During our recent Spring break, Dana Middle School organized an 8th grade student trip to visit Washington D.C. and New York City. I was one of the 40 students along with a few teachers and chaperones to visit our nation’s Capital (including the White House) and the Big Apple.

Vick Liu

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A memorable Spring Break Trip in DC and NYC
By Vick Liu (8th Grader at Dana Middle School)
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The trip that was intriguing, educating, and fun will be memorized probably for my entire lifetime. I honestly learned more than I ever could have imagined and took home with me a vast amount of knowledge that I believe will benefit me for years to come. In this trip I had many fun experiences, yet there were numerous solemn ones. This trip gave me an opportunity to explore our capital and learn about all the sacrifices that the American people have given to preserve the freedom that we, especially young students, take for granted every day.

We left from Dana Middle school to the airport on Friday night, March 30, 2012. For most of us, it was the first time to travel alone without parents. There was an air of excitement as we left and we had a size-able sum of time away from our parent’s jurisdiction. The bus ride went by within a blink and soon we were on the plane to Washington D.C. Our plane flight was one that spanned overnight, also dubbed as a “red eye.” Mrs. Sanchez, our teacher, has already recommended that we get as much sleep as possible, but nobody ever did.

The first day in Washington D.C. was probably the most exhausting. We were able to visit numerous monuments. including: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean War Memorial, etc. We also took a tour in the capitol where we were allowed to see the national statuary collection, a collection of statues of famous people, and visit the past area of where Congress would meet. When we got back to the hotel at night, everybody was too tired to say anything and we all just fell asleep for a measly five-minutes before heading down to the pool to play around in the water and soak our tired bodies in the Jacuzzi. The next day was almost identical to the first, we went to multiple tourist attractions, but the highlight of that day was visiting the White House.

Naturally, at the White House you would have to go through numerous security checks and at one of them I forgot to remove my belt so when I went through the scanner, the alarm went off and a Saxon horn started sounding. One of the security guards quickly took me over to a wall and started swiping me with a metal detector. He swiped around my body until it detected my belt. Next, he started patting me down to check if I was carrying anything else, and you have to realize that the whole class was watching me so it was astonishing to all of us. He said seriously to me: “You are under arrest.” While I was totally shocked there for a minute, he looked at me with a smile and said, “Son, are you from Dana?” I nervously answered a quick yes and was a little on edge until he explained that he made a joke since he had graduated from First Avenue Middle School (a neighboring middle school in the area) and had noticed my jacket printed with Dana Middle School’s name.

The second half or the relaxed portion of the trip, as I called it, was in New York City. We had a couple of chances to go shopping and the zenith of the trip was probably when we went to China Town to do some bargaining. There, we were left to wander (but with adult supervision) around the streets going from store to store, looking at items, and bargaining for them like a vagabond. I was lucky enough to lower the price of a $15 dollar T-shirt down to $10 and a pair of $15 sunglasses to only $6 with only a couple minutes of “training” that our teacher had given us. What made China Town the highlight of the trip wasn’t the shopping, but the freedom we were given to buy whatever we wanted and the burst of adrenaline that bargaining gave us. Every time we made a successful deal we could feel a certain rush that could not be replaced.

During our time in NYC my group was also able to visit the famous Ellis Island, an island where all immigrants had to go through in order to earn their American Citizenship, and the 9/11 Memorial. In Ellis Island we saw the numerous rooms that would house the sick, rooms where medical examinations would take place, and rooms where there would be an extremely long line for immigrants to get questioned. We also saw how it developed from being a fort to a bustling immigration center. In the 9/11 Memorial, we visited the two areas where that the twin towers had been located and saw the World Trade Center and the four other buildings surrounding it being built.

In conclusion, the Washington D.C. and NYC trip was one that can never be re-created for me again. I was able to witness many great tourist attractions and had my first chance at bargaining. In addition, friendships were developed and strengthened among students and teachers. At the end of the trip the students complained about their reluctance in coming home, but we all knew that we were not meant to stay. It was truly an extraordinary experience for all the students that participated.

Could you survive on your own in the wilderness, with everyone out to make sure that you would not see the day? Along with many young students in Arcadia, I went to the AMC theater at Westfield Santa Anita to embark on a remarkable movie adventure. The movie line -to my interest- extended all the way outside of the theater building. The moment I stepped into the theater, I realized that this was going to be one of the most treasured experiences of my life.

Benjamin Liu of Camino Grove Elementary

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by Benjamin Liu
a 5th grader at Camino Grove Elementary

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The movie was made based on its inspiring novel, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. The story exemplifies the true meaning of cleverness, survival, and a situation where you have to fight to your extreme to survive. Jennifer Lawrence starring as Katniss in the movie chooses the decision to survive and fight her way out of a situation where she must withstand fear and pain in the arena utilizing every asset and ability she possesses to survive and stand up for her loved ones.

The movie begins in the black and burning coal mines of district twelve where Katniss Everdeen specializes in the skills of hunting with pure accuracy and major survival skills from experience and genetics. In the ruins of North America, the nation of Panem is divided into twelve districts that live in a state of poverty with a demanding and tyrannical capitol that abuses power relying on the twelve districts to create resources such as agriculture, electricity, fuel, etc. After a past uprising by the districts and rebellion against the government, the capitol overpowered the 13 districts; and ever since, they have used their advantages in cruel and injustice ways to enslave the districts in harsh conditions. As cruel punishment, they destroyed the thirteenth district and bred The Hunger Games, where each year, children from the age of twelve to eighteen from each district would have a chance to be raffled and chosen to fight in a battle and brawl to the death until only one remained. As one of the most courageous decisions in her life, Katniss Everdeen fixes her sister’s footsteps by restraining her from certain death in the arena and takes her part in the hunger games. She faces some of the biggest challenges of her life by turning her enemies’ strengths into their most substantial weaknesses and risking everything to survive.

“The Hunger Games” film had an opening of $152 million dollars- third best opening in history- and has already out-shined and eclipsed many movie competitors by making more than $300 million dollars in less than three. The novel and film have already received major reviews (mostly positive) and several awards and honors. Main cast members feature Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lawrence.

The Hunger Games trilogy has been the pick of many readers( esp., young students and adults) but as well as it may seem, the only way to experience such an adventure is for people to read the remarkable novel themselves. They can never quite explain how truly exceptional The Hunger Games is. The Hunger Games gives a secret message behind it taking readers to experiences of poverty and starvation and taking them to the bloody and miserable battle fields and brutal fighting arenas. Persistence and cleverness are the keys to survival. Life is not an easy path and leads to many major obstacles and even in a time with harsh conditions, poverty, starvation, unfairness, and chaos, people need to persevere to do the right thing. Step into the darkness and do not be afraid to stare face to face and meet your eyes with some of your greatest fears.

On March 16, 2012, I had the opportunity to attend Arcadia’s last City Council candidate forum before the election. I arrived a little late, but still had the chance to shake hands with Mary Dougherty and John Wuo; the other candidates were busy talking with other people. During this forum, I heard many interesting things. It was a very unique experience and I hope to share some observation with you.

Benjamin Liu of Camino Grove Elementary

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by Benjamin Liu
a 5th grader at Camino Grove Elementary

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The candidates, John Wuo, Gary Kovacic, Mary Dougherty, Sho Tay, and Henry Nunez, all gave a well-thought-out introduction about themselves. They are all well-achieved people that you have a privilege to choose from.

John Wuo endured much experience from the two terms he served before on Arcadia City Council from 2002-2010. While he was serving along with others, his efforts in City Council along with the rest of the community earned Arcadia the title of “Best City To Raise Kids,” twice by Business Week magazine.

Secondly, Gary Kovacic served three full terms in City council from 1996-2006 and later was elected in the 2008 election. During his time on City Council he helped make more improvements and changes to the community.

Next, Mary Dougherty is the president of the Home Owner’s Association. She served 16 years in the AUSD board of education and made students’ education her highest priority.

Second to last, Sho Tay plans to manage and spend the city’s revenue and funding wisely with responsibility and make decisions that will mainly benefit Arcadian residents. He thinks that although Arcadia is outstanding compared to other cities, we can do much more to improve it.

Last but not least, Henry Nunez plans to strengthen Arcadia traditions and increase city revenues if he is elected.

After the introduction of the candidates, a few questions were asked both from the audience and the host concerning safety, budget cuts and revenue, promoting business, and mansionization. The candidates each had a turn to state their opinion on the subjects. Many eyes and ears were alerted on the first topic of safety. Sho Tay suggested that the city’s revenue should be increased at a steady trending pace leading to more money to keep more police officers on watch and lowering crime rate. As long as police officers are on the look-out less people would commit crime, knowing that there is a higher chance of being spotted. The same concept goes for “Neighborhood Watch program” John Wuo brought up. People need to be alert and on watch for criminal activity in all places. It is going to have to be a team effort to prevent crime and keep Arcadians safe. Safety also involves traffic. Both pedestrians and drivers must be alert while crossing streets and driving. It is never certain that you can be safe, but you can lower the chances by taking extra precautions and thinking how to be as safe as possible.

The second topic concerned business. Compared to other cities, Arcadia is doing exemplary in this economy. Arcadia needs to aim to get more revenue and more sales tax. One of our goals is to attract and promote more business in Arcadia. This act could provide Arcadia with overwhelming benefits. For example, last year we had a $2.4 million surplus that went toward many good causes. We have to strategically work our way up little by little and later, we will be surprised by how much we get in return and how much revenue we earn going toward debts and city problems. The third topic is related to mansionization. Mansionization is the process where single-family, detached homes are demolished or enlarged to create houses that are several times larger than the original house. The council candidates came to a conclusion that homeowners next door or neighbors should be notified as soon as possible. Some candidates strongly opposed mansionization, but one said that this is a double-edged sword since mansionization does increase the property value in Arcadia.

I felt most interested in these three topics. The others included superstitious beliefs and ones that I felt were not important to include in my observation (others may think differently from me). I hope you have had an excellent observation through Arcadia’s last forum before the election. Eventually two existing Arcadia city council members will move on from their council posts and new blood will fill the strong courageous heart of the city, Arcadia. Many responsibilities, expectations, and improvements of Arcadia will lie in the clutches of somebody else- somebody who has tens of thousands of Arcadia citizens watching and depending on. Arcadia is special and beautiful; not everyday can you find a city proudly named “Best City To Raise Kids,” by Business Week twice. Of course we cannot stop here. There are still enormous improvements and golden opportunities just waiting to be presented. It is your right to vote for your community and city. Every vote counts toward supporting Arcadia and voting for the right person to Arcadia City Council.

I would like more Chinese to participate in election by voting. Ballots with a crucial blunder in its Chinese-language instructions could cause some votes to be invalidated.
Here is a link to video showing how to vote in Chinese.
(Editor’s note: the marking of a candidate on the sample ballot should be considered an example of how to fill in the ballot — voters may vote for one or up to two candidates.)

Sheila Kang

– By Sheila Kang, a real estate invester since 2007, volunteer with Tzu Chi, and supporter of Sho Tay for City Council.

I was pleased to read in Arcadia’s Best of the strong negative reactions generated by Mr. Harbicht’s and Mr. Chandler’s endorsements via a computerized phone tree of Mr. John Wuo for City Council. Although the election is probably a long way down the road, I would like to add my voice to those negative views. The political commitments generated, most seriously by the actions of a sitting councilperson, can only suggest an unhealthy linking of council votes. Are we to be confronted with another block vote that ties the Council into forced and biased compromises?

Richard H. Midgley

I have some separate observations about the policies represented by Mr. Wuo’s campaign. I note from the City Clerk’s records that Mr. Wuo has accepted substantial sums from relationships outside our community. Has Mr. Wuo seen fit to secure financing from those with no reason to invest in Arcadia for Arcadia’s benefit? Or is their investment in Mr. Wuo? Mr. Wuo’s campaign has been an expensive one, what with phone trees and glossy advertising. Is he buying the election, or laying a foundation for future favors to be offered in City business?

Third, and perhaps more important, is Mr. Wuo’s apparent attitude toward Arcadia’s citizens. During a recent forum, Mr. Wuo was made aware of a 17,000 square foot home being built on Longden Avenue. The house, reportedly to have 10 bedrooms and 15 baths, is eight times the size of most of the homes in the neighborhood, and three times the size of the largest (to date). Although City staff has declared the building to be consistent with City codes, it is clearly in conflict with the City’s own Design Guidelines for City residences. Those Guidelines state that new construction should be in scale and proportion with surrounding sites. Mr. Wuo’s comment during the forum was that the house met City codes and fits on its large lot, he saw no issue. Mr. Wuo is right there with Mr. Harbicht on that point. Mr. Wuo made the additional comment that investment was a key to Arcadia’s future and essential if it is to remain as a great city and wonderful place to live. Another of Mr. Wuo’s observation was that the city did not need a vigorous business investment program, because such activities would foster increased traffic and inconvenience. I take these observations to mean that residential property taxes are the best way to fund Arcadia’s needs. Big homes mean big tax money and greatly simplify Council financial tasks.

Such a policy seems to defy the concerns of neighboring property owners, who are suddenly confronted with property values reflecting their ownership only in terms of a building site, ignoring their investment in improvements which they have made to sustain their ownership. Mr. Wuo’s position also seems to negate any issue neighbors might have with loss of privacy, increased traffic (can you imagine the parking required by a 10 bedroom home) and blocked views which they may have enjoyed for years. Why does Mr. Wuo, and some current Council-persons, not remember that the Council’s primary duty is to defend the rights and investments of ALL of its citizens, if it is to remain a great place to live? As things seem to stand now for may Arcadia citizens, if you don’t like what is happening to your neighborhood, sell your property and move away.

In his observations Mr. Wuo has already taken a position which will probably assure that Arcadia will remain the only city in the San Gabriel Valley with no housing development standard requiring a concern for everyone’s property rights and peace of mind. I think Mr. Wuo’s election will require strong community action. I for one intend to develop ideas for a ballot measure to limit the size of home construction. I do not agree that the blight represented by disproportionate housing has to maintain. Even with the current number of homes already built, as is the case in South Arcadia, (thanks to the Council), real improvements can be made in creating a harmonious environment. If the experience of other communities can be taken, such public action increases property values, instead of decreasing then as some assert. If San Marino, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia can do it, so can Arcadia. Are you listening, Mr Wuo?

I am also going to encourage study of recall processes to assure that Arcadia’s citizens will be carefully listened to and respected by their Council. Mr. Wuo and the rest of the Old Boys had best begin to think more broadly about their responsibilities. The problems are not easy, but they can be solved by creative, unselfish public officers. I think we should remember for whom the City Council works and exercise the strength of our understanding – both in terms of the selection of our representatives, and in our assessment of their service.

– By Richard H. Midgley, a 58-year resident of Arcadia who supports candidate Mary Dougherty for City Council. Mr. Midgley has a business degree from Stanford University and worked for many years for the Chief Administrative Office of Los Angeles County and the County Museum of Natural History. Mr. Midgley is