January 24 - 30, 2013 S.G.V. EXAMINER A1

The San Gabriel Valley Examiner

Honoring Women / B1

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INSIDESTRIVING FOR JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL NEWSVolume XVI, Issue No. 4 January 24 - 30, 2013

INDEX

City Notices B10Classifieds B11Financial/ Consumer B4Legal Notices B5

Centenarian

Helen Sonntag / A3

By Paula GreenCitrus College’s nationally

acclaimed Veterans Programwas recently featured at theCalifornia Community CollegeVeterans Summit in RedwoodCity. The two-day conferenceaddressed veterans’ issues andneeds, as well as presented op-portunities and programs thateffectively serve student veter-ans.

During the summit’s openingreception, four Citrus CollegeTheatre Department students--two of them student veterans--performed a scene from theplay, The Bronze Star. The play,which was recently presentedat the college’s Haugh Perform-ing Arts Center to sell-out audi-ences, was written by CitrusCollege History Instructor Dr.Bruce Solheim and Neil H.Weiss, Citrus College theaterarts instructor and the play’sdirector. It is based on a truestory of a heroic, gay Vietnamveteran’s quest for acceptanceand peace of mind in an intoler-ant society. The Bronze Starhas also been selected as oneof seven college productions inthe United States to perform at

Citrus College Veterans ProgramShowcased at State Conference

the Regional American CollegeTheater Festival in February2013.

The scene performed by theactors served as a catalyst fora group discussion that exploredthe significance of the play, aswell as its impact upon both theactors and the audience.

“The actors told the audience

what the play meant to them,”said Cherie Brown, Citrus Col-lege theater instructor and theplay’s producer. “The studentveterans’ testimonies were verymoving, as they expressed howmuch theatre arts has helpedthem work through their com-bat trauma.”

Citrus College student An-thony Vidales, who played theprotagonist in The Bronze Starand participated in the scene atthe Veterans Summit agreed.

“The arts saved me,” statedVidales, a former Marine whois also a photographer. “Art hasbeen my therapy, and I highlyrecommend it to veterans whoneed to express themselves.”

“Citrus College is very for-tunate to have faculty and staffwho have built an outstandingveterans services program,”said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, Cit-

rus College’s superintendent/president. “The program hashelped student veterans transi-tion into civilian life, access theservices available to them, andcomplete their education. As aresult, many successful stu-

dents are products of the Vet-erans Program, including twoCitrus College “Man of theYear” recipients.”

Citrus College was also oneof 19 California communitycolleges that submitted a videoabout their veterans supportprograms. The video featuredtwo Citrus College student vet-erans who shared their experi-ences and the challenges theyencountered after their dis-charge from the military. Theyalso discussed how the Veter-ans Program has helped themin both their academic and theirpersonal lives, and they sharedtheir hopes for the future.

“I am proud of the fact thatCitrus College is a nationalleader in its services to studentveterans,” stated Mrs. SusanM. Keith, president of the Cit-rus Community College DistrictBoard of Trustees. “This out-standing program is a stellarexample of saying ‘thank you’to the men and women whohave bravely served our coun-try.”

Anthony Vidales, Nicholas Murphy, and Gahren Markarian perform a scene from The Bronze Star.

Gahren Markarian (right) talks to a Veterans Summit attendeeafter The Bronze Star presentation.

by Cindy TeareCome and join the Glendora

Newcomers Club for lunch andenjoy a nice afternoon. Lunchesinclude good food and pleasantcompany!

The club meets once a monthfor an early afternoon lunch.These monthly meetings areheld on the first Wednesday ofeach month and include a vari-ety of interesting presentations,

Glendora Newcomers Club past the 50th Year Mark!

Glendora Newcomers Club members and guests. Photo taken December 2012 at the Azusa Greens Country Club. Photo by Cindy Teare

informative speakers/demon-strations, enjoyable entertain-ment and varied tour outings.Some past presenters have in-cluded travel information advi-sors, various collectors, jewel-ers, musical entertainment,choirs, garden experts, gourmetkitchen experts, organizers andinterior designers, personalshoppers, health spa andwellness consultants, and his-

tory presentations. The menusvaried from Continental, Mexi-can, California Fresh, Chinese,Rotisserie, Italian, Japanese,American Grill and an Ice CreamParlor classic.

The Glendora NewcomersClub began in 1962 and is a non-profit organization. Membershipis open to residents of Glendora,as well as neighboring cities.

The club provides a variety ofactivities and is a great way tomeet meet new friends and joinin a range of activities, includ-ing; Book reviews, Bridge,Bunco, Pinochle, Golf and so-cial events.

Anyone interested in joiningthe Newcomers for lunch,please contact Jinx Cummings626 914-7042 for more info.

AZUSA - Azusa UnifiedSchool District receptionistYvonne Garcia was selected asthe District’s 2012-13 ClassifiedEmployee of the Year. Mrs.Garcia has been with the Dis-trict for 17 years.

Mrs. Garcia is the voice ofthe District. As the reception-ist, she is the first person thatgreets you when you call or visitthe District. She says there isnever a dull minute and she gets

Azusa Unified School District PaysTribute to Classified Employees

a lot of interesting questions. “Ireally enjoy helping residentsfind the resources that theyneed,” Mrs. Garcia explained.

“The best part of my job isall the wonderful people I getto meet, both inside and outsidethe District. I am proud to workwith such talented and caringpeople,” she added.

Prior to becoming the recep-tionist, Mrs. Garcia was an aidein the Extended Day Care Pro-gram at Magnolia School and aninstructional aide at CenterMiddle School. She proudlysays she was born and raisedin Azusa and is a graduate ofAzusa High. She and her hus-band, Henry, have two children,Chanel and Noah.

Other Classified Employeesof the Year include ScottWilkinson at Adult Education

Center, Robert Beltran at AzusaHigh School, Elisa Locke atCenter Middle School, AdrianaKirchfeld at Dalton School,Doreen Ramirez at EllingtonSchool, Heather Sosa at Foot-hill Middle School, OrlandoSalazar at Gladstone HighSchool, Alma Wilson atGladstone Street School, SusanMeisel at Hodge School, PatriciaKralik at Lee School, ShirleyHedlund at M.O.T., Aida Floresat Magnolia School, CrystalHammond at Mt. View School,Maria Barrios at Murray School,Beatrice Escobedo at NutritionServices, Leticia Ortega atParamount School, MaryFindlay at Powell School, DianeWeller at Sierra High School,Cecilia Ford at Slauson Schooland Crystal Lara at ValleydaleSchool.

Yvonne Garcia AUSD’s 2012-13 Classified Employee of the Year

AZUSA - Sister's Closet is acommunity project that collectsgently used, special occasiondresses that will be given to lo-cal girls in the community sothat they are able to attend theirprom. The Azusa UnifiedSchool District, Azusa PacificUniversity, the Assistance Out-reach League of Covina and theAzusa/Glendora Soroptimistsare collaborating to reduce thefinancial stress by providingthese dresses at NO COST toany young lady who plans onattending her high school prom.Silvana Cavazos, program co-ordinator for the Azusa UnifiedSchool Districts Family Re-source Center created this pro-gram to help girls participate inall the activities that make theirhigh school experience funwithout worrying about howthey would pay for a dress. "I

How Would You Like To MakeRoom In Your Closet And MakeProm Dreams Come True?

was lucky to have 4 sisters toshare clothes. My family, likemany, was struggling to makeends meet without the extraslike prom" says Cavazos. "Irealized that I, like many othersI knew, had special occasionclothing that could be put togood use. My hope is that girlswill come to this event and notonly take a dress but also thatthey will feel good about theexperience and encourage theirfriends to do the same."

Donations sites are located a

the Azusa Unified School Dis-trict Family Resource Centerlocated off of Citrus andGladstone, 546 S. Citrus Av-enue, Azusa and the GlendoraPolice Department at 150 S.Glendora Ave., Attn: Nita Ulloa.Additional information can befound at our website: http://s i t e s . g o o g l e . c o m / s i t e /mysistersclosetazusa/

Donations are not limited toformal dresses. Jewelry, shoes,wraps, new make up, hair ac-cessories and purses are alsoappreciated. The dress give-away event will take place at theAzusa Pacific University onMarch 16th, 2013 with two ses-sions that begin at 9:00 a.m.Reservations to attend are amust. For more informationcontact Silvana A. Cavazos at(626) 732-8032 at the AzusaUnified School District.

January 24 - 30, 2013 S.G.V. EXAMINERA2

The San Gabriel Valley Examiner

Se Habla EspañolFD113

221 W. FOOTHILL BLVD - GLENDORA, CA 91741TEL: 626-914-3500 --- FAX 626-914-3511

Comedians from left: Shawn Felipe, Grace Fraga, Mark Schumacher, Bill Word, Stevie Mack, VictorVega, Reina Martiez and front center is Scott Shimamoto.

By George OgdenMONROVIA - The Rebuild-

ing Together San Gabriel ValleyFoothills' Comedy FundraisingShow was a HUGE HIT whichbrought a number of great co-medians appearing at a Satur-day night event.

Yvonne Rosas-Petty, Presi-dent who represents RebuildingTogether, along with, ScottShimamoto, producer and co-median, put together the amaz-ing show. They had a fantasticline up of eight comedians whodonated their time for this spe-

Comedy Fundraiser a Big Hit forRebuilding Together SGV Foothills

cial event.The event was held at the

Monrovian Family Restaurant inMonrovia. As the people arrivedto support the event and see theshow, they found that theyneeded to set up more tables toaccommodate the growingcrowd.

The comedians didn't miss abeat as Shimamoto introducedeach one of them as they camebefore the spot light. The co-medians that participated in cre-ating the laughs for the night

were: Shawn Felipe, Fraga,Markga, Mark Schumacher, BillWord, Stevie Mack, VictorVega, Reina Martiez and ScottShimamoto.

The comedians poked fun atthemselves as well as havinginteraction with the audiencemembers.

The event was very well at-tended. Yvonne Rosas Petty andthe rest of the organization, aswell as the comedians arethankful to everyone who sup-ported the program.

By Jayam RutnamGLENDORA - It was one of

the nicer days in Glendora,since it has been quite cold inthe San Gabriel Valley recently.The sun was shining and themountains were clear, as if tosay,"Its a great day for a GrandOpening". Pollard's Sew Cre-ative just moved to its new lo-cation in the heart of beautifulGlendora. Glendora's MayorGene Murabito was at hand onSaturday January 19th, 2013, tocut the ribbon and ceremoni-ously open (actually to Re-Open) a California icon of thesewing business.

In 1994, Bill and Marcia Pol-lard decided to open a fabricstore. Marcia had always lovedsewing and had a dream to opena shop with a nurturing familyenvironment that would wel-come sewers of all skill levels.To their delight, Pollard’s SewCreative was warmly welcomedinto the community, and theshop thrived and grew.

In 2002, their very talenteddaughter Jenny Nobile quit alucrative career as head of theEd Tech Dept. at the Universityof La Verne to work in the fam-ily business, a move that she hasnever regretted.

Pollard’s is known for its

Pollard's Grand Opening

Landlord Shafir (Sheriff), Rob Barber U. S. Sales Manager for Pfaff, Husqvarna, and Viking, GlendoraMayor Gene Murabito, Marcia and Bill Pollard and Jenny Nobile after the ribbon cutting and presen-tation of Certificate.

excellent sewing and embroi-dery classes, their unique one-of-a-kind products, and theirexcellent customer service.They are exclusive dealers ofPfaff, Husqvarna Viking andSinger machines. According tothe United States Sales Managerof Pfaff, Husqvarna and Viking,Rob Barber, (who came all theway from Nashville, Tennessee,to be present at the opening),"Pollard's is the largest exclu-sive dealer of sewing machinesin the world".

Pollard's offers training andservice for all the products theycarry and stay up to date withthe latest trends and informa-tion by attending conferencesand trainings throughout theyear.

Marcia, Bill Pollard andJenny Nobile were at hand attheir new Location, welcomingcustomers from the past,present and the future. YvonneLebron and Pat Bell who aresewing instructors were thereand also Cheryl Tedrow (whosegrandfather was once the Sher-iff of Glendora) and Paul, whoworks at Pollard's and he wasbusy making sure everybodywas comfortable.

Glendora Mayor GeneMurabito cut the ribbon and

made a presentation of a Cer-tificate signed by all theGlendora Council Members. Hecongratulated Jenny and herparents on their past successand wished them a wonderfulfuture at their new location. Theowner of the property (land-lord) Shamir (aka Sheriff), verygenerously supplied lunch andBaskin Robbins, who is a neigh-bor, enhanced the morning withvarious flavors of their icecream.

Customer Carol Hanson fromthe City of Downey, visitsPollard's at least five times amonth. She said she loves herhobby of home dec, quilting andembroidery. She also said that,"what Pollard's offers is ser-vice. They want you to learnhow to use a machine. Theyhave the best support and canbe reached at any time for ad-vice". There were customersfrom all over Southern Califor-nia. Some of those presentwere, Delfine Sell of Riverside,Dottie Stanosdek of Lakewood,La Donna Mac Donnel of Pasa-dena, Sue Huhn of Placentia,Lillian Peterson of Arcadia,Donna Baker of West Covinaand Phyllis Anderson fromLyons, Nebraska (who was vis-iting). Pollard's Sew Creative islocated at 1008 E. Route 66 inGlendora. Their telephone Num-ber is 626-335-2770.

January 24 - 30, 2013 S.G.V. EXAMINER A3

The San Gabriel Valley Examiner

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By Jayam RutnamGLENDORA - The Mesa

Glen Care Center in Glendora,was the venue for the 100 yearbirthday party of Helen Sonntagon January 15, 2013. Helen isa resident at the beautiful Nurs-ing facility. Over fifty peoplewere at hand to honor Helenand partake in cake, ice cream,chocolates and all the othergoodies. All the guests of thefacility, the staff and friends,wished Helen a happy birthday.Mayor pro-tem of Glendora, thehonorable Joe Santoro made apresentation from the City ofGlendora and spoke of the co-incidence, that Helen and herson Robert Sonntag were hisneighbors.

Helen Droden was born inCleveland, Ohio on January 15,1913. In 1933 she marriedDaniel Sonntag. With their sonRobert. they moved to ChulaVista, California, where Helenworked at Convair AircraftCompany. In 1975 they relo-cated to Glendora to be closerto their grandsons, Erik andKurt. Daniel passed away in1983, then Helen moved in withRobert and his wife Nancie.Helen volunteered at the PennyThrift Shop and later at the

Centenarian Helen Sonntag of Glendora

Birthday girl Helen Sonntag, with Glendora Mayor pro-tem Joe Santoro, son Robert, daughter in lawNancie, good friend Ruth Olson, Mesa Glen owner Philip Weinberger, MaryLynn Mahan and MesaGlen.

Glendora Library Gift shop.She was active in a quiltinggroup at the Episcopal Church.Helen is a great grandmotherfour times. She has been atMesa Glen Care Center for afew years, and has a constantvisitor in her son Robert whobrings chocolates for the staff.Helen loves her present environ-ment and has made manyfriends.

MaryLynn Mahan, the Ex-ecutive Director of the Center,

Nena Gonzalez and the entirestaff helped make this event amemorable one for the Sonntagfamily. Some of those presentwere her daughter in law,Nancie Sonntag , close friendRuth Olson, Anna Velasquez,Alejandra Lievano, CandiceYooung, Susan Reyes, VincentArmendariz, Rey Yonzon, Bar-bara Weary, Adith Esparza,Donna Guttierez and many oth-ers.

From left: President Sandra Taylor, Elaine Tran and HOBY Chair-man, Donna McClintic.

By George OgdenWEST COVINA - At a re-

cent meeting of the WestCovina Women's Club, ElaineTran from West Covina HighSchool was recognized for herparticipation in the Hugh O'BrianYouth (HOBY) program.

Last year, June 1st, Tran wassent as a Hugh O'Brian YouthLeadership ambassador forWest Covina High School to at-tend the 2012 Hugh O'BrianYouth Leadership conference atChapman University. She wentto the Women's Club Meetingand sincerely thanked the WestCovina Women's Club for spon-soring the Hugh O' Brian YouthLeadership (HOBY) program atWest Covina High School. Shestated, "Your sponsorship en-abled me to attend this phenom-enal program that has jump-started my enthusiasm to makea difference in my local as wellas global community. I wastruly inspired by the seminar'sfocus on leadership for service,a concept that outlines the ne-cessity for leaders to organizeand promote action for thegreater good through commu-nity service"

She continued, "At HOBY, Ialso had the life-changing op-portunity to connect with stu-

Woman's Club of West Covina RecognizesElaine Tran for HOBY Participation

dent leaders from all oversouthern California. Despite thefact that we only spent 3 daystogether, I developed friend-ships that I am sure will last alifetime. Together, I quickly re-alized immense power that wepossess as a group to createchange, change that will propelAmerica to a future that iskinder and more prosperous.HOBY lit a flame into us andenergized us to be catalysts, in-dividuals that would return to

our communities and start ourmissions to benefit society. I feltinspired to bring everything Ilearned back to West CovinaHigh School. Since this confer-ence, I have grown as a leaderto an extent that I otherwisewould not have achieved, had Inot experienced the magic ofHOBY. This year, I have becomethe President of the Future Busi-ness Leaders of America Club,President of Speech and De-bate, and Vice President of theRed Cross Club. In these clubs,I have adopted the principles ofHOBY to spread its message ofpurposeful leadership and alifestyle of kindness.

I look forward to my senioryear and college, as I hope tocontinue to advocate the teach-ings of HOBY and strive to posi-tively impact those around me.Through the inspiration of myteachers and peers, I have de-veloped a passion for science.After college I hope to enter thescience field and pursue a ca-reer in medicine.

My enthusiasm for the HOBYprogram is everlasting and Itruly appreciate everything thatI have learned. Women's Clubof West Covina, thank you somuch for this amazing oppor-tunity."

The women and the one malemember were very impressedwith Elaine and the amount ofenthusiasm she expressed forthe program.

You can go on-line to checkout the HOBY program to findout more about this great edu-cational program.

AZUSA - On January 12,2013, police officers from theAzusa Police Department alongwith an investigator from theCalifornia Department of Alco-holic Beverage Control (ABC)cited two (2) employees fromtwo separate businesses for sell-ing alcohol to a minor. One ofthe citations was a result of aminor who, under the direct su-pervision of officers and inves-tigators, purchased alcohol at arestaurant in the City of Azusa.

Local Servers/Clerks Cited forSelling Alcohol to a Minor

In addition to the citation, thesame restaurant employee wasalso arrested for an outstand-ing narcotic warrant.

The second citation stemmedfrom the same minor decoymaking a controlled purchase ata liquor store. The clerk in thatcase was issued a citation forselling/furnishing alcohol to aminor.

Those who sold to the mi-nors face a minimum fine of$250 and/or community servicesentences for the first violation.In addition, ABC will take ad-ministrative action against thebusiness' alcohol license. Thatmay include a fine, a suspen-sion, or the permanent revoca-tion of the license.

Having received past com-plaints from the communityabout underage alcohol sales,the Azusa Police Department isconducting city-wide compli-ance checks such as these toreduce the availability of alco-hol to minors. Statistics haveshown that young people underthe age of 21 have a higher rateof drunk driving fatalities thanthe general adult population.

Minor decoy operations have

been conducted by local lawenforcement throughout thestate since the 1980's. When theprogram first began, the viola-tion rate of retail establishmentsselling to minors was as highas 40 to 50 percent. When con-ducted on a routine basis, therate has dropped in some citiesas low as 10 percent or lower.In 1994, the California SupremeCourt ruled unanimously that theuse of underage decoys was avalid tool of law enforcementto endure that licensees are

Azusa Police Officer issuing a citation to a clerk during the opera-tion.

complying with the law.Funding for this program

was provided by a grantawarded to the Azusa PoliceDepartment by the CaliforniaDepartment of Alcoholic Bev-erage Control.

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January 24 - 30, 2013 S.G.V. EXAMINERA4

The San Gabriel Valley Examiner

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By Jayam RutnamSAN DIMAS - Joe Fracasse,

publisher of The GlendoranMagazine passed away on Janu-ary 7, 2013 at the age of 79,but his legacy will live on.These were the words of Joe'swife and partner, Ida Fracasse,at the Celebration of the Life ofJoe, held at the San Dimas GolfCourse Building on San DimasCanyon Road. Ida said that"The Glendoran" will continueto be published.

It was a true tribute to a sonof Glendora, a man who wasloved by all who brushed shoul-ders with him. A true Glendoracommunity stalwart. Peoplefrom all walks of life inGlendora, from Council mem-bers, past Glendora Mayors, theGlendora Police Chief, peoplewho own businesses, real es-tate agents and others, aroundfour hundred people met onSunday January 20, 2013, tosay a final farewell to this won-derful human being.

Glendora resident MikeAlbers said, that Joe touchedeverybody he met. This wasthe sentiment of all the familymembers who spoke at the lun-cheon.

Joe and Ida Fracasse areknown in Glendora for theirmonthly magazine. It is "TheGlendoran" that taught all of usabout the history of Glendora,from the days of the citrusgroves, the packing houses, theWhitcombs, the Bennets, the LaFetras. Michigan Avenue,which is now Glendora Avenue.The days of the cowboys whorode their horses to theneighbourhood bank, the jailhouse and City Hall. We alslearned about the various greatpeople who have dedicatedthemselves to make Glendorathe Pride of the Foothills.

Joe's final words from whichwe learn of his philosophy, aredocumented in what he wrote

Joe Fracasse Leaves a Legacy

Photos and mementos of Joe Fracasse were displayed.

in 2009....."I've had a wonderful life. I

chose a terrific woman for mymate, have lived to enjoy mywonderful children, accom-plished a few worthwhile thingsin my life and made many dearand wonderful friends. I haveno regrets and I am ready tomeet my maker. No, don't cryfor me, I've run my race and itsalmost over. Yours is stillahead. I pray that I shall havea fraction of my Uncle Al'scourage when the time comes toput a period at the end of mystory. My uncle Al demandeddignity at death that he hadduring his life. Religion? Iguess you might say I am reli-gious without an affiliationwithout any organized religion.

When Ida and I took a coursetogether at Mt. San AntonioCollege on comparative reli-gions, I suddenly realized howmany had agreed to disagreeabout the same thing. The con-fusion and general hypocrisy oforganized religions turned meoff. I believe there is a supremebeing, a God if you like.

I believe in a spiritual realmand in the ability of man tounderstand good and evil. Ibelieve we have a free choice

to choose between good andevil. I believe there will some-day be an accounting for ourdeeds. I believe that the woesof the world are a result of hu-man failure. I believe that Godgave man a free will, the "screwups" are man's fault. I believethat God will judge all men,Christian or Jew, Moslem orBuddhist on what has been intheir hearts and minds and bytheir deeds, not their words,each on an individual basis.

I truly believe we can directand learn to accommodatemuch of our destiny by main-taining a positive and upliftingspirit. I believe that the samesupreme being I'm referring to,has a tremendous sense of hu-mor. I am grateful that I enjoythat facet in my life each day.The future? I'll take it a day ata time. After all, isn't that all

any of us can do?Maybe this brief glimpse will

give my family a peek into mythoughts. Maybe someday whenI'm a memory, it will help themunderstand who I was and whatmy early years meant in the for-mation of my character. Per-haps it will help in understand-ing a little, what my philoso-phy in life was. It's been funwriting this, I confess to theworld, it wouldn't have beendone if not for the constant urg-ing of my sweetheart. I thankher from the bottom of myprocrastinator's heart. I hopeyou enjoy it...."

Publisher and former Mayorof Azusa, Eugene Moses said “Joe was a great communityleader who cared aboutGlendora and its residents, hewill be missed by all”.

Part of the crowd at the luncheon for Joe Fracasse.