OIL CHANGE
COOLANT SYSTEM FLUSH
TRANSMISSION FLUSH
BRAKE SERVICE
Just $19 95
From $39 95
From $79 95
From $69 95 Most Cars
Regularly $29.99 • Up to 4 Quarts • Set Tire Pressure • Check All Fluids • Basic Safety Inspection
AUTO CENTER
PRICE INCLUDES: HAZARDOUS DISPOSAL FEE (Most Vehicles)
• Coolant Extra • Replace Coolant • Most Vehicles
Non OEM Fluid Additive Extra (Most Vehicles) Original Manufacture Fluid Extra Additive Extra. Disposal Extra.
• Add Fluid • Inspect System for Leaks • Road Test • Resurface Rotors/Drums • Pack Wheel Bearings • Shoes and Pads Extra
Must in Coupon. coupon EXPIRES EXPIRES 7/31/13 8/31/13 Mustbring Bring in
MustBring bringininCoupon. couponEXPIRES EXPIRES7/31/13 8/31/13 Must
Must bringin inCoupon. couponEXPIRES EXPIRES7/31/13 8/31/13 Must Bring
Must MustBring bringininCoupon. couponEXPIRES EXPIRES7/31/13 8/31/13
AUTO CENTER
24 Hour Towing Service (562) 864-5800
DOWNEY 2013 LA Press Club Award Winner for Best Investigative Newspaper in Los Angeles.
Serving Downey and surrounding communities • Published every Friday • August 9, 2013 • Volume 1, No. 10 • DowneyCommunityNews.com
Downey Mayor to Host Radio Show-All Things Downey-on KMIXLA.com
Downey Has Lowest Unemployment Rate in Its Class
By Brian Hews Radio Guerra has come to town. Beginning Monday, Downey Mayor Guerra will host a live call in show from 7 PM to 8 PM on KMIXLA.com. Guerra will be talking about developments, happenings, answering questions about why, how and when, all about Downey. It really will be “Straight talk with the Mayor.” From Tierra Luna to public safety. Guests will include top “influencers” and other elected officials talking about current and future events. “The more our community knows about our City and region the better we all are,” said Guerra Next Monday he will talk about current topics that have engaged the commu-
See GUERRA page 7
By Brian Hews
Downey Mayor Guerra will host his own radio show from 7-8 pm on Mondays on KMIXLA.com.
Norwalk Council Decision Business Owned by Central Basin Director Apodaca’s on Auto Impound Yard Wife Paid Over $10,000 by Agency Moved to September
Hews Media Group Exclusive
By Brian Hews and Randy Economy (Commerce) In documents obtained via a public records request, Hews Media Group-Community News found files detaling over $10,000 in District payments to Director Bob Apodaca’s widely acknowledged common-law wife and Whittier City Commissioner Caroline Medrano, as well as to another Whittier area firm that District sources claim Medrano utilized to conceal a bulk of her fees. The charges totalling $10,276 were for “floral arrangements” provided for special events at the embattled water agency as well as for employees and friends of District.
The documents compound concerns that may result in further legal challenges for longtime Director Apodaca. Apodaca has recently come under fire for his ties to controversial Central Basin contractor, Pacifica Services, Inc, as well as being the subject of a $1 million sexual harassment claim filed by another vendor for the District. Apodaca represents the cities of La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier and South Whittier. A n audit of invoices and s t a t e - ments received by HMGCN indicate that between 2003 and 2004, invoices for floral arrangements were submitted by, and paid directly to
See WATER page 8
By Kristin Grafft The discussion over Loftus Corporation’s request to expand their auto impound yard was continued at the Norwalk City Council meeting on August 7, but still no decision was reached. The applicant was unable to attend the meeting and requested the item be moved to September 3. It will be opened back up to public comment at that time as well. Although some residents insinuated that the applicant might find that this process has been too much of a hassle and not worth his time anyway. Kenneth Arnold, the designer for Loftus Corporation, spoke on behalf of the applicant. Arnold said, “Our goal all along was to try to make the project residentfriendly and I think some of the resident just don’t understand some of the things that were trying to do to help.”
A report from the Economic Development Department shows that Downey has the lowest unemployment rate in Gateway Cities over 50,000 population in LA County. Los Angeles County covers over 4,000 square miles and includes San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands. The rate stood at 8.2% in June, down from 8.5% in January. According to the latest employment figures, 4,500 Downey residents were still without a job as of June 2013, down 200 from January. Downey’s unemployment rate beats the L.A. County average of 10.2% and the Gateway Cities average of 11.5%, The Tierra Luna Marketplace is expected to create some 3,000 jobs when it opens in a few years. Hundreds of jobs have also been created with the gradual opening of the Downey Gateway food court. “This is great news but we still have more work to do,” said Downey Mayor Mario Guerra. “We have been working hard to create jobs here in Downey, some are coming quickly, others will be here soon. More jobs in the community is our main goal.” The Unemployment Rate and Labor Force data are based upon “place of residence” – where people live, regardless of where they work. Individuals who have more than one job are counted only once. Civilian Labor Force is the sum of civilian employment and civilian unemployment. Civilian Employment includes all individuals who worked during the week including the 12th of the month. Civilian Unemployment includes those individuals who were not working but were able, available, and actively looking for work. The unemployment Rate is the number
See IMPOUND page 7
See UNEMPLOYMENT page 7
00254.081611
00254.110909
La Palma Intercommunity Hospital
00254.LPIH.AD.General_Ad_10x3.081611indd.indd 1
We are a full service, general acute care hospital and have been a part of the community since 1971. 7901 walker street
• 24-Hour Emergency Services • Behavioral Medicine • Maternity Services • Comprehensive Wound Care • Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory |
la palma, ca 90623
(714) 670-7400
8/16/2011 10:16:36 AM
www.HewsMediaGroup.com
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
GUERRA
Continued from page 1 nity. “Straight answers for tough questions’” he said. Guerra will profile large businesses and small businesses and what is coming on the horizon into the city. “Exciting times and important issues are on the horizon that residents should be talking about, “ he said. The show will “air” on kmixla.com.
IMPOUND
Continued from page 1 Jerry Ori, a Norwalk resident, argued that their attempts to make a “buffer zone” by making the expanded area employee parking, was “really unrealistic.” Ori said
AUGUST 9, 2013
who goes up that roadway,” Aldana said. Other than that, Aldana said, “As long as the wall is structurally sound I’m okay with the whole project.” Aldana even went so far to say that he actually thinks the area will be safer having the ten-foot wall there. With no further public comments, the item was then moved to the September 3 meeting. However, later in the night, Ori returned to the podium during oral communications. This time Ori said he had talked to Arnold and he believed that Loftus might be considering withdrawing their application all together. The discussion for that item was already closed for that meeting though and no one could respond to those comments. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22 at the City Hall Council Chambers.
he didn’t think they would actually park there, and if they did it would be in the way of the tow truck drivers. Ori also said there would be no cost benefit in going through with the expansion. “I don’t know how many thousands or hundreds of thousands (of dollars) it’s going to take to put in that wall, to knock down the old wall, to put in a gate – for what purpose? – To have employees or customers park there? It isn’t going to happen. They need to come up with a better plan.”Not everyone is opposed to Loftus’ plans anymore though. Tony Aldana, a homeowner whose property borders the impound yard, spoke at the July 2 meeting “vehemently opposed” to the expansion. At this meeting, Aldana said his only issue is with how long the construction might take. “Once they tear the wall down those four homes will be accessible to anyone
7
UNEMPLOYMENT
Continued from page 1 of unemployed divided by the labor force then multiplied by 100. Unemployment is a lagging indicators that confirms confirm long-term trends, but they do not predict them. Other examples are corporate profits and labor cost per unit of output. Interest rates are another good lagging indicator; rates change after severe market changes.
80,000 unique visitors per month! Advertise on Loscerritosnews.net Call 562.407.3873
Los Los Cerritos Cerritos Community Community Newspaper Newspaper Group Group Insert/Brochure Print and Insert/Brochure PrintNewspaper and Delivery Delivery Los Cerritos Community Group
Los Cerritos Newspaper Group Insert/Brochure Print and Delivery Insert and FrontCommunity Page Stick-On Advertisement Insert/Brochure and Delivery Double-SidedPrint Pricing Guide Subtract Subtract$205 $205 from fromeach each category categoryfor forprint print Subtract $205 only pricing. only pricing. from each
5,000 5,000 Stick-On Ads
$410.00 5,000 $545.00 $545.00
categorySubtract for print$205 only pricing. from each category for print only pricing.
Shipping
River Cities Printing TurnarGroup 5 Day$545.00 3-10,000 Los Cerritos Community Newspaper $599.00 $575.00 $575.00 u Rates are per thousand. u Quick Turnaround: processed, printed and shipped in 3-5 business days u Flexibility to print ANY QUANTITY! (there is a $150 set up fee for jobs under 10,000) u Sizes available: 3"x3", 3"x2.75", 3"x2.5". 3”x4” u Plate Change Charge: Pricing reflects normal set up if plate change is required $25/plate will apply. u No additional charge for PMS colors u Diecuts/Shapes: Additional $2M. Available for 3”x3” Stick On Wind#1 or Wind#3 only. Shapes are as follows: Circle, House, Car, Heart, Popcorn/Flower, Pumpkin, Apple, Football, Shamrock, Diamond, Truck, Christmas Ornament, Strawberry, Coffee Cup, Stop Sign, Hamburger, Barrel and Wine Bottles. u Packaging: All notes are Fan-folded in cartons that contain 3 sleeves (12,500 in each sleeve) = 37,500 notes per box. u See shipping map for freight charges
$545.00 10,000 10,000 5,000 A FULL SERVICE roducts! All PPRINTER River Cities nd onPrinting ouCOMMERCIAL
Bubba’s Car Wash
A FULL SERVICE COMMERCIAL PRINTER
Bring in this
coupon for
Insert/Brochure Print and Delivery 20,000 $575.00 $815.00 $899.00 $5 Woasffh
$575.00
54
$815.00
10,000 10,000 10,000
M bWh _j ]
I d HW
e &( d +-
e ][ kj^ e l[ b_d \ 9Whc[b :h_ +.'# [ H eWZ" Whc[b 9
$15.75
$565.00 $419.00 $565.00 10,000 $565.00 20,000 $565.00 20,000 20,000 Zone 2 2 Zone 1 Zone 1 5,000 Zone
$15.75
Stick On Ads are printed on glossy white background paper. Full Glue and Pattern Glue adhesive available.
20,000
11,000 - 20,000................................ add add $5.50 cpm 5,000 - 10,000 ................................. $7.00 cpm add add $3.25 cpm $15.7521,000 -35,000 11,000................................ - 20,000................................ $5.50 cpm 36,000 -50,000 add add $3.00 cpm 21,000.................................. -35,000 ................................ $3.25 cpm 51,000 -75,000 .................................. add $2.25 cpm 36,000 -50,000 .................................. add $3.00 cpm 76,000 -100,000 ................................ add $2.00 cpm
5,000
Zone 3 301 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel • 317-844-7700
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue J.S. MARTEN Jewelers has the Valentine’s Gift for You
$815.00 51,000 -75,000 .................................. 5,000 add $2.25 cpm 5,000 $625.00 5,000 76,000 -100,000 ................................ add $2.00 cpm $625.00 10,000 $625.00 $625.00
25 6 S2 00
One Pizza of Your Choice
(Not Valid on Fri)
ed Not to be combin with any other offer. . Bring this coupon 27INS9
The Best Pizza4-4563 ry 45 Fast, Free Delive Pkwy Monday-Sa
FREE CREATIVE SERVICES!
3.00 Limit one coupon per customer. Exp ires September F OF 16, 2007. Designer
nic • 1 Mile West of Taco ay 3-9 1097 Rt. 55 LaGrange turday 11-10; Sund
Zone 4Zone 4
Zone 2
Zone 2
Stick-On Ads Stick-On- Ads 10,000 200,000 ............................. add $1.00 cpm 10,000 - 200,000 ............................. add $1.00 cpm ¢ cpm 200,000+ ......................................................50
200,000+ ......................................................50¢ cpm
Single Sheets (qty’s) 5,000 10,000 ................................ add $7.00 Single -Sheets (qty’s) 11,000 - 20,000................................ addcpm $5.25 5,000 - 10,000 ................................ add $7.00 21,000 ................................ addcpm $3.25 11,000 - -35,000 20,000................................ add $5.25 36,000 -50,000 .................................. addcpm $3.00 21,000 -35,000 ................................ add $3.25 51,000 -75,000 .................................. add $2.00 36,000 -50,000 .................................. add $3.00 cpm 76,000 -100,000 ................................ add $1.50
51,000 -75,000 .................................. add $2.00 cpm 76,000 -100,000 ................................ add $1.50 cpm Zone 4
cpm cpm cpm cpm cpm cpm
Stick-On Ads Zone 3 ............................. add $1.00 cpm 10,000 - 200,000 ¢ Stick-On Ads 200,000+ ......................................................50 cpm
Stick-On Ads Zone 4 - 200,000 ............................. add $1.50 cpm 10,000 200,000+ ...................................................$1.00 cpm Stick-On Ads
¢ Single Sheets (qty’s) 5,000 - 10,000 ................................. add $7.00 cpm 11,000 - 20,000................................ add $5.50 cpm Single Sheets (qty’s) 21,000 -35,000 ................................ add $3.25 cpm 5,000 -.................................. 10,000 ................................. $7.00 cpm 36,000 -50,000 add add $3.00 cpm 11,000.................................. - 20,000................................ $5.50 cpm 51,000 -75,000 add add $2.25 cpm 21,000 -35,000 ................................ $3.25 cpm 76,000 -100,000 ................................ add add $1.75 cpm
Single Sheets (qty’s)
$655.00 $655.00 $565.00 $600.00 20,000 $995.00
$
Zone Zone 33
10,000 $655.00 10,000 - 200,000 ............................. add $1.50 cpm 10,000 10,000 10,000 - 200,000 ............................. add $1.00 cpm 10,000 200,000+ ...................................................$1.00 cpm 3 x 3 200,000+ ......................................................50 cpm $655.00 20,000
Z&E Sticky 3x3 8.25 E - Composite
u
8
¢
$15.75
u u u u
Subtract $205 from each category for print only pricing.
20,000
e\ i[ %&-$ +
&2%
% $/. Yekfed fk ^_i [$ ;nf$ ' hY^W &%' ^ j Ye\\[ [
u
$815.00 $815.00
¢
$25.00
u
10,000 20,000 20,000
Hand
$600.00 20,000 Stick-On Ads 3”x3” • 3”x2.75” • 3”x2.5” • 3”x2.375” $600.00 $689.00 $600.00 $545.00 Quantity 10,000 25,000 100,000 200,000 300,000Zone 1 Zone 1 40,000 $600.00 Stick-On Ads Stick-On Ads 40,000 ............................. add $1.00 cpm 40,000 1-4 Colors $20.00 $10.75 $10.75 $10.75 $10.7510,000 - 200,000 10,000 10,000 - 200,000 ............................. add $1.00 cpm 200,000+ ......................................................50 cpm $845.00 40,000 200,000+ ......................................................50 cpm $845.00 Stick-On Ads 3”x4” $845.00 $999.00 Single Sheets (qty’s) $575.00 $845.00 5,000 10,000 ................................. add $7.00 cpm Single Sheets (qty’s) Quantity 10,000 25,000 100,000 200,000 300,000 1-4 Colors
u u
8
5,000 - 10,000 ................................. add $7.75 cpm FULL COLOR 11,000 - 20,000...................................add $7.50 cpm Single Sheets (qty’s) -35,000 ................................ add $6.00 cpm 1 5,000 - 10,000 ................................. add $7.75 cpm FRONT 21,000 PAGE 36,000 -50,000 ...................................add $5.75 cpm 20,000 20,000 11,000 - -75,000 20,000...................................add $7.50 cpm 51,000 ...................................add $5.25 cpm $995.00STICK-ON 20,000 21,000 AD -35,000 ................................ add $6.00 cpm 76,000 -100,000 .................................add $4.50 cpm
36,000 -50,000 .................................. add $3.00 cpm $995.00 $995.00 51,000 -75,000 .................................. add $2.25 cpm $600.00 $999.00 76,000 -100,000 ................................ add $1.75 cpm
5,000
36,000 -50,000 ...................................add $5.75 cpm 51,000 -75,000 ...................................add $5.25 cpm 76,000 -100,000 .................................add $4.50 cpm
40,000 5,000
*The above rates are for shipping to one location. Contact us for shipping quotes to multiple locations.
$955.00 You can now get Gloss and $1999.00 $845.00 $955.00 10,000 5,000 5,000 Uncoated Single Sheet Inserts 10,000 for the same low price! $1055.00 $955.00 $955.00 $1055.00 20,000 10,000 10,000 5,00020,000 $1605.00 $1055.00 $1055.00 $625.00 $1605.00
All advertised flat sheet insert products include delivery to our office, for any information on additional quotations, call 562.407.3873 • 13047 E. include Artesia delivery Blvd., C-102 Cerritos, 90703 • sales@cerritosnews.net All www.loscerritosnews.net advertised flat sheet insert products to our• office, for Ca., any information on additional quotations, call 562.407.3873
20,000 20,000 10,000
$1605.00 $1605.00 $655.00
www.loscerritosnews.net • 13047 E. Artesia Blvd., C-102 • Cerritos, Ca., 90703 • sales@cerritosnews.net
20,000 rtised flat on ertised flatsheet sheetinsert insertproducts productsinclude includedelivery deliveryto toour ouroffice, office,for forany anyinformation information onadditional additionalquotations, quotations,call call562.407.3873 562.407.3873 www.loscerritosnews.net www.loscerritosnews.net••13047 13047E. E.Artesia ArtesiaBlvd., Blvd.,C-102 C-102••Cerritos, Cerritos,Ca., Ca.,90703 90703••sales@cerritosnews.net sales@cerritosnews.net
$995.00
8 AUGUST 9, 2013
www.HewsMediaGroup.com
board appointment installation in 2007 that featured only 7 arrangements at a cost of only $189.44. Other charges included $2,911.93 for two Central Basin BBQ’s held in 2006 and 2007 while Apodaca was President as well as a floral arrangement given to former Central Basin employee Gil Cedillo Jr. in celebration of “National Administrative Assistant Day” in 2010. HMG-CN was the first to report Cedillo Jr.’s annual salary of $112,970 as well as being paid $22,000 up front to attain a job-required college education. Cedillo Jr. was eventually terminated last week by the District with six additonal weeks of severance. The most recent charge that appears was dated April 4, 2013 for a “funeral service floral arrangement” sent to Ernie Camacho in Pasadena. Camacho is President and CEO of Pacifica Services, Central Basin’s longtime engineering management service provider that was sued by the District in Superior Court last month for fraud, breach of contract and deceit. Camacho and Pacifica have long been at the center of controversy at the District for having received 8 consecutive contract amendments and extensions that were not subject to a required open bidding process. It is also acknowledged that Caroline Medrano is the cousin of Ernie Camacho and that Bob Apodaca has repeatedly been questioned about his practice of not recusing himself from voting in support of Central Basin contracts reportedly to be in excess of $5 million since 2007. The invoice for the floral arrange-
WATER
Continued from page 1 Apodaca’s “wife” Caroline Medrano. In 2006 until 2008, Medrano again submitted invoices for the same services; however, payments were issued to B. Marshall & Co. The address on those invoices listed a Whittier home located at 8633 Ocean View Ave. Medrano and Apodaca have resided since 1998 about a mile away on Sargent Ave. in Whittier. HMG-CN investigation into B. Marshall & Co. has proved ellusive. Beginning again in 2010 until as recently as this past April 4th, invoices submitted to the District have again reappeared in the name of Medrano. HMG-CN also noted that all invoices appearing in Medrano’s name appeared to have her remitting address redacted. Sources at Central Basin claim that was done at the request of Director Bob Apodaca presumably to avoid providing conclusive proof that he and Medrano reside together. The files document several large invoices for floral arrangements ordered specifically for events where Apodaca was featured proximately including his 2008 Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) which Apodaca ran for as a candidate representing Special Districts in 2007, a 2007 $1,500 invoice to celebrate Apodaca’s 2006 Central Basin reelection that revealed 52 separate centerpieces and vase arrangements. By comparrison, former Director Rudy Montalvo also celebrated his
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
ment sent to Camacho in April indicates it was requested by Board President James Roybal. Roybal also voted not to sue Pacifica and was the recipient of $5,000 in campaign donations from Ernie Camacho. Bob Apodaca’s campiagn records indicate that he has received in excess of $50,000 in campaign support from Camacho’s companies and family over the past decade. Apodaca has been the longest serving and most controversal figure on Central Basin’s Board. First elected in 1998, Apodaca worked on the staff of former Assemblyman and longtime Central Basin consultant Tom Calderon. Calderon, along with his younger brother and Senator Ron, are currently subjects of an intense federal corruption investigation. Apodaca has also received attention for being the focus of numerous sexual harassment complaints, one reportedly involving Caroline Medrano’s daugther, Kara Medrano. Ms. Medrano was employed at the water agency for almost three years from 2006 until 2009 as the District’s Legislative Analyst. According to former Director Montalvo, he acknowledged being aware of an incident involving Apodaca and Medrano where Director Art Chacon and former Director and Board President Ed Vasquez witnessed Apodaca “groping” Medrano in his shared District office. According to current Director and former State Assemblyman Phil Hawkins, the (sexual harassment) situation swirling around Apodaca is “a cancer that we have to cut out of our system
before it kills us.” This was not the first time Apodaca’s spending habits have drawn negative attention to the agency. It was reported in 2008 that Apodaca was paid nearly $100,000 over two years for meetings, travel and communication allowances. Half of those costs came from attendance at District and Metropolitian Water Board meetings. Then other half he received for mileage, transportation, registration fees, housing, meals and a monthly communications allowance. At the time, General Manger Art Aguilar stated in response to Apodaca’s excessive costs to the District “I don’t think it’s outrageous, you need to compensate these people for the efforts they are putting in.”
80,000 unique visitors per month!
Advertise on Hewsmediagroup. com Call 562.407.3873
Quality Merchandise at an everyday low Price
ne ver a n sales t y ax
Get schooled!
Great selection. Great Prices. Back-to-school Bargains Put you at the Head of the Class! From uniforms to backpacks to school supplies—Goodwill is your back-to-school headquarters! No matter what you need, you will find it here for less. Visit our back-to-school section to find what you need to start the school year off right!
1
school Uniforms
99
all this For Under*
All Children’s Shirts*
4
3
16
99
3
99
99
99
All Children’s Shorts*
and up
Backpacks*
All Children’s Pants*
*Merchandise style, size and selection vary by store. Available while supplies last. Items shown may be one-of-a-kind.
Goodwill retail store locations
Share the news about these great values with a friend! CARSON 21827 S. Avalon Blvd. (310) 830-3630 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
GARDeNA GARDeNA GAteWAY 727 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. (310) 323-2173 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
lONG BeACh 800 W. Pacific Coast Hwy. (310) 328-5542 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
CeRRitOS 10745 South St. (562) 207-9464 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
lONG BeACh 2610 Atlantic Ave. (562) 989-3630 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
lONG BeACh 1130 Redondo Ave. (562) 498-0040 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
lONG BeACh 8155 E. Wardlow Rd. (562) 719-9242 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun mANhAttAN BeACh mANhAttAN BeACh plACe 1145 W. Artesia Blvd. (310) 802-6431 9 am to 9pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
NORWAlk 12827 Pioneer Blvd. (562) 864-0662 9 am to 9pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
ReDONDO BeACh 2318 Artesia Blvd. (310) 376-8122 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
tORRANCe 22725 Western Ave. (310) 328-5542 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
RANChO pAlO veRDeS 28901 Western Ave. (310) 241-6660 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
ReDONDO BeACh 317 Torrance Blvd. (310) 379-4612 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
tORRANCe tORRANCe tOWNe CeNteR 25425 Crenshaw Blvd. (310) 602-5870 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
WilmiNGtON 311-A W. Pacific Coast Hwy. (310) 835-1047 9 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm Sun
www.ThinkGood.org
Goodwill’s Online Auction Site
©2013 Goodwill. Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County.
Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County
Agency:
Creative Productions
Contact:
Erin Suarez
Description:
13GDW134. LCN.H.C.AUG.indd
www.HewsMediaGroup.com
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
By Rico Dizon
AUGUST 9, 2013
Residents Clip Coupons for Military Members Overseas
You wouldn’t expect people living in Okinawa, Japan, to know about The Palms Senior Living Community in La Mirada, California. But for military members and their families stationed at the U.S. Army Base in Okinawa, the resiSince July 2011, dents at The Palms Edna Gaarde [r[ play a vital role in and 20 other resi- helping to keep their dents at The Palms grocery bills and othhave supported er expenses affordmilitary members able as they serve our in Okinawa by country overseas. clipping couponsSince July 2011, for groceries. Edna Gaarde and 20 other residents at The Palms have supported military members in Okinawa by clipping coupons for groceries and other products and mailing them to the Army base each month. Service members and their families use the coupons to purchase goods at the base’s commissary and post exchange (PX) store. To date, the group has sent approximately $300,000 worth of coupons to the base. “We were introduced to the Overseas Coupon Program by a fellow resident,” says Gaarde, who also represents The Palms on the La Mirada Senior Council. “After reviewing available military bases in need of coupons, we selected the Army
9
base in Okinawa.” The Overseas Coupon Program (OCP) is a nationwide, all-volunteer charity program that helps military families servFROM THE FROM THE ing overseas pay for food and everyday WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA products. Coupons help military families overseas save valuable dollars and stretch their budgets. “We’ve received letters from Army wives and their children telling us about the high-cost of living overseas during deployment and thanking us for sending the coupons,” says Gaarde. “They rely on the savings these coupons provide and really appreciate our efforts.” Gaarde and the other members of her group meet every Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the recreation room at The Palms and clip coupons they have collected. They send four large envelopes filled with thousands of dollars worth of coupons to the base every month. The La Mirada Senior Council also supports the effort by collecting coupons for the group. Gaarde says a couple of other people throughout the La Mirada also send the group coupons by dropping them off at a Lillian will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and tenacious advocacy work Lillian will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and tenacious advocacy work collection box located near the entrance within and outside of the water community. She was a remarkable and extraordinary within and outside of the water community. She was a remarkable and extraordinary inside The Palms. woman and an inspiration to all who met her. woman and an inspiration to all who met her. “We welcome coupon donations and Lillian was a force of nature, continually effervescent, always cheerful, always on the encourage other people to look into the Lillian was force of nature, effervescent, always always on the run,aand always interestedcontinually in what she could do to help others. Her cheerful, personality was a program,” she adds. “The service memrun, and always interestedconstant in what she couldpresence do to help others. Her personality was a and welcome at WRD. bers appreciate it and it’s a good way to constant and welcome presence at WRD. show our appreciation for them.” The WRD Family and the environmental world will truly miss Lillian Kawasaki. Military commissaries accept cou- The WRD Family and the environmental world will truly miss Lillian Kawasaki. pons up to six months past their expiraBOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFOne DIRECTORS WILLARD H. MURRAY, JR. Division ~ ROB KATHERMAN, Division Two tion date. Visit ocpnet.org to learn more LILLIAN KAWASAKI,JR. Division ThreeOne ~ SERGIO CALDERON, Division Four WILLARD H. MURRAY, Division ~ ROB KATHERMAN, Division Two about the Overseas Coupon Program and ALBERT ROBLES, Division Five LILLIAN KAWASAKI, Division Three ~ SERGIO CALDERON, Division Four view a list of participating military bases ALBERT ROBLES, Division Five overseas.
In In Memoriam Memoriam
Lillian Lillian Kawasaki Kawasaki