Four Tops Perform in Arcadia Feb. 21, P. 13
elmonteexaminer.com
Thursday, February 5, 2015 - February 11, 2015
Gas Prices Low, for Now
LOCAL NEWS
El Monte’s Garvey Square Groundbreaking Celebration Today, P. 14
Legislation Introduced to Raise Smoking Age, P. 14
SPORTS
La Salle Plays South Korean Team, P. 18
Lancers Defeat Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary H.S. in Boys Soccer, P. 18
ENTERTAINMENT Fran Syverson reviews “A Walk in the Woods” at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, P. 10
BUSINESS
Statewide Early Childhood Educators Convene in La Cañada, P. 8
leap into summer!
Gas prices remain relatively low compared to previous years – however, experts agree there will be an upward spike this summer - Photo by Terry Miller
BY NICK KIPLEY
Battle Lines Drawn as Net Neutrality Vote Draws Near, P. 16
Check out Summer Camps and Program at the 24th Annual Summer Opportunties Fair, P. 11
Gasoline prices in Southern California are at their lowest levels in more than four years. The average price of selfserve regular in Los Angeles County fell to its lowest amount since May 17, 2009. It decreased by 1.2 cents to $2.516 per gallon. The cost at the pumps has dropped for 15 consecutive days, decreasing 16.8 cents, including three-tenths of a cent on Monday. It is 8.8 cents less than one week ago, 27.1 cents lower than one month ago and $1.118 below what it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. However, experts predict prices will rise along with California’s temperatures this summer. While long-range gasoline predictions are difficult to make because of unforeseeable events, website GasBuddy.com predicts prices will drift higher in spring when refiners switch
Zhongshanlu Primary School Visits Friendly El Monte
Bicos Hospitality Inc. offers a unique experience at their Pasadena restaurants, P. 16
EDUCATION
BY TERRY MILLER
SEE PG. 18
The Art of John Lennon to Benefit Food Bank, P. 13
VOLUME 19, NO. 6
Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
The El Monte City Council Chamber was flooded in a sea of bright orange baseball caps and t-shirts this past Tuesday morning when a group of students from Zhongshanlu Primary School in Harbin City, China, arrived for their annual visit. The kids’ ages varied between what in an American school setting would be a class of fifth or sixth graders. Once all the kids had filed in from the buses, speeches were given explaining the roles played by leaders in civic Government by several members of city staff. Vice Mayor
Patel and City Manager Godinez both informed the group of students of their roles in the institution, while the kids squirmed in their chairs, watching all the action through an iPhone apiece. A translator was made available for the first set of speeches, but, when asked if the kids were ready to have fun they all unanimously shouted, “YES!” After that, the organization of the kids into a big, circular tour around city hall and the El Monte Police Department began. At first, efforts were wildly disorganized with the group SEE PG. 15
Students from Zhongshanlu Primary School
- Photo by Nick Kipley
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Summer Opportunities Fair
Learn about over 100 local, national, and international summer camps, programs, and activities for boys and girls ages 5-18.
Admission is free and open to the community.
3 2 4 M A D E L I N E D R I V E , P A S A D E N A 9 11 0 5
WESTRIDGE SCHOOL’S 24th ANNUAL
www.WESTRIDGE.ORG/SOF
Fun activities for kids!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Questions? Call 626.799.1053, ext. 264