Minutes of the January 23, 2006 Board meeting

On motion of Mike Hughes, the Board approved retaining the same Board officers as 2005.

The Board also approved the suggestion of Jean Robson that the first item at the Planning Meeting, to be held within two weeks, will be to discuss HHIA committee assignments. The meeting is set for February 9.

President Mike Williams described the January Annual Meeting at Palm Elementary School as well attended and very successful. There was a large contingent of law enforcement representatives from the Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol. He reminded Board Members to file their written reports with the secretary.

Nealy Farshadi, Field Representative from Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez's 56th District, brought his best wishes for the new year.

Jim Starkey, representing Senator Bob Margett's 29th District, said that he hopes to have the senator attend HHIA Board Meeting soon. He discussed the upcoming state education, Proposition 49, after school care, and the infrastructure definition issue. He shared the senator's Margette Minute for January and distributed copies.

The audience and Board shared concerns regarding the school budget being down. Dickie Simmons, Supervisor Knabe's Deputy, asked whether the senator would be interested in looking into the proliferation of look-alike assault rifles, air soft rifles, in Hacienda Heights?

Carlos Ilingworth, Field Representative for Assemblyman Ron Calderon's 58th District, sent his congratulations to HHIA's Board for their work in 2005 and the new year. He discussed the HOV lanes and sound walls along the 60 freeway.

The Board recognized Mae Chu, representing the Hsi Lai Temple, and Shirley Hsu, representing the San Gabriel Tribune.

Dickie Simmons discussed the consultants working meeting on the first round draft of the General Plan to be held at Steinmetz Park on February 22, at 6:30 PM. Ken Hopper, Superintendent of the County Parks and Recreation Department, discussed the upcoming Taste of the Heights at Pathfinder Park in May, and requested HHIA participation in the planning of the event.. The Community Connection newsletter will be updated and mailed to every household in Hacienda Heights. Dickie requested that articles be sent to him by January 12.

Scott Martin asked whether a CUP could be inspected regarding the shopping area where Village Meats and KFC are located. The parking lot is in very poor condition. Charles Norris commended Dickie and his County staff for the immediate response to his suggestion for better lighting at the intersection of Vallecito and Las Lomitas. He added that the email exchange occurred at the County well beyond normal working hours. Sanne Lee offered a recommendation on how private streets, currently an eyesore and needing repair, could be resolved by creating an incentive for improvement by modifying the standards on their lots.

Pat Bayha reported he attendance at the County zoning meeting. She also spoke about the Medical Marijuana Dispensary in relation to the gun shop.

An audience member asked about the Pacific Projects development; Mike Hughes replied that nothing would get past him.

HHIA was invited to participate in the HLPUSD Principal for a Day program on March 8. Lucy Pedregon was designated.

A Solid Waste Collection Services Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, at 10:00 AM and another for Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00 PM, both at Steinmetz Park.