Due to the accelerated level of growth that BikeSGV is currently experiencing, the Board of Directors held a special meeting and decided to expand the board from five to seven members. The approved motion to expand also stated that one person would be approved before electing each subsequent member, thereby allowing the new member to participate in nominating the final members of the board. 

The board developed criteria to ensure that the nomination process resulted in a new board that is truly representative of the diverse communities we serve. The criteria included but were not limited to:

• Geographical balance
• History as a community leader
• Actively engaged with BikeSGV projects
• Capable of significant fundraising
• Bicycles regularly
• Strong community network

Based on the criteria, each existing member of the board was asked to nominate potential candidates. After compiling a short list, the board proceeded with a simple process of elimination. To no surprise, the final nominee was Councilmember Marlen Garcia of Baldwin Park. 

We are distinctly honored and proud to announce that Ms. Marlen Garcia has accepted the position and we welcome her to the BikeSGV Board of Directors. A new board and a solid core volunteers, combined with a robust portfolio of projects only reassures us that BikeSGV's horizon is bright and sunny. 

Over the last few years, the BikeSGV Board of Directors have dedicated thousands of hours to to grow the organization's ability to positively impact environmental change and community health in the San Gabriel Valley. 

With the development of the SGV Regional Bicycle Master Plan, the monthly Bike Train, Bicyculture and the Bicycle Corps, BikeSGV set off to seek funding for its ever growing portfolio of projects.  However, as a non-profit organization without it's IRS tax exempt status, BikeSGV sought out a temporary fiscal sponsorship agreement with Day One, a Pasadena-based public health non-profit. Not only was the relationship fruitful (literally), but it paired BikeSGV with a very proactive and like-minded organization that has a rich history of empowering communities in the SGV.  As a result, the partnership received grant funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). 

Upon establishing the first set of funders, BikeSGV quickly outgrew the fiscal sponsorship capacity that Day One was able to provide, prompting the Board to apply for a longer-term agreement with Community Partners, based in Downtown Los Angeles, whose mission is to accelerate ideas into action to advance the public good. BikeSGV was then invited to an in-person interview to provide a sense of vision, goals and strategies to accomplish our mission. After careful deliberation, the Community Partners Board of Directors convened to approve BikeSGV's application for a fiscal sponsorship agreement.

BikeSGV is entirely confident in the expertise of Community Partners and looks forward to a very promising future. BikeSGV will continue to work jointly with Day One, especially to fulfill outcomes of the SGV Regional Bicycle Master Plan initiative. 

The Monterey Park Environmental and Traffic Commissions are hosting their first Transportation Summit on Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 9-11am at the George Elder Park Community Center at 1950 Wilcox Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

The Summit will showcase important regional transportation projects affecting Monterey Park and the neighboring communities including the Eastside Goldline Extension to South El Monte/Whittier, 710 freeway, and I-10 Expresslanes. Representatives from Metro will be available to provide an overview of each project, discuss ongoing efforts, and answer questions.    

Also on the agenda is the San Gabriel Valley Regional Bicycle Master Plan initiative. A brief presentation outlining the project, Monterey Park's involvement, and next steps will be unveiled to the public for the first time. 

Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about potential new routes and service modifications to the Spirit Bus System, which has not changed for over a decade. 

For more information about the event, please contact Amy Ho at amho@montereypark.ca.gov, 626-307-1320, or visit the city website.

May is National Bike Month and LA County Bike Week is May 13-17. Therefore, to help you get back on the saddle and plan your ride, BikeSGV will be hosting a series of booths all week throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Be sure to stop by for free swag, water, snacks, basic repairs and to learn how the SGV is becoming more bike-friendly. 

Monday, May 13: El Monte Transit Center (Bike Hub), 10am - 3pm
The Metro Transit Center in El Monte is the largest bus facility west of Chicago. With its capacity and central location, El Monte is the perfect place to kick off Bike Week. Come learn how bikes and buses work together!
Location: 501 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731

Tuesday, May 14: Pasadena City College, 10am - 3pm
Students use bikes and public transportation more than any other group but there are still many students that don't know about alternatives to cars. We'll be visiting PCC in Pasadena!
Location: 1570 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106

Wednesday, May 15: Baldwin Park Metrolink Station, 10am - 3pm
Metrolink connects communities from Lancaster to Oceanside, Ventura to San Bernardino. Whether it's a short trip or a long one, Metrolink will accommodate you and your bike. Note: We'll be part of a mini-press conference! 
Location: 3825 Downing Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Thursday, May 16 (Bike-toWork Day): South Pasadena Gold Line Mission Station & Farmer's Market, 3pm - 8pm
During Bike-to-Work DAY, BikeSGV is partnering with Performance Bikes to offer a more comprehensive pit stop during the South Pasadena Farmer's Market. We'll have mechanics at the ready to repair, tune, or maintenance your bike while you enjoy local produce, handmade goods, and street food. 
Location: 905 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you'd like to help at any (or all) of the activities above, please contact Jackson@bikesgv.org with the date(s) and time(s) you're available. No experience necessary. We'll catch you up on all our efforts and upcoming events. Stay for as long (or as short) as you'd like. Volunteering is a great way to get hands on experience with your local bicycle advocacy organization while satisfying school related volunteer hours, letters of recommendation for work, or possibly growth within the organization. 

See y'all during Bike Week 2013!

*Dates, times, and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned for more information.