Minutes of the March 21, 2005 Board meeting

The Board approved the selection of Officer Shane Panto as California Highway Patrol Officer of the Year for Hacienda Heights, and agreed to prepare a plaque for presentation to him at the awards event.

The Board and HHIA members present at the meeting expressed appreciation for the wonderful pre-meeting concert provided by the Wilson High School Jazz Cats, as well as their rendition of the Star Spangled Banner after the meeting opened.L.A. County Fire Captain Martinez and Chief Valdillez presented information regarding emergency response protocols, trauma hospitals and the triage process. They also discussed where a person would be sent for emergency care and by what transport (land or air). The also talked about rescues and recent landslides. They described the firefighters reading program for school children that they support.

L. A. County Sheriff's Lt. Al Garcia describer arrests of multiple suspects accused and booked for committing recent residential burglaries.

Dr.Vargas, Superintendent of the HLPUSD, Craig Fox, District Teacher of the Year at Los Altos High School, Barbara Riccio, Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts, and Sandy Johnson, President of the school board provided information, concept and justification for the use of the landfill tipping fees to construct a Cultural and Performing Arts Center.

Mike Williams introduced persons representing civic, educational, and religious organizations in Hacienda Heights, including Ling-Ling Chang of the Youth Sciences Center, Ivy Dai of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Janet Davidio of the Highlander newspaper, Mae Chu of the Hsi Lai Temple, and David Wysocki of the Hacienda Heights Library.

Jesse Saucedo, Field Representative for Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, shared her desire for citizens to ask for help in providing a town hall meeting on Social Security.

Public input: Chris Sanchez expressed concern about a newspaper article indicating that some persons were interested in forming a foundation to decide what the tipping fees could be used for. Mike Williams denied that any such movement was underway, which was corroborated by Ling-Ling Chang. Mike also advised that he had received an email from Dickie Simmons, Supervisor Knabe's Field Deputy, clarifying the supervisor's requests and position on how the money should be spent and on what activities. The audience was reminded that their suggestions could be sent directly to the Supervisor, or the to the HHIA website at Info@HHIA.net.

The Clonts family expressed appreciation for the assistance of Dickie Simmons on resolving a problem with an overflow septic tank.

David Wysocki shared the need for funding of the regional library proposed for Schabarum Park that would supplement but not replace the branch libraries in Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights.

Old Business: Mike Williams indicated that a committee should be set up to plan for the HHIA 50th incorporation anniversary later this year, and asked for volunteers.