Officially called Arcadia Junior All American Football Association, Inc., the league made of more than 200 participating boys and girls age 6-14 who live in Monrovia, Arcadia or Sierra Madre was without a board of directors or funds last year and was close to being forced to merge with a Temple City league.

The few remaining backers are seeking businesses to be sponsors for as low as $100 or donate items to be sold at the Indians Pep Rally, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, water bottles, chips, etc.  (See form below.)
The group that has been around since 1969 will also be having a State Line turnaround trip in July, for which donated goods are needed to be raffled off on the bus to State Line, such as gift certificates and sports memorabilia. See also the Indians’ Facebook page.

The success of the organization has been credited to the volunteers who provide a healthy learning environment, where they learn hands on skills not just in football and in cheer, but in working together, showing good leadership skills, and through academic achievement. Academic achievement is emphasized — all participants must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Registration fees are set low enough to just cover minimum costs, with corporate and individual sponsorships necessary to make up for additional overhead costs. Donations to the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation are tax-deductible.

– By Scott Hettrick

Emily Zheng

The seniors that I have interviewed will be attending a variety of universities in the fall, including Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal Poly Pomona, Claremont McKenna College, Marymount College Palos Verdes, New York University, Pasadena City College, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, University of Michigan, and University of Southern California.

<Editor’s Note: blogger Emily Zheng is a freshman at Arcadia High School.>

What was your most memorable experience in Arcadia High School?

Annabel Combs: My most powerful and memorable experience at AHS was this February, on the last day that the French exchange students were here. I was devastated and everyone in the room was crying because we all had grown extremely close. It was heartwarming to see the eternal bonds that had formed between not only myself and my students, but my classmates and their students. Seeing two sets of teenagers from two very different parts of the world become so entwined in such a short period of time through the sharing of two beautiful cultures was an extremely powerful thing.

Farihah Chowdhury: I think AP Biology in my sophomore year was my most memorable experience. Despite it being such a difficult class, I learned so much and made great friends.

Jeremy Beckman: The thing I truly adored about Arcadia High School was the door that opened to so many opportunities. I found Arcadia High as a place of unlimited possibilities, where you can transcend into anybody you want, and achieve your own measure of satisfaction.

Kevin Lin: My most memorable experience by far in high school would either be the time our Cross Country team won CIF, State, and the nationals.

Nadine Tran: It would have to be my first charity show. It was amazing. I discovered a newfound respect for dancers and ended up loving dance more because of it. It was so surprising to find out that a high school was capable of having a high quality show.

Thanesh Ayyalu: My most memorable experience at AHS is most definitely being on the “We The People” Constitution team. Everything from applying and making the team to preparing for and going to the various competitions has been an awesome opportunity and I would totally do it all over again. I never thought I would get to delve so much into what our nation’s founding document really means in changing times and get to bond so closely with 29 other people at the same time. Winning a couple of competition titles didn’t hurt either. Being on Senior Men and Women and Cross country come in at a close second though.

Travis Tu: I think my most memorable experience in high school was when Arcadia’s Science Bowl team upset Troy to win the regional competition at JPL and go to nationals. It was extra special because we lost to Troy once and then went into the consolation bracket where we came back from a 100 point deficit to beat Woodbridge and then take 2 in a row to beat Troy for the nationals trip.

Wendy Cheung: The organizations that I got to be a part of, such as Student Council Apache Commission, SMW, French Club, Girl’s Basketball, Link Crew, FBLA, Key Club, Hope Can Cure Cancer Club, and Prom Committee. I believe that AHS provides so many different outlets for creativity and cultural exploration. These organizations provide ways for each and every person to find their true passion. Being a part of SMW was especially rewarding because it was truly a family of students who wanted to make a difference, serve the community, and put others before themselves. It felt good to be a part of a group that had a common goal and also had tons of fun at the same time!

If you could start over your four years again, what would you change?

Andy Qin: I am a firm believer in embracing what has already happened in these four years. Sure, I would like to have met certain people sooner, committed to certain courses earlier, and have found my direction in a more timely manner, but hey—that’s life! I wouldn’t change a thing.

Brendan Ma: I would change to trying out for Speech and Debate so that I could be in it all four years. Being in Speech and Debate allows a person to experience a variety of public speaking in front of audiences. Whether you like debate, advocacy, or acting, it’s all there for a speech and debater. The people are kind and supportive and what’s best about Speech is the freedom that an individual has. If you are just in it for fun or your too busy with academics then that’s fine. If you want to be a hardcore speech person and do multiple events then you can do that too.

Daniel Han: If I could start over as a freshman again, I would focus more on studying and less on “lazy leisure time.”

Farihah Chowdhury: I would take my AP classes more seriously than I did.

Frank Wang: If I could start over, I would definitely make some adjustments to my course/class selection.

Kevin Lin: If I could start over I would definitely have tried to study a bit harder. I slacked way too much in school and it did not help me get into college in any way. I also would have tried to get out of the house more and be more social with people and go to more school events.

Oishee Shemontee: I probably would be a little less sure of my abilities. I think I’ve missed a lot of opportunities and messed up a lot because of overconfidence in my abilities. For example, I took 5 APs senior year and I really regret doing that. I’d change my overconfident attitude.

Thanesh Ayyalu: I would probably change my study habits and/or pick my high school schedule better. I think my GPA suffered due to a little bit of both and the fact that I couldn’t fully juggle all the extracurriculars I was in with homework and AP classes. Most of all, I would take more time to appreciate the present because in hindsight high school has been a blast and four years have flown by. I would gladly go back and fix my GPA though.

Vincent Wei: I would try to get better grades, because I regret not going to a Division I football school, like USC.

What advice do you have for others who are still in high school?

Andy Qin: The key to success is foresight. Everyone has an imagination; use that imagination to predict what situation you will be in as a result of the choice you have made. Lead a spontaneous life, and stay true to your principles, and I promise you will have a fulfilling high school career.

Annabel Combs: My advice would be to take classes that inspire you and capture your interests; not necessarily the interests of your parents and friends.

Amy Wen: Grades before extracurriculars! EXTRAcurriculars are extra. Grades are what make your dream school a reality.

Brendan Ma: It is never too late to try a new thing. From a club to an extracurricular activity to a sport, if you want it, go for it. I tried two things in my senior year, speech and debate and track, and loved both activities. With so many different things to do at Arcadia High School, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Daniel Han: Don’t overwork yourself by taking AP classes for the sake of having the name brand of “Advanced Placement” on your transcript. If it happens to be a subject that you don’t enjoy at all, you will surely regret taking the class. Also, there is no such thing as an “easy AP”; all APs require a fair amount of hard work invested into it. I had taken a couple APs that may have scarred pieces of my transcript.

Farihah Chowdhury: Do what makes you happy, don’t let the opinions of others stop you from reaching your goals.

Gina Oh: Don’t stress out so much about what college admissions are looking for and do something that you enjoy. Something that I personally think will get you far in life is passion. So find what your passionate about and stick with it because doing something out of obligation versus passion becomes very obvious. And one last thing is to try everything. What people forget is that high school is FREE. This is where you get to take as many classes as you want, try many different activities without having to pay the price like you do in college. It is a perfect opportunity to find out what you are passionate about.

Jeremy Beckman: I’d like to tell my fellow peers that despite the pressure to be the perfect student, try to find your own source of happiness in school. Enjoy the time you have as a student, perform to the best of your ability, and be proud of what YOU have done. Take pride in your work and accomplishments, and get involved in the things that fulfill you the best.

Kahao Lim: Advice? Relax. Whatever happens will happen.

Kevin Lam: For those new students coming from China to America like me, don’t waste too much of your time playing or relaxing.

Kevin Lin: My advice for the student is to have fun as much as possible and let loose every once in a while but at the same time focus on the important stuff like grades because if you want to get into college, you’re going to have to work hard.

Oishee Shemontee: Whatever you do, make it count. Don’t just join a club or team or take an AP class for the resume. Do it because you actually care. Because some things really, really, really aren’t worth it. Really. Trust me.

Thanesh Ayyalu: My greatest advice is to not miss any opportunities because Arcadia is so full of them that it’s really easy to let them fly past you and not notice. Get a handle of what you like, what your hobbies are, and what you feel like pursuing and go follow it! Keep your grades up, but don’t let it dominate you because you only get to go through high school once. The world is super competitive, so live in the moment but also keep your grades high. Most of all, have fun with it and learn for joy of learning something new not simply to go through the motions.

Travis Tu: Don’t make everything you do be about getting into college. Enjoy yourself and don’t like kill yourself over grades and stuff because now that I look back on the college admissions process, I do not feel that 1 B or 2 would make or break you. It would be all the different things that you can talk about in an interview or are able to show colleges that you can become something in the future. Whether the people that get into the “great” schools actually have that potential is a totally different story. And don’t procrastinate!

Wendy Cheung: Don’t fear rejection. It’s a part of life and while you should always strive for the best, don’t let your fears guide you through life. It’s important to stay strong when the going gets tough and have the big picture in mind at all times. I can tell you that I’ve probably been rejected at least 20 (no lie) times from various organizations, colleges, and programs. While it totally stings that you’re not who they’re looking for, keep in mind that there are millions of other opportunities! Keep trying, stay strong, and always strive for the best.

Wendy Huang: Work hard but don’t forget to have fun on the side. High school is only what you make of it, so make sure you have no regrets.

Thank you to all the seniors for being a highlight of Arcadia High School and for sharing your experiences with us! Best of luck in the next step of your careers!

Check the list below to see prices at stations closest to you in Arcadia city limits…

• Arco (Foothill/Santa Anita): $3.97
• Arco (Las Tunas/Baldwin): $3.99
• Arcadia Gas / Valero (Duarte/Golden West): $4.07
• World (Duarte/Santa Anita): $4.09
• Mobil (Duarte/Baldwin): $4.12
• 76 (First/Duarte): $4.19
• Chevron (Colorado/Santa Anita): $4.19
• 76 (Baldwin/Huntington): $4.21
• 7-Eleven/Shell (Santa Anita/Duarte): $4.21
• 76 (Foothill/Santa Anita): $4.25
• Jiffy Lube (Huntington/Santa Anita): $N/A
• Chevron (Live Oak/Santa Anita): $N/A
• Chevron (First/Huntington): $N/A

By Scott Hettrick

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Robert Harbicht, Mayor
Mickey Segal, Mayor Pro Tern
Peter Amundson, Council Member
Gary Kovacic, Council Member
John Wuo, Council Member

PUBLIC COMMENTS —CLOSED SESSION/STUDY SESSION (5-minute time limit per person)
Any person wishing to address the City Council on any Closed Session/ Study Session items is asked to complete a ” public comments” card available in the Council Chamber Lobby. The completed card should be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the start of the Closed
Session/ Study Session meeting. Each speaker is limited to five ( 5) minutes per person, unless waived by the City Council. Under the Brown Act, the City Council is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any items not listed on the posted agenda.

STUDY SESSION (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
a. Report, discussion and direction regarding New City Hall Cost and Financing
Update ( continued from February 7, 2012).
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for
public inspection in the City Clerk’s office located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, during normal business hours.

7 pm, City Council Chamber
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION
Reverend Darwin Ng, Police Department Chaplain
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Robert Guthrie, Arcadia Police Chief

ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Robert Harbicht, Mayor
Mickey Segal, Mayor Pro Tern
Peter Amundson, Council Member
Gary Kovacic, Council Member
John Wuo, Council Member

REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY ON CLOSED SESSION/ STUDY SESSION ITEMS
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE
THE READING IN FULL
PRESENTATIONS
1. PUBLIC HEARING
To speak on a public hearing item, it is requested that a ” public comments” card be completed noting the agenda item number be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the start of the public hearing. Separate and apart from the applicant ( who may speak longer in the discretion of the City Council) speakers shall be limited to five ( 5) minutes per person. The applicant mayadditionally submit rebuttal comments, in the discretion of the City Council.
You are hereby advised that should you desire to legally challenge in court any action taken bythe City Council regarding any Public Hearing item, you may be limited to raising only those issues and objections you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

CITY COUNCIL ITEMS:
a. Consideration of Special Use Permit No. SUP 12- 03 to allow the California Philharmonic five-concert 2012 summer season at Santa Anita Park at 285 West Huntington Drive.
Recommended Action: Approve

PUBLIC COMMENTS ( 5 minute time limit per person)
Any person wishing to address the City Council during the public comment period is asked to complete a ” public comments” card available in the Council Chamber Lobby. The completed card should be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the start of the 7:00 p. m. open meeting. Each speaker is limited to five ( 5) minutes per person, unless waived by the City Council. Under the Brown Act, the City Council is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any items not listed on the posted agenda.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the City Council request that specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 3.
Recommended Action: Approve

b. Adopt Resolution No. 6824 approving the application for tree planting grant funds
from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for Fifth
Supervisorial District excess funding for the Windstorm Tree Replacement Project
in parkways of commercial areas, parks and multi- family residential areas.
Recommended Action: Adopt
Adopt Resolution No. 6825 approving the application for tree planting grant funds
from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for Fifth
Supervisorial District excess funding for the Windstorm Tree Replacement Project
in parkways of residential areas.
Recommended Action: Adopt

c. Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Unique
Management Services, Inc. for material recovery service at the library for a period
of three years with an option to renew for a maximum of three ( 3) one ( 1) year
terms.
Recommended Action: Approve

d. Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute a contract with Nobest, Inc in the
amount of $ 38,560 for Handicap Ramps/Sidewalk Improvements in the vicinity of
Colorado Boulevard between Colorado Place and San Antonio Road, and approve
a 10% contingency.
Recommended Action: Approve

e. Approve the new classification specification and salary schedule for Accountant
and revised classification specification for Principal Librarian.
Recommended Action: Approve

f. Authorize and direct the City Manager to consent to the withdrawal request from
the apparent low bidder, TSR Construction, and execute a contract with the next
lowest bidder, ARC-Accucon, in the amount of $ 156,800, approve a 15%
contingency, approve an additional appropriation of $ 60,000 from CDBG funds
and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Sidewalk Accessibility Project
for Colorado Street between Colorado Place and Harvard Drive.
Recommended Action: Approve

g. Endorse the Los Angeles County Flood Control District’ s Water Quality Funding
Initiative and support the County Board of Supervisors in setting a property owner
election on the ” Los Angeles County Clean Water, Clean Beaches Protection
Measure”.
Recommended Action: Approve

3. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
a. Consideration of the Downtown Arcadia Parking Study Final Report.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the Report and approve the Study’s Policy
recommendations

b. Proposed sale of the surplus former well site on Corto Road.
Recommended Action: Authorize staff to proceed with the sale

ADJOURNMENT
The City Council will adjourn this meeting to May 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m. in the EOC Room at the Arcadia Police Department located at 250 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

The 1st Marine Division Band (Patriotic) – July 5, 2012
The 1st Marine Division Band, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, consists of 50 Marine musicians. While the primary mission of the 1st Marine Division Band is to provide musical support for military parades and ceremonies, they remain versatile to accommodate other needs. In addition to the Ceremonial Band and Concert Band, the band forms smaller ensembles such as Big Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet, and Party Band. They perform at over 300 commitments a year, with highlights including the State Funeral of President Ford, the Tournament of Roses Parades, Disneyland’s Independence Day Concerts, and annual concerts at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. In 2007, the 1st Marine Division Band was awarded the “Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands” administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

All Marine Corps Bands fulfill the objective of preserving the values that comprise the unique and fundamental national strength and character of the United States. Whether performing music or serving in a combat zone, the 1st Marine Division Band carries on this esteemed tradition and remains the Pride of the Division.

Brian Lynn Jones and the Misfit Cowboys (Country) – July 12, 2012
Brian Lynn Jones and the Misfit Cowboys are a tight, high-energy Rock-N-Tonk band. They move effortlessly and convincingly through all forms of American roots music and deliver country, rock-n-roll, blues and classic rock just to name a few. Rock-n-Tonk is a term coined by the band that sums up their sound: Roots Country with the gritty edge of Rock-n-Roll. The only way to truly grasp the vibe is to come see a live show!

Gregg Young & the 2nd Street Band (Blues & Jazz) – July 19, 2012
The 2nd Street Band is a pool of 40 world-class musicians and vocalists led by Gregg Young, singer, guitarist, ASCAP songwriter/publisher & NARAS Member. Gregg, originally from San Francisco, was signed to a major label recording contract when in his teens and had an “NFL or NBA” musical experience while touring and recording. Gregg has been in shows that included such acts as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Linda Ronstadt, Steppenwolf, Iron Butterfly, Eric Burden, War, Jose Feliciano and others. Gregg had the privilege of guitar great Carlos Santana as a friend and mentor, and learned a great deal while playing with Bo Diddley and Sly Stone. The band is currently playing gigs that encompass a variety of music styles including Jazz, Blues, R & B, Reggae, Rock-n-Roll and Latin Jazz.

The Groove Classic Oldies Show (Classic Oldies) – July 26, 2012
Sit back, relax and prepare for a nostalgic journey of memories. Established in 2004, The Groove Oldies Show is a family friendly band that performs a wide variety of classic oldies that appeal to audiences of all ages. The Groove Oldies Show is a local band (Pasadena area) and has performed all over Southern California as well as Las Vegas, and for many car shows, special events, casinos, and park concerts. The Groove features Dean Simone, Ben Rushing, Steve La Corte and Tom Osuna. Come join us Arcadia and prepare to have a great time down memory lane!

Cold Duck (70’s top 40) – August 2, 2012
Back by popular demand! Join us once again for this special celebration….National Night Out & Arcadia’s 109th Birthday! National Night Out promotes crime prevention and awareness through police-community partnerships. Arcadia’s Police and Fire Department will be joining us for this very special occasion. Free fingerprinting for the kids, crime prevention materials and other information will be available. Stop by and show your support to Arcadia’s finest.

Since its inception over two decades ago, Cold Duck’s philosophy has been directly responsible for their continued success: “Give the people what they want to hear and have a good time delivering it!” With this solid experienced musicianship, it should come as no surprise that Cold Duck is renowned for being one of the most versatile bands in existence. Cold Duck continues its tradition of excellent musicianship and groovin’ rhythms. So let’s have a good time dancing the night away!

The Answer (Classic Rock) – August 9, 2012
Since 1964 The Answer has been supplying its renditions of top 40 hits, back then popular rock and today now classified as classic rock. The Answer’s uncanny reproduction of all that’s good in classic rock today sets them far above their competition. With stage energy, witty antics, and FREE giveaways, The Answer delivers a knock out show which is enjoyed by all ages! This band is one of Arcadia’s favorites – this is a must see show!

The Journey Experience (Tribute to Journey) – August 16, 2012
Go back in time, return to your days of yesteryear and experience the ultimate sights and music of Journey in your life! The Journey Experience is a number one top premier Journey Tribute Band composed of well established world class professional touring state musicians who love to play Journey music. The Journey Experience performs a 90 to 100 minute powerful, rockin’ Journey Tribute Concert. They headline on the House of Blues circuit as well as the Tropicana Palms in Laughlin, Nevada. Come out and enjoy the classic tunes of Journey as our Summer Concert Series concludes.

Info: Recreation Department at 626.574.5113.