Whittier Daily News

Volunteer Now: Mount Wilson Observatory, Pasadena

I walked out one night recently and looked at the jewels in the sky: there was a crescent moon with bright Venus next to it. What an extraordinary sight! Wouldn't you like to know more as you look around the sky? The Mount Wilson Observatory is in our own back yard: a driver takes the 210 freeway toward La Cañada and exits at Angeles Crest. Proceed 14 miles to the Red Box, turn on Mount Wilson Road, and go five more miles.

Applications for Miss Whittier

WHITTIER - The Miss Whittier 2009 Scholarship Pageant is now accepting applications for Miss Whittier (ages 17-25) and Miss Teen Whittier (ages 13-17). To receive an application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Teta Smart, c/o Miss Whittier 2009 Scholarship Pageant, 8418 S. Enramada Ave., Whittier, CA 90605.

Iron Foundry in Violation of Odor Agreement

EL MONTE - Gregg Industries has violated at least six parts of a $4.7 million settlement agreement intended to curb the spread of foul odors from the company's iron foundry to the surrounding community, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. However, company officials say many of the alleged breaches of contract are due to outside circumstances, not negligence on their part.

Inland Valley Chapters of Liberal Club Having a Grand Old Time

CLAREMONT - They don't see eye to eye on every issue. But certain things are a given. They don't listen to Rush Limbaugh. Their Obama T-shirts are already faded. And chances are, they never had a crush on Sarah Palin.

Democrat Cedillo Kicks Off Congressional Campaign

EL MONTE - State Sen. Gil Cedillo kicked off his campaign for the 32nd Congressional district Saturday before hundreds of people chanting "si se puede" as Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina stood by his side. The crowd packed Cedillo's new Valley Mall campaign headquarters, where the floors are still unfinished and the ceiling exposed.

Pomona Unified Plans Immediate Upgrades

POMONA - More than a dozen school campuses will be the sites of construction work this summer as part of the first wave of school modernization carried out with money from the voter-approved Measure PS. School board members last week authorized Pomona Unified School District administrators to move forward with the sale of $35million in bonds.

Apocalyptic Forecasts On the Rise

An unlikely prophet of the Second Coming, Paul McGuire says the fascination with Bible prophecy and other forecasters of the apocalypse has exploded in recent months as the economic downturn has deepened. The author of "The Day The Dollar Died" and 16 other books on prophecy, McGuire said people who otherwise "wouldn't give two cents about God" are now turning to prayer and expressing interest in the biblical predictions.

Crime Statistics Topic at Whittier Meeting

WHITTIER - There will be a West Whittier community advisory committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sorensen Park, 11419 Rose Hedge Drive. Guest speaker Capt. Michael J. Rothans from the Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station will discuss the topic of crime statistics in the neighborhood.

Nominees Sought by Whittier Social Services Commission for Volunteering

WHITTIER - The city of Whittier Social Services Commission is seeking a nomination from local nonprofit social service agencies, youth sports groups and schools. The commission will be honoring Whittier's "Volunteers of the Year" by asking the agencies to select one worthy and outstanding volunteer to recognize. Volunteers will be invited to a recognition reception at City Hall in the spring.

Bone Marrow Donors Sought in Pico Rivera

PICO RIVERA - Volunteers are being sought for a bone marrow donor drive from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 18 at the Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station, 6631 Passons Blvd. The drive is being conducted to help a member of the law enforcement "family" who is currently battling leukemia.

Library to Hold Irish Dance Talk

LA MIRADA - Certified Irish dance instructor Erin Murphy will stage a St. Patrick's Day program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the La Mirada Library, 13800 La Mirada Blvd. The program will include a short lecture on the history of the Irish dance and the Irish American heritage, along with a demonstration of the Irish dance.

Whittier Walking Club to Start Saturday

WHITTIER - Start spring right with pleasant exercise and companionship by joining the new "Activate Whittier" monthly walking club. "Activate Whittier" is a new program co-sponsored by the Whittier Community Services Department, the Whittier YMCA and Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital to encourage fitness and health for Whittier residents.