Current Issues
Come back often to this page to keep up with what is most important to our San Gabriel Valley residents, businesses and our neighbors.
Board of Supervisors Approve Redistricting Map
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on September 27, 2011 to approve the redistricting plan for LA County. To view the rejected and approved plans, click here. Click here to see what the LA Times reported about the LA County redistricting. Click here to see what the San Gabriel Valley Tribune report about the LA County redistricting.
Energy Upgrade California helps San Gabriel Valley residents save money
The Energy Upgrade California program provides rebates and incentives to LA County homeowners who make energy-saving home improvements. Through the program, which began in March 2011, homeowners can receive incentives of up to $8,000. These rebates are based on energy savings achieved. Click here to learn about one family that benefitted from Energy Upgrade California, featured in the Whittier Daily News.
Final Redistricting Maps Adopted
On August 15th, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission adopted the final maps for Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts. Click here to view these district boundaries. For the most updated information regarding the California redistricting, click here to visit the California Citizens Redistricting Commission website.
Valley Elected Officlas Placed in Key Positions
San Gabriel Valley Senator Bob Huff, was named the Senate Republican Caucus Chair and Vice-Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, while newly elected Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez was also appointed Chair of the Senate Health Committee.
Two Valley Residents Selected for New State Redistricting Commission
Jeanne Raya, a businesswoman and philanthropist from the City of San Gabriel, and Peter Yao, a member of the Claremont City Council, are two of the eight commissioners selected to serve on the inaugural panel. Click here for more details.
Valley Officials Want Light Rail Extended to Industry
San Gabriel Valley Officials on September 1 urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to consider extending a light-rail line from East Los Angeles through Industry to the Diamond Bar border. Click here for more details.
A Tale of Two Gold Line Extensions
Rep. Judy Chu argues for the SR-60 route for the Gold Line Extension. Click here for more details.
City backs 710
On Monday, July 5th, the Pasadena Star News published this letter from the chairs of the campaign to pass the initiative favoring completion of the 710 in the City of Pasadena. The City is in favor of completing the 710 Freeway between the 210 Freeway and the 10 Freeway. To read the letter, click here.
Cities, agencies unite to help homeless
On Wednesday, June 16th, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments brought together community- and faith-based organizations to form the San Gabriel Valley Housing and Homeless Services Coordinating Council. To read more about the Council and its purpose click here.
SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study Team community meetings
On Wednesday, January 20th, the first of six community meetings will take place to discuss the DRAFT Geotechnical Summary Report. This report was recently completed by the SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study Team, and the meetings will provide information on the outcome of field exploration work conducted during the study. The meeting will include a short presentation summarizing the geology, faulting, seismicity, material properties, hazardous materials and groundwater conditions within the Study''s five zones. The date, time, and location of each meeting can be found on the SGVCOG''s online calendar.
Freeways, roadways ready for facelifts
On December 8th, the Pasadena Star News commended Metro and the efforts of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for securing approximately $400 million in ACE funds for transportation projects in the San Gabriel Valley. The article noted the San Gabriel Valley''s historic lack of adequate freeway and roadway funds, but recognized that trend is changing. "A long range transportation plan approved by the Metro (MTA) board actually provides substational funding for our subregion''s highways and roadways in the near future." Highlighting the Alameda Corridor East and the 605/10 interchange in Baldwin Park projects, the article recognizes these successes and acknowledges they "signal future improvements that will speed up travel times and also put more people to work." Click here to read the article.
Regional Connector will link up region
On December 10th, the Pasadena Star News included an article that discussed their opinion of the Regional Connector line, a project that will link the Gold Line, Long Beach Blue Line, and future Exposition Line. The article supports the project as it will increase the efficiency of Los Angeles'' rail system and will allow a rider to access Downtown L.A. and other L.A. area destinations from the San Gabriel Valley. By supporting the Regional Connector, the Pasadena Star News points out the project "would add riders to both Gold Line Eastside and Gold Line Foothill." Click here to read the full article.
Cities Touted for Energy Efficiency
On December 1st, the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership hosted its First Annual Energy Efficiency Awards Luncheon at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry. The event recognized four award-winning cities for their work with energy efficient projects: Alhambra, Claremont, El Monte, and San Marino. The Partnership aims to reduce the Valley''s kilowatt hours of energy usage by 5,000,000 over a period of 5 years. The four cities recognized have all contributed greatly to the Partnership''s kWh-savings goal and have improved the environment through their energy efficient projects. Click here to read about the event in the Pasadena Star News.
San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership offers LED Holiday Light Exchange to Residents
On November 21st, the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership launched Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, Chair of the COG Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee said, “A year ago the COG entered into a partnership with SCE to bring knowledge and resources to our community regarding the importance of energy efficiency. The LED Holiday Light Exchange is a perfect example of how this innovative collaboration benefits our cities, residents, and natural environment all at once.” Click here to read about it in the Pasadena Star News.
Gold Line Extension Slated for Funding in Metro''s Adopted Transporation Plan
On October 22nd, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to adopt the 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan. The San Gabriel Valley representatives on the Metro Board, including Supervisors Antonovich, Molina, and Knabe, and City of Duarte Mayor John Fasana, were successful in creating a cross-county partnership with other representatives on the Board that resulted in the accomplishment of the long sought-after objective to fund construction and operation of the Gold Line Extension Phase 2A (east Pasadena to Azusa). Click here to read the COG staff report and here to read Senator Bob Huff''s op-ed in the Pasadena Star News.
San Bernardino Freeway (1-10) High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Project - Ground Breaking Ceremony
On November 3rd, CalTrans and Metro will kick off the freeway widening construction project in a ground breaking ceremony. Click here for the event flyer.
Our View: In the Dark Over 710 Tunnel
On September 5th, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune published an editorial focusing on the confusion surrounding the 710 Freeway tunnel. After 40 years of debate, the tunnel construction is still highly controversial and has sparked reactions from various San Gabriel Valley cities. Click here to read the editorial.
Our View: Northrop Grumman Steps Up
On September 2nd, the Pasadena Star News published an editorial about the agreement defense contractor Northrop Grumman recently signed with the EPA. Agreeing to contribute $21 million "for building and running the Puente Valley operable unit, one of the five EPA-named projects that correspond with the polluted portions of the Valley''s aquifer." This agreement has the potential to clean up the San Gabriel Valley''s drinking water and water sources. Click here to read the editorial.
Gold Line Bridge Desiger Hope to Link San Gabriel Valley Traditions with Modern Design
On August 25th, the Pasadena Star News published an article about Andrew Leicester, the artist chosen to design the "739-foot bridge that will stretch diagonally across the frewway from Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia." The bridge will be part of the Foothill Gold Line extension and is viewed as "an iconic gateway to the San Gabriel Valley." Click here to read the article.
New Federal Funding for the San Gabriel Mountains
On August 5th, the Pasadena Star News published an article about the National Park Service''s ongoing "special resource study" of the San Gabriel Mountains. It is hoped that this study will result in a special federal designation for this region, as well additional funding and other resources. Click here to read the article.
Our View: Three Lines for Region
On July 29th, the Pasadena Star News '' editorial discussed the three rail lines that would move people west and south of L.A., east of East L.A. Click here to read the editorial.
50% Chance of Water Rationing by Districts by Spring
On January 13th, the Pasadena Star News reported on the MWD''s announcement that water rationing may come to Southern California by spring. The policy is a result of a decision by the state Department of Fish and Game to restrict water deliveries to Southern California due to the pumping''s adverse affect on a decreasing delta smelt population. Click here to read the article.
