Former Presidents

This last week about 20 past presidents of the California Contract Cities got together to discuss current issues facing CA municipalities. I have been honored to serve the citizens of CA with these dedicated public servants.

SCAG Speaker

Just spent the afternoon talking about the recovery of California with Kish Rajan from the Governor's Office on Budget and the Economic Development.

Giving $55K to the Duarte Unified School District

I am President of the Duarte Education Foundation and we made the decision to provide funding for the music program in our schools. The board, led by Chairperson Lisa Magno Marino, raised the $55,000 by putting on a very successful dinner at the City of Hope in October. Nice job to all who worked so hard on it. Our children will be the beneficiaries of this tremendous gift.

Busy Day is Sacramento

I am up here in the state Capitol lobbying for cities. Cities are having to provide more services with less funding due to past mandates. Hopefully, the new legislators will understand and try to help. Cities are on the frontline helping to improve the quality of life for our communities.

Beautiful remodel in Duarte

Today was the ribbon-cutting at Hernandez Optometry in our city for the remodeling of their office. Thanks, Diane and Ed, for reinvesting in our city. You have real vision!😄

Water Problems Everywhere

Other Western states are facing drought issues like California. Listening to how other states are addressing these issues was one of the more interesting educational seminars.

Goodbye to my LAFCO friend

His wit and intellectual acuity will be missed by me on the LAFCO board but termed-out LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky can leave office knowing that he has done much good for many in our county. Good luck and all the best to you, Zev.

City of Duarte Halloween Party is the best!

Tonight the City of Duarte put on another exciting and fun-filled evening with hundreds in attendance. Many thanks to the employees, especially Teesha and George, for their creative ideas and clever implementation. This is just one of the many reasons that Duarte is Our Kind of Town.

CJPIA Conference

We had terrific speakers that gave good instruction on hiring the best people and limiting risk for municipalities.

Harvest Festival at Royal Oaks School

I met this young man today and he is truly an eloquent speaker. Outstanding festival, Royal Oaks Student Council!

Red Ribbon Drug Week

Thanks to all those that came out to kick off Red Ribbon Drug Week.

Lunch at the City Of Hope

After discussing Biotechnology ideas with staff, I had the pleasure of having lunch with lab animal resident/son James and granddaughter, Ellie at the COH cafeteria.

Listening to Sister Joyce Weller speak at the Maryvale dinner

What a great event! Thanks for the inspiring words, Sister.

At Pamela Park for the Festival of Worship by the Life Church

Thanks to Ulisis Gutierrez for putting this marvelous event together. Congrats to mi Hermana Reyna Diaz and Rodney Jefferson on the very nice awards they received.

Napa Ragnar

Working the 200 mile, round-the-clock, running Ragnar Relay in Napa County. Our team is raising money for the Ferguson Education Fund for DHS scholarships.

Rotary Breakfast

Enjoyed hearing the inspiring words of District 5300 District Governor Miles Petroff and talking with his wife Teresa. Our Rotary Club really is the Mouse that Roared.

Jiangsu Cultural Awareness Week 2013

Brad and I had a lovely evening at the Pasadena Convention Center celebrating Jiangsu Province Culture. Thank you Mei Mei Huff for an evening of learning and cultural knowledge. I look forward to visiting that province again some day.

Bike with the Mayor

Thanks to Gerry Delker and the Elks Lodge for doing the bike clinic before the ride. Lots of people stopped by and I enjoyed getting their input on Duarte. The next Bike with the Mayor and free bike clinic is October 12th, at Royal Oaks Park. Hi to my new friends Sydney, Mary, Martin, Neil, Tony, Raquel and Melania. Thanks to all of the other friends too that made the ride a success.

Foothill Cities College Fair

Lots of people at the college fair at Duarte High School. This school is vastly improved over what it used to be, thanks to the Duarte community that has supported the extra revenue measures on their property taxes. Our kids are worth it!

Mesa Dinner

Had a great evening with all of our Mesa neighbors at the Block Party. I love the neighborhood that we live in.