March 2010 Archives

Local concert-goers may not know that there is a great venue to catch live shows in our own back yard at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Sure it's known for putting on great kids' shows and other family-friendly fare. 

It looks like the questioning of how the U.S. Census Bureau has addressed its mailings is getting heard at the top. In Whittier's 90601 ZIP code, the mailings were sent to Pico Rivera and city officials and residents are unhappy. But Robert Groves in his blog has responded to the questions.

"I need to make sure that we all understand that there is a difference between the address on the mailings you receive from the Census Bureau and the physical location of your house.

Some of the addresses on census forms list a city name that is not yours (some even arrive without a city name). Don't worry.

IF YOU RECEIVED A CENSUS FORM AT YOUR HOME, YOUR RETURN WILL BE COUNTED IN THE JURISDICTION WHERE YOUR HOME IS PHYSICALLY LOCATED.

The 2010 Census mail-out is the largest single delivery ever undertaken by the United States - over 120 million forms were mailed this week. To streamline delivery in a mailing this large, addresses in a particular ZIP code sometimes were all labeled using a single city name that is valid for the ZIP code, even though some people in that area usually receive mail addressed to a different city name. The Postal Service does not have a problem with this because for many addresses there are multiple city names that are perfectly acceptable for accurate delivery.

If you got a form at your address, you're fine. Fill it out, mail it back, just as it is. (Please don't cross out the bar code or the address). We will place your return with the right area. If you got the form, we have coded your house to the right geography."

Here's the link to the blog: http://blogs.census.gov/2010census/

For only the second time in 34 years, community activist Joe Marsico won't be on the election ballot but it looked like he still had an effect on Monday's candidates forum.
You see Marsico was successful in getting two questions put to the candidates.
One was about the level of discretion police officers should have in handing out street sweeping tickets. The second was about what policies should govern use of tapes of Whittier City Council meetings.

Marsico said he was happy his questions were asked of the four candidates in the forum sponsored by the Whittier chapter of the League of Women Voters. "I was very grateful to Margo Reeg and I also was surprised that she asked them," he said referring to Reeg who moderated.

But he wasn't impressed by the answers, calling it "mumble jumble. That's all it was: fast-talking politicians," Marsico said.

In Wednesday's newspaper, we'll have a story focusing on a couple of the issues, such as oil drilling, conflict of interest and state of the economy, discussed during Monday's candidates forum for the City Council election. But during this two-hour-long debate, the candidates actually answered many other questions. The actual debate will be shown again on Channel 3 on Charter and Verizon's cable television systems. Times were not available from the city at the time of filing.
Here are some of the questions and a quick synopses on the answers.

Should Whittier seek to make the city more energy efficient, reduce its carbon footprint and conserve the use of water?
All of the candidates favored "going green" or being environmentally responsible in terms of recycling and water use.
However, incumbent Greg Nordbak and challenger Alex Morales warned that there could be costs to doing this.
Incumbent Bob Henderson he would like to add to the general plan a provision dealing with the issue and challenger Fred Hawthorne said he doesn't think the current city staff totally believes in the environmentalist ethic

What are your ideas for job creation?
Morales said the city needs to reach out to business more.
Hawthorne said he wants diversified economic development that will include green and manufacturing jobs and corporate headquarters.
Henderson said the city is moving forward, pointing to the nine new restaurants in Uptown, remodeling of Whittwood Town Center and new Fresh and Easy.
Nordbak said he's a supporter of small business but the answer isn't more government because it can't create job.

What should the city do about a possible extension of light-rail?
Hawthorne said he wants the city to spend money to bring it here, instead of just relying on a grassroots approach.
Henderson said the city is working hard, but warned that it won't happen for 15 to 20 years.
Morales said he would like to see it extended down Whittier Boulevard so it could get to the Quad and Whittwood Town Center.
Nordbak said he will asking the Gateway Cities Council of Government in April to support Whittier.

How do you plan to reach out to increasing diversity in Whittier?
Henderson and Nordbak said that the city's boards and commission are increasingly having more Latinos appointed to them.
Hawthorne said the city needs to do a better job of reaching out to the 90601 and 90602 zip codes.
Morales said diversity is important training and workshops are needed to make sure city staff can communicate with everyone in Whittier.

What level of police presence in Uptown is needed?
Henderson warned that the city may have to make some budget cuts that could reduce the presence in Uptown, such as elimination of the bike patrol.
Morales said he wants to find money in the budget to keep the patrol provide addition training to police to work with youth.
Nordbak said city officials are discussing with the Uptown Association ways to provide a private security force. The city can't afford to to dedicate police officers for a small area when all of the city needs protection.
Hawthorne said the city needs to dedicate money to the Uptown area because "it's the heart of the city."

How can or should the city build a new library?
Nordbak said he wants to gut the existing facility and build a state-of-the art new library.
Morales said he favors a new library, but isn't sure how to make it happen. He opposes raising taxes.
Henderson said the city doesn't have the money now so it will have to look at expansion or a new library when the economy improves.
Hawthorne said the city needs a new library.

Should the city impose term limits on its council members?
Henderson and Nordbak said no.
Hawthorne said he wants to move the election to the first Tuesday in November.
Morales said "reasonable term limits" are needed but right now he can't define reasonable.

Do you have a position on medical marijuana dispensaries?
Henderson and Nordbak voted for the existing ordinance allowing them. Both said it imposes tough standards and limits the area where they can go.
Morales said he opposes allowing them.
Hawthorne said it's important to ensure that people, who need it, can get the drug. But he's concerned about the exploitation by some of the dispensaries.

It looks like the Whittier City Council election is about to heat up. And the big issue may just be oil. With a month go, you can expect to get lots of mail, phone calls and maybe personal visits from all four candidates.

With the first of of four candidate forums will be held at 7 p.m. today at Whittier City Hall council chambers, 13230 Penn St. look for challenger Fred Hawthorne to go after incumbents Bob Henderson and Greg Nordbak over the issue of whether to drill for oil. Challenger Alex Morales also can be expected to weigh in over the issue. Hawthorne, who has come out against drilling in the hills, also has planned a 10 a.m. Tuesday press conference in front of Whittier City Hall.

Here's the list of the other scheduled forums:

• March 24, 6:30 p.m., by Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce at the Rio Hondo chapter of the American Red Cross, 6706 Friends Ave., Whittier

• March 31, 7 p.m. by the Whittier Conservancy at Whittier City Hall council chambers

• April 7, 7 p.m. by Fix Uptown Now and the Friendly Hills Property Owners Association at the Whittier Area Community Church, 8175 Villaverde Drive, Whittier.

Tonight's and the March 31 forums will be televised live on Channel 3 on Charter's and Verizon's cable television systems.