The California Redistricting Commission released reapportionment maps for the state's congressional and legislative districts that could change the political landscape of the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier areas. In the Assembly, this may mean that a new Asian-heavy district from Monterey Park to Arcadia is created. A final vote is required by August 15.
More than 100 people showed up at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse to offer their visions of how new legislative district maps ought to take shape--in a region critics say has become the most gerrymandered in the state. Eugene Lee, an Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) representative, said it is important for members of the public to participate in redistricting, describing historically low voter participation levels among Asian-Americans in the west valley. Lee said the community he works with are hoping to keep Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Arcadia, San Marino and Temple City together; in the east, the community of interest includes Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut and Diamond Bar. The voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission is working on an August 15 deadline to submit final maps of new congressional, state Senate and Assembly districts, based on Census data and public input hearing.
California State Assembly member Anthony Portantino (Democrat-La Canada Flintridge), who represents the 44th District, which includes parts of Arcadia, was named Legislator of the Year by the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) for his public safety measure banning the open carry of unloaded handguns in public places.
New congressional districts in the San Gabriel Valley, approved by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, reflects a significant change from current boundaries. (The new congress representatives will be voted in the November 2012 elections and take office in January 2013.) The new district lines have some local leaders worried about the region's ability to get federal dollars and attention to address local issues.
Los Angeles County - Here’s who’s running in local Assembly races on the November 3 ballot. California State Assembly District 49: Edwin Chau (D) vs. Burton Brink (R)
The district:Parts of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South El Monte, and Temple City.
California Governor Jerry Brown declares a state of emergency in response to the recent windstorm that caused about $75 million in damage, primarily in the San Gabriel Valley. The declaration allows city governments to be reimbursed for up to 75% of the cost of the damage through state and federal agencies. It also allows state agencies to assist in the recovery.
Another homeless village set to open in Baldwin Park. 16-unit tiny home complex will house families in need. It's called Serenity Homes, 13167 Garvey Avenue in Baldwin Park. Senator Susan Rubio, D-West Covina, celebrated the opening with elected officials from all over the San Gabriel Valley, including from Arcadia, Azusa, Glendora, La Puente, Monrovia, San Marino, South Pasadena, Temple City and Mount San Antonio College. It is the second tiny homes village opening in Baldwin Park within a year and serves as a model for how cities can expand homeless services.
Democrat Ed Chau won the seat in California's 49th Assembly District. The 49th State Assembly District includes Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, San Marino, Arcadia, and Temple City.
Arcadia Unified School District continues decades-long advocacy for fair funding from the state. A dozen delegates from Arcadia went to Sacramento for the California State Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Legislation Conference, where they discussed key issues in public education, such as funding for mental health resources and arts programs, continued budget cuts and more. Arcadia High School student delegates Isaac Offstein, Joya Sarkar and Chloe Wong, met with State Senator Susan Rubio (D-49), State Senator Anthony Portantio (D-25) and Assemblyman Mike Fong (AD-49).
Arcadia announces August 17 public hearing on City Council redistricting. Every 10 years, after the US Census, the City Council District Map is realigned to reflect Arcadia's current population.
Congressman David Dreier, Republican, who has been representing the San Gabriel Valley and parts of San Bernardino County for nearly three decades in the House of Representatives, announced he will not seek re-election. Dreier represents the 26th District, which includes Arcadia. Article includes biography and legacy.
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) has proposed legislation to improve emergency and disaster preparedness by California's public utilities. Recent windstorm disaster highlighted the need to be better prepared.
Hundreds of teachers across the San Gabriel Valley are facing layoffs again this summer and experts say cuts could be far more drastic if a solution to the state's budget problems is not reached. About 20,000 teachers in the state have been put on notice that they could be laid off if school districts do not receive the necessary state funding. Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) sent out notices to about 16% of its teachers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appoints area legislator, Assembly Member Ed Chau, as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. The move will require a special election to fill the San Gabriel Valley seat for the remainder of Chau's term. Chau would've been termed out of the Assembly in 2024. Chau represented the 49th Assembly District, which includes Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino and Temple City and parts of Montebello and South El Monte. It's the only legislative district where people of Asian descent account for a majority of the population at 54%.
Since state lawmakers have reached a budget deal. West San Gabriel Valley cities will receive monies to be used for road repairs and transit improvements. Arcadia will receive $237,931 in 2005-2006. In the past two years, these funds were withheld by the state to cover budget shortfalls.
Area cities face financial woes, as state auditor's report places six in high-risk watchlist category (Anaheim, Compton, San Gabriel, Torrance, Montebello and West Covina). Arcadia is coded yellow, with moderate risk alongside Alhambra, Glendale and Pasadena, among other cities.