During the months of Januaryand February more than 250 stu-dents from various provinces inChina visited Duarte Unified aspart of the district’s internationalexchange program that has been in

successful operation for the pastthree years. Over this time, hun-dreds of students from China havebeen attending DUSD schools forshort-term visits during the schoolyear as well as attending the

250 Students From VariousProvinces in China Visited Duarte

Duarte ViewA bi-monthly community

publication of the

In its 97th year of serviceto the community

April – May 2019PresortStd

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PAID

Arcadia,CA

Permit#89

DuarteChamberofCommerce

P.O.Box1438

Duarte,CA91009-4438

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Foothill Transit, the localtransportation leader in zero-emissions public transit service,has partnered with the City ofDuarte to operate the city’s twolocal bus lines and convert theirfleet to zero-emission, all electric35’ buses.

Foothill Transit and the Cityof Duarte will launch the newservice, named duartEbus, onApril 1, 2019. The newly-liver-ied, three-bus fleet will becharged, operated, and main-tained out of Foothill Transit’sArcadia Operations Yard, run-ning nearly identical routes andschedules as the well-loved citysystem.

Changes made focused onaccessibility and safety, prompt-ing the closure of five stops onboth the Line 860 Blue and Line861 Green, and eliminating agerestrictions to open transit accessto all customers. The previouslyfree transit system will alsoincorporate Foothill Transit’sfare structure. With a TAP card,the one way fare will be $1.25($0.50 for seniors and peoplewith disabilities*). The fare willbe $1.50 ($0.75*) if the customeris paying cash.

Foothill Transit’s leadershipin electric bus integration beganin 2010 when it became the firstpublic transit agency in thenation to deploy three Proterrafast-charge, all electric buses on

the 16.1-mile Line 291 betweenthe cities of Pomona and LaVerne. Line 291 then became thefirst all-electric fast charge busline in the nation in 2014 and todate, Foothill Transit’s electricfleet had logged over one and ahalf million miles of service inSouthern California.

The deployment of this newelectric bus fleet will make theCity of Duarte the first all-elec-tric city system in SouthernCalifornia. The State ofCalifornia has mandated that allpublic transit vehicles be 100percent zero-emissions electricby 2040. Foothill Transit hasalready committed to going allelectric by 2030.

“This partnership is transfor-mative for both Duarte and forFoothill Transit,” said DoranBarnes, Executive Director ofFoothill Transit. “Building amore sustainable communityrequires more sustainable trans-portation options. Our anticipa-tion and expectation is high, andwe look forward to serving ourDuarte neighbors.”

Foothill Transit LaunchesNew Electric Bus Servicein Duarte, April 1, 2019

See Students Visit on page 13

In This Issue...Community News ....Pages 2-9Duarte Unified SchoolDistrict ..................Pages 10-13Chamber News ....Pages 14-16

Held in the beautiful grounds ofWestminster Gardens, over 35restaurants, wineries and breweries,alongside 65 businesses and organ-izations gather to dish up theirwares to over 1,000 attendees. Thismuch-anticipated signature event isthe highlight of the DuarteChamber’s year.

Bernadette Chang, Director ofSales and Marketing, from West-minster Gardens stated, “We lookforward to once again hosting theTaste of Duarte. It gives us achance to showcase our beautifulgrounds and celebrate the bestDuarte and its surrounding commu-nities have to offer.” She continuedthat, “As a long time Taste ofDuarte committee member, thisevent has continued to grow andgets better every year.”

Taste of Duarte Chair AdamKnight, President of Curo Managed

Print Production, remarked howthis event is a “celebration of every-thing our community has to offer. Itis a family friendly event that bringstogether the best of Duarte and thesurrounding areas,” he said.

The Chamber is partnering withthe Santa Anita Family YMCA toprovide shuttle service at the CivicParking Lot at Pops Road andHuntington. Featured sponsors as ofmid-March include Inspire CharterSchools, California AmericanWater, Mt. Sierra College, DCTV,

Southern California Gas, MethodistHospital, Mt. Olive Storage,Seidner’s Collision Center, City ofHope, Duarte KFC, Burrtec,Westminster Gardens, Santa AnitaFamily YMCA, Jan’s Towing,Upper San Gabriel Valley WaterDistrict, City of Duarte, CuroManaged Print Production, andCabrera’s Mexican Cuisine.

With something for everyone,restaurants include Duarte’s ownCabrera’s Mexican Cuisine, LaPaloma, Dickey’s Barbecue, BBQIndian Cuisine wine fromD'AquinoItalian Import. Restaurants fromneighboring cities also bring theirfare to our Taste of Duarte.Participants includeMax’sMexicanCuisine, Nothing Bundt Cake,Morralito Mexican Grill, JimmyJohn’s, Elements Restaurant, Marie

Join the Duarte Chamber of Commerce’s PremierEvent – the Taste of Duarte & Business ExpoOn May 8, 2019, Duarte gathers at Westminster Gardens for Duarte Chamber of annual

Taste of Duarte & Business Expo featuring food, drinks, businesses, and family fun

See Taste of Duarte on page 3

For information and tickets,call (626) 357-3333 oremail info@tasteofduarte.com

MAY 8, 2019 | WESTMINSTER GARDENS

Today there has been a littlebreak in the rain, with all themigrating butterflies dancingaround the sky. Spring is in the air.When I looked further outdoors, Isee all the new growth on theplants. It occurred to me howmuch our city is very much likethe plants. We have seen somemuch-needed growth and springcleaning going on around town.New building is taking place,some areas are getting a fresh coatof paint, while others are gettingsome major renovations.

Just like what is going on out-side, we are having all sorts ofthings sprouting here. We are gear-ing up for our biggest event hap-pening in May – the Taste ofDuarte and Business Expo.

Additionally, we have had theState of the City and SchoolDistrict, a tri-chamber mixer, anda Workforce Development busi-ness seminar going on (make sureand read about it in the FocusWorkforce Development section),in addition to our regularly sched-uled networking opportunities. Weare also gearing up for our four-hour seminar on Active Shooter.And planning has just started forthe Women’s Business Expo inSeptember. And then there isadvocacy work, and our “regular”work too. Oh! And how could Iforget, we are also planning ourcommunity awards and installa-tion ceremony in June.

And to think, that’s only newthings at the Chamber, can you

imagine what else is going onaround town? Well read this issueand you’ll see lots of things thatare coming up and some thingsthat have already happened.

So as the weather continues toimprove, take a moment to stopand enjoy the new things aroundtown. And while you are out, stopby and pick up your Taste ofDuarte tickets! They are on sale inour office or online.

Ironically, “I Can See ClearlyNow” is playing on the radio. Ithink I’m going to take a momentand step outside and embrace allthe goodness there is out there andsee if I can find a flower or two tosmell. Happy Spring everyone!

By Sheryl Lefmann

Duarte ChamberPresident/CEO

Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE BOARDTina Heany • Resident ......................................................................................ChairBrian Barreto • California American Water ................Legislative Action & Education

Co-Vice Chair and Chair ElectTina Carey • Tina Carey and Associates..............Finance & Administrative Co-Vice

Chair and Past Board ChairBernadette Chang • Westminster Gardens ..............Business Outreach Vice ChairBob Cruz • Southern California Gas ..................Legislative Action & Education and

Finance & Administrative Co-Vice ChairAdam Knight • Curo Managed Print Production....................Fundraising Vice Chair

DIRECTORSVictor Benavides ....................................................................................City of HopeHenry Custodia ............................................................................................DelafieldAja M. Enriquez ..............................................Turner & Stevens Live Oak MortuaryRay Fahn ............................................................................Advantage Ford LincolnRana Madain ..........................................................................Deasy Penner PodleyPat Miller ............................................................................New York Life InsuranceAnnette Ousterhout ......................................................................Jan’s Towing, Inc.Denise Walton ................................................................Seidner’s Collision CentersEric Boyd ........................................................................................................YMCAWilliam Wallace, Ed.D. ..................California School of the Arts, San Gabriel ValleyAlbert Lopez ....................................................................SCE Federal Credit Union

StaffSheryl Lefmann..................................................................................President/CEODiana Burckhard ..........................................Director of Membership and MarketingKathy Dennis ......................................................................Administrative Assistant

Duarte ViewVolume XXXVII • April 2019 – May 2019 • No. 14

Sheryl Lefmann ................................................................................................EditorDiana Burckhard ......................................................................................Advertising

The Duarte View is an official publication of the Duarte Chamber of Commerce. It has abi-monthly circulation of 10,000 and is available to residents and businesses of Duarte,Bradbury, and portions of surrounding areas. No portion of this publication may be repro-duced without the expressed written permission of the Duarte Chamber of Commerce.Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Articles deemed of community interest-ed and printed herein are received from many sources and do not necessarily representthe views of the Duarte Chamber of Commerce. The Duarte Chamber of Commerce is notresponsible for claims or representations by its advertisers, sponsors, or contributors.

For Duarte View advertising information and rates, please call the Duarte Chamber.

Deadline for articles and ads for the June–July, 2019 issue is May 9, 2019

P.O. Box 1438 • 1735 Huntington Dr. Duarte, CA 91009-4438(626) 357-3333 • FAX (626) 357-3645www.DuarteChamber.com • Info@DuarteChamber.com

2 Duarte View COMMUNITY NEWS April – May 2019

Sheryl Lefmann

Duarte Recreation ClassesLooking for something fun for

the family to do this Spring? Whynot enroll in some affordablerecreation classes. The DuarteParks and Recreation Departmentoffers a variety of youth and adultclasses. Join us for: Art, AthleticConditioning, Ballet, CakeDecorating, Circus Gymnastics,Clogging, Computers, CriticalReading and Written Expression,Egghead Engineering, Folklorico,Golf, Guitar, Hip Hop Dance,Junior Chef, Math Workshop,Karate, Piano, Pickleball,Polynesian Dance, Salsa Dance,Sewing, Sigma Coding, Tai ChiKung, Tap, Tennis, Vocals,Women’s Writing Workshop, andmore! Contact the RecreationDepartment for age requirementsand fees.

Registration begins Monday,March 11. Register online atwww.accessduarte.com > QuickLinks > Register for RecreationPrograms or you can register in

person at Duarte City Hall Parksand Recreation Department, 1600Huntington Drive after setting upa profile. Classes will begin theweek of April 1 unless otherwisenoted in schedule. For more infor-mation, please contact the DuarteRecreation Department at (626)357-7931, Monday throughThursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“If they can’t learn the way we teach,we teach the way they learn.”

- Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

CARD Adults CARD Adults Center of Excellence

The CARD Adult Center for Excellence (ACE) is the hub of individuals’ services designed to address the needs of our learners while encouraging the continued development of age-appropriate social, leisure, community integration, adaptive and independent living skills.

• Age Range - 14 years and older

• Serving Eastern Los Angeles County

• We accept most insurance fundingin addition to private pay options

931 Buena Vista Street, Suite 200Duarte, CA 91010

For more information please contact us at (626) 739-3765

Recreation department studentsenjoy learning new skills andmaking new friends!

We offer a variety of event décor.YOU CELEBRATE IT WE DESIGN IT WE BRING IT TO LIFE!WE TAKE THE STRESS OFF YOUR SHOULDERS.GIVE US A CALL FOR YOUR NEXT CORPORATE –SPECIAL EVENTSBALLOONS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

626.765.1140INFO@DECORATIONSENVY.COM

April – May 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS Duarte View 3

Annual Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 13, 2019The cities of Duarte and

Bradbury, and Burrtec WastesIndustries will again collaborate onthe annual Earth Day Celebrationon Saturday, April 13, 2019. Theday will kick off at 9:00 am at theDuarte Teen Center located at 1400Buena Vista, and is open to bothyouth and adults!

Yearly, over 50 volunteers fromthe Duarte Area Resource Team(D.A.R.T.), Cardinals HelpingYouth Live Life (C.H.Y.L.L.), theVolunteer Center of San GabrielValley and other volunteers partici-pate in the day’s beautificationactivities. A continental breakfastand guest speaker will kick off the

day’s activities at 9:00 am whereboth Cities’Mayors will be on handto officially welcome all volun-teers. The day will conclude with

lunch, raffles, and arts and crafts.For more information, or to

volunteer, contact Karen Herrera at(626) 357-7931, ext. 221.

We’re Hiring

Careers

Here’s how to apply

Calendars, and Rita’s of Glendora.As you mingle to the musical

sounds of Dance Syndicate DJEntertainment, you can visit busi-nesses and organizations includingthe FPS Designs, City of Hope, Mt.Olive Storage, FSP Designs,OneWest Bank, Duarte Tile &

Stone, Anytime Fitness, A1 PartyRental, and Maryvale. New vehi-cles from Advantage Ford Lincolnand Sierra Autocars will be on dis-play as well.

To get your tickets, apply as aparticipant, or inquire about theevent, and for detailed pricing pack-ages contact the Duarte Chamber ofCommerce at 626-357-3333, orwww.tasteofduarte.com.

Taste of DuarteContinued from page 1

The beautiful Duarte SeniorCenter is located at 1610Huntington Drive.You’ll find class-rooms, a billiard/game room,lounge, outdoor patio, large diningroom and much more. The SeniorCenter is open Monday throughFriday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to all resi-dents 55 years of age and older andoffers a variety of services and pro-grams. The phone number is (626)357-3513.Hot Lunches/Meals onWheelsReservations are requested for

lunch by calling (626) 357-3513and participants must check in by11:45 a.m. $3 suggested donation.Meals on Wheels: Eligible seniorscan receive a hot lunch and colddinner delivered once a week byYWCA Intervale Senior Services.For more information, please con-tact the Senior Center at (626) 357-3513 or YWCA Intervale SeniorServices at (626) 214-9465.Fee and Charge Classes

(Online registration available atwww.accessduarte.com)

The Senior Center offers a vari-ety of classes for adults 55 yearsand older. Fee Classes offered thisspring include Ballroom Dance,Cross Fit, Exercise with Shelly,Introduction to Computers,Piano/Keyboard, Sewing, StrengthTraining, Western Line Dance, TaiQi/Qigong, Yoga. Free OngoingClasses include Cardio Fitness,Ceramics, Choir, English as aSecond Language, Guitar (begin-ning & intermediate), Knitting,Martial Dance, Oil Painting,Spanish (beginning & advancedbeginner) and Watercolor.

Duarte Senior Center

BY CLAUDIA HELLERPublicity Chair,Duarte Woman’s Club

70th Anniversary celebration,special guests, catered dinner, elec-tion of 2019-2020 officers and a riproaring skit announcing this year’sDuarte Woman of the Year – it wasa special night for the DuarteWoman’s Club on March 7 at theDuarte Community Center!

Special guests were RitaAleman, SGV District President,and Anna Dinter, Area B VicePresident. They congratulated theDWC for its many years of serviceto Duarte and the San GabrielValley. Club projects include aidingthe City in community events, sup-porting the Senior Center, awardingscholarships to local students, sup-porting the Friends of the DuarteLibrary, veterans, Foothill Unity,the Duarte Museum and theChamber of Commerce, to name afew.

2019 Woman of the Year(WOTY) was announced that therecipient of the Club’s most covetedaward is Pat Sleeter. Pat moved toDuarte in 1961 where she raised herfamily. She joined DWC in 2011and has been an active memberevery year since then. She workedas a registered nurse at both SantaTeresita Hospital and the City ofHope, sometimes both hospitals atthe same time. Surprised by the

honor, she was even more shockedwhen her extended family cameinto the room to congratulate her.They described her as a womanwho spent her life caring for others.

Daugherty, the pastWOTY, pre-sented her with flowers and the tra-ditional WOTY silver bracelet.

The celebration honored pastofficers and past WOTYs and thenew slate of officers wasannounced: Carolina Flores-Helizon, President; Kathy Delker,First Vice President; MaireadGreenwell, Second Vice President;Ann Valleroy, Third Vice President;Karleen Daugherty, RecordingSecretary; Marion Stone,Corresponding Secretary; MargaretToon, Treasurer; Ruby Shiroma,Financial Secretary Treasurer; JeanGlass, Membership Director; andElizabeth Bitow, Parliamentarian.

The anniversary dinner wascatered by Janet's Mediterranean.

The Club was organized onMarch 25, 1949, federated withState (CFWC) in 1956 and incorpo-rated in 1966. It is open to womenover the age of 18. Anyone inter-ested in learning more about theclub is invited to a Tea which willbe held on March 24 at the DuarteHistorical Museum. For details callJean Glass at (626) 358-3718.

BY TINA CAREYSecretary, Duarte Kiwanis

Kiwanis Division 35 Lt.Governor, Gina Fanara wasinspired when she heard of theCrayon Initiative.

More than a half-million poundsof crayons are discarded every year,turning into a waxy sludge that clogsour landfills and never biodegrades.The Crayon Initiative collects donat-ed crayons from restaurants, schoolsand homes across the country, thenmelts them down and remanufac-

tures them, reducing waste. Betteryet, the recycled crayons are distrib-uted to art programs at children’shospitals across the U.S., brighten-ing the lives of young patients dur-ing their stay. Happier kids, and acleaner Earth…supporting TheCrayon Initiative helps two greatcauses in one. Consider this: A boxcontaining 25 pounds of usedcrayons can yield enough rawmaterials to supply 125 hospital-ized children with new eight-packsof crayons. Division 35 was able tocollect over 500 pounds of crayons!

4 Duarte View COMMUNITY NEWS April – May 2019

Duarte Youth Soccer ClubRegistration now open online

Visit www.accessduarte.com >Quick Links > Register forRecreation programs. $35 perchild and includes a jersey shirt.Practices begin the week of March18. Children 8 to 12 years and in agrade no higher than 6th will playin separate boys and girls leagues.Practices weekdays after school atlocal supervised parks andschools. Games on Saturdays atOtis Gordon Sports Park. This funand exciting 8 on 8-player leagueon a smaller field is perfect for allskill levels. For more information,please call (626) 357-7931.

Little All Stars Soccer forBoys and Girls

An exciting non-competitivevariation of soccer designed foryoung players ages 4-7. Group 1 is4 & 5 years of age and Group 2 is 6& 7 years of age. An introductorypractice will be held Saturday,April 6. Games and practicesTuesdays and Saturdays, April 9 –May 11 at Otis Gordon Sports Park,2351 Central Avenue Duarte. $35per child and includes a jersey shirtOnline registration begins Monday,March 11. Visit www.accessd-uarte.com > Quick Links >Register for Recreation Programs.

Chuck Fischer

Trinity Construction Inc.

626 305-4011 ph626 305-3066 fxDuarte Ca. 91010St. lic. #382928

We build to please!fischer_chuck@yahoo.com

Kiwanis Division 35 Holds CrayonInitiative Service Project

(From left): Filippo Fanara, Penny Arroyo, Kristi Lopez, Kaye Biggsand Reyna Diaz.

Duarte Women’s Club Announces Womanof the Year at 70th Anniversary Dinner

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA HELLER

Pat Sleeter, DWC Woman of theYear, 2019-2020.

A membership to the DuarteFitness Center allows members toparticipate in a wide variety ofphysical activities including a full-service gym with Life Fitnessstrength equipment, Stairmasters,treadmills, bikes and cross trainers.Two courts available for either rac-quetball or wallyball and Aerobicclasses are also offered. Duarte res-ident fees start as low as $150 forone full year and non-residents aslow as $200, with no other monthlyfees or dues. Attention Duarte

Senior Citizens 60 years andolder: memberships for residentsat only $120 annually for an indi-vidual! The Fitness Center is locat-ed at 1600 Huntington Drive, nextto City Hall. Call the Duarte FitnessCenter at (626) 357-6118 for moreinformation.Lap Swim (16 years and older)

Fee: $2 Adults, $1 Seniors/Personswith Disabilities Now – May 31,Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m.and 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Monday –Thursday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Satur-

days & Sundays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Water Aerobics (16 years and

older)Now –April 27, Saturdays from

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Beginning April30, Tuesdays & Thursdays from6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdaysfrom 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Adult $5(per class) Senior/ Persons withDisabilities $4 (per class)Spring Break Open Swim

begins Monday, March 25 – Friday,March 29 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Regular Open Swim Saturday &

Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. Children 12years and under $1,Adult/Teens $2,Senior/Persons with Disabilities $1Spring Swim LessonsDuarte Resident - $35.May 6 –

May 16. Online registration begins8 a.m. Sunday, April 28. Walk-inregistration begins Monday, April29 at 6 a.m. Non-Resident - $45.Online/walk-in registration, April29 beginning at 8 a.m. Visitwww.accessduarte.com > Quick

Links > Register for RecreationPrograms.Duarte Recreation Swim

Team (5-17 years)Enrollment is limited to 60 par-

ticipants. Sign-ups begin Monday,April 29 at 6 a.m. Must register inperson at the Duarte Fitness Center.Practices are Monday – Thursday,3:30-4:30 p.m. beginning June 3.Scheduled meets throughout thesummer. Swim team fee is $175.

The Duarte Teen Center islocated at 1400 Buena Vista Streetin Duarte. Hours of operation areMonday through Friday from 3p.m. – 8 p.m. Holiday and specialevent hours are subject to change.All Duarte teens grades 9 through12 with high school ID are wel-come. The computer lab is openMonday – Friday from 3 p.m. –6:30 p.m. For more information,please call (626) 303-0863.

Hip Hop DanceThis is a high energy, fun, edu-

cational class, breakingdown hip hop movementfor all levels of dancers.These free classes areheld Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.for teens in grades 8 – 12.Youth Employment WorkshopYouth between the ages 15-18

will participate in an employmentworkshop on Wednesday, April 10,3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. The workshopwill include tips on finding a job,gaining employment experience,resume writing, filling out jobapplications, interview tips, andhow to be successful once you landa job. There will also be local

employers on site to speak with theparticipants about employmentopportunities. Please register inadvance at the Teen Center. Space islimited. Free!Cinco de Mayo CelebrationCelebrate Cinco de Mayo at the

Teen Center on Thursday, May 2 at3:30 p.m. There will be traditionalMexican food for all to enjoy!

Summer Kick OffBBQ/Graduation Party!On Tuesday, May 21 at 3:30

p.m. the Teen Center will have aSummer Kick Off BBQ/GraduationParty. Enjoy cheeseburgers, chips,and a beverage for only $1.Graduates eat free!

Duarte Teen Center

April – May 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS Duarte View 5

Loves and Lust in theold South.

OMAR rose to the top inTENNIS against all odds.

To view a FULL LIST of my Books go to: www.imogenegrant.comAvailable to buy at: Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=imogene+grant&ref=nb_sb_noss_2Zeta Publishing: https://www.zetapublishing.com/book-store

To Order by Phone: 1 (800) 514-6703Coming soon: CHAMPAIGNE AND A DRAM OF POISON

BOOK CLUBS and all who enjoy reading

The Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is a United States Army Corps of Engineers Facility and a unit of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation System

This offer is valid only with this printed coupon presented at the Faire Box Office. Digital or photocopies are not accepted.

Regular Adult Ticket Price is $29.95. Offers cannot be combined. Children 4 & under always admitted free. No pets or smoking, please. Limit one coupon per person. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid with online ticket sales.

OPENING WEEKEND SAVINGS!

Offer & ticket valid Saturday or Sunday, April 6 or 7, 2019 only.

OFFOne full priced

Adult Ticket$10

DC

2ND WEEKEND SAVINGS SPECIAL SAVINGS!

Children Admitted FREE**When accompanied with one adult ticket purchase. Valid ages 12 & under.

Children 4 & under always admitted free. Coupon not required for child tickets.

Offer & ticket valid Saturday or Sunday, April 13 or 14, 2019 only.

OFFOne full priced

Adult Ticket$250

Offer & ticket valid Saturdays or Sundays, April 20 - May 19, 2019 only.DC DC

RENFAIR.COM

APRIL 6thru MAY 19

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Santa Fe Dam Recreation AreaIrwindale, CA

626-969-4750 • 10AM to 7PM

EASTER SAVINGS

Children Admitted FREE**When accompanied with one adult ticket purchase. Valid ages 12 & under.

Children 4 & under always admitted free. Coupon not required for child tickets.

Offer & ticket valid Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 only. DC

Duarte Fitness Center and Aquatics

For the past 16 years, Aida hasserved as the Crime PreventionSpecialist for the City of Duarteworking with hundreds of at-riskstudents from the various DuarteUnified School District campuses.Torres’s a quiet, unassuming per-son regularly gives of herself toDuarte youth and communitymember by serving as a mentor,role model, guide, and friend. Shecontinues to teach them life skillsthat will help them become activeand productive members of theircommunity. Torres’s commitmentto community is also notable hav-ing served as a longtime memberof the local Duarte Kiwanis Cluband as Co-Chair of thePasadena/Duarte Branch NAACPACT-SOYouth competition whichhas garnered six national medalsfor the Duarte community since

2010. Aida is Duarte’sCommunity Mediation team liai-son, a grassroots anti-gang effort,open to all community members,as a safe venue for discussion andinformation sharing. She facili-tates Duarte's Annual Unity Marchto promote peace, tolerance, unity,and understanding. She is a mem-

ber of the Pasadena NAACPbranch, and is a judge and chaper-one for Duarte's ACT-SO pro-gram. She is largely responsiblefor helping the Duarte PublicSafety Department to secure over$800,000 in competitive discre-tionary grant funds in 2018 thatfocus on evidence-based preven-tion, intervention and educationalprogramming for youth in theDuarte, Monrovia, and theUnincorporated County areas.

In 2019, she helped to secure anew partnership with AzusaPacific University that will helpsecure additional grants and con-tinue to build on violence targetedprevention and intervention pro-grams and add mental health sup-port for vulnerable populations inand around the Duarte communi-ties.

Crime Prevention Specialist, Aida Torres,awarded 2019 Woman of the Year Designationby Assemblymember Blanca Rubio

6 Duarte View COMMUNITY NEWS April – May 2019

L-R, Duarte City Councilmember Liz Reilly, Deputy City ManagerKaren Herrera, Awardee Aida Torres, Victor Torres andAssemblymember Blanca Rubio

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Ever want to go back to school?Ever want to go back as the princi-pal? Well some of our chambermembers had just that opportunityon March 5th. The principals gath-ered at the Duarte Unified SchoolDistrict’s offices and walked over tothe California School of the Arts(CSArts). Seeing where the magichappens for students was a treat.From there we boarded a bus to tourthe remaining schools; Royal OaksSTEAM Academy, Valley ViewAcademy of Technology andCreative Learning, Andres Duarte

Arts Academy and DuartePreschool, Mount Olive Innovationand Technology High School(MIT), Maxwell Academy &International Baccalaureate, andBeardslee Dual LanguageImmersion Academy. Each one hada specialty that readies Duarte stu-dents for the future.

“Having been a participant ofPrincipal for a Day for many years,it is amazing to see the transitionfromK-6 to K-8 the last few years,”remarked Chamber PresidentSheryl Lefmann. “Every school hasits own personality. The instructorsand students genuinely love theirschool and are proud of what theyhave achieved since the academyprogram was adopted.”

Going to all the locations (alongwith our first ever tricycle races) injust a few hours, the principals hadworked up appetite. So they headedto their last stop, Duarte’s flagshipschool – Duarte High School.Unlike previous years, this tourfocused on the newly openedCulinaryArts program. Chef Prince

and his students presented awickedly delicious shortcake theydeveloped that sent everyone backfor seconds.

Duarte schools are poised tohave our children well prepared forwhatever faces them in their livesahead, whether it be continuingtheir education, getting a trade cer-tification, going for their next bigaudition, or entering the workforce.You can visit the schools to see foryourself, just contact DUSD direct-ly to schedule your visit. Just tellthem that the principal from theChamber sent you.

PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY - 2019

Degrees, Transfer Programs, Career Education c i t ruscol lege.edu 6 2 6 - 9 1 4 - 8 5 1 1

OWN YOUR FUTURE

April – May 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS Duarte View 7

TURNER & STEVENS LIVE OAKMEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY

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Principals on the Buddy Bench at Valley View: Back Row L-R;Superintendent Gordon Amerson, Valley View Principal MargaretRasmussen, Jessie Moorehead (FSP Designs), Brenda Trainor (WonderDog Ranch), Tina Heany (Board Chair); front row L-R; MelissaAlcantar (Foothill Credit Union), Liz Reilly (Duarte CityCouncilwoman), Valley View Ambassador Cash, Cheryl Reynolds(Origami Owl), Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Rick Crosby.

Trike races between Rick Crosby, Sheryl Lefmann (and ChamberCharley) and Cheryl Reynolds. Sofia Valdez, Coordinator of PreschoolServices enjoys their enthusiasm.

Chamber Board Chair Tina Heanyenjoys watching Brenda Trainorfrom Wonder Dog Ranch bondingwith none other than a dog puppet.

The City of Duarte is proudto sponsor a free communityscreening of the film “Crows ofthe Desert – A Hero’s Journeythrough the Armenian Geno-cide,” at the Duarte PerformingArts Center (PAC), 1401 HighlandAve., Duarte on April 4th at 6:00pm. The event coincides with theCity’s recognition of ArmenianHistory Month and will also fea-

ture rare photographs and redis-covered archives documentingboth the terror and heroism of theperiod on display in the Center’slobby.

The documentary, based on theMemoirs of Levon Yotnakhparian,is the true story of one man’sbrave struggle to not only stayalive, but to help save fellowArmenian survivors from near

extinction in the 20th Century’sfirst genocide. The film centers onthe timeframe of World War I inthe Middle East, when Britain’sLawrence of Arabia fought side byside with the Arabs against theOttoman Empire. The story alsoreveals how people from a varietyof different cultures and faiths:Christians, Muslims, Druze andJews, stepped forward to help theArmenian refugees.

The acclaimed feature docu-mentary film has been an officialselection of over 20 film festivalsand won or been nominated inover half of those. It was also wona prestigious Focal InternationalAward for "Best Use of Footage ina History Production."

Co-sponsors of the Duarteevent include Los Angeles CountySupervisor Kathryn Barger,District 5; the Duarte Historical

Society; the Duarte CommunityEducation Foundation; theArmenian Assembly of America;the Tekeyan Cultural Association,Metro LA Chapter; and the LAHarbor International Film Festival(LAHIFF).

The free screening, open to thepublic, will begin with a receptionat 6:00 pm in the PAC lobby andwill conclude with a panel discus-sion featuring the film’s director,

producer, and writer MartaHouske; grandsons Levon Parianand Levon Yotnakhparian; andmembers of the production teamincluding composer, JohnMassari.

For more information call 626-357-7931 or reserve free tickets atEventbrite The event URL ishttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/crow s - o f - t h e - d e s e r t - t i c k e t s -58162906820.

BY CLAUDIA HELLERPublicity Chair,Duarte Woman’s Club

Members of the DuarteWoman’s Club recently expressedtheir appreciation to local authori-ties for their work in keeping ourcommunity safe. They expressedtheir thanks with fresh baked cook-ies and cupcakes at the PublicSafety Office, the local FireDepartment and to the TempleSheriff’s Station. Above the ladiespresent their cookies to SpecialAssignment Deputy RubenGonzales at the Duarte Sub Station.

8 Duarte View COMMUNITY NEWS April – May 2019

@DuarteChamber

Duarte Women’s Club Says Thanks in a Sweet Way

Free Screening: ‘Crows of the Desert’

PHOTO BY MIKE JONES

On March 6th, in conjunctionwith the Duarte Chamber ofCommerce, the City of Duarte andthe Duarte Unified School Districtheld a joint “State of” address. Thepresentation was one to be remem-bered, reporting on the importantthings happening in the city andschool district.

Starting the evening was a VIPreception hosted by WilliamWallace, Principal for theCalifornia School of the Arts, andBoard Member of the DuarteChamber of Commerce. For themain event, attendees were treatedto singing and dancing from com-munity and school groups, andcommissioners. The presenting ofcolors and the pledge of allegianceperformed by Scout Troop 185.

Mayor Tzeitel Paras-Caracci litup the crowd by motivatingthrough dance, getting the audi-ences attention while presentinginformation about the city. DuarteUnified Superintendent GordonAmerson was not to be outdoneshowing off his own moves whilepresenting the school districtsreport.

The evening ended with a spe-cial surprise – the arrival ofDuarte’s new electronic bus (theEbus) system which is set to

launch in early April. A specialthank you to our sponsors for theevening: Inspire Charter Schools,California American Water,SoCalGas, MW Investment Group,Southern California Edison, Cityof Hope, Foothill Transit, Burrtec,

Rutan & Tucker, LLP, ProlactaBioscience, Upper San GabrielValley Municipal Water District,Front Row Live.ent, D’AquinoImporters, Alco Building Solutionsand Curo Managed PrintProduction.

April – May 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS Duarte View 9

State of the City & School District

On January 24, over one hun-dred members of Duarte UnifiedSchool District’s learning commu-nity gathered at Duarte High Schoolfor a ribbon cutting ceremony tocelebrate the official opening of theschool’s new Culinary ArtsComplex. The event marked thecompletion of the construction of

what is now a professional-gradefacility that had been started thissummer. The culinary complex wascreated to house the school’s grow-ing Food Service &H o s p i t a l i t y / C u l i n a r yEntrepreneurship Pathway, asDuarte Unified is soon to offer theonly dual enrollment culinary

school collaboration in the SanGabriel Valley.

“We are building on the dreamsof our students - quite literally,”stated Dr. Gordon Amerson,Superintendent of Schools. “At

DUSD, we are strategically focusedon establishing learning opportuni-ties that fulfill the passions of ourstudents. We are achieving this incollaboration with experts in educa-tion and industry to offer students

multiple pathways to attain theircollege and career aspirations.Construction of this premier facilityto support students whose goals areto enter the culinary and hospitalityarena is a prime example.”

The ribbon cutting ceremonywas facilitated by DHS Principal,Luis Haro, and featured words ofreflection from SuperintendentAmerson and Board of EducationVice President, Ken Bell.Certificates of distinction were pre-sented by Duarte's Mayor, TzeitelParas-Caracci, and representativesfrom the Offices of SenatorPortantino and AssemblywomanRubio. Board Members Bell, Diaz,Carroll, and Reyes along with ChefPrince, Principal Haro,Superintendent Amerson and stu-dents enrolled in the Culinary Artsprogram had the honor of cuttingthe ribbon. Following the ceremo-ny, distinguished guests from thecommunity including Duarte CityCouncil members Finlay, Reillyand Nunez, City of Hope, Chamberof Commerce, Citrus College, Mt.SAC, and architects of the projectfrom Little Diversified Consulting,Alpha Solutions, and the Inspectorof Record, joined with DUSD staff,parents, and students for tours ofthe facility,

Development of the CulinaryArts Academy began three yearsprior when DUSD joined a consor-tium of neighboring districts thatwas awarded the California CareerTechnical Education IncentiveGrant (CTEIG) under the directionof KevinMorris, DUSDDirector ofCollege, Career and Community.Established as a state education,economic, and workforce develop-ment initiative, with the goal of pro-viding students with the knowledgeand skills necessary to transition toemployment and postsecondaryeducation, the CTEIG grant provid-ed the seed money for DHS to payfor professional development, certi-fication and curriculum design.

A crucial criteria to receive the

10 Duarte View DUSD SCHOOL NEWS April – May 2019

Community Celebrates Grand Opening of Duarte High School’sCutting-Edge Culinary Arts Complex

See Culinary Complex on page 13

DUSDhas partnered with VH1 SaveThe Music Foundation over thepast several years, bringing$175,000 worth of instrumentsto our schools and supportingour music programs. They alsohave given our choirs greatopportunities to attend and per-form at incredible events, from avideo game launch and privateconcert with Meghan Trainor, toheading the "Rockstar Zone" atthe Barbie doll launch withZendaya, to singing at VH1’s“Dear Mama” special televisedevent with a meet and greet withNeYo. This year, VH1 Save TheMusic selected the Duarte HighSchool Choir to perform at TheSchool SuperintendentsAssociation (AASA) NationalEducation Conference onFebruary 14, at the Los AngelesConvention Center. They sangfor the opening session beforean assembly of over 3,000superintendents from across thecountry. Thank you to ProgramDirector, Jaclyn Rudderow, andour VH1 partners for providingthis opportunity to showcase ourtalented students on a nationalstage. Brava to Choir Director,Claire Hsu, and kudos to allmembers of Cantabile for ashow stopping performance!View videos and find more onInstagram and Twitter @duar-teusd.

At DUSD we provide our students access to college and career path-ways starting as early as preschool! Our littlest scholars were encour-aged to consider their future career options...Mayor, banker, teacher,tech expert, animal groomer and more thanks to the parents and volun-teers that shared about their professions with our students at DuartePreschool Parent Career Day that was held on Friday, January 25, at allour preschool locations. This was also a wonderful opportunity to seehow many of our parents hold special jobs in our learning communityfrom City Hall to City of Hope. Learn more about our Early ChildhoodDevelopment programs and enrollment options by visiting www.duar-tepreschool.org.

April – May 2019 DUSD SCHOOL NEWS Duarte View 11

In partnership with the City of Hope through a grant procured from the National Institute of Health,Beardslee Academy hosted their first-ever Pop Up Farmers Market on Monday, January 28. Freshorganic fruits and vegetables were on sale at fair prices in a convenient location for families to pur-

chase for their homes. Beardslee Academy parents were surveyed to identify the types of produce that areregularly used in their home cooking and these were the items sold. City of Hope provided the producefrom local farmers to sell at the market and all proceeds will go to sustaining the market over time. Itemsavailable included bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, oranges, yellow onion, zucchini, tomatoes,grapefruit, and mandarins. The first market day was a huge success and all items were sold out in lessthan 30 minutes! The Beardslee student leadership team ran the set up and sales during the market.Among the shoppers were Board members Bell and Carroll as well as Superintendent Amerson andPrincipal Romero. Thank you to our City of Hope partners for helping provide this wonderful service.Because of the markets success, another shopping day was held on February 25 and it will be offered thelast Monday of every month from now until May.

DUSD PreschoolersConsider Career Options

DHS Government Advocacy

Providing platforms for our scholars to exercise their student voiceis a priority at Duarte Unified. Through a partnership we are fur-ther developing with the Santa Anita YMCA, DUSD is invested

in ways to increase our students’ ability to utilize their voice in the work-ings of our democracy. Superintendent Amerson accompanied a delega-tion of five Duarte High School students to the Youth and GovernmentSummit that is held annually at our State Capitol. Over 3,000 studentsfrom all over California gathered in Sacramento to meet each other andtheir elected officials. The keynote address was delivered by GovernorGavin Newsom. This is the culminating event to a year’s worth of leg-islative work done by the high school delegates that ultimately results ina bill, composed by the students, being set before the CaliforniaCongress for consideration to become a law. Based on the positive feed-back received from our DHS delegates about the experience and our on-going efforts to broaden opportunities for civic engagement for all of ourhigh school students, DUSD is committed to supporting and expandingour students’ active participation in this program.

12 Duarte View DUSD SCHOOL NEWS April – May 2019

April – May 2019 DUSD SCHOOL NEWS Duarte View 13

All Eighth Grade students from each of our four K-8 Academiessoared to Duarte High School on February 15, to see what thefuture holds for them as the Falcon Class of 2023! After an open-

ing assembly held in the gymnasium, the students were given a tour ofthe campus and introduction to the wide variety of clubs, sports, visualand performing arts, academic, college and career opportunities avail-able at DHS starting their freshman year. This includes the EarlyCollege and Culinary Arts offerings as well as AP, Cheer, CTE, Band,Choir and so much more! If you missed this event, be sure to schedule atime to tour the campus at www.come2duarteusd.com.

grant funding is to deliver a highquality curriculum and instructionaligned with the Career TechnicalEducation (CTE) Model CurriculumStandards. This was achieved lastMay when Duarte High Schoolearned certification by the NationalAcademy Foundation (NAF) as anAcademy for Culinary Entrepre-

neurship. To attain this esteemed sta-tus, CTE teachers Chef JasonPrince and Amy Bustos, designedthe rigorous, career-themed curric-ula and direct pathway for studentsto enter the culinary industry.

Currently, DUSD and Mt. SanAntonio College are engaged inarticulation to add a dual enrollmentelement. This will provide studentswho finish the program with anopportunity to earn an Associate of

Science Degree. Once completed,this will be the only dual enrollmentoffering of this kind in the SanGabriel Valley. Students whochoose to take program courseswithout completing the degree pro-gram may still earn a variety of cer-tifications needed for entry intocareers in the hospitality industry.Learn how to enroll by emailingyour request to communica-tions@duarteusd.org.

Culinary ComplexContinued from page 10

If your child will be entering Kindergarten next year, it’s time toenroll them now by registering online at register.duarteusd.orgStudents new to Duarte Unified entering any grade, preschool-12,

for the 2019-20 school year are also encouraged to register now . To findyour neighborhood school, please visit our school finder tool atwww.duarteusd.org and schedule a tour of our campuses by registeringat www.come2duarteusd.com . If you have questions regarding enroll-ment process or interdistrict or intradistrict permits, please contact ourStudent Services Department at (626) 599-5010.

Kindergarten Registration

district’s summer programs.During the six week winter pro-gram, the students who visitedwere hosted at Andres DuarteArts Academy, Beardslee DualLanguage Academy, MaxwellAcademy-IB World School,Royal Oaks STEAM Academy,Valley View Academy ofTechnology & CreativeLearning, and Duarte HighSchool. These trips are coordi-nated in partnership with place-ment agencies. The district cur-rently collaborates with severalincluding Banana Education,StarRight Education, and ESLAConsulting Inc.

The student visitors arepaired up with DUSD studentsat each school, and they partici-pate with their "study buddy" inthe instructional activitiesthroughout the academic day.Our international scholars aretreated to a warm welcome cere-mony when they arrive and to afun-filled closing ceremony withcertificates of participationawarded upon their departure.We have found all of the stu-dents benefit from the culturalexchange and many stay intouch after the visit. “ValleyView hosted 12 students fromChina this January. It was awonderful experience for bothValley View as host and the vis-iting students. In the 5th and 6thgrade classes students workedtogether to make and present apower point about how foodsfrom the US and foods fromChina were similar and differ-ent. Students learned a lot fromour visiting students and reallyenjoyed their company,” sharedValley View Principal, Mrs.Margaret Rassmussen.

The students who visitedBeardslee and Maxwell duringthe week of February 12th weretreated to Future Falcon Fridayand experienced the life of a

Duarte High School student.“The Winter Cultural ExchangeProgram was an amazing experi-ence for all students and staffinvolved. The program provid-ed a bond between the interna-tional students and the studentsat Duarte Unified which will be

benefit both cultures and helpmake our world a little bit small-er. The international studentsbenefited from an immersionexperience in a comprehensivehigh school by pairing themwith an American student and aschool filled with English lan-guage, different food, and aunique culture of schooling,”stated Associate Principal ofDuarte High School, Mr. RussEarnest.

The international exchangeprogram fits right in with theglobal connections learning phi-losophy embraced at MaxwellAcademy, the district’s author-ized International Baccalaureate(IB) World School. The programalso provides the opportunity for

the students at Maxwell toengage in Mandarin with thestudent visitors, which all stu-dents in grades K-8 learn on adaily basis as part of the IBinstructional delivery model.Currently, the students attendingour schools from abroad are

traveling from China. However,the district is also in the processof making connections that willbring students from SouthAmerica and Europe as well.Interacting with youth from allparts of the world in a schoolsetting will be of mutual benefitto both youth, and of specialinterest to our Beardslee DualLanguage Academy scholarswho would have the opportunityto delve deeper into the intrica-cies of learning a new language.The district is also exploringavenues for international stu-dents seeking to enroll at DHSfor a full year during their highschool experience.

If you would be interested inopening up your home and serv-ing as a host family for interna-tional students attending DUSD,whether for a short stay or year-long visit, or know someone thatwould, please contact TheresaBarnes at Building BlocksHomestay for more informationvia email to BarnesTheresa@hot-mail.com.

Students VisitContinued from page 1

The Santa Anita Family YMCAinvites ALL Duarte, Azusa, andMonrovia youth ages 5-14 to be aJr. L.A. King Ball Hockey Jockey!This is the second year of Y Jr.Kings hockey, part of an excitingpartnership between the LosAngeles Kings and the YMCA tospread hockey to kids who’ve neverplayed it, as well as to kids whohave been hockey fans, but don’thave a nearby ice rink to play.

The 2019 seasonwill start with aFREE Hockey Skills Clinic whererepresentatives from the LA Kingswill teach local youth the basichockey skills of stick handling,passing and shooting, along withhockey rules. The Clinic happensWednesday, April 3, and is FREEand open to everyone. Kids DONOT NEED TO BEYMCAMEM-BERS to participate in the FREEClinic. Both the FREE Clinic and

Y-Jr. LAKings Ball Hockey Leaguegames will be held at the SantaAnita Family Y gymnasium, 501 S.Mountain Avenue in Monrovia, just2 blocks west of theMonrovia/Duarte borderline offRoyal Oaks Dr.

“The kids and families at thefall 2018 clinic, and the familieswho played in our first –everleagues last fall all said their kidshad a blast! Somuch so that both weand the LA Kings reps decided weneeded to follow it up by launchingour 2019 leagues sooner rather thanwaiting until fall this year,” said EricBoyd, YMCAExecutive Director.

Boyd also said that the SantaAnita Family YMCA is one of 10Y’s around LACounty taking part inthis initiative, ranging from theNorth Valley YMCA in PorterRanch, to the Hollywood/WilshireYMCA, to the San Pedro &

Peninsula YMCA at the southern-most tip of LACounty.

Here are the Santa Anita FamilyYMCA Jr. LA Kings Ball HockeyLeague details for interested fami-lies:

WHAT: YMCA/Jr. LA KingsBall Hockey league teams

WHO: Boys and Girls ages 5-14; leagues, separated by age divi-sions for fun, safe competition!

WHEN: First games are onSaturday, February 17th; for 10week season, with mid-week prac-tices

WHERE: Santa Anita FamilyYMCA, 501 S. Mountain Ave.,Monrovia, CA 91016

SPECIALNOTES! Each leagueparticipant will receive a YMCA/Jr.LA Kings Ball Hockey uniform,hockey stick, ball and rule book!TheYMCAalso supplies safety hel-mets and other protective gear forparticipants’ use, thanks to a grantfrom the Pasadena Tournament ofRoses Foundation. Interested fami-lies should contact the YMCA forsign up fees and other importantinformation. Call (626) 359-9244,or email directly to YMCA SportsPrograms Director Erin Murphy:Erinmurphy@ymcala.org. As al-ways, the YMCA offers financialassistance to anyone who cannotafford the program fee but wishes toparticipate. TheYMCAturns no oneaway due to inability to pay.

Thirty-seven business mem-bers from Duarte and surroundingcommunities met on February28th to hear about how they couldbe involved in the developmentand implementation of WorkforceDevelopment (WFD). Sitting onthe WFD panel were some of thearea’s top subject matter experts:Michelle Yanez, Director ofEducation Pathways for the SanGabriel Valley EconomicPartnership; Keshia Bowen,owner of Simply DivineApprenticeship Training Center &Beauty Supply; Joumana “JB”Barakat, Business LiaisonManagement Analyst for theFoothill Workforce DevelopmentBoard; and Kevin Morris, DuarteUnified School District’s Directorof College, Career & CommunityServices and Principal at MountOlive Innovation & Technology(MIT) High School.

Panelist addressed WFD withinformation from their individualdisciplines, and then opened it up tothe audience for discussion. Theconversations were lively, andmany committed to get involved,lending their expertise to the dialog.Attendees felt the most prevalent

business needs to address were gen-erational gaps, teaching of softskills, compliance issues, changingcareers, and retraining employers.Strategies included working “IN”vs. “ON” their businesses, respond-ing to businesses needs and fine-tuning any license requirementsthat may be needed by employersparticipating in WFD.

The quarterly lunch meetingwas sponsored by Tropicana

Market. One of the attendees wascommented how she, “thought theinteraction between the panel andaudience was fantastic. Knowingthat the school district and cham-ber are taking a proactive positionwas so refreshing.” If you want toknow more information aboutWFD, contact the Chamber officeat 626-357-3333 or email us atinfo@duartechamber.com to findout more.

Embrace everything. At Westminster Gardens, being close and sharing in new experiences are all part of the package in our senior living community. We’re here to connect you to what you want most in life—to be yourself.

WELLNESS | SOCIAL ACTIVITIES | GARDENS

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And so is the company.

VisitWestminsterGardens.com1420 Santo Domingo Ave. | Duarte, CA 91010

DSS #197605591, COA #302

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14 Duarte View WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT April – May 2019

Workforce Development – Working Together

L-R Panelists: Michelle Yanez (San Gabriel Valley EconomicPartnership); Keshia Bowen (Simply Divine Apprenticeship TrainingCenter & Beauty Supply); Joumana “JB” Barakat (Foothill WorkforceDevelopment Board); Kevin Morris (Duarte Unified School District)and Moderator Sheryl Lefmann (Duarte Chamber of Commerce)

The Church of the Foothills UMC1014 Highland Avenue, Duarte CA. 91010-1939

Churchofthefoothills@verizon.net626-357-2616

Rev. Emelito S. HernandezMinister

Be Our Guest Next SundayWorship-10:00 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School-10:30 a.m.

Santa Anita Family YMCA Jr. L.A. KingsYouth Ball Hockey / Spring 2019!

BYDR. EDWARD C. ORTELLCitrus College Governing BoardMember

This spring, representatives fromschool districts throughout the regionwill visit Citrus College for the annu-al K-14 Education Forum. During theevent, local board of education mem-bers, superintendents and schooladministrators will join the college’sadministrators, deans and faculty foran informative morning of collabora-tion and discussion. The focus of thisyear’s forumwill be the career techni-cal education (CTE) programs offeredat Citrus College.

The forum’s theme is relevant andtimely. With employers struggling tofind skilled workers to fill job open-ings, responding to labor marketdemands has become a state priority.In 2016, the California CommunityColleges Chancellor’s Office intro-duced its Strong Workforce program,which addresses the workforce crisis

by providing funding for communitycolleges to improve and expand theircareer education programs. As aStrong Workforce partner, CitrusCollege has committed to supportingthe program’s objective of lifting low-wage workers into living-wage jobs.

Of course, preparing students toenter the workforce has long been thegoal of Citrus College’s CTE pro-grams. Citrus College offers 18 CTEassociate degrees, four CTE transferdegrees, and is currently awaiting theapproval of an additional CTE trans-fer degree that has been sent to theChancellor’s Office. It also offers 38certificates of achievement and morethan 10 skill awards. The wide rangeof CTE programs includes automo-tive technology, biotechnology, nurs-ing, water technology and more.

Each of these programs isdesigned to provide students with theeducation and skills needed to suc-ceed in the workplace. Before a newprogram is introduced or curriculum

is established, faculty and staffresearch industry demands and studythe regional economy. Among otherthings, they determine which occupa-tions are predicted to have growth,which have a shortage of workers andwhich pay a livable wage. Workingclosely with business and industryprofessionals, they identify the

knowledge needed to secure and sus-tain employment.

This detailed and thoughtfulapproach led to the creation of CitrusCollege’s newest CTE associatedegree program, construction man-agement. Debuting during the 2019-2020 academic year, this programwillprepare students to hold entry-levelconstruction management positions,work with public agencies or privateconstruction firms or becomeemployed with construction contrac-tors. Program graduates will under-stand the fundamental systems andprocesses employed in building andheavy construction. They will also beprepared with specialized skills andcertificates in construction inspectionand quality control.

Another new CTE option is sta-tionary power generation service,diagnosis and repair. This program,which will be the only one of its kindin Southern California, will allow stu-dents to complete courses in themain-

tenance of diesel-powered stationarypower generators and associatedequipment.After earning their techni-cal certificate, graduates will be pre-pared to pursue careers as electricaland electronics repairers, power dis-tributors and dispatchers, stationaryengineers, and mobile heavy equip-ment mechanics.

I am confident that these new pro-grams will be beneficial to the region.According to the Centers ofExcellence for Labor MarketResearch, available data has deter-mined that the programs will fulfillunmet workforce needs. In addition,the entry-level earnings of programgraduates will exceed a living wage.

As the Duarte area’s representa-tive on theCitrusCommunityCollegeDistrict Board of Trustees, I am proudthat the college equips students withhighly marketable, specialized skills,and I amcertain that it will continue toplay a critical role in addressing labormarket demands for years to come.

April – May 2019 DUARTE CHAMBER NEWS Duarte View 15

Citrus College Continues to Meet Workforce Needs Through Career Technical Education

Automotive technology is one ofthe many career technical educa-tion programs offered at CitrusCollege.

16 Duarte View DUARTE CHAMBER NEWS April – May 2019