23. Thanksgiving tuber 24. Hold as a conviction 25. Ides mo. 28. Expunge 30. Catching like a cowboy 35. ____ ‘n’ Andy 37. Trash containers, e.g. 39. Of war and sea? 40. It wasn’t built in a day 41. Happily ever when? 43. Car with a bar 44. Loud noise 46. Dublin land 47. Lecherous look 48. Lampoon 50. Pouches 52. Not sweet, as in wine 53. Plant anchor 55. Brown truck delivery company 57. *Traditional July 4th meal 60. *Fire____ 64. Filthy dough 65. Bird word 67. Tee off 68. Enclose in a recess 69. Big coffee server 70. Dine at home 71. Shakespeare’s metrical unit 72. Hi-____ 73. Type of wheat
DOWN 1. Tennis’ Steffi 2. Denote as “PG,” e.g. 3. Children’s author Blyton 4. “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft ____” 5. Foursome 6. Cain’s brother 7. *Like a dog 8. Rapidly 9. Type of cabinetry joint 10. De-wrinkler 11. “Rosemary’s ____” 12. Anything female 15. Omega 3 source 20. Naked protozoa 22. “____ the fields we go” 24. ADA member 25. Jacobs and Anthony, e.g. 26. ____ ____ or a spy 27. *____ candle 29. *”____, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” 31. ____ Mall, London 32. Like a Harvard building? 33. Name-chooser 34. *Old ____ 36. Seal with a kiss and do this 38. Plural of serum 42. Happen again 45. Patient’s bed 49. Interesting person, acronym 51. Queen of these 54. Happen 56. Junk yard stuff 57. Wild feline 58. Ballistic missile acronym 59. Dungeness, e.g. 60. Flipside of pros 61. Flying toy 62. Reagan’s reference to Russian “empire” 63. As opposed to own 64. Hula girl’s flower 66. Metal-bearing rock
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Aries
Libra
March 21st – April 19th
Sept 23rd – Oct 22nd
There’s a homey vibe in the air, but you might feel moved to discuss an issue that has been bubbling beneath the surface. However, other lighter and brighter influences can help you do this in a way that encourages cooperation and understanding. The Full Moon on July 8 could be when you finally share what you really feel.
Taurus April 20th – May 20th
While it’s good to be open with others, the early part of this week might need delicate handling, especially if other people’s views are very different from yours. Intense opinions may be exchanged over the days ahead, but if taken in the right spirit, this can endear you to a person or group rather than lead to rejection.
There’s no need to pressure yourself this week, yet you may feel a need to push yourself. It might seem like the more you accomplish, the easier it will be to impress the right people. But deeper feelings could intrude, and you might begin to resent this approach. Instead of giving yourself more, try cutting back and delegating some work.
Scorpio Oct 23rd – Nov 21st
Your mind could be on far horizons and on enjoying the chance to explore new vistas. This could be quite a strong desire over coming days. However, you may feel moved to act impulsively and perhaps assert your independence rather than complete key responsibilities.
Gemini
Sagittarius
May 21st – June 20th
Nov 22nd – Dec 21st
Money matters could be uppermost in your mind, with perhaps one financial situation coming to a head. Keep your cool and do your best to sort things out in a way that works for everyone. This focus on your income brings an opportunity to get your finances on a more even keel.
Cancer
Money matters might need attention this week. You could benefit by tactfully handling those who hold authority over financial affairs, even if you feel like being brutally honest. With Venus moving into your sector of relating, you’re likely to be naturally diplomatic, and this can be a great help in any negotiations. Go easy around the time of the July 8 Full Moon.
June 21st – July 22nd
Capricorn
Leo
Adopting an easygoing approach when dealing with others can help this week proceed more smoothly. There could be a tendency to want to be in control of proceedings, and some people might find this hard to handle, preferring to make up their own minds. If you can give others the leeway to come to their own conclusions, you may find their input very helpful.
It’s possible that you and another may not see eye to eye. If so, the coming week encourages you to take gentle steps to resolve the situation. Tension could continue in the background over the coming days, so find a way to handle it positively. It will give you the confidence to finally resolve the situation. July 23rd – Aug 22nd
Situations that seem out of your control could show up this week, and it might even seem as though fate is playing a hand in them. What should you do about it? The stellar backdrop suggests this is a time to reflect on your motives and feelings concerning key areas of your life, as they could play an unconscious role in events.
Virgo Aug 23rd – Sept 22nd
Cat-and-mouse games may be going on between you and a good friend. If so, the days ahead encourage you to get any issues out into the open. If you’re reluctant to do so, the Full Moon on July 8 could force the issue. You might find yourself sharing things that you wouldn’t have divulged a few days ago.
Dec 22nd – Jan 19th
Aquarius Jan 20th – Feb 18th
It wouldn’t be surprising if you were more emotional than usual this week. If so, it might help to lighten your schedule and perhaps delegate some of your work. The reason may be due to an awkward aspect that could bring up feelings from the past. If you let these color your experience, then doing so could affect your work and any key decisions.
Pisces Feb 19th – March 20th
Someone in your social circle could be jealous of you and show it over coming days. Try not to take this personally, as a lack of confidence may be causing the person to act that way. If you can talk it out, you may discover the deeper reason and help resolve the matter. Meanwhile, a lovely aspect could encourage you to do more entertaining and enjoy having guests over.
Page 8
Mid Valley News
Measure M Project continued from page 3
Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Duarte. “It will establish the early momentum we need to launch our ambitious new traffic improvement plan that will yield tremendous transportation benefits for the entire Los Angeles County area.” Under the terms of the funding agreement, Metro will use Measure M and other local and state funds to pay for construction. Metro plans to apply for a $249-million grant from the state’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to complete life-ofproject budget requirements. Should that funding be unavailable, Metro will pursue other options and ap-
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proaches to meet the full funding needs of the project. “This project will create a critical new transit connection for Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire areas when it’s completed,” said Phillip A. Washington, Metro CEO. “The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority is a great partner in helping us expand our public transportation infrastructure. We look forward to partnering with them to deliver this project on-time and onbudget.” The extension will provide a safe, reliable transit alternative to driving the busy 210 and 10 freeways and offer a connection with Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line. A planned extension from Claremont to Montclair will add about another mile when funding is secured. A trip from Montclair to Pasadena should take just over 40 minutes, and a trip from Montclair to Los Angeles would be about 75 minutes. The authority expects to award its first contract for advanced utility relocation later this year. The project’s official groundbreaking is planned for October, with plans to open to the public by 2027.
Working Overtime continued from page 5
across the casino. People stopping to stare, some actually following forming a parade, even the action at the tables stopped as they moved pass and on into the bathroom. That’s when my friend’s wife remarked, “When Elvis pee’s everyone pee’s!”
Coyote Alert continued from page 2
tion of the coyote. Always let your neighbors and friends know coyotes are around and teach children to stay clear. To keep pets safe, they should be kept on a short leash when on walks, kept indoors when possible, and use extra caution dusk through dawn or thick vegetation. You should not allow dogs to interact with coyotes. If you have concerns about an encounter with coyotes, there are steps you can take. Visit parks and recre-
July 05, 2017
Chris Paul
to try and attract a top free agent this summer or in 2018. Sam Dekker another player acquired in this deal, played 3 years for the Wisconsin Badgers in college and in his junior season his team made it all the way to the Championship game against Duke where they lost 68 to 63. Dekker played a huge role in that Championship run, averaging 15 points a game in the March Madness Tournament. He was drafted in the 1st round, 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in
Continued from page 4
Making Memories continued from page 6
In the era of the 1950’s, innocence and immaturity dominated. We could do whatever we chose to do with a family support system and our own vision of the “American Dream”. If bread was only twenty-three cents a loaf, we knew we would never go hungry. Our happiness and innocence was being reflected in the music. It was in the words, nonsense syllables, instrumentation, and of course, the beat. Radio was king and it clearly was a world for teenagers. My column, Making Your Memories (MYM), is not intended to reflect all elements of the music listened to, but tell the reader a story; a love story, an affair of the heart, mind and soul. This era of music was one that was listened to, watched and danced to. It also chronicled our thought processes, our feelings, hopes, dreams and heartaches. Today, this same music provides a time to shed the years. MYM is about my love affair with the music and the artists. It is my memories, as I remember them, almost off the top of my head. Any
2015 but he has yet to prove himself in his first two seasons in the NBA, injuries have hampered his progress. The deciding factor in losing Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets might have been the 5th year in the deal, it may have been a problem with chemistry with Doc Rivers or Blake Griffin or it may have been simply that he wanted to play with James Harden in Houston. We will never really know, what we do know is that the Clippers are going to need to go through a serious rebuild if they want to be a Championship contending team again. references are to ensure I do not misquote an important part of the story told regarding love of the music. While the times may have been simpler, today’s technology offers many options. It is my intent to utilize this column to capture, one more time, those memories with a few bars of a song or discussion of an artist that you remember. You will not only be able to reflect on the music but also “see” it through the magic of your memory. As Freddy Johnson, bass singer for the Marcels of “Blue Moon” fame wrote: Nothing can change a memory, especially a time, When music had meaning to it. Memories are glimpses to a legendary time. This is a first in a series of commentary on the music of the 1950’s and early 60’s. “Joe D” is an onair talent for Orange County based KSBR FM 88.5 and is host of “MAKING YOUR MEMORIES” Sunday nights at 10PM. He is also author of “Making Your Memories- -The Music and Artists of the 1950’s and early 60’s.”
Project Update
ation areas during daylight hours, Continued from page 3 walk with a walking stick, and keep a deterrent spray handy. Pebbles in well as the design and construction an empty can or plastic bottle make a of the light rail system. good noise maker or in an emergency The Construction Authority is throwing rocks is an effective meth- hosting an Industry Workshop in od of scaring off coyotes. May (see above) to go over the utility Rolled out just in time for this relocation procurement and provide year’s anticipated uptick in residen- a project update and procurement tial coyote activity is “Coyote Cach- schedule for the Alignment contract. er” a mobile-friendly web tool de- Details will be sent out soon on this signed to keep neighbors connected event and how to register. so nearby sightings and interactions Below is the updated Glendora to are shared by email alerts A map Montclair work plan, approved by compiling the activity reports is in- the Construction Authority board in cluded. January 2017.
Sudoku Solution for 6.21.17
Crossword Solution for 6.21.17
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