BURBANK
Local student makes Dean’s List
Cole Clarke, of Burbank, qualified for the Fall 2015 Dean’s List at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.
Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, “This achievement for the fall semester indicates that these students have placed a high priority on their work at Belmont and have invested time and energy in their studies. It is our strong belief that consistent application in this manner will reap great benefits, which will equip them for a lifetime of learning and growing.”
Belmont University is ranked No. 5 in the Regional Universities South category and named as a “Most Innovative” university by U.S. News & World Report. Belmont University is celebrating its 125th anniversary in academic year 2015-16.
Visit Belmont.edu for more information.
LOS ANGELES
Metro Transit data now available on Apple maps
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced today that the L.A. County transit agency’s bus and rail data is now available in Apple Inc.’s Apple Maps application that comes pre-installed on all new Apple devices, including phones, tablets and desktop computers.
The introduction of Metro’s transit data in Apple Maps gives app users the ability to view Metro’s bus and rail schedules and service alerts. It also allows users to plan multi-modal trips that incorporate walking, bicycling and transit, including step-by-step walking directions to the nearest station entrances, and estimated travel times.
Los Angeles joins a growing list of cities and regions where Apple Maps transit directions are currently available, including Baltimore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington D.C. and China. Apple first added transit information to Apple Maps as part of an upgrade to its latest mobile operating system iOS 9 in September of last year.
Metro’s transit information has been available in Google Maps since 2009 and real-time arrival information was added earlier this month.
PASADENA
Jubilee Singers featured in MLK weekend concert
The Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers will appear in a free concert in Pasadena on Jan. 16.
On Saturday, January 16th, 4pm, First United Methodist Church of Pasadena will present a concert by the renowned Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers. This free concert is part of the church’s ongoing Third@First concert series which presents a variety of free music events on the third Saturday afternoon of each month.
The Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers have garnered international acclaim and focused worldwide attention on the vast body of folk music termed “African-American.”
In 1968 the Singers undertook their first European tour. Today, after 18 sold-out European tours, 12 tours of the United States and Canada, tours of the Middle and Far East, Africa and Latin America, they are among the most honored singing ensembles in the world.
First United Methodist Church is located at 500 E. Colorado Blvd, in the Playhouse District of Pasadena. Off-street parking is available behind the church and may be accessed from Green Street (a one-way street that runs east; access from Los Robles Avenue).
For more information about events at First UMC visit FUMCPasadena.org.
SHERMAN OAKS
Congressman Sherman hosts telephone Town Hall meeting Jan. 26
Congressman
Brad Sherman will host
a telephone Town Hall meeting on Jan. 26.
Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) will host a telephone Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, January 26th, from 7pm to 8:30pm.
The telephone Town Hall will operate like a large conference call where constituents will have a chance to hear the Congressman’s opening remarks and then ask questions on any issues facing Congress.
Congressman Sherman will discuss many issues including U.S. efforts in combating ISIS and recent threats and attacks in California. Valley residents will be able to participate in the discussion and listen to what other residents have to say.
To dial in call the toll-free number: (877) 229-8493 (Pin# 13402). Reporters having problems dialing in can call Congressman Sherman’s Washington office at (202) 225-5911.
STATEWIDE
California officially opens State tax season
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today announced it is accepting 2015 state tax returns for a filing season that extends through April 18, three days beyond the traditional deadline because of a federal holiday.
Starting with calendar year 2015 tax returns, California is offering its own Earned Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC). This credit is in addition to the existing federal EITC.
The Cal EITC is refundable, meaning that taxpayers will receive a refund if the credit is greater than taxes owed. The credit is available to California households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $6,580 if there are no qualifying children, less than $9,880 with one qualifying child, or less than $13,870 with two or more. Taxpayers can learn more about the credit at caleitc4me.org.
Free tax preparation is provided through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly Programs (VITA/TCE). Many military bases also provide this service for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
For information on locations throughout California go to ftb.ca.gov and click on free filing assistance.
Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduces legislation to protect children from identity theft
On Tuesday, January 5th, Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) introduced legislation that would allow parents to protect their child and family from identity theft. AB 1580 allows a parent to freeze their child’s credit with the three credit bureaus, preventing identity thieves from opening fraudulent credit accounts and ruining their credit at an early age.
“As a parent of two young daughters, I understand why someone would go above and beyond to shield their child from harm,” said Gatto. “AB 1580 is a common-sense proposal that provides parents the tools to protect their child’s financial future.”
Until now, parents have only been able to freeze their child’s credit after the child has been a victim of identity fraud. Since children do not have credit in the first place, giving their parents the option to freeze their credit at birth only makes sense. States such as Idaho, Texas, and Maryland have already successfully passed and implemented similar laws.
Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Utilities and Commerce Committee and the longest-serving current member in the State Assembly.