Temporary Energy Assistance

for Families Program Set to Launch

Starting August 16, 2010, income-qualified families can receive a one-time grant of up to $1,500 to pay off past due utility bills and avoid shut-offs. The Temporary Energy Assistance for Families (TEAF) program, which will make up to $10 million in funds available to qualifying customers through September 21, 2010, is administered by The Salvation Army under the auspices of the California Department of Social Services.

Federal stimulus money funds 80 percent of the TEAF program, with a requirement that the remaining 20 percent of funding comes from non-federal money. To further assist our low-income customers, The Gas Company sought and secured California Public Utilities Commission approval to leverage existing assistance program dollars, which will help fund the remaining 20 percent needed to launch the TEAF program.

Grants are open to those customers in arrears who are parents, guardians, or non-custodial parents of a child under 18 years old. In order to qualify for the full grant amount, customers must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Those customers who do not have proof of citizenship for themselves but do for their children will receive a prorated amount.

Recipients must also provide proof of income and their current utility bill showing the current and past-due amounts. And, grant recipients’ income must meet or fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Customers can apply for grants by visiting a Salvation Army office, or by contacting The Salvation Army toll-free at 1-800-933-9677. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, until they are no longer available.

During these difficult economic times, The Gas Company is consistently seeking new opportunities to help customers in need. Helping to secure TEAF program funding is just part of our broader commitment to assisting customers.

WWW

3rd Annual

Casino Night

of Stars

Sat., Sept. 11,

to Benefit

Duarte

Non Profits

A sure bet for fun is on tap at the 3rd annual Casino Night of Stars set for Saturday, Sept. 11 in Duarte. Gaming will include tables offering roulette, poker and blackjack. Also featured will be Vegas style musical entertainment, an international buffet and prizes. The evening will take place at the Duarte Senior Center, 1610 Huntington Dr.

Vocalist Jordan Preston, who has been featured in such musicals as The King and I, South Pacific and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will perform on the Casino Night stage, while the outdoor Starlight Lounge will feature piano stylings.

Proceeds from Casino Night of Stars will benefit five Duarte nonprofit organizations: Duarte Route 66 Parade, Friends of the Duarte Library, Duarte Senior Center, Duarte Public Access Television (DCTV), and the Duarte Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s wonderful to have so many groups working together to put on yet another great event for the community. The Route 66 Parade, the annual Festival of Authors put on by the Friends of the Duarte Library and activities of DCTV, the Chamber and Senior Center all require funds to keep going. The Casino Night of Stars offers a fun opportunity for the community to support the efforts of our nonprofits,” said Nita Norgard, president of the Friends of the Duarte Library.

Tickets are $25 advance/$30 at the door, and include dinner, 100 chips and one free drink. Tickets can be purchased at the Duarte Chamber of Commerce, 1105 Oak Ave., Duarte Senior Center, 1610 Huntington Dr.; Joe’s Place, 1345 Huntington Dr.; and online at www.DuarteChamber.com.

For more information, call the Duarte Chamber at (626) 357-3333.

Jordan Romero, the 13-year mountaineer/adventurer who last May became the youngest climber to conquer Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, will be Grand Marshal of the 15th Annual Duarte’s Salute to Route 66 Parade on Sept. 18.

From Mt. Everest to Route 66

13 Year-Old Mountaineer Jordan Romero

Named Grand Marshal of Duarte’s

Salute to Route 66 Parade

What’s next after one has climbed to the summits of six of the highest peaks on the world’s seven continents? Jordan Romero, the 13 year-old mountaineer whose most recent conquest was Mt. Everest, will serve as Grand Marshal of the 15th annual Duarte’s Salute to Route 66 Parade on Sept. 18.

“We’re thrilled that Jordan has agreed that his next climb will be onto the seat of a fabulous classic car to lead our Route 66 Parade. Route 66 heralds the spirit of adventure which this young man embodies. He has followed his dreams to the highest peaks and his accomplishments are an inspiration to us all,” said Parade Chair Lisa Magno in making the announcement.

Before he was 12, Romero had climbed five of the world’s highest mountains. He was only 10 years and 12 days old when he stood on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, in Africa, the first mountain in his quest to climb the highest peaks on all continents. Next came Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia; followed by Mt. Elbrus, Russia; Aconcagua, South America; Mt. McKinley (Denali), Alaska; Carstenz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya), Oceana; and Mt. Everest last May, the highest mountain in the world at 29,035 feet. Only one mountain remains, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, for Jordan to reach his goal. Jordan’s team is scheduled to leave for Antarctica in December.

“Rockin’ and Rollin’ Down Route 66” is the theme of this year's parade. The celebration in honor of the historic Mother Road will feature antique and classic cars, marching bands, equestrian units, and hundreds of parading participants representing local schools, churches and community organizations. Heading the list of parade sponsors are the City of Duarte, City of Hope, Home Depot, and Sonic. Other sponsors include Duarte Elks Lodge, Frontier Hardware, Joe’s Place, StorAmerica, and Wal-Mart.

Following the parade, which starts at 10 a.m., the community is invited to attend the City’s 53rd Anniversary Picnic and Route 66 Vintage Car Show at Royal Oaks Park, where among many other activities, people will be able to meet and talk with Grand Marshal Jordan Romero.

For more information, visit the parade website at www.duarteroute66parade.com or call (626) 260-0993.

Burrtec to Now Provide Street Sweeping

The Duarte City Council approved Amendment No. 4 to the Municipal Solid Waste Agreement with Burrtec Waste Industries on June 8 to include street sweeping and increasing the City’s Franchise Fee to 12% for residential and 15% for commercial users. This strategic financial decision allowed the City to reduce the City’s General Fund deficit by $74,000, enhance revenue by approximately $130,000 and still keep Duarte with the third lowest trash rates in the area.

The combining of street sweeping and refuse collection under one contract allows for both improved cost efficiencies and better coordination of the services. The average Duarte family will now see street sweeping services as part of their Burrtec billing statements; Burrtec’s information listed for street sweeping concerns and an increase in bills by approximately $1.35 per month for residential and $2.61 for commercial customers. There will be no change in the sweeping service schedule with residential blocks being swept every other week and business areas weekly. The City is confident Burrtec’s “We’ll take care of it” philosophy in providing quality refuse and recyclables collection services to our residents since 1996 will translate smoothly into keeping City streets clean.

The City’s Impact Fee, on the other hand, had not been adjusted since the contract between the City and Burrtec was initiated in the mid 90’s. Based on a survey of surrounding communities, revealing fees ranging from 6% to 25%, Duarte was able to increase this fee and still remain on the lower end of the spectrum.

For additional information on street sweeping services or refuse collection, contact Burrtec Waste Services at (800) 325-9417.

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