THE PICO RIVERA VOL. 42 · NO.7 SEPTEMBER 2015 PROFILECITY COUNCIL Mayor Gregory Salcido Mayor Pro Tem David W. Armenta Councilmembers Bob J. Archuleta · Gustavo V. Camacho · Brent A. Tercero $43.3 MILLION BUDGET APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL FOR 2015/2016 he City of Pico Rivera remains One way to accomplish the firmly on the road to financial financial goals of the city is by Trecovery and self-reliance presenting and operating with a despite the ongoing economic Zero-Based budgeting system. Zero- recession. Based budgeting is a process that Investing in our City’s infrastructure starts from a “zero base” and every was the key message to the City function within the organization is Council during discussion on the analyzed for its projected needs 2015/2016 General Fund Budget. and costs. Essentially, Zero-Based During the meeting of June 23, the budgeting requires starting from City Council approved the proposed scratch, then identifying neccessary $43.3 million Budget, which reflects items in a particular department. completed on time. These projects our financial future,” Bobadilla added. $2.3 million for capital improvement This process will provide a more include the Durfee Grade Separation, While the outlook looks positive, programs carried over from the prior efficient and effective process for Water Facility Upgrades, and HVAC Bobadilla did caution that there are fiscal year and $1.6 million of new Departments to allocate and deploy upgrades at City facilities. Other challenges ahead that may affect projects. This year’s budget reflects limited resources while improving major investments in the City include this budget and future budgets in the City’s commitment to provide upon the City’s operations. economic development, parks, the years to come. Some of the high level of service to our residents, During the 15/16 fiscal year, several roadways, public safety facilities and challenges include the proposed while preserving our organization’s projects, some of which are now water and sewer infrastructure. increase of the Public Employee long-term financial viability. underway, will be fully funded and “Overall, the City’s top priority is Retirement System (PERS) retirement to preserve and enhance the high rates, rising costs of health care, and quality of life Pico Rivera residents the uncertainty of economic patterns have come to expect” said City in the years to come. Manager René Bobadilla. “This In conclusion, Bobadilla said that budget provides the financial this budget is efficient, effective and resources necessary to meet these transparent; it optimizes the use of expectations.” available resources while providing “The end result, we have a budget the high levels of service the City’s plan that meets the needs of our taxpayers deserve. community, without compromising City’s Redesigned Website Goes Live To The Public After months of development, the City launched its new and redesigned website. Residents will notice the ease of navigation on the website. Designed by Civica, a well known web designer for local governments, the City’s website offers many features found on similar city websites across the state. Residents and visitors will find it much easier to find answers to frequently asked questions, research city departments and as “responsive web design,” a technique directories, or utilize one of the many which provides easy reading and online services offered on the City’s navigation across many devices, from website. One of the newest features desktop computers to mobile phones. to the website is the “Most Popular” Residents are invited to visit the new WELCOME BACK! website at pico-rivera.org. section located on the home page. This Residents may have noticed these signs as they entered the City limits section is driven by the pages that are off of Slauson Avenue, Washington Boulevard, Rosemead Boulevard or most commonly clicked by residents and off of Beverly Boulevard. First introduced in the 1960’s, these signs were visitors. The more a page is clicked, the PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE placed at different parts of the City limits welcoming back residents higher it will appear in the Most Popular PROFILE PAID P. O. Box 1016 · 6615 Passons Blvd. · PERMIT NO. 2244 and reminding visitors that they “would be home now.” With a sense of section. Pico Rivera, CA · 90660-1016 SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA nostalgia, many long time residents have requested that these vintage Another new feature of the website signs return, and the City answered. Since installment over the summer, is the ability to access the website from POSTAL PATRON response has been positive, as many residents have been inspired to take mobile devices. With the increase of PICO RIVERA, CA 90660 photos of the signs appreciating their historic value. traffic coming from mobile devices, it was important to approach the design Postmaster please deliver by Sat., September 5 PROFILE PAGE 2 City Special Deliveries From Special People Respect Thy Welcomes Hot Delivery Neighbor Last summer, Amber Aguirre was Living in a safe, quiet, friendly Business pregnant with her second baby girl. She neighborhood is one of the most was visiting her grandparent’s home on the important needs of any family. While In a continuing effort to support day of August 23, 2014. It was a visit that she it is typical for any homeowner to local businesses, City officials formally soon wouldn’t forget. have music playing whether it’s for welcomed three new businesses to the During her visit, she started to feel their own listening pleasures or sudden and strong pain. Amber called her for a family party, homeowners are City with Grand Opening celebrations. mother who advised her to call 911 as a reminded to be mindful of your precautionary measure. neighbors when playing loud music. The paramedics from Fire Station 40 Many residents have assumed that responded to the 911 call and it was determined that Ms. Aguirre was in full labor. during the day, one can play loud The paramedics loaded Ms. Aguirre into the ambulance, however, just a short ride music without having any concern down the street, Ms. Aguirre gave birth to a healthy baby girl. for their neighbors well being or Approximately one year later, Ms. Aguirre and daughter Serafina visited the not having the Sheriff’s respond personnel of Fire Station 40, to express their gratitude and celebrate Serafina’s until the late hours of the evening. first birthday. Paramedics Anthony De Lucia and Gil Barela, who helped deliver However, that assumption is far from Serafina inside the ambulance, were offered a special “thank you” for their the truth. The City’s ordinance to assistance during the delivery. noise complaints, ordinance number 8.40.010, unnecessary noises Express Delivery It was all in a day’s work when Deputy Mike Stocz prohibited, is enforceable 24 hours responded to a “medical assistance call, woman in a day. While playing music is not labor” on July 30th. against any laws, playing music at Adriana Alaniz was in labor when she and her an unacceptable level or where it husband, Alfonso Lopez, began their journey to impedes the health and welfare of Whittier Presbyterian. However, Adriana’s labor your neighbors can have serious quickly progressed and they hit heavy traffic on the repercussions including but not 605 Freeway. Fearing they wouldn’t make it to the limited to financial restitution to the hospital, Alfonso called 911 and Pico Rivera deputies City and the Sheriff’s Department. arrived in a flash. Please be respectful and mindful With Los Angeles County Fire having difficulties to those who live around you. Loud getting through traffic to reach the couple, Deputy music or even loud parties can cause SOURCE LOGISTICS...CEO Marcelo Stocz used his patrol car to lead the expectant disruptions to an otherwise quiet Sada and his family celebrated the parents to the paramedics. He then escorted the neighborhood and can prove costly Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of ambulance to the hospital and minutes later, the to those who have repeat offenses. the Pico Rivera Source Logistics, the baby was born. Little Aneesa Lopez came into this If you or your neighbors have any 12th facility to open in the United States. world at 7.3 lbs and in a big hurry. concern or complaints about playing Source Logistics is located at 4700 Mother and child are happy and healthy and music at an unacceptable level, Gregg Road. Deputy Stocz was relieved they made it to the hospital in time. contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s at 562.949.2421. Chamber to Saying Goodbye To An Old Friend Host Health & Long-time grocery store Ralphs buyout of will soon depart the City of Pico the Ralphs Business Expo Rivera. supermarket chain For over 4 decades, Ralphs by the Yucaipa The Pico Rivera Chamber of opened its doors to serve the Companies, owner Commerce will host the “Business south side of the City, all the while of the Alpha Beta Expo” on Thursday, October 8, going through changes in the last 4 chain, all stores from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at A Mi decades. Many long time residents were re-branded Hacienda Restaurant and Nightclub. will remember that this store was either under the The Expo will also feature exhibits originally an Alpha Beta Grocery Ralphs name or in Health, and Business. Those in store with the signature Alphy sign Food 4 Less name. attendance will also get to experience welcoming customers at the corner Several years the “Taste of Pico Rivera” showcasing of Passons and Slauson. later, the grocery Last month, employees at the food offerings from local city Through the years, ownership store closed while the building was Pico Rivera Ralphs were given businesses.