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DOWNEY 2013 LA Press Club Award Winner for Best Investigative Newspaper in Los Angeles.
Serving Downey and surrounding communities • Published every Friday •July 5, 2013 • Volume 1, No. 5 • DowneyCommunityNews.com
American Success: Porto’s Bakery and Café is an ‘Instant Hit’ In Downey By Randy Economy
I
t is a true American business success story that just might have all of the ingredients needed for a sweet Hollywood screen play. For the Porto Family, building a baking empire here in Southern California started back in a small garage in Communist Cuba back in the 1960’s when matriarch Rosa Porto developed “the perfect rum cake recipe.” Betty Porto, one of three children remembered how her mom “knew exactly what it took to make the best cakes in Cuba.” “Back then, it was against the law to bake sweet goods in Cuba, let alone sell them for a profit,” Porto told Downey Community Newspaper during a recent
See PORTO page 8
Guerra pledges to focus on fundamentals, run on his record of accomplishment and bring back character and integrity to Sacramento.
Betty Porto greets visitors to the family’s Downey location on Firestone Boulevard. The business started in a small garage in Cuba back in the 1960’s and now has a massive following throughout Southern California. Randy Economy Photo
Central Basin Director Apodaca Implicated in Sexual Harassment Claim Claimant says she was fired after refusing advances from Apodaca.
stances with a former employee. HMG-CN received a copy of the formal claim Tuesday night. The claim was from the law firm of Scottile and Baltaxe of Westlake Village By Randy Economy and on behalf of Sigrid H. Lopez. Brian Hews Members of the embattled agency’s Board of DirecHews Media tors were given a Group—Commucopy of the claim via nity News has obcertified mail on June tained documents 10, 2013. via a public records The harassment request that implistarted after Locate Central Basin pez sent a proposal Municipal Water June 15, 2013 to then District Director General Manager Art Robert “Bob” ApoAguilar to become Central Badaca as the target of a wide-ranging sin’s Client Relations Manager and sexual harassment claim alleging was hired for that position July 1, that he had several inappropriate and ongoing sexual harassment inSee CLAIM page 10
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Downey Mayor Guerra Announces Candidacy for 32nd State Senate District
This past Tuesday, Downey Mayor Mario Guerra officially announced his candidacy for the 32nd State Senate District. Between now and the election, Guerra intends to run a dynamic campaign across the district sharing his record of accomplishments as Downey’s Mayor as
See GUERRA page 9
Downey Receives $20 Young Veteran Dreams Million in Grant Funding Big, Has a ‘WYSH’ for DCN News Services Troubled Soldiers The City of Downey is pleased to announce that it has successfully secured $20,000,000 in grant funding, specifically targeted for the replacement of the Florence Avenue bridge at the San Gabriel River and rehabilitation of the Florence Avenue bridge at the Rio Hondo River. Grant funding will also support the implementation of the Citywide Transit Priority System. The City applied for and has been recommended to receive approximately $17,500,000 in federal grants through the Highway Bridge Program (HBP) for the purpose of replacing the Florence Bridge over the San Gabriel River, as well as
By Justin Cooley and Randy Economy The numbers are staggering; twentytwo soldiers take their own lives every day here in the United States. As technology changes, so does the way we send our troops onto the battlefield, but that doesn’t change the fact that war is war and that lives are still be lost in staggering numbers. The grit and perseverance soldiers show is a human feat in itself, but to see soldiers come home despondent, broken and scared just shows how much the battlefield can have on a life. Andrew O’Brien, the founder of the WYSH program (Welcome Your Soldier Home) is just one of the tens of thousands of veterans afflicted by the severity of war. Raised in poverty, O’Brien grew up in a broken family and dropped
See GRANT page 10
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VETERAN from page 1
out of high school when he was 18. He soon found himself enlisted in the army. It had been given him exactly what he’d been missing his entire life: discipline, a family environment, and adrenaline. Originally stationed in Hawaii, the Iraq War brought him directly to the battlefield. Stationed in Bayji, Iraq for an entire year, O’Brien describes his experience, “It’s nothing that any amount of training can prepare you for. You see movies and video games glorifying action and adventure like this, but when you get to the real thing, when you’re really there, it’s not the same.” O’Brien saw some of the worst of the war. He recalls one situation where an IED dropped down from a tree and landed in a gunner hole in a truck, killing the entire unit. In an earlier instance an IED had blown up right behind his vehicle. After his station in Iraq, O’Brien tried to readjust to civilian living. He saw a counselor, but refused to discharge over the claim that he had PTSD. Soon he found himself distant and detached. He destroyed his relationships and lashed out. He could no longer relate to friends and family. He coped through street racing and other dangerous activities, desperate for any form of adrenaline pumping activity that could possibly recreate what he felt in service. As soon as his contract with the military ended he left Hawaii and moved back to Dallas, Texas, his hometown. He replaced adrenaline with party going and alcohol. Adjusting back to civilian living began his downfall; the stress of readjusting and the lingering effects of the war drove him to suicide. O’Brien chose to end his life pain-
lessly, overdosing on whatever he had around him: anti-depressants, over-thecounter drugs, etc. But as his life slowly left his body he realized he wasn’t ready to go. He called 9-1-1 and said, “Help.” The next morning he woke up in the hospital. He went through 5150-psych hold and was forced into group counseling classes. It was only after his suicide attempt did he realize that adjust to everyday life was possible. Andrew O’Brien’s WYSH programs aims to prevent stories like his from repeating itself in other veterans. The program helps families of wounded warriors of the stress and fatigue of war through suicide prevention, support groups, and financial aid. Together with the Austin School of film, O’Brien will be releasing a documentary slated for 2014 release about the lives of veterans and the psychological effect of war on people. He is currently touring the United States doing public speaking events and other related rallies. Also touring with O’Brien is Ryan Surber, founder of mycharitylife.com, a free Internet service that hosts a variety of charity organizations that converge through the site in turn creating a social networking-esque way of giving back to the local community. Surber said that he is “inspired” by O’Brien and his passion to “create positive change.” “America is at a cross roads, and just being able to help Andrew and his project is one of the most gratifying movements I have ever been associated with,” Surber said. “One person can still change lives, lots of them,” he said. For more information please visit www.wyshproject.org or www.mycharitylife.com or call 512-576-1643.
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Downey’s Twilight Summer Concert Scheduled at Furman Park The Twilight Summer Concerts series started Wednesday at 7:00pm with the Answer. Residents are advised to bring a blanket or a lawn chair. The concerts are free and there is food available from various vendors.
Full Season Schedule July 10th NEON NATION – 80s Music
Neon Nation is the ultimate in live 80s music tribute with their versatile and diverse band that features both mal and female vocals to offer the best in rocking 80s hits just like you remember. http://www.neonnation.net/
July 17th DSB – A Tribute To Journey
DSB has been highly revered by fans at the “next best thing” to Journey. They have captured the lush, signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in their prime. Complete with a band of world class Los Angeles Musicians, DSB remains true to Journey’s musical legacy and delivers the nostalgic concert experience that will keep you believing. http://www.dsbband.com/
July 24th SONOCLIP – Latin Pop
Sonoclip is a 6-member band made up of musicians from various parts of the world, mixing Caribbean and Latin rhythms into Latin Pop. Their combina-
JULY 5, 2013 7 tion of Latin Pop blends Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Cha-Cha, Vallenato and more. Their use of electro-acoustic sound gives the music a fun and danceable beat suitable for all ages. http://sonoclip.com
July 31st STONE SOUL – Classic Soul & Motown
Stone Soul will bring back your memories with their renditions of the classic Motown and classic soul music from legends including, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, the Temptations and many more. http://www.stonesoul.com/
August 7th DOWNEY SYMPHONY - Classical Pops
Downey Symphony Society performs their annual “Pops in the Park” presentation led by Music Director, Sharon Lavery. This summer their theme is “Musical Scores” http://www.downeysymphony.org
August 14th U.S. MARINE CORPS – Patriotic
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays a wide variety of music including wind ensemble literature, Broadway show tunes, movie scores, classical transcriptions, contemporary concert band music and traditional marches. http://www.3rdmaw.marines.mil/
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FIND OUR PAPER AT THESE LOCATIONS Barbara Riley Senior Center Beach’s Market Coffee Bean Downey City Hall Downey Library Downey YMCA Embassy Suites Mambo Grill & Sports Bar Mimi’s Café Third Street Coffee Tropicana Café Indymac Banc Downey Federal Credit Union Starbucks Coffee Marie Callender‘s Downey Civic Theater Rio Hondo Golf Course
7810 Quill Drive 7900 Imperial Highway 8550 Firestone Blvd. 11111 Brookshire Ave. 11121 Brookshire 11531 Downey Ave. 8425 Firestone Blvd. 11016 Downey Ave. 8455 Firestone Blvd. 8221 Third Street 10218 Paramount Blvd 12148 Lakewood Blvd. 8237 Third St. 9001 East Firestone Blvd. 7860 Florence Ave 8435 Firestone Blvd 10627 Old River School Rd.
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PORTO
Continued from page 1 visit to their new spectacular bakery and restaurant in the heart of a booming downtown business district. “My dad Raul, and my mom literally were living in fear of their lives each and every day back then. It was very tense,” Betty said. Eventually Raul and Rosa took a young Betty and her two other siblings, Raul Jr., and Margarita, found their way out of Cuba and headed to the United States and instead of settling in the South Florida area of Miami with hundreds of thousands of other Cubans, the Porto’s headed to Southern California into a seedy rundown section of East Hollywood in 1971. “It was horrible back then. We were exposed to a hard street life in Silverlake. The streets were littered with drugs and prostitution. But, my parents wanted to be in America, and we were going to work hard and to make it together as a family,” Betty recalled over a cup of coffee. Rosa continued on with her cake business, and when their home could no longer accommodate the increased demand, the Porto’s opened a tiny 300-square foot bakery on Sunset Boulevard near the Sunset Junction area. From that first day in business, the small make shift bakery landed around 50 customers. After tirelessly working two jobs, Raul Sr. left his latter job at Van De Kamp’s Bakery and joined Rosa full time. Betty, Raul Jr., and Margarita attended local high schools and universities and also worked at the business baking, decorating cakes, preparing food, greet-
ing customers, and most importantly, establishing the family finances. “The place was the smallest business in the entire neighborhood, by my mom was a talented cake maker, with a passion for baking and soon we were able to move into a larger place,” Betty said. Soon people from Hollywood caught wind of the rum flavored cakes as well as wedding, birthday and traditional quincienerra cakes. “We were here in Hollywood. We had made it here from Cuba on the Freedom
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specific roles. Raul Jr. took on managing the finances and alongside his long-time co-worker and friend, Tony Salazar. He focused on new product development, production improvements, and quality control. Margarita joined her mom in the cake decorating area, and Betty managed alongside her father assisting customers. Rosa’s Cuban cakes were soon joined by French mousses, Italian sweets, and international savories. Customers flocked to the bakery demanding countless quantities of Cheese
The bakery continued to grow and more employees where hired to handle the demand for its increasingly broad line of cakes, desserts, and Cuban Meat Pies. Betty eventually earned her Master’s Degree from UCLA and today she oversees the marketing and public relations part of the family operation. “We have never formally advertised in a newspaper, or radio or television. The only advertising we do is by word of mouth,” Betty said. With the entire family’s effort, expansion to a 20,000-square foot facility took place in the 1990’s. Later, further expansion included a Café with a menu showcasing signature Cuban sandwiches and lunch favorites. Rosa Porto is now retired, but her recipes and her high standards remain, including her motto, “quality is the number one ingredient in everything we do”. Porto’s Bakery & Café now serves thousands of customers and employs hundreds of team members in Southern California, with a store in Glendale, a store in Burbank, and a third in the city of Downey. Porto’s Bakery now employees more than 800 workers in Southern California, and are looking into a possible location in Anaheim.
Some of the delicious pies and cakes offered at Porto’s. Meat pies are the best sellers. Porto’s Bakery & Café now serves thousands of customers and employs hundreds of team members in Southern California, with a store in Glendale, a store in Burbank, and a third in the city of Downey. Flights and mom perfected her recipes and began developing a loyal customer base,” she said. In the 1980’s, after graduating college, Betty, Raul Jr. and Margarita stayed on with the business each taking on more
Rolls, Refugiados -- guava and cheese strudels, and the infamous Potato Ball, space became critical. They needed bigger digs, and the family moved to a 2,000-square foot facility in Glendale and six years later to one double that size.
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GUERRA
Continued from page 1 well as ensuring the public that character and integrity are brought back to Sacramento. Supervisor Knabe announced his endorsement and full support of Mario Guerra’s campaign for Senate as well. “It’s time we focus on fundamentals: good jobs, safe streets and a great education system for our children.” Mayor Guerra’s business attraction program helped to lure notable companies like Porto’s Bakery, Champion Fiat and Raytheon to Downey in the last several years. “I’ve done it in Downey and am excited to do more great things for families across the District,” stated Mayor Mario A.Guerra. “Since becoming elected I’ve helped initiate the Character Counts program in Downey with great success. As your State Senator, I’ll work to restore the public’s trust in their state government. Public official’s integrity and ethics must be beyond reproach with no exceptions,” continued Guerra. Knabe stated, “Mario Guerra is a long-time area resident, who has dedicated countless hours to serving our local communities as a small business owner, volunteer and as Downey mayor and councilmember. His energy and commitment to programs benefiting our schools, the environment, job creation efforts, the local economy and safe neighborhoods have made our entire region a better place to live, work and play. Mario is trustworthy, well-respected and has a commitment to public service for the right reason – helping those he serves. Please join me in supporting Mayor Guerra for the State Senate, 32nd District!”
Mayor Guerra has had tremendous successes in Downey. Among them was recently winning Downey the distinguished award as “All-American City,” as well as helping to create over 8,000 new jobs. He was overwhelmingly elected to Downey’s city council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. Among many other regional efforts, Mayor Guerra serves as President-Elect of the Independent Cities Association, and has served as the Legislative and Budget Chair of California Contract Cities Association, Mario was also awarded the Non-Partisan Elected Official of the Year in 2011. Mario’s track record extends beyond public service. He is a successful small business owner, having co-founded Scanlon-Guerra-Burke. Today, operating as SGB-NIA, his partner firm is one of the largest insurance brokers in California. Guerra has been an ordained Deacon in the Catholic church since 2002, and serves as a Deacon in ministry at St. Linus Catholic Church in Norwalk, CA. He also serves as a Stational Deacon at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels as well as the Chaplain of Downey Police. Mario is a husband of 29 years to his wife, Ann, and a father of five to Mario, Jr., Lynne, Matthew, Haley and Ryan. For a full list of endorsements please visit: http://guerraforsenate.com/endorsements.php Please visit Mario’s website for more information and updates at www.guerraforsenate.com.
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Hacker’s Sports Bar & Grill By John Zander john@downeybeat.com
Downey is full of restaurants, of every type and taste. There is one restaurant though that is a bit different. Hacker’s Sports Bar and Grill at the Rio Hondo Events Center. The farthest thing from a golf course restaurant you will find.Hacker’s is a “cloth napkin” at a “paper napkin” price restaurant. The Hacker’s menu has a nice variety. The breakfast items, which are served all day, are really fantastic. The usual morning fare, omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausage etc. are offered but prepared with so many flavors. The applewood smoked bacon and sausage are so far from the usual restaurant breakfast meats. The hash browns are always light brown and crisp. Hacker’s browns are very consistent, and quite delicious. If you like cheese on your eggs, you will get it. They are not stingy with any-
thing. The portion size will satisfy anyone. Lunch and dinner items range from the Hackers burger to steak and salmon and salads. Appetizers are of course available. I recommend the potato skins, but they are really a meal in itself. Talking about not skimping, the potato skins are covered with toppings. The burgers are cooked to
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ly sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato and a thousand-island type dressing. Delicious. The service at Hackers is as attentive as you will find in any restaurant. The wait staff is always available and constantly checking on you. The restaurant itself has a view that takes you right out of the city. One entire wall is a window, which overlooks the beautiful Rio Hondo Golf Course. Hacker’s also has a large full bar with a wide variety of choices. I highly recommend Hacker’s Above: The view from Hacker’s for any meal. The management and is spectacular, a 180 degree view staff really know how to run a reslooking onto the golf course. taurant and provide excellent cusLeft: The always popular Club tomer service. The prices are what I Sandwich with homemade chips. would call average, you don’t have to spend a lot for a really nice meal your liking on a fresh bun and inout. clude your choice of wedge fries or Hacker’s is a bit hidden at the chips. The wedge fries are topped Rio Hondo Golf Course. Somewith a bit of heaven and perfectly place that I don’t think many concooked. Try them with a side of sider when trying to think of a place ranch, it’s a great combo. to go out and eat. Give them a try, I The salmon is always fresh and think you will become a regular. tender. I have had it prepared three Hackers Bar & Grill different ways and it is always a 10627 Old River School Rd treat. There are also wraps on the Downey, CA 90240 menu, which are absolutely stuffed. (562) 806-5020 The turkey wrap is filled with fresh-
ployees.” The claim went on CLAIM to say that the harassContinued from page 1 ment intensified, with Apodaca asking for 2013. sexual favors from LoAt Apodaca’s request, she was pez in order to keep her assigned to work with him, the job. Ms. Lopez again assignment being approved by complained and was Aguilar. subsequently fired. After a very short time, Lopez The law firm also claims that Apodaca “engaged in names current Direcrepeated efforts to sexually harass tors James Roybal, and seduce her over her irate obLeticia Vasquez, Phil jections.” Hawkins and Art ChaThe harassment evolved into con in the complaint escalating physical contact, acletter in addition to cording to Lopez, including unDavid Hill, Interim welcome touching, petting, hugs Chief Operating Ofand kisses after which Lopez fice, and former Board again complained to Central BaMembers Ed Vasquez sin Management. and Rudy Montalvo Lopez said nothing was done and Aguilar. in response to her complaints. Part of the claim against Central Basin Director Bob Apodaca. The claim amount is In the claim, Lopez is alleging $1 million and ends saythat elected members of the Board Inside sources tell HMG-CN that Mr. Apodaca’s request, then Genof Directors had full knowledge several sexual harassment lawsuits eral Manager Art Aguilar assigned ing, “failure to address this claim that Apodaca had a history of claims have been filed against Apodaca, Ms. Lopez to start working with and provide prompt remedy will remade and/or filed against him for and two have ended in large settle- him without any caution or warning sult in the filing of a civil action in that Mr. Apodaca had a history of LA Superior Court.” improper sexual actions and con- ments. “Despite such knowledge, at sexual conduct toward district emduct with subordinates.
GRANT
Continued from page 1 the rehabilitation of the Florence Bridge over the Rio Hondo River. Additionally, through a competitive process, the City applied for funding through the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) “Call for Projects” to cover the cost of matching funds for the Florence Bridge over the San Gabriel River
Project. On Friday, June 28, 2013, Metro notified the City that it been recommended for funding in the amount of $1,917,000 for this specific project. The City’s application was ranked 2nd out of 32 applications. Separately, the City applied for funding for the Citywide Transit Priority System, also through the “Metro Call for Projects” competitive grant process. The application was ranked 10th out of 32 in the Signal Synchronization category
and the City once again was successful in securing an additional $1,292,000 in grant funding for this project. This grant will pay for an embellishment of the City’s traffic signal system, which will give an early or extended “green” indication to public transit buses at signalized intersections along Downey LINK and Metro bus routes when the buses are running behind schedule. This Citywide Transit Priority System was noted as a key recommendation under the City’s Civic
Master Plan. “As a City, one of our visions is to find long-term solutions to help enhance City services and better serve our residents and this grant funding proves exactly that. We feel very fortunate to have been awarded these grants, as it will allow us to fix our infrastructure, which ultimately benefits our residents. Thank you to my fellow Council colleagues and our hard working City staff for making this possible,” said Mayor Mario A. Guerra.