• Via the Star-News: “Police learned Friday that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office plans to charge (18-year-old Nancy) Diaz with a misdemeanor count of furnishing alcohol to a minor in connection with the Dec. 12, 2009 party, the detective said.” That’s the party where SPHS student Aydin Salek, 17, was drinking before he died.
• The alleged kitty-cat tagger from Alhambra is being charged with six felony vandalism counts. Here’s (allegedly) some of his work.
• Leonardo Cisneros, 26, is the remaining defendant in the case of a string of robberies in 2004, which includes South Pas. He’s also being charged with murder.
• Arcadia has followed in the footsteps of Pasadena and San Gabriel to start using CrimeMapping.com.

This week’s police report after the jump.

June 30 – July 6, 2010
(Hundred block given in place of exact address)
The Weekly Crime Summary is a list of reported auto thefts, burglaries, robberies and other activities occurring in the City of South Pasadena. An alert and well-informed citizen makes you less of a target to a criminal. Remember; call the South Pasadena Police Department to report any suspicious activity.

AUTO BURGLARY

• 7-1-10, 4:20 PM to 5:10 PM, 2000 block of Oak. ’00, Chevy Silverado. Suspect(s) removes rear window to gain entry and takes loss. Suspect(s) immediately attempts to use victim’s credit card but is declined. LOSS: Purse.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY/SHOPLIFT

• 7-6-10, 3:30 PM, 800 block of Fair Oaks (Radio Shack). Suspects enter store and S1 distracts employee as S2 takes loss. LOSS: Cell phones. SUSPECT VEHICLE: Green, Toyota Camry. SUSPECTS DESCRIPTION: S1- Male, Hispanic, 20, 603, 210, shaved head, mustache, wearing a brown t-shirt and tan pants. S2 – Male, Hispanic, 20, 507, 170, shaved head, goatee, wearing dark t-shirt and dark shorts.
• 7-5-10, 5 PM, 1200 block of Fair Oaks (Pavilions). S1 enters store and takes loss. Employee sees S1 exit store without paying for loss and walk to a waiting vehicle, driven by S2. LOSS: Liquor. SUSPECT VEHICLE: Blue, Toyota Camry. SUSPECTS DESCRIPTION: S1 – Male, Armenian, brown hair, wearing sunglasses and wearing a brown jacket. S2 – Male, Armenian.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

• 7-2-10, 1:35 AM, 1100 block of Garfield (7-Eleven). Officer is standing behind suspect waiting in line, when officer overhears suspect asking people to purchase alcohol for him because he is underage. Officer contacts suspect, and suspect admits to being under 21. Suspect is also found to be in possession of marijuana. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 20, La Habra.
• 6-30-10, 4:45 PM, 1400 block of Garfield. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be in possession of marijuana. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 30, Los Angeles.

DUI

• 7-6-10, 12:54 AM, 2000 block of Meridian. Suspect is involved in a traffic collision and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Female, 19, South Pasadena.
• 7-4-10, 2:54 AM, 300 block of Monterey. Suspect is stopped for a traffic violation and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 27, West Covina.

RESISTING/OBSTRUCTING

• 7-3-10, 3:52 PM, 700 block of Fair Oaks. Suspect is crossing the street against a red light, causing a traffic delay. Officer contacts suspect who becomes belligerent. Officer attempts to control suspect and suspect resists arrest. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Male, 27, Los Angeles.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

• 7-3-10, 1:40 PM, 600 block of Orange Grove. Officers respond to a suspicious person walking through apartment complexes. Officers locate suspect who is found to have two outstanding warrants. SUSPECT ARRESTED: Female, 53, Pasadena.

THEFT

• May 2010 to 6-30-10, 900 block of Monterey. Victim answers an online ad regarding a babysitting job. Suspect sends victim a check and tells victim to deposit the check. Suspect instructs victim to keep a portion of the amount and to wire the remaining balance to a third person, who is out of state. Victim later discovers that the check the suspect sent is counterfeit.

• The Highland Park Heritage Trust is asking Caltrans to stop all that construction on the 110.
• The Eclectic Music Festival & Art Walk will have oh-so-hip food trucks. Phew. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like an odd decision for the chamber to hire out-of-town food trucks, which would compete with local businesses.
• I dig South Pas history. I really dig it.
• SPHS student store suffering because they can’t sell crap anymore.
• Finally, the cuss kid is still in the news. I’m not linking to any of it, but yeah, he’s still in the news.

• Sometimes there’s a fine line between news and advertising. Sometimes that line gets trampled.
• The death of SPHS student Aydin Salek prompts a bill proposal from Assemblyman Anthony Portantino that would “grant immunity from criminal prosecution to teenagers who seek emergency medical attention for someone possibly suffering from alcohol poisoning.”
• State Assemblyman Mike Eng pushes Caltrans to sell all the homes along the aboveground 710 route. It’s an odd about-face from the guy who opposed Portantino’s bill last year, which kinda would of done the same thing.
• iamnotastalker.com, well, stalks Kaldi’s.
• Via The Source: “Full-time students attending Pasadena City College (PCC) will soon be eligible to receive heavily discounted Metro passes – $30 for unlimited travel on all Metro bus and rail lines for an entire semester. Part of Metro’s I-Pass program, this new partnership will bring affordable transit to 8,800 community college students.”

Dear South Pasadena residents,

The School Board wishes Dr. Bristol all the best as he has decided to pursue other opportunities and has submitted his letter of resignation as Superintendent of SPUSD effective June 30, 2009.

Brian has served the district with wholehearted devotion these past three years. Members of the Board of Education thank Dr. Bristol for the positive growth that has occurred under his leadership such as the development of the strategic plan. Included in the plan were mandates that have already seen much progress such as the homework committee resulting in a new homework policy, arts for all program, and staff training in differentiated learning styles and teaching techniques. Wonderful assistant superintendent and principal hires have been made strengthening our district leadership team. Our facilities have been greatly improved including the SPHS track and field and new baseball field, and, more importantly, the completion of SPMS Phases 1 and 2 of the renovation/modernization of SPMS classrooms. The final phase of SPMS construction, including a new administration/library building and a 4 court gym, is going full steam ahead with a ground breaking ceremony scheduled for May 30th. These are a few among many reasons we are grateful for Brian’s service to our school district.

We also acknowledge that Brian is a man of sincere good character, who has had a very cooperative and collaborative style which many have deeply appreciated. His respectful, inclusive style won him the hearts of many.

Again, School Board members wish Brian nothing but the very best in his future endeavors.

Elisabeth Eilers, President School Board

————————————————————

Dear Parents and Community Members,

I would like to thank you for the past three years that I have served as the Superintendent of South Pasadena Unified School District. During this time, we have accomplished many great things as a team. However, as all great things must come to an end, I am letting you know I submitted my letter of resignation on May 15 to be effective June 30, 2009.

I am choosing to resign to follow new personal and professional opportunities. These past three years have truly been wonderful times. We’ve accomplished a great deal and the District is set to take our students to higher levels. I cannot thank you all enough for the insight, support and dedication you have for the students of our district!

Our district is amazing. During my tenure calmness has been restored to the district and wounds that had existed between our employee organizations and the District are healing. Our facilities have never been in better shape and we are enjoying continued student achievement. We’re creating solutions for the unprecedented financial turmoil all districts are facing. I leave knowing a solid infrastructure has been laid and that the Strategic Plan we all worked so hard on, is being successfully implemented.

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to lead such a great community of learners.

Respectfully,

Brian E. Bristol

• Who: South Pasadena Public Library
• What: Author Night with Denise Hamilton. The event is free and open to the public and will showcase bestselling mystery author Denise Hamilton and a musical set by pianist David Batt. Hamilton is the author of, most recently, The Long Embrace and edited L.A. Noir. She’s also the author of The Jasmine Trade, which introduced heroine Eve Diamond as she investigates the killing of a San Marino High School student.
• Where: South Pasadena Public Library
• When: 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23

• Who: South Pasadena Mission West Association
• What: Mission West Spring Art Festival
• Where: Mission Street, from Meridian to Fremont
• When: April 25-26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Who: Caltrans
• What: 710 Tunnel Technical Study Meeting
• Where: Blair High School cafeteria,  1201 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena
• When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28

Dear Parents of SPUSD Students,

As you head off for Spring Break, I hope you and your children have a time of enjoying a break from the routine.

Based on the economic crisis we are facing, it is important for parents to be aware that the district loses $47 per child for every day your student is not in school. Should your family decide to keep your child out of school an additional day or two after Spring Break, this can add up to a significant loss of funding to the District.

If you do decide to extend your vacation, please consider writing a check to the District for $47 for each child per day. Donations can be sent to the District Office at 1020 El Centro Street, to the attention of the Business Office.

This voluntary donation would be helpful not only in regards to additional days taken over the break but also on days when your child/ren might miss school apart from illness.

As a district we are pursuing many revenue sources to minimize the loss of staff and programs for our students over the next few years. This contribution of $47 for absences would be very helpful and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Brian E. Bristol

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The past two weeks have been filled with great anxiety and anticipation. For the current year the District has been able to cover the reductions to our budget without having an effect on programs or laying off any employees.   However, the impact of state’s financial crisis on our district for next year will deeply affect personnel, programs and supplies.

Last week the Governing Board approved budget cuts of $3.9 million for next year, and will result in the following cuts:

These cuts will result in layoffs for 38 teachers and will affect 20 classified staff members. The loss of programs includes:

• class size reduction in Kindergarten through third grade, raising class sizes from 20 students per class to 30 students per class
• class size reduction in 9th grade English, raising class sizes from 20 to 34
• library media clerks, counseling staff in the elementary grades at the middle school and at the high school

These cuts are so drastic that it is as if a whole elementary school were shut down.  The impact is incredibly dreadful.

The Governing Board took a strong leadership position and approved a resolution for a special election to approve a parcel tax.  The parcel tax will allow for a minimum of $1.7 million to flow into the district each year for the next four years.  Although this does not completely bridge the amount by which the state has reduced the District’s funding it will allow for some of cuts to be reinstated.  Additionally, this funding may allow for the District to provide great services and programs for our students in ways that might be different than before, yet leveraged in such a way that we can serve our students just as well, or better, with less.

There is hope for the future and hope for our students.  Please join me in rallying in all that is good in our community and all that is good for our students by contributing your time, effort and energy for our District.  Remember, together we will succeed for the sake of the students of South Pasadena.
Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Bristol
Superintendent of Schools
South Pasadena USD

• Elimination of Class Size Reduction (CSR) grades K-3 and 9th grade English
• Elimination of elementary counseling and reduction of middle and high school counseling
• Elimination of visual and performing Arts teacher positions
• Elimination of band and strings programs
• Elimination of most instructional aides, including ELD, PE, library and computer lab
• Reduction of custodial and maintenance staff
• Salary reduction ‘across the board’ (must be negotiated with the classified and teachers’ unions)
• Reduction of health and welfare benefits (freezing or reducing benefits must be negotiated)
• Reduction of work days of administrators (savings achieved by a reduction of pay)
• Elimination of Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position
• Elimination of Coordinator of Testing and Categorical Programs position
• Reduction or elimination of library services
• Reduction of consulting contracts
• Reduction or elimination of professional development
• Reduction of the school year by up to five days (reduction of pay must be negotiated)

You can find all the info here. The complete e-mail is after the jump.

California’s current budget crisis is unprecedented in magnitude.  California has run out cash, after having used its bond money and other restricted funds to pay salaries and other ongoing expenses.  It has the lowest bond rating in the country, and is now paying its bills with IOUs.    With recent annual budgets of around $100 billion, California has a budget gap estimated at $42 billion over 18 months.  Since K-12 education spending accounts for about 40% of the state budget, massive cuts are anticipated for school districts statewide.  So an unprecedented state budget crisis will cause an unprecedented local budget crisis in South Pasadena, and in school districts throughout California.   The State’s budget cuts to our district will cause unprecedented local budget cuts, which undoubtedly result in reductions in personnel and in programs.

The following is a summary of our best information to date.  It is based on the state budget passed in September of 2008, as well as the magnitude of cuts to education in budget proposals by both the Governor and state Democratic legislators for mid-year cuts.  (State Republican legislators would eliminate the tax increases in these proposals, yielding deeper cuts to education.)  Our school district is following budget assumptions based on information from School Services of California and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) that must be included in our planning for our next budget report.

• In December, when our first interim budget reports was filed, it was known that the State would decrease education spending over the next two years through decreasing the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) it gives school districts.  We also knew we would have decreased revenue due to a drop of enrollment over a two-year period, despite an effort to increase enrollment and attendance.  This resulted in needing to cut $1.8 million from our 2009-10 budget projections, and $1.9 million from our 2010-11 budget projections, in order to maintain a 3% budget reserve mandated by the State.  Further reductions would need to be made to avoid deficit spending.
• In January, budget proposals by the Governor and state Democratic legislators were made.  The magnitude of cuts to education in these state budgets would mean $1.4 million in midyear cuts for South Pasadena.  This decreased funding would be for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11, meaning $1.4 million would have to be cut from each of these years, thus compounding our need to reduce expenditures.  Combining this with the information available in December meant we would likely be facing cumulative cuts of $1.4 million, $3.2 million and $3.3 million over these three budget years!  This totaled $7.9 million in cuts over three years.  Our current annual budget is approximately $36 million.
• This month, LACOE is giving budget assumptions to Los Angeles County school districts which must be included in their second interim budget reports.  For South Pasadena, these assumptions yield a total of $9.5 million in cuts over three years.  Cutting $1.5 million this year, and $4 million each of the next two years would yield $9.5 million in total cuts.  Any savings through reduced salary costs next year would apply to each of the next two years, decreasing the need for one-time cuts.  For example, cutting $2 million in salaries next year would yield $2 million in reduced costs for both 2009-10 and 2010-11, leaving $5.5 million in cuts needed to reach $9.5 million in total cuts.

We will not have the same resources (personnel and fiscal) we have had in the past.  We will be handlingthebusiness of educating our youth in a very different way. Therewill likely befewer teacher aides in classrooms, larger class sizes in the kindergarten through third grade, and administrators working in the front offices because staffing will be reduced.

The District has been working very diligently to create a fiscally solvent budget for next year, despite the enormous difficulties imposed by the state budget crisis.  Decisions regarding lay-offs for certificated personnel and reducing programs must be made by the beginning of March, as required by state law.  This is true even ifthe exact amount of budget cuts is notknown by then.  Site and district administrators are continually working on ways to save money and create solutions.

District administration has been working on possible budget solutions.  We have also been working with the District Budget Advisory Committee (BAC), which has met weekly for the past three weeks. This committee has looked at a reduction list generated by district personnel, parents and community members. In an advisory capacity, the committee (as well as site and district administration) will deliver recommendations to me. I will then consider these recommendations and provide recommendations to the Board for consideration and action.

For example, on February 5, the BAC worked in small groups and went through a process evaluating some potential cuts by assigning a value of high, medium or low to each item.  Each cut was viewed through two lenses: the first was the impact on “teaching and learning” and the second was the degree of “feasibility.”  One such cut was the idea that reducing utilities costs would have a lower impact on teaching and learning whereas the elimination of counseling and library services would have a higher impact.  Yet, when looked at through the “feasibility” lens, it would be more “feasible” to lay off teachers, whereas a reduction in employees’ salaries would be less feasible because of the need to be negotiated with the associations and this cannot be a unilateral decision.

The Board and numerous community members are exploring the option of having a local parcel tax election in June.  If local revenue can be raised through a parcel tax, then some of the cuts we must plan for in the next couple ofmonths could be reversed.

Please be involved. Come to the BAC meetings. Contact your local legislators. The meeting dates, agendas, and information presented at the Budget Advisory Committee meetings are located on the District’s website — http://www.spusd.net through the budget link or type in this address http://www.spusd.net/departments/business_files/budget_crisis.jsp?rn=8346374

The following is a list of some of the proposed cuts:

• Elimination of Class Size Reduction (CSR) grades K-3 and 9th grade English
• Elimination of elementary counseling and reduction of middle and high school counseling
• Elimination of visual and performing Arts teacher positions
• Elimination of band and strings programs
• Elimination of most instructional aides, including ELD, PE, library and computer lab
• Reduction of custodial and maintenance staff
• Salary reduction ‘across the board’ (must be negotiated with the classified and teachers’ unions)
• Reduction of health and welfare benefits (freezing or reducing benefits must be negotiated)
• Reduction of work days of administrators (savings achieved by a reduction of pay)
• Elimination of Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position
• Elimination of Coordinator of Testing and Categorical Programs position
• Reduction or elimination of library services
• Reduction of consulting contracts
• Reduction or elimination of professional development
• Reduction of the school year by up to five days (reduction of pay must be negotiated)

Sincerely,
Dr. Brian Bristol
Superintendent of Schools
South Pasadena USD