Battling Over Nature In South El Monte

The Friends of the Whittier Narrows Natural Area have filed a lawsuit to stop the construction of the $27.5 million, 11-acre, educational San Gabriel Discovery Center there. The opponents to the Center claim that it potentially will disrupt the ecosystem of the Whittier Narrows Natural Area and Wildlife Sanctuary, particularly its animal migration patterns and tree growth. Supporters of the Discovery Center say that the educational benefits outweigh the effects of construction, especially for youth in the area who have limited understanding of the water issues of the region and infrequent access to green spaces.

[via SGV Tribune]

Pasadena Republican Club Opposes Measure TT

By Marlene Le Bouvier

According to the Pasadena Weekly’s letters, there was no agreement within the community over the $350 million TT bond.

Yes on TT
Voter approval of Measure TT, which will raise $ 350 million in bond proceeds and makes the Pasadena Unified School District eligible for an additional $ 115 million from other sources, will bring urgently needed facilities and improvements to the public schools of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre –an enormous benefit to our young people an our entire community (G & M Brumder, Pasadena).

No on TT
The Board of Directors of the Pasadena Republican Club urged Pasadena area voters to oppose Measure TT.
However, Measure TT passed, Andre Coleman, Pasadena Weekly reporter, told 10 Valley that TT was approved on Nov.4, “ I hope they watch the money,” he added.

Purple is the New Green for Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal District

By Marlene Le Bouvier

Peter Rodriguez, spokesman for the USGVMWD, told 10 Valley, “ Our mission is to provide a reliable supply of high quality drinking water at the lowest possible cost.” According to its latest brochure,” Water recycling, also known as reclamation or reuse, is a reliable, economically feasible and environmentally responsible means to maximize California’s water resources.”

Recycling programs treat wastewater so that it can be safely used to irrigate landscape, golf courses, crops and freeway medians, replenish groundwater basins, and act as a barrier to seawater intrusion. Recycled water is also increasingly being used by industry in cooling processes and for other purposes. Pipes and other infrastructure carrying recycled water are clearly colored purple to eliminateany confusion. Recycled water is highly treated and safe, but can only be used for irrigation and industrial purposes.

Rodriguez informed 10 Valley that USGVMWD hosts on regular basis a high efficiency toilet exchange.  Older models usually need 7 gallons per flush compared to the new ones that require only 1.6 gallons per flush. Image Additionally, Rodriguez said that there is also a high efficiency clothe-washer $ 255 rebate program, and a SAV-A-BUC program which offers commercial, industrial and institutional facilities rebates for exchanging several types of high water-use fixtures/equipment for more efficient ones. Finally, Rodriguez told 10 Valley, “The next toilet exchange is Feb 28, 2009 at Mountain View High School in El Monte.”

El Monte’s City Hall will be closed for Holidays to Save Money

By Marlene Le Bouvier

The City El Monte will increase its sales tax from 8.25 percent to 8.75 percent beginning April 1, 2009. However this increase will not cover much of the  $4 million city’s budget deficit.

James Mussenden, the city manager, said to  the San Gabriel Tribune, “This is a very serious plan, but if the city is going to continue operating we have to consider layoff and selling city assets.”  

El Monte is also having a decline in auto sales, and it has already lost two major dealerships. “ In my lifetime, I’ve never seen anything like this,” added Mussenden.

Getting to Know our Town

By Marlene Le Bouvier

The San Gabriel Valley counts with a rich history that started 8,000 years ago when Gabrielino Indians settled in the valley. The Valley has been the residence of roaming cattle rancheros, walnut and citrus farmers and black tie businessmen.

The Valley is surrounded by The San Gabriel Mountains to the north.  San Bernardino County to the east, and Orange County to the South in a geographic area of 374 square miles. It has more than two million residents living in 31 cities and some incorporated communities.

The San Gabriel Valley, as a sub-region, also has the largest number of Los Angeles County residents living in unincorporated communities, including such significant communities as Altadena, Hacienda Heights, and Rowland Heights.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has jurisdiction in these cities that are governed at distant by Los Angeles Board of Supervisors.

A unique characteristic that makes the San Gabriel Valley strategically important in Southern California is that it holds its own water basin and relies primarily on its own water resources.

The valley has been the ominous background site of important Hollywood movies such as the menacing town in the film, “Halloween”.

Thirst in the Valley

By Marlene Le Bouvier

Dry weather could lead to water rationing as fresh water becomes an expensive commodity. The Main San Gabriel Basin is reaching its lowest point in 75 years, and another year of drought looms over San Gabriel Valley. In previous droughts, the basin used to be replenished with imported waters from Northern California and the Colorado River; however this option is no longer available.

Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that even if the rainy season bounces back, a new court order protecting endangered species would limit pumping from the delta. Also, the conveyance system needs to be fixed, “This is a very, very challenging and thought situation. We are facing an uncertain future,” he added.

According to the San Francisco Chronicles, water cost could go up if levels continue to decline. The culprits for the increase are demand increase, the drastic drop in imported water and low rainfall.The water cost per acre-foot is $351 reflecting a $93 increase from last year. Water officials said that if the water level continues to drop, wells will have to be drilled much deeper resulting in higher electrical bills.Fresh water used to be plentiful in San Gabriel Valley, but as population grew natural replenishment from rain water became insufficient.

Since 1962, the district has imported water from different sources, and now due to the supply crisis, officials are considering building a water treatment plant that would turn sewer water into drinking water.