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Litter index survey shows improvement in city cleanliness Each year, the Litter Index Survey scores 24 areas throughout the city including freeways, industrial, residential, and commercial neighborhoods. The 2014 average citywide score improved from 1.52 in 2013 to 1.45 this year. The improvements indicate that programs implemented to increase awareness and civic participation in Glendale are effective in reducing litter. By participating in the City’s various community clean-up projects, such as the “Adopt-A-Block” campaign, volunteer citizens have played a critical role in reducing litter on city streets. The result of over 5,800 hours of dedication from these volunteers has been cleaner, safer neighborhoods in the city of Glendale. For more information about the Litter Index Survey or to volunteer for the 2015 survey, please contact Sandra Rodriguez at (818) 937-8333.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014 - AUGUST 17, 2014 - VOLUME 3, NO. 32
Taiwan’s economic partnership with California strong and vital, says Ambassador Bruce J.D. Linghu BY TERRY MILLER During a special event Tuesday evening, organized by the Task Force of the City Club International and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, hundreds of guests enjoyed an evening of global communication, camaraderie and commerce based on Taiwan’s ROC strong business ties to the United States. Ambassador Bruce J.D. Linghu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office gave a dazzling keynote address punctuated by a well-produced power-point presentation indicating Taiwan’s goals and accomplishments, with particular regard to commerce with not only California and the entire United States but with Mainland China. In political fairness, the Ambassador spoke highly of President Clinton and Obama ( noting that, like our current President, Taiwan’s President Ma Yingjeou also graduated from Harvard Law School in 1981 .) He also shared images of him with the popular Republication President Ronald Reagan during the keynote address. After the Ambassador spoke, guests were
-Photo by Terry Miller
treated to a buffet dinner from Monja which has two locations, one in Rosemead and the other in the City of Industry. Following dinner there was a “roundtable discussion” with Jaime MingShy Chen, Economic Director for the Taipei Economic
CASA of Los Angeles needs you KATHERINE HILL Bean Town is a well known popular and familiar gathering place for coffee - as well as conversation. It is said that there are no strangers there. Therefore, it was no surprise last week when a woman I didn’t know asked me what a CASA was. I suppose I looked puzzled, but she pointed to my CASA badge. Always happy to explain what I do, we sat down and I answered her questions. Later she suggested that more people in Sierra Madre would be interested in our program. I explained that CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate - that I am one of 500 volunteers who represent one of the 28,000 foster children in Los Angeles
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County. It’s my mission to be the voice of a foster child, to advocate in his/her best interest. and to focus on one child and the child’s particular needs. Being a CASA has been a rewarding personal experience. I’ll never forget my first case - a little girl who had been in foster care for several years. I was able to help get the eye surgery she needed and support her through her recovery. Most memorable were the times we shared - her first ballet performance at Christmas when she was so excited she could hardly remain in her seat, the first time I took her to a restaurant that had “real tablecloths”, visits to University of Cali-
and Cultural Office based in Los Angeles; Ferdinando Guerrra, International Economist for LAEDC and Deborah Lee, CPA with Price Waterhouse. Meanwhile, Larry B. Ahlquist, General Manager of City Club Los Angeles welcomed guests
to the outstanding facility on the 51st floor on in downtown Los Angeles. Among the many things discussed Tuesday evening wwere California’s exports to Taiwan which reached $7.5 Billion in 2013, an 18.27% increase from 2012. Taiwan is Califor-
nia’s 4th largest export market in Asia, and 7th largest export market in the world. California has a long term and strong business relationship with Taiwan. There are more than 800 Taiwanese Please see page 5
Foothill Unity Center annual giveaway helps 1000 kids get a head start on the school year
fornia for a Saturday tutoring program. While on campus, she was invited to explored the classrooms and girl’s dorms. As her CASA, I felt I was opening new worlds for her, showing her possibilities she did not even know existed. She enriched my life in a way I never expected. It allows me to be part of a solution to help change the lives of children, one by one. I strongly believe that society has an obligation to see that our foster children thrive and become educated and successful adults. Our non-profit organization is in need of volunteers who will give their time to help our foster
On Tuesday, August 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 1,000 registered children of Foothill Unity Center client families went to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia to pick up new backpacks, grade-appropriate school supplies, uniforms, and clothing that they need to start the school year with confidence. Each year, the cost of this massive event is covered by donations from hundreds of local individuals, companies and organizations. For the eleventh year, Santa Anita Park is providing free use of its venue for the event.
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-Photo by Terry Miller