Councilmember Hernandez Resign Now

West Covina Councilmember Roger Hernandez has caused much pain and embarrassment to the community of 110,000.

Mr. Hernandez is subject of a D.A. probe, wanted his legal bills to be paid, but it got reversed by a recent 4-0 Vote by the new Council, and the stories get strange on a daily basis. His hubris and arrogant attitude is whats wrong with politics in general, especially at the local level.

Letters to the Editor of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune by a variety of West Covina residents is demanding Councilmember Hernandez to resign immediately. I am sure Councilmembers Sanderson, Herfert, Touhey and Lane has received numerous of complaints about their colleague.

West Covina has been a model city in the San Gabriel Valley. It is time to for Councilmember Hernandez to submit is resignation, so that West Covina proceed on critical issues such as:

• Resolving Structural Deficits of the City Budget
• Develop plans on the former BKK Property
• What to do with the Downtown Project
• Kmart Property and County Library on West Covina Parkway

Protect Your Property....Taxes That Is

Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, warns property owners of possible initiative to be placed on the statewide ballot.

The proposal is to tinker the intent and purposes of the original Proposition 13 measure, which was passed overwhelmingly in 1978. Silicon Valley wealthy elite wants to initiate Parcel Tax measure and their proposal to the Attorney General for a ballot measure to be called, "Classroom Learning and Accountability Act" How convenient, eh?

It is time to tell the elites hands off of our property. Now, the fight really begins. Please make your voice heard.

Please read the link of the article by Jon Coupal and read it for yourself:

http://www.hjta.org/calcommentaryv3-50.htm

Andrew Wong Sworn-in Pomona Unified Board of Education

Pomona, Ca.- On Tuesday, December 13, 2005, Andrew Wong was sworn in as new member of the Pomona Board of Education along with John Avila and Candelario Mendoza, whom were re-elected to their posts on the Board.

Wong, one of only two Republicans on the Board of Education was installed by Republican Candidate for State Controller, former Assemblyman Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks). The meeting was attended by 100 individuals, mostly from APT (Associated Pomona Teachers).

Mr. Wong stated he was humbled on the election to the post and will do his best ability to ensure that all children receives adequate education. He also went on by stating that he wants to work with teachers, staff, administrators and the education community.

Congratulations Andrew! We will be looking forward to improvements on the education of our children, which is critical for their success.

Assemblyman Huff named "2005 Boy Scouts Leader"

Assemblyman Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) was recognized by the Old Baldy Council, Boy Scouts of America as 2005 Boy Scouts Leader for his efforts to be advocate in Sacramento for the organization and their purpose.

The event was taken place at the Industry Pacific Palms Resort on Thursday evening, December 8, 2005. The meeting was attended by 50 supporters of the Old Baldy Council.

Assemblyman Huff was humbled by the honor, but indicated that the Boy Scouts is a model organization that shows leadership and instill self-esteem for all those in the organization, especially the young troops themselves.

The Old Baldy Council serves 15 communities, including Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Pomona, San Dimas and Walnut portions of the San Gabriel Valley.

Congratulations to Assemblyman Huff!

Rosemead Council Derails Recall Election

The Rosemead City Council by a vote of 3-2 rejects recall campaign to be placed on the ballot. The Recall Supporters were stunned and derailed their attempts to remove Councilmembers Jay Imperial and Gary Taylor.

Read on the story in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune:

http://www.sgvtribune.com/search/ci_3282457

It appears that the saga continues, so therefore stay tuned.....

Charter Oak USD implements cuts, but unlikely will happen

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune published a story about Charter Oak Unified School District adopted a budget, which reflect cuts on hiring, supplies and materials.

Read the story:

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_3289467

Board Member Joseph Probst says, "The state hasn't been as good in keeping us in pace with increased costs."

One has to ask the following questions:

1. Why should the district get more money, when it is in fact has declining enrollment?
2. Why are the cuts implemented, but the Board adopted a cost of living increase of 4.2% Is it really a increase as opposed to a cut?
3. How much is in their existing reserves?

San Gabriel Valley Schools: Switch to Charter Districts?

Ron Nehring, Member of Board of Education at Grossmont High School District, suburb of San Diego, proposes switch to charter districts.

Read on the story from the San Diego Union Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051206/news_1m6gross.html

Maybe this is something that should be looked at in some districts in the San Gabriel Valley. We should always look for new ways to improve the quality of education for all the children. Perhaps the old model needs to be changed to bring the education system to the 21st Century.

Diamond Bar Councilmembers Sworn-in, Herrera Chosen as Mayor

Councilmembers Steve Tye, Bob Zirbes and Wen Chang were sworn-in on Tuesday night, December 6, 2005 at the AQMD Auditorium.

The meeting had 75 in attendance to witness Wen Chang being sworn-in by City Manager Linda Lowry. Then Steve Tye and Bob Zirbes was sworn-in by Assemblyman Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar).

Former Councilwoman Debby O'Connor was recognized for her 8 years of service with certificates from Rep. Gary Miller (R-Brea), State Senator Bob Margett (R-Glendora), Assemblyman Bob Huff and Supervisor Don Knabe.

Councilwoman Carol Herrera was selected by her council colleagues as Mayor and Zirbes was selected as Mayor Pro Tem. They will serve for the 2005-2006 year, which Mayor Herrera indicated will be year of challenges, including economic development being the top priority.

Rowland Unified Considers Stipend Increase

I have learned that the Rowland Unified Board of Education is being asked to approve a stipend increase.

During this time of utilizing precious dollars for the classroom, it certainly not the time for this or any Board of Education to give themselves a pay raise.

I applaud Board Member, Albert Chang who is going to vote against the stipend increase. Read on in regards to Mr. Chang's letter to Superintendent Maria Ott:

Maria:

I am strongly opposed to the increase of our Board stipends.

When this issue came up last year, I voted against raising the stipend. However, it passed on a 3-2 vote. After that vote, I donated the amount of the increase over the remainder of my term to three of the schools that I had once attended, which was about $100 each.

If this increase could buy just one more book for a school library or could provide a warm meal to some empty stomachs, then I cannot with good conscience receive an increase in my Board stipend.

I believe that School Board Members are public servants, and that this position is our way to ensure that our schools and our communities are well represented. I do not believe that elected public officials should enrich themselves with taxpayer money. This is public service.

If this issue comes about again, I will again strongly oppose it. And I really do encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Thanks,
Albert Chang
Governing Board Member
Rowland Unified School District

West Covina Councilmember Roger Hernandez Legal Bills

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that West Covina Councilman Roger Hernandez's attorney Robert Corrado is seeking that the Councilman's legal fees to be paid at taxpayers expense.

Read on the story:

http://sgvtribune.com/news/ci_3281838

We must ask the following questions:

1. Why is the meeting being discussed in closed session?
2. What about public imput?
3. Is it appropriate to use general funds to pay a Councilmember's legal bills, knowing that he/she made an error on their financial disclosure?
4. Is this going to set a precedent?

I encourage West Covina residents to keep a close tab on this issue. It is very troubling and could set the standard for other elected officials to ask City Hall to pony up their legal bills.

Regards,
Allen J. Wilson

Election is over...Swearing-In Begins

December will be a busy month for a lot of us. It will be at time of holiday shopping, errands, festive moments with friends and family.

December will also be a month of swearing-in ceremonies for those that were elected to their respective offices. I congratulate you all on your election success, now the hard part begins of governing your community. I encourage you all to use your wisdom to bring practical solutions, because it will be a test of your leadership and the mandate that was given to you.

We will wait and see how will policy be shaped by those sitting in the dais, school boards and water districts. It will require strong imagination with limited resources before any governing body, because dollars from Washington and Sacramento will be very limited.

I would encourage everyone to keep an eye on the important and critical issues in the following cities, school districts and water agencies:

Arcadia-How to resolve dual/competing projects surrounding Santa Anita Mall? Which one will sound sweeter and favorable for the city?
Covina-Downtown Park, Housing Issues
Diamond Bar-Resolution on Library Funding, Economic Development and Mitigation of Transportation issues specifically State Route 57/60 Freeway Project
Rosemead-Recall Campaign Begins, WalMart
West Covina-Resolving structural deficits, District Attorney Probe surrounding Councilmember Roger Hernandez, Redevelopment Issues

Walnut Valley Water District-Make Immediate reforms due to State Auditor scathing June 2004 Report, Raise water rates?, What to do with $58 Million Reserves?

San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments-Will the agency survive?

All School Districts-How to handle declining enrollment? What will Teacher Unions role will play on retirement and health benefits?

It is going to be a roller coaster 2006 and I encourage everyone to stay tuned. Attend your city council and school board meetings, because it is your community too.

Keep your eye out in this San Gabriel Valley Republican blog. The news will always be ready for you and let the debate begin.

Warmest Regards,
Allen J. Wilson

Welcome...New Blog for the San Gabriel Valley

Greetings:

I welcome you all to this new blog exclusively for San Gabriel Valley Republicans that wish to be informed of news affecting the Valley.

We are a powerful region that stretches from Pasadena to Pomona, diverse cultures, population of over 2 Million residents. If you take our region as a whole, we are considered the 34th largest economy in the world.

I am sure you all want a better life not just for Republicans but Democrats and Independents as well. We need to be vocal in shaping our lives and hold politicians accountable. Furthermore, we want more elected Republicans on city councils, school boards and other elected bodies. It is very obvious that there is a difference between the two parties in their approach in government and the delivery of services to our citizens.

I am excited in this new information venue, which I hope will shape our politics in the region. Please feel free to post your thoughts and comments.

Regards,
Allen J. Wilson