
Eye on San Gabriel
Week of September 1, 2010
More than 300 attend U. S. – China Real Estate Summit, ‘Real Estate without Borders,’ at Hilton
More than 300 attended Thursday’s U. S. China Real Estate Summit, cosponsored by USC and chaired by Mayor Albert Huang. The event drew wide media attention, including substantial coverage in the Pasadena Star-News, San Marino Tribune, and Chinese language media.
San Gabriel was well represented. In addition to Mayor Albert Huang, Vice Mayor David Gutierrez and Councilmembers Juli Costanzo, Kevin Sawkins, and Mario De La Torre were in attendance. City Manager Steve Preston and Police Chief David Lawton rounded out the City’s delegation.
Planning Division staff member Fang Zhou Zhou staffed the City’s booth, providing San Gabriel packets to interested parties. In addition to a full court presence, the City provided small gifts for dignitaries attending the multi-day event, which closed with a performance at the Mission Playhouse and trips to the Silicon Valley and other destinations. The event featured a variety of speakers, including Rep. Judy Chu, D-El Monte, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, Ed Roski Jr., chairman of Majestic Realty, and state Controller John Chiang. To read the Star-News account, click on the link below:
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15908426#ixzz0yEN3SFjB.
Grants, reimbursements fund critical needs;
SGPD secures $20,000 for online crime reporting
The San Gabriel Police Department learned Tuesday that it has secured a $20,695 grant through the Department of Justice’s JAG program, to further develop the City’s online crime reporting capabilities. Congratulations go to the Police Department, with thanks to Congressman Adam Schiff and his staff for their support of San Gabriel’s grant request.
The Planning Division of the Community Development Department is putting the finishing touches on a grant request that, if approved, could bring more than $100,000 to the City for the update of its development codes under a new State program, Prop. 84 Planning Grants, that helps fund initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of new development.
Finally, in a separate development Tuesday, Fire Chief Joe Nestor reports that the City will be receiving $37,656 in reimbursements for participating in the multi-agency response to the recent Crown fire. Each of these efforts contributes to maintaining San Gabriel’s health by seeking outside sources of funding for new initiatives that the City would otherwise be unable to pursue.
San Gabriel valuation growth makes ‘Top 10’
Along with South Pasadena, San Marino and Temple City, San Gabriel once again made the list of the top ten cities in Los Angeles County for growth in assessed valuation of property, according to a report released by the County Assessor. Leading cities in the County were:
1. |
Arcadia (+4.4%) |
6. |
Walnut (+2.0%) |
2. |
Temple City (+2.9%) |
7. |
Redondo Beach (+1.8%) |
3. |
San Marino (+2.4%) |
8. |
Claremont (+1.8%) |
4. |
Rancho Palos Verdes (+2.0%) |
9. |
South Pasadena (+1.8%) |
5. |
Hidden Hills (+2.0%) |
10. |
San Gabriel (+1.4%) |
Two years ago we tied for third highest valuation growth rate, and are pleased to make the top 10 again. By contrast, 56 of the County’s 89 cities actually LOST valuation, by as much as -12.1% (Palmdale) and -14.4% (Lancaster).And Antelope Valley communities weren’t the only losers: Downey, Compton, Inglewood and La Habra Heights lost 6 to 7 percent as well. Seven of the top 10 valuation increases were located in the San Gabriel Valley. To read the report yourself, point your browser to:
http://assessor.lacounty.gov/extranet/News/rollrls2010.pdf.