Mayor Stephen Sham
as published in the September 2010 issue of
AROUND ALHAMBRA (Alhambra's local newspaper)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of residents who came to hear a presentation by the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) last month concerning the proposed construction of a high-speed rail project that could potentially cut through Alhambra via one of three proposed options being considered by the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA). In late July, city officials were informed of two new options being considered that would put the placement of the rail alignment directly adjacent to the I-10 Freeway along Ramona Road. The original proposal was based on a shared right-of-way down the center of the I-10. After listening to the Authority’s presentation and residents’ opinions, the City Council voted to OPPOSE all of the options on the basis that they would disrupt the lives of too many families through possible condemnation of properties, and severely affect the quality of life for many more residents of the community. The City is urging residents to write their own letters to the CHSRA (as well as their legislators) prior to the CHSRA Board’s public meeting in October (location to be determined), at which time they will discuss the San Gabriel Valley alignment options. A sample letter of concern for residents and the City’s letter of concern are posted on our website at http://www.cityofalhambra.org/community/HSRailProject.html.

The City’s new Prescription Discount Card, announced in last month’s issue, is now available through the National League of Cities and the City of Alhambra. Residents who sign up for the card will be able to save an average of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed medications. Since all Alhambra residents are eligible to use the card, those families without health insurance or a traditional benefits plan will find the cards especially useful. What’s more, if your doctor prescribes a medication not covered by insurance, the card can be used for an up to 20 percent discount off the retail price of the medication. Visit www.caremark.com/nlc for registration information. Those without web access can obtain a card at Alhambra City Hall, Joslyn Adult Center or the Civic Center Library. Residents interested in the program are urged to visit the website to access program tools or to call toll-free 1-888-620-1749 for assistance.

Virtually every month there is something new to report in Alhambra—and this month it is the millionth visitor to the Alhambra Civic Center Library and the onset of a new phenomenon—the arrival of gourmet food trucks bringing with them scores of hungry food fans, many of whom are Alhambra residents. The Grilled Cheese Truck with its infamous gourmet cheese sandwiches and Don Chow Truck’s culinary fusion of Chinese and Mexican food lined up on separate dates in August in front of JayVee Dance Studio, which also put on its own show. It is believed that with the successful outcome of these first two events, additional specialty trucks may be making their way to Alhambra in the near future.

Yet more positive news—our city manager, Julio Fuentes, was one of four local VIPs to be honored by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership at its recent 7th Annual Awards Gala.  Mr. Fuentes was selected to receive an award for Excellence in Successful Development based on his “long track record of proven results,” which has included initiating key redevelopment projects that have led to continuing improvements. And while it’s still a bit early to “let the cat out of the bag,” the City is once again working on closing some important new development agreements—so stay tuned for some imminent announcements of potential new businesses seeking to become a part of the Alhambra community. And please join me in congratulating our city manager, Julio Fuentes on his many accomplishments!

Finally, a few reminders of upcoming special events in Alhambra: first, don’t miss the opportunity to recycle your household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste at the annual Alhambra Household Hazardous Waste Roundup on September 11 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) hosted by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works at its headquarters at 900 S. Fremont Ave., Alhambra. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to dispose of your HHW without having to leave the city. More recycling opportunities will be possible on October 16 at the Alhambra Recycling Event at Granada Park, from 8 a.m. to noon. At this event, the City will collect electronic waste, goodwill items, documents to shred, and plastic and aluminum cans. If you’re looking for a perfect opportunity to recycle some old wares while getting a few dollars, too, consider calling for a selling space (626-570-5177) at the Alhambra Flea Market on October 24—to be held at the Joslyn Center Parking Lot, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Once you’ve undertaken this “housecleaning” effort, you’ll certainly need a short vacation, so sign up now (626-570-3242) for the Community Services Department’s Family Excursion to the Lobsterfest on September 11, the Oktoberfest on October 17 and the Discovery Science Center & Irvine Spectrum on November 13.
 
Have a terrific month!