Local news in the San Gabriel Valley, California

   Master of Ceremony, El Monte City Attorney Clarke E. Moseley did an admirable job. El Monte City Manager Rene Bobadilla didn’t slip up once introducing distinguished guests. Deputy City Manager for Community Services Veronica Dolleschel was outstanding, summing up background, (and nicely giving up her notes for this story). But clearly, it was Marion Last who stole the show and rightly so, considering this was her retirement dinner.
   The event was held in the Grace Black Auditorium, January 21 and the room was filled. No one was surprised at the crowd considering it was raining buckets outside.
   “Marian has been a pioneer in expanding the role and services provided out of our wonderful Senior Center,” said Dolleschel.
  Besides providing the things one normally associates with a “senior center” ie: social activities, workshops, classes and the ever popular Bingo, Last has brought so much more to the City of El Monte.
   “Marian brought integrated care management to El Monte,” said Dolleschel. “This serves not only our seniors, but also at-risk adults over 18. She has raised over $10 million in grant related revenue, (for El Monte).”

   The South El Monte High School football team, led by coach Ray Hernandez, dedicated this year's football season to the deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Temple City station. 
   Following a recent football game, ceremonies were held on the field during which Sheriff Lee Baca and representatives from the Temple City station were presented with a South El Monte High School football helmet adorned with a special "TEM 5" logo.  The station's logo was also placed on all varsity players' helmets as a sign of respect and dedication for the men and women of the Temple City station.
   At the start of the school year, South El Monte High School, with the support of the El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees and the South El Monte City Council, were able to obtain the services of Deputy Louis Serrano from the Sheriff's Temple City station who will serve as the school's new school resource officer.
   "Deputy Serrano has been a great addition to our staff and has committed himself to assuring that safety at South El Monte High School is a priority," said principal Edward Zuniga.  "In less than two months, Deputy Serrano has already established great relationships with both our staff and students and has gone out of his way to promote Sheriff Baca’s motto of 'No job is too big and no responsibility is too small.'”

The Azusa Planning Commission will conduct its third public hearing regarding the 1,000 page Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on the Vulcan Material Company’s request for a Revised Conditional Use Permit and Reclamation Plan on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m.
   The public hearing will be held in the Azusa City Council Chambers at 213 E. Foothill Blvd. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission will make its final recommendation to the Azusa City Council. 
   Approximately 100 persons including over 20 Duarte residents attended the first public hearing on January 27.  Of the 22 persons who addressed the Commission, approximately 80% of those spoke out in opposition to the plan.
    Duarte is urging its residents to participate in this process and let their feelings be known through a variety of methods. First, all concerned residents are encouraged to attend the public hearings on the expansion and publicly address the Commission.  Additionally, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is available for public review through Feb. 5. The public can find and download Vulcan’s complete submittal, all technical attachments and draft Environmental Impact Report on the official City of Azusa website www.azusalw.com.  The City of Azusa will be accepting comments on the document through Feb. 5. Comments may also be submitted in writing to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by mail to: Conal McNamara, City of Azusa, Department of Economic & Community Development, 213 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702.
    Duarte Public Access (DCTV) videotaped the Jan. 27 Planning Commission meeting. The presentation can be viewed on DCTV Channel 3 on Charter Cable in Duarte, or on DCTV on the Web, at www.dctvduarte.com.
   The City of Duarte has been following the process closely to ensure that this extremely tight review schedule still provides for a comprehensive and accurate analysis.