The City of San Gabriel issues the following statement this week in connection with a lawsuit by the San Gabriel Police Officers Association. It was read by Mayor David R. Gutierrez on behalf of the Council at Tuesday evening's City Council meeting.

Last week the San Gabriel Police Officers Association filed a lawsuit against the City of San Gabriel, members of the Council and City staff, alleging that the City has

This lawsuit occurred fewer than 48 hours after the City declared it had reached an impasse in negotiations with three of the City’s four recognized bargaining

units over the City’s request that all employees begin to make their own contributions to their pension plan.

The City is deeply disappointed that the Police Officers Association has used litigation to try to secure its demands, and doubly saddened that the Association

would use unfounded and inflammatory claims to support them. We believe the City has acted ethically, legally, responsibly, and in the best interests of its

Tonight, we know that many of you have received fliers and information from the Police Officers Association. Much of this information is inaccurate and

misleading. During tonight’s meeting you will hear from individuals representing the Police Officers Association who will state their case as to why they are suing

the City. We are proud of the fact that during a prolonged economic recession, the City has not laid off a single full-time person; has not asked employees to

accept pay cuts or furloughs; and has not stopped filling vacancies in the police and fire departments. That makes us one of the only local cities to do so, and still

During tonight’s meeting we will listen attentively, with open minds and hearts. We ask that you respectfully limit your remarks to two to three minutes so that

all those who wish to speak may do so. After those who wish to comment have done so, we will be prepared to offer some comments of our own.

Finally, we would like to thank the more than 100 individuals who have contacted the City, the Council and the Administrative staff to express their support of the

Eye on San Gabriel

Week of April 2, 2012

Council Weekly content is also posted every Thursday at www.sangabrielcity.com, and updated in the event of late breaking or urgent public information.

Turn to www.sangabrielcity.com for the latest information on city government.

TOP STORIES



IT’S A BOLD NEW LOOK

San Gabriel launches new, state-of-the-art website as part of

communications strategy

Starting next week residents, business-owners and visitors will be able to explore the City’s facilities and services in a whole new way from our brand new, colorfully designed website.

San Gabriel’s new website will be officially launched following a presentation and reception being held on Monday, April 2 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Refreshments and hors d’ouevres will be available starting at 5 p.m., followed by the ‘unveiling’ of the website at 5:30 p.m.

The City’s technology team will then offer a 10-minute presentation on the big screen in Chambers leading the crowd through some of the best features of the new website. Now you can:

Enjoy refreshments

See exhibits of current projects in San Gabriel

See examples of student projects from our schools

Come meet your elected representatives

Come ask questions about your neighborhood, your city, your schools, and your government

New interactive features include the ability for users to subscribe to the City’s calendar and have notifications sent to their phone or email, easily download documents from the new Document Center, subscribe to news updates from the City, or contribute opinions through online surveys.

This process has been an extraordinary effort under the direction of Finance Director Tom Marston and the project manager, Jason Chan. Thanks, too to Jonathan Salisbury for his marketing expertise, and a special thanks to Jennifer Davis, Robin Scherr, Camille Paton, and the staff of the former Redevelopment Agency, who contributed time and resources to help deliver an outstanding website that will serve us well for many years to come.

To learn more about the new website and its features, please contact Jonathan Salisbury at jsalisbury@sgch.org or visit www.sangabrielcity.com starting next Tuesday, April 3.

Join us at Cleaver Apr. 19 for ‘community conversation’

In the San Gabriel tradition, we’re inviting you to join our “community conversation” series on Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. at Church of Our Saviour’s beautiful Cleaver Hall, located at 535 W. Roses Road. Come meet your elected officials, and join representatives of the City Council and San Gabriel Unified School District for conversation and refreshments.

This event, second in a series proposed by Council Member John Harrington with the support of the Council, will feature Mayor Kevin Sawkins and Council Member Juli Costanzo; and School Board Members Denise Menchaca and Philip Hu. Participants will be able to:

Enjoy refreshments

See exhibits of current projects in San Gabriel

See examples of student projects from our schools

Come meet your elected representatives

Come ask questions about your neighborhood, your city, your schools, and your government

The meeting will be held Thursday, April 19, 2012, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., at Cleaver Hall, Church of Our Saviour located at 535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel. For more information, please contact Administration at 626.308.2805.

NEWS FROM SAN GABRIEL CITY HALL

CENTENNIAL CORNER

Mission Play reading draws large, appreciative crowd

In 2013, to help celebrate the City of San Gabriel’s Centennial, the Mission Playhouse, in conjunction with East LA Classic Theatre, plans to present a fully-staged version of this remarkable historical work. For more information, visit www.eastlaclassic.org.

The Mission Playhouse came to life Tuesday evening as the first stage reading of the fabled Mission Play in 50 years took place on our stage. The event, prelude to a proposed staging for San Gabriel’s Centennial, began with a dramatic musical selection on the Mighty Wurlitzer as invited guests were greeted by members of East LA’s Classic Theatre along with Playhouse staff. Guests also had an opportunity to view artifacts from the original Mission Play and tour areas of the magnificent Mission Playhouse.

East LA Classic Theatre is partnering with the Playhouse to produce an adaptation of the famous play for the first time in decades.

After the opening reception, guests were welcomed by city staff and Mayor Sawkins, followed by a presentation from Executive Artistic Director, Tony Plana (right). Selected scene readings from the Mission Play were performed by a talented cast of actors.

Congratulations to our Playhouse staff on a successful launch to this unique theatre venture.

San Gabriel accepted as float entry in 2013 Tournament of Roses^© Parade

San Gabriel’s participation in the 2013 Rose Parade took another step forward last week when the Tournament issued a final invitation letter to San Gabriel to participate in the legendary parade.

With this critical step now complete, fundraising and float design will move full speed ahead. Tuesday morning, the Centennial Steering Committee voted unanimously to award a contract and will begin discussions with the selected firm to develop a design that incorporates the results of last year’s design contest.

Mark your calendar: Centennial Committee announces gala luncheon at San Gabriel Hilton May 23

Centennial Co-Chairs Kevin Sawkins and Mary Cammarano announced Tuesday that a gala luncheon and funsraiser for the Centennial project and Rose Parade float will be held Wednesday, May 23 at noon in the San Gabriel Hilton’s ballroom.

Tickets will be $50, and the event will include a host of surprises. Watch the Council Weekly and the City’s new website for more information on this event.

‘Adopt a rose’ and watch it ride down Colorado Boulevard in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade!

Would you like to take a virtual ride down the parade route on January 1, 2013? Now you can.

Thanks to a program just launched by the Centennial Committee, for $5.00 you can “adopt a rose.”   Your $5 donation will purchase a vial that will carry your adopted rose down the Rose Parade route on San Gabriel’s float; and the message you place on your vial will be placed in a memory book that will be available. Every donor also gets a colorful numbered certificate showing that they have participated in this once-in-a-lifetime venture. If you would like to buy a rose vial, look for Centennial Committee representatives at upcoming community events; attend any of the upcoming Centennial programs; or contact Centennial Sponsorship Chair Mario De La Torre at mdelatorre@sgch.org to learn more.

Athens Services announces matching donation program; will commit up to $25,000

Next January 1, the City of San Gabriel will celebrate its 100th anniversary by sponsoring its first float in 41 years in that grand New Year’s spectacle, the Tournament of Roses^© Parade. The Centennial Committee and more than 50 volunteers are working hard to raise the more than $150,000 needed to build our entry, and have already raised more than $40,000 to meet that goal.

Join us in supporting this exciting milestone by making a donation. Athens Services has graciously offered to match every dollar you donate, up to a total Athens contribution of $25,000. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

To give towards this program, simply include a separate check with your Athens payment. Please make your check payable to City of San Gabriel and write “Centennial Float” on the memo portion. Help us make the 2013 Centennial a year to remember for everyone! Watch for your colorful flyer, enclosed with your Athens Services billing; or call us at 626.308.2805 to learn how you can donate directly.

The Centennial project is a joint effort by the San Gabriel Historical Assn. and the City of San Gabriel. No City funds will be used for the float. City of San Gabriel is a qualified charitable beneficiary; tax identification number 95-6000778.

POLICE

Distracted driving can lead to fatal decisions

This April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. There are three types of distracted driving: visual distraction, manual distraction and mental distraction – texting involves all three.

On April 3 and April 18, 2012, the San Gabriel Police Department will be cracking down on texting and cell phone use while driving. The purpose for the “zero tolerance” program is the result of studies showing that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely than others to be involved in a serious collision. Always keep your eyes on the road and be conscious of other motorists; don’t drive while texting. Click here to view the news release for more information.

SG officers receive MADD award for DUI enforcement

Lieutenants Ariel Duran, Andrew Borrello, Tony Hernandez, along with Officers Aron Stafford, Nhat Huynh, Rebecca Gomez, Sunny Kim and Enrique De Anda, were honored March 22 at the annual MADD Awards breakfast for their diligence in DUI (driving under the influence) enforcement.

This award is presented to Los Angeles County officers who make an extra effort in DUI enforcement. This is the ninth consecutive year that Officer Stafford has won this award. Chief David A. Lawton was presented with a plaque of appreciation from MADD for the San Gabriel Police Department’s continued support of DUI enforcement.

IN THE SCHOOLS



raises $45 k for educational needs

The San Gabriel Educational Foundation (SEF) celebrated its 2nd Annual SEF-APALOOZA benefit dinner on Saturday, March 10th by raising more than $45,000 for schools and students of the San Gabriel Unified School District (SGUSD).

All proceeds from this year's event will benefit SEF's "Fund the Gap" Campaign, with a goal of raising $150,000 to find a variety of vital programs and curriculum at all SGUSD's eight schools for the 2012-2013 school year. For more details about the event and to learn more about the Foundation, click here to view the new release attached to this newletter or go to www.sef4schools.com.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Commissioners tour completed projects

Members of the Planning and Design Review Commissions visited four recently completed projects on March 10 to evaluate the outcome of their decisions and identify how they can best improve the quality of design in San Gabriel.

Staff appreciates the skills each Commissioner brings to the City and looks forward to the continued partnership. For additional questions on the tour, or to learn more about design review and planning programs, please contact Associate Planner Larissa De La Cruz at 626.308.2806, ext. 4625 or ldelacruz@sgch.org.

MISSION PLAYHOUSE

American Theater Arts for Youth presents Cinderella April 3^rd

On April 3^rd, local school children of all ages will be enriched by the amazing performance of Cinderella presented by The American Theater Arts For Youth. Cinderella and her new friend Mortimer Mouse will sing and dance their way from the kitchen of her stepmother’s house to the brilliance of Prince Charming’s Ball. These favorite characters will come to life with gusto as the audience will share in the spirit and joy of this production.

American TAFY celebrates 41 years of successful performances by presenting original musicals to over 800,000 students annually. Each musical is designed to capture the spirit of timeless classics and brings literature and history to life as well as provide the magic found only through live theater experience. Please contact your local school for details. For more information, visit www.atafy.org or call 800.523.4540.

The American Theater Arts for Youth presents

Cinderella

TUES, APR 3, 10:00AM

BRIEFLY NOTED

San Gabriel Community Coordinating Council to vote on its future April 5

The San Gabriel Coordinating Council (SGCC), at their meeting held on Thursday, March 1^st, discussed a proposal to disband in January 2013 after finishing this year’s holiday gift basket program. As required by the bylaws, this proposal will be voted on by the membership at the next meeting being held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 11:45 a.m. at the Adult Recreation Center, Padillo Room, 324 South Mission Drive. For more information, you can contact SGCC President Mary Garcia at 626.284.4922.

The L.A. County and San Gabriel Valley Vector Control Districts sent out a joint news release urging the public to report any daytime mosquito activity and take immediate measures now to remove miscellaneous containers, trash, and old tires from their properties. Each water-filled container can allow hundreds of mosquitoes to hatch and emerge into biting adults in just 7 days. To report if you see any small, black and white mosquitoes or if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day, call the SGV Mosquito & Vector Control District at 626.814.9466 or the Greater LA County Vector Control District at 562.944.9656.   Click here for the news release or log on to either www.sgvmosquito.org or www.glacvcd.org.

San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce will hold the next Power Networking Breakfast on Friday, March 30th from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. at the Elks Lodge located at 1373 E. Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel. This event is free but you must make reservations by calling the Chamber office at 626.576.2525.

San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the first Home-Based Business Showcase being held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaver Hall – Church of Our Saviour located at 535 W. Roses Road in San Gabriel. This event is free of charge.   Click here to see the flyer with all the details.

County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County are hosting an Earth Day 2012 celebration on Saturday, April 14^th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Sanitation District’s Joint Administration Office parking lot located at 1955 Workman Mill Road in Whittier. This event seeks to promote environmental awareness and education. The event is free. Click here to see the flyer with all the details.

Save the date - Garvey Education Foundation’s 7^th Annual Gala Awards Dinner is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 5:30 p.m., at Luminarias Restaurant in Monterey Park. More details to come when they are available.

COUNCIL CALENDAR

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - 5:00 p.m. CIP/Base Budget/Goal Setting Study Session, 7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 - 5:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Study Session, 7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers

COMING UP: AT THE COMMISSIONS

Monday, April 2, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Parks & Recreation Commission, City Hall, Council Chambers

Monday, April 9, 2012 - 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission, City Hall, Council Chambers

Monday, April 24, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Design Review Commission, City Hall, Conference Room A



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