Terry De Wolfe, Lucia Su, Stephen Lam, Tilda De Wolfe, Rosemary Reidy, Yukio Kawaratani, former Mayor Francisco Alonso, Jeff Schwartz and Nancy Arcuri are members of the Concerned Citizens of Monterey Park. Several supporters including Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Wong, Councilmembers Peter Chan and Hans Liang, Chris Reyes from SEIU 721-Monterey Park General Employees and John Kraft joined them at a press conference against Proposition FF held at the Ocean Star Restaurant on May 3.  Members of the Monterey Park Police Officers Association were not available to attend this event.

Mr. De Wolfe welcomed all to this event.  CCMP is six years old. We are a coalition of residents who want to improve the standard of living in Monterey Park. We have taken a stand to vote NO on FF. We don’t want to give our fire department to the county. This ballot measure FF is supported by the firefighters. No residents are involved. Please vote No on FF on the July 2 special election.  Fire Chief Jim Birrell believes that Monterey Park Fire Department should be moved to the county. Their so-called impartial survey was paid for by the firefighters.

Our city would lose 15 firefighters and our Advanced Life Support Paramedic Ambulance Service for medical emergencies.

Five city managers of cities that now contracted with the Los Angeles County Fire Service were interviewed. Three of these city managers now state they would not contract with the county. It is too late for them since their city gave all of their fire equipment to the county and pay annual fees for county fire services. Their city could never afford to start up a new fire department at the end of the 10-year contract.  These cities are at the mercy of the county fire service. If the services become too expenses then the county cuts back on their service to each city.

Mr. Reyes stated contracting with the county would affect the police officers and other city employees. It would cut into more of our city services. In the last two years our staff has been reduced from 150 employees to 102 employees. A10-year county contract will reduce more staff and service. The fire service would cut into our budget and reduce our reserves.

Mr. De Wolfe reminded the audience that the county fire service has a $43 million debt for their pension fund so they will have to reduce their services. The county fire department has a countywide effort to take over all of the fire departments in the small cities. The county wants to take over the small city fire and police services to protect their own departments.

Mrs. Su addressed the Chinese-American residents on the dangers of going county. She is against going county. Please vote NO on FF.

Mr. Alonso reminded everyone that in 1998 the voters defeated this measure of going county by 2 to 1. The county contract for our fire services is juicy for the firefighters with higher salaries and more benefits. They will cash out $1.8 million in unused sick and vacation time.  They will benefit by going county. Hang on to your pocketbook. We will end up with a reduced fire staff and a higher bill. Our firefighters are well paid by Monterey Park. The county does not tell you about all of the hidden costs to the city. We will pay more for less county services. We will lose our paramedic ambulance service. We will lose our local control.

Mr. De Wolfe stated that no Councilmembers have signed the ballot argument in favor of Proposition FF. Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Hans Liang and Peter Chan support us. They signed the ballot argument against Proposition FF.

Mr. Liang said the cost for this special election is $100,000.

Mr. Wong explained Proposition FF to the Chinese-Americans in Mandarin. He asked them to vote NO on FF.

Mr. Chan was available to translate the speeches into Cantonese.

The CCMP will be holding a fundraising dinner on May 10 at the Ocean Star Restaurant.

This Internet newspaper will not be available before May 10 so it will run a story about the fundraising    dinner in the June issue.

Donations can be made to CCMP for the NO on FF fund:

Please make checks payable to: CCMP, P.O. Box 633, Monterey Park, CA 91754

The e-mail address: nocountyfire@hotmail.com

This is the sixth in a series of articles about traveling the West by bus.

NORTH TO YELLOWSTONE (PART 2)

By Charles N. Stevens

Photos by Dolores Seidman

We arrive in Jackson, Wyoming, sometimes called Jackson Hole, in midafternoon, finally emerging from the cocoon of our bus to stroll the streets of the small town. Everywhere there are gift shops, art galleries and restaurants, but most interesting is the square park in the middle of town. At each corner is an arch composed entirely of intermeshed elk antlers, now weathered and bleached in the sun. I hear one little girl ask, “Did they have kill all those animals to get those horns?” “No,” her mother answers, “the animals shed their antlers and people find them.”

We walk into the refrigerated Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where barstools shaped like saddles are lined up along the long bar. A flash lights up the bar as a young man and woman have their picture taken posing on the unique saddle stools. We duck in and out. We tire of the unending shops selling huge pictures of bison, fur caps, blankets, expensive jewelry and a thousand other items.

Not wanting to be involved in the “cutsie” stuff, we sit in the park watching people and the flow of traffic around it. When the sun peeps out from behind a cloud it’s uncomfortably warm. A shiny black raven calls, his voice adding to the sound of cars. The town seems rather crass compared to the beauty of the mountains and valleys around it. Strolling on, we come to the Labyrinth of St. Johns Episcopal Church, a relatively quiet oasis at the edge of downtown. We spend our last moments there before boarding the bus to resume our journey.

On our way again, we soon look upon the majesty of the Grand Tetons, their sharp peaks draped with snow, one of the grandest sights in America. Towering clouds above them emphasize their height. Two antelopes graze in a field, the greenish color of the sage contrasting with the tan of their bodies.

We pause briefly at the Grand Teton National Park Visitors Center where we walk around in a forest of flagpole-straight lodgepole pines, the afternoon cloudy but warm, about 80 degrees. A thunderstorm quickly builds over the Tetons and soon the sky is deep gray, the mountains almost black—like an Ansel Adams black and white print.

Back in the bus, we cruise by Jackson Lake, the Grand Tetons mirrored in the still water, a sight that nearly takes our breath away. Two elk munch on the grass not far from the road.

Closer to Yellowstone, we spot a mother hunch-shouldered grizzly bear with her cub roaming in the meadow grass. Many other people had also noticed it and were lining up by the side of the road to film it. One foolish photographer had wandered farther out closer to the bear, a very dangerous act that rangers warn people about. As our bus rolled on, we wonder what might have happened to the man.

As we move on, I’m surprised to see patches of snow still lying among the trees. It’s the latter part of June! There is little evidence of the great fire that scorched Yellowstone in 1988, lodgepole pines now growing profusely in the formerly scorched land. That fire burned from June to November of that drought year, ceasing only when autumn snows began to fall. Lodgepole pine cones only open to release their seeds when the temperature is high, the heat of the great fire accomplishing this. Seedlings began to sprout the following year, producing the healthy 24 year-old trees that we see today.

We arrive in Grant’s Village within the park where we’ll stay for several days. The remains of snowdrifts, compact and dirty, still exist in the shady spots around our hotel. We’re assigned a very nice room, comfortable with good views of the forest and part of the sky out our windows.

After settling in our room, Dolores and I walk down a wooded slope to the shores of

Yellowstone Lake where a small café looks out over it. Swallows dart and gulls circle while ducks cruise in the mirror-like water. In the distance the slanting sun illuminates the last of a towering thunderhead. Two jackrabbits frolic in the forest behind us.

We enjoy our room and our chance to relax and rest until suddenly the power goes off.

We’re tired anyway, so it’s not really important. It is restored after 10 pm, but we’re ready to turn in.

An arch of elk antlers marks the entrance to the park in the center of Jackson, Wyoming.

Our first views of the Grand Tetons take our breathe away.

We get a closer look at these sharp peaks still laced with snow.

This is our final look at the Grand Tetons as the sky darkens into a thunderstorm.

MONTEREY PARK AUTHOR PUBLISHES 3^RD BOOK ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCES IN WORLD WAR II- BACK FROM COMBAT

Charles “Norm” Stevens, a 40 year resident of Monterey Park and World War II Veteran has recently published the 3^rd in his series about his experiences in WW II, Back from Combat: A WWII Bombardier Faces His Military Future.  This book details the time from when he returned from combat in England where he flew 34 missions over Germany and France until the end of the war. Faced with large numbers of returning combat vets, and not knowing how long the war would continue, the military had to plan for their future. His options were whether to return to combat, become an instructor in the U.S., or receive new training that he would use in the Pacific. The book concludes with the end of the war with an Afterward that includes an update on the B-l7’s still flying in the U.S., as well as present day accounts pertaining to the war.

Stevens is the author of two previous books about his experiences:

An Innocent at Polebrook: A Memoir of an 8th Air Force Bombardier (Story of his 34 bombing missions from his base at Polebrook, England over Germany and France)

The Innocent Cadet: Becoming A World War II Bombardier (A prequel to the first, telling of his training in the U.S. before going overseas into combat.)

He is known to the readers of The Citizen’s Voice as the author of Travel Log Articles including “From Paris to Normandy on the Seine”, “Exploring New York” and “In Search of Snow.” He is retired, having taught for 32 years, primarily in the Montebello Unified School District.

Those interested in purchasing an autographed copy of any of his books, may contact the author at 323-721-8230 or Normstevens24@gmail.com.

Members of Boy Scout Troop #301presented the colors and Richard Gorman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dave Barron was the Master of Ceremonies. He introduced the VIPs to the guests that included Congressmember Judy Chu, Assemblymember Ed Chau, College Board Trustee Mike Eng, Alhambra School Boardmember Bob Gin, Garvey School Boardmember Henry Lo, Monterey Park Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Hans Liang and his wife Lani, Peter Chan and his wife, Jenny, City Clerk Vince Chang, former Mayor David Lau and his wife, Cici, John Scudder, San Gabriel Valley Water Boardmember Thomas Wong, Fire Chief Jim Birrell and City Manager Paul Talbot and his wife, Regina.

Mr. Barron reminded the audience that Monterey Park and Montebello were once one city in 1916 and per a gentlemen’s agreement they separated into two cities when they expanded.

Foundation President Peter Chan welcomed everyone to this event. You came to enjoy the evening and donate your money to the library. The money is put to good use to buy more books and e-books. The library is building up our e-books collection. He explained the history of the Foundation that has been holding fund raising dinners for close to 30 years. He thanked everyone for attending this event and for their efforts to support the library.  He thanked Danny So and his band, “The Little Beatles” for providing the entertainment. Enjoy the evening.

Mr. Barron joked that it was OK to be late returning your library books as the fines support the library.

City Librarian Norma Arvizu thanked the Foundation for this event. We have a full house. She thanked the Department Heads: Robert Quintero, Jim Birrell, Dan Costly, Annie Yaung, Tom Cody and Paul Talbot for supporting our library. She thanked her staff for their support of the library and this event. She announced that the library would be opened on Friday, June 7 with limited hours. Have a wonderful time. Thank you for supporting our library.

Former Assemblymember Mike Eng presented a proclamation to Norma Arvizu and Foundation members Dave Barron, Peter Chan, Joan Merino, Virginia Greene, Richard Gorman, Bob Gin, Doris Lau, Alicia Martinez, Deanna Sewell and Janet Yu.  Education is so important. The library is about education.

Congressmember Judy Chu presented a proclamation to Norma Arvizu and Foundation members Dave Barron, Peter Chan, Joan Merino, Virginia Greene, Richard Gorman, Bob Gin, Doris Lau, Alicia Martinez, Deanna Sewell and Janet Yu. She bragged that Monterey Park has the greatest library in the San Gabriel Valley. Supporters have performed miracles with the new library. We changed it around with the bond money and fund raising. She thanked all of the supporters. We can make it the best it can be.

Assemblymember Ed Chau presented a proclamation to Norma Arvizu and Foundation members Dave Barron, Peter Chan, Joan Merino, Virginia Greene, Richard Gorman, Bob Gin, Doris Lau, Alicia Martinez, Deanna Sewell and Janet Yu. He stated with $2 million in cuts from the state. The Foundation with the bond money provided over $600,000 in funds for the new library. It was completed in September 2006. They raise funds for the community.  The library is a place for students and families. It is important as it provides the LAMP literacy programs and books. We need a strong community.

Mr. Chan reminded the guests the Ed Chau also attended La Salle College, their alma mater. They all sat together at one table.

Norma Arvizu and Peter Chan introduced the Board of Trustees Kathryn Foster, Phil Smith, Joan Merino and Nancy Ishino-Gilmore to the guests.  Kin Fung was not able to attend this dinner. She thanked them for their support of our library.

Danny Su and his band, “The Little Beatles” provided the golden oldies for the dancers.

Many of the guests stepped on the wood floor to dance to the beat of their generation.

140 guests dressed in black and white enjoyed a wonderful evening of good food and fun to raise money to purchase additional e-books and supplies for the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library.

For additional information on the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer hours or to make any donations please call 626-307-1269.

Roxana Del Toro wearing the “Money Hat” which is a very eye catching way to sell raffle tickets to help raise funds for Monterey Park’s annual fiesta.

Residents and their guests filled the seats in the Barnes Park Amphitheater on May 5 to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Mexico.

Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexican volunteer soldiers led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza fought a fierce battle against the professional French soldiers sent by Louis Napoleon to conquer Mexico.  This victory by Mexico began the defeat of the French and the restoration of Mexican sovereignty.

The fiesta included food booths that sold delicious Mexican dishes, shaved ice, hot dogs and kettle corn for all to enjoy.

Information booths that sat on the hill side provided facts and handouts from the San Gabriel Water District, the American Cancer Society, Monterey Park Voters Registration, the Lions Club Ham ‘n Eggs Breakfast and garden tips from Supervisor Gloria Molina.

Trio Jacaranda sang and played several Mexican folk songs as the audience joined in the songs in Spanish.

Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian, Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Wong, Councilmembers Hans Liang, Peter Chan and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Vince Chang and City Treasurer Joseph Leon joined the party.

Mayor Real Sebastian welcomed everyone to Monterey Park’s Cinco De Mayo celebration in both Spanish and English. She is honored to celebrate the culture and love of Mexico. We have so many different cultures in the city. We are a melting pot in Monterey Park. We must remember all of the sacrifices our families made for our freedoms. Enjoy the day.

Mayor Pro Tem Wong greeted the guests with Happy Cinco De Mayo. It is a beautiful day to celebrate. We are faithful to our country. We make Monterey Park and the United States of America great. We must all work together for a happy and peaceful life in Monterey Park.

Councilmember Liang reminded the audience that today is the 31st Annual Cinco De Mayo celebration in Monterey Park. It is a great opportunity to celebrate our great culture in our city. He thanked the volunteers, donors and the committee for this event. Enjoy.

Councilmember Chan wished a Happy Cinco De Mayo. He recalled that 20 years ago he introduced line dancing and Chinese folk dancing to Cinco De Mayo. Diversity makes Monterey Park great. We should learn from each other. Enjoy.

Councilmember Ing agreed that Monterey Park is a great melting pot. People from all cultures settled this country. Today we are celebrating that ordinary people bonded together for the good of their country. Thank you for coming. Enjoy.

City Clerk Vince Chang greeted the crowd in both Spanish and English. He reminded the residents that they could register to vote today if they are eligible. Voting is the most important right in the USA. Enjoy your day.

City Treasurer Joseph Leon also greeted the audience in both Spanish and English. He thanked them for being here to celebrate today. Have a great day.

Dancers from Ballet Folklorica Esperanza performed several traditions folk dances to delight of the audience. The performers are all students who enjoyed dancing to the clapping of the crowd.

The party continued with performances by Hermano Ornelas, Miguel Conniff & Sus Rumbaleyros and Mariachi Relampago.

It was a wonderful celebration of the Mexican culture in Monterey Park.

Members of Yuujou Taiko played their drums as they welcome everyone to Monterey Park’s 16th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 20 – 21. They performed several folk songs to the delight of the audience.

The Cherry Blossoms are a sign of friendship and the beginning of spring in the Japanese culture.

The event featured International food booths, information booths, as well as booths selling fresh fruit, candy, vegetables, clothing, art, jewelry, music and more.

Karen Ogawa, Chairperson of the committee welcomed all to this event. She thanked the residents for their support. She thanked the donors for their support. She wished everyone a good day.

Members of Mark Keppel High School Aztec Singers entertained the crowd with several songs and dances.

Rodney Kageyama welcomed every one to this special event. He is enjoying this event and will be back next year as the Master of Ceremony since he just had surgery.

Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian, Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Wong, Councilmembers Hans Liang, Peter Chan and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Vince Chang, City Treasurer Joseph Leon are joined by Frank Buckley and Susan Hirasuna in welcoming the residents and their guests to this wonderful celebration.

Mayor Real Sebastian said in 1912 the Japanese government sent cherry trees to Washington, DC as a symbol of their friendship between the two countries. We are united. We are fortunate to have the Japanese culture in Monterey Park. This event celebrates the start of spring with new opportunities and friendships.

Mayor Pro Tem Wong welcomed all to the beautiful city of Monterey Park. You are all beautiful. He thanked all of the volunteers. Enjoy yourself with the entertainment and good food.

Councilmember Liang also welcomed everyone to this festival. He thanked the residents, committee and the volunteers for participating in this event.

Councilmember Chan also welcomed all to this event. This is his first time on the stage. Enjoy all of the festivities. The Cherry Blossoms welcome spring. Enjoy.

Councilmember Ing also welcomed everyone to this event. The Council had participated in the Earth Day bike ride earlier.  He spoke about the recent tsunami when all of the residents shared their food and water with each other. They are one body and one community. He thanked all of the guests.

City Clerk Chang also welcomed everyone to the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is his favorite. Please visit all of the booths.

City Treasurer Leon stated as the treasurer his has attended this festival for the last six years. This is a great event. Enjoy.

Mr. Buckley shared his family history that his mother is Japanese. He spent several years living with his parents in Japan. He joked that he did not realize that he was European too as a child. He spoke about reporting on the tsunami for KTLA and the devastation that he witnessed. He is happy to report that the residents of the devastated area are putting their lives and cities back together.

Ms. Hirasuna spoke about growing up Japanese in Los Angeles. In 2012 she traveled to Japan to speak to the residents of the devastated area for KTTV FOX 11. She brought back their stories of resilience and fortitude.

Susan Hirasuna introduced Mr. Kimono 2013 Andrew Reeder, Miss Kimono 2013 Lucia Scriven and Miss Kimono 2013, First Runner Up Kieko Terashima to the audience. They were dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos.

Artists created pictures using black ink blown through a straw to create cherry blossom trees and used a pink marker to add the blossoms at the Library booth.

A clown created balloon toys and flowers for the children in the Kid’s Zone. The children also colored in pictures on fans and paddles of their paddleballs.

Flower arraignments were judge for their color and splendor.  Flower arraigning is an art.

Councilmembers Real Sebastian and Ing taking lessons on how to create beautiful flower arraignments.

A formal tea service was held for the guests. The history of tea was presented as tea was imported into Japan from China. At the formal ceremony each action has a history. Tea is always served with a sweet to cut the bitterness of the tea.

Monterey Park’s cherry trees are planted in Garvey Ranch Park. They bloom beautiful pink flowers in the spring.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the favorite celebrations of the residents and guests in Monterey Park.

On April 20th, I received a special phone call from my

son that he had just returned from his lecture tour throughout So.

Korea!  We were especially relieved to hear this due to the recent

war threats from No. Korea!

Although, Americans and So. Koreans were somewhat on

edge including ourselves, we were now told that the atmosphere in

So. Korea was very calm and peaceful, in spite of it all. The lecture

tours went well and the Korean people were especially friendly and

hospitable! In fact, one of the universities (pharmaceutical) Hanyang

University had a banner sign “welcoming Professor David Lawrence.

While, he was on the lecture tour, David managed to make

a very special stop at the 38th parallel area. It was the same place his

father had been during the Korean War! It was a very nice gesture!

Since April 29th was also the first opening of the 16th

Cherry Blossom Festival, we thought it would be a nice way to enjoy

this special occasion! In fact, we have attended this festival many

times before!

Our first stop was at the Information booth, where we were

given a program on the various events that were available to the public!

We continued to stroll through the area until we arrived at the exhibit

hall!

Here we checked out the assortment of handmade dolls, flower

arrangements, oil paintings! It was all very lovely except that one

special event was missing.  Origami is a craft that is usually a special

part of The Cherry Blossom Festival! Children, as well as grownups

enjoy this customary event!  I understand other crafts were not included

as well!

Oh well! Perhaps next time they may be in the program once again!

UNTIL THEN!

SAYONARA!

The new John and Mary Duce Centre for developmentally disabled adults, built by MERCI, had their grand opening on May 2.  The home is located at 523 N. Chandler in Monterey Park.

The home features extra wide doors for wheel chairs. It has been built with an open concept. The large kitchen with chair space for residents in wheel chairs to be able to do the dishes and help prepare meals. It has a walk in pantry. The great room is off the kitchen with a small study and a well-lit laundry room with plenty of cupboard space.

The kitchen featured delicious desserts and beverages for this special event.

The home contains six bedrooms each with an attached bathroom. The three bedrooms on the first floor are wheel chair friendly. The three bedrooms on the second floor are for ambulatory residents. There is a dumb waiter to ferry supplies and laundry from the first to the second floor.

Members of MERCI’s staff provided the guests with the grand tour.

This beautiful home was designed and built by Crane and Associates, Edge Development and Lead Core.  It replaced a house built in 1919.

An outdoor patio will be adjoined to the courtyard upon completion of the additional buildings.

Councilmember Peter Chan joined with Board members Linda Wilson and Keith Breskin for the celebration.

Marta Escanuelas thanked everyone for coming today and for supporting MERCI. This project has been in the planning since 2005. It has been built with redevelopment money and private donations. She praised the developers and how they helped MERCI in the building process. This has been a journey!

Families whose children were different founded MERCI. They were not supported by the education system. In the first class children from ages 5 to 15 were taught to read, create art, learn manners and social skills.

Alysha Del Valle joined Marta Escanuelas at the celebration. This is a great day for MERCI. She will give MERCI good press coverage and ask for donations.

Councilmember Peter Chan presented Marta Escanuelas with a proclamation from the city. Alysha Del Valle joined them. Mr. Chan thanked MERCI for helping the residents of Monterey Park.

Chamber President John Mar congratulated MERCI on their services to the community.

John Mar, who cut the red ribbon, was joined by Councilmember Peter Chan, Marta Escanuelas, Alysha Del Valle, Chamber members Richard Gorman and Deana Sewell, Board members Reverend Sheldon Hess, Bob Bruesch, Linda Wilson, Keith Breskin, Christina Cisneros, Elizabeth Diaz and Michael Chu.

Elizabeth Diaz joined the Board to support MERCI who supports her daughter. She thanked everyone for their support. She asked for donations to reduce the $1 million gap to complete the construction project at MERCI’s offices. Please donate to MERCI.

Bob Bruesch stated he has been on several building committees in his lifetime. He praised Marta Escanuelas for this idea. He called this home a dream come true. He asked that everyone attending this event to please donate to MERCI.

Reverend Sheldon Hess said the amount of your donations don’t matter as MERCI can use all donations. The new home has a wish list for donations of furniture, bedding, kitchen appliances and more

MERCI motto “Open Door to Understanding”.

MERCI is a 501(c) 3 charity. Please call 626-288-3050 for more information on your donations to MERCI.

They offer tours to students and guests through the year. The staff also provides speakers on historical events in Monterey Park and the surrounding cities.

Paul Hubler, Director of Government & Community Relations from the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority and John Dietler, Ph. D., RPA, Culture Resources Program Director from SWCA Environmental Consultants were the guest speakers during the April 21 meeting.

They spoke about their joint project of lowering the railroad tracks presently existing in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. They also explained the effect it will have on our traffic during this construction project.

The San Gabriel Mission is located in the heart of their project so they took the audience on a tour of their project.

Mr. Hubler introduced the Alameda Corridor-East that was created 14 years ago by cities in the San Gabriel Valley to provide safe railroads services from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach throughout the Los Angeles area and into the rest of our country.  40% of all goods shipped in the USA come from these ports with 60% of these goods shipped by rail lines from the ports to the county line.  Since the railroads are already established with a 1% grade and the roads can be built with a 6% grade. Their job is to establish better grade separation from the tracks and roads. They also improve the sites for public safety.  The freight service in the San Gabriel Valley is very lucrative so this project is very important to the neighborhoods.

The railroad tracks are to be buried in front of the San Gabriel Mission since they are unable to raise the road due to the area. The best option is to lower the railroad tracks from Alhambra. A mile and1/2 of the tracks will be lowered 30 feet deep in a trench 65 feet wide. There will be four bridges over these tracks located on Mission, Del Mar, San Gabriel and Walnut Grove. Then the tracks will again be above ground heading east. Union Pacific owns these tracks that are also used by Amtrak.

This project near San Gabriel High School will close the street for 6 weeks to construct the bridge.

Dr. Dietker spoke about the history surrounding the 21 California Missions including the San Gabriel Mission. In 1771 the old mission was flooded out of the Whittier Narrows. In 1774 it was reestablished in San Gabriel on higher grounds. The water flowed down hill from the mountains. He provided a history lesson of the old mission, which established a ranch raising cattle, grains, vegetables and fruit to feed the people and animals who made the San Gabriel Mission home. In 1812 a gristmill was built using the force of the water to grind the grain for food. The design was poor as the water kept the grain wet.

In 1820 Joseph Chapman, the first American to live in California, designed a better gristmill using his experience as a shipwright from Boston. His gristmill based on a style from New England used the force of the water to turn a stone to grind the wheat and corn, which did not get the grain wet. It was built on the original foundation of the original water line. It was 13 and1/2 feet high with grinding wheels.   It was a much better system for the residents at the time. Several years later the gristmill was abandoned.

The South Pacific railway later built their tracks over his gristmill and the streets were also built over the remains of the mill.

In 2008 they began working with ACE to mark the sites of any and all artifacts from the old Mission grounds.  A law guarantees that any and all artifacts must to excavate in the presence of a member of the tribe. They also opened their site to the public.

In three months they located the remains of the old gristmill and other buildings under and around the tracks. They excavated 150,000 artifacts on the site that included 74,000 cattle bones and other miscellaneous articles including shells, hair pins, coins, belt buckles and pottery.

They also recovered a human toe bone that the Tongva tribe buried in the mission gardens.

A portion of Chapman’s Gristmill will be preserved and located in Plaza Park in front of the San Gabriel Mission in the near future.

For more information about Monterey Park please call the Historical Society at 626-307-1267.

For more information about the San Gabriel Mission please call 626-457-3035.

Hoa “Tony” Luong, 21, of Rosemead (center left) and Michael Lee, 35, of Monterey Park, (center right) receives the Courageous Citizen Award from District Attorney Jackie Lacey on May 8, 2013, at the University Club of Pasadena.