Sports
Chalk Talk
Boxing page 4
Community Events, page 2
The Community Paper of Record
Vol. 55, No. 26
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
December 19, 2018
Repeat Success for El Monte Police Department Annual Toy Drive by Staff Writer El Monte
With Christmas just around the corner, the holiday season brings out the generous streak inside just about everybody. But it doesn’t start fast and sometimes it takes a bit for the seeds of generosity to germinate. Thirty-Five years ago, the City of El Monte and El Monte based Dickies Clothing Company partnered to provide Christmas meals to about 30 families in need. Almost two generations later, the City of El Monte and the El Monte Police Department are meeting in the parking lot of El Monte High School at seven – thirty of a classic Southern California winter morning. Blue skies, light breeze, sunshine, and smiles. The parking lot filled up early because morning comes quick when children are getting toys. Before the sun could peek over the buildings,
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy photo
the El Monte Police Department was open for business, and their business was good.
Between the City of El Monte, local community leaders, and business leaders, over $75,000 in goods and
toys were donated to make holiday dreams come true by providing over Toy Drive continued on page 8
Voorhis School Warms the Holidays for Those in Need by Michelle Earle, Contributing Writer El Monte
Voorhis Elementary School students, staff and families demonstrated the true spirit of the season, giving back to the community by donating 72 warm blankets to the Emergency Resources Association (ERA). This is Voorhis’ 6th annual donation of blankets. The school-wide effort was led by Voorhis’ Partnership Action Team (PAT) who reached out to the students, staff and community for donations of recyclables. Since the beginning of the school year student council members have been gathering the collected recyclables from classrooms each Friday, and with the money raised by recycling the PAT team was able to purchase 72 warm, cozy blankets. “It’s good that we help others,” said Adrian, a 5th grader. “Everyone deserves to have things like we do.” “It feels really good knowing we are helping others,” said 5th grader, Felipe. “Recycling is a great way to raise money to help people and I’m glad we do it here at Voorhis.” Each blanket was wrapped in handmade Christmas paper created by the students and will surly bring a smile and warm heart to those who receive them. Lillian Rey, ERA coordinator was extremely grateful to the Voorhis community for the wonderful out-
Students from Voorhis school showcasing blankets for the needy, during this holiday season. Courtesy Photo.
pouring of kindness and generosity which will benefit so many. “This is such a blessing! These blankets will help so much and bring comfort to many people. People who
are homeless also include children and families who live in their cars or in motel rooms and they will love having a warm blanket. You are making a difference to someone’s life and
you are having the best Christmas ever because you are giving,” said Rey. Blankets continued on page 8
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Mid Valley News
December 19, 2018
EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Chalk Talk
El Monte Union Honored for Building Pathway to College by Staff Writer El Monte
El Monte Union High School District was honored during the 15th annual Tamalada fundraiser on Dec. 13 with the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award for playing an integral role in establishing a seamless cradle-tocollege pathway for students in El Monte and South El Monte. The Tamalada is a fundraising event hosted by the El Monte Promise Foundation and partnering entities that are dedicated to working with parents, school districts and community groups to cultivate a college going culture in El Monte. In all, five institutions were honored during the event. “It is a privilege to be recognized for our District’s ongoing commitment to student progress and success, which is only strengthened by the partnerships we have forged to increase access to college, resources and opportunities,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “It is through the support of our community that we have been able to help our students achieve their goals and pursue a fu-
ture with endless possibilities.” The award is named for Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo, a respected El Monte Union educator who graduated from Mountain View High School in 1994, taught at South El Monte High School and served as an administrator at South El Monte, Mountain View and El Monte high schools. He served on the El Monte City School District Board of Education at the time of his untimely death in 2009. The honor is usually given to outstanding educators who exemplify Salcedo’s tireless commitment to education. To mark the event’s 15-year milestone, the foundation this year recognized school districts and organizations that have played an instrumental role in student and family success. “These entities have excelled in their commitment and contribution to the advancement of our schools, students and communities,” said Christina Davila, project manager for the El Monte Promise Foundation. “We’re really excited about the progress that we’ve made with the help of these institutions, which have helped us redefine what college
really means for this community.” El Monte Union High School District was recognized for partnering with the foundation to expand its college savings account program to all high school students and organizing the first College and Career Family Conference in the region. The District was also recognized for its concerted efforts to improve completion rates for courses required for college admission, partnering with Rio Hondo College to create an Early College Academy and creating
a college-going culture by offering rigorous academics and career technical education pathways to prepare students for college or careers. The El Monte Promise Foundation engages families in financing their children’s pursuit of higher education by opening college savings accounts, teaching a student and parent financial literacy curriculum and providing college admission information to high school students through the El Monte Union Pledge Compact.
Arroyo Knight Places Second In South El Monte High Musician State Cross Country Championships to Perform in Tournament of by Alicia Naranjo-Champion, Knight Banner, Arroyo High School El Monte
Noah Hibbard, 12, placed 2nd in the division 2 CIF State Cross Country Championship. But his accomplishments did not stop there. He went on to run in the Foot Locker West Regional and then at Nationals. Hibbard qualified to state as an individual. To qualify for State as an individual in cross country you need to be one of the 5 individuals that aren’t part of qualifying teams. At CIF Finals Hibbard placed 2nd with a time of 14:35.1 (for 3 miles). Because the 1st place runner qualified with his team and Arroyo did not, Hibbard was the first in division 2 to qualify as an individual. “I was relieved,” Hibbard said, referring to making it to State. Mr. Bryon Hake, Hibbard’s coach, said that “Noah has worked very hard for four years”. Hake explained that “it is not about any one season of training this is about 4 years of hard work. Noah started his hard work when he joined our team in June before his freshman year and worked really hard that summer and by the Fall he was already breaking freshmen records.” At State Hibbard placed 2nd with a time of 15:05.3. He was the 3rd to qualify for State individually in Arroyo history and was the 10th Arroyo runner to ever go to State in cross country (the State meets did not start
until 1987). The meet was held at Woodward Park in Fresno California on Saturday, November 24. A week after State, Hibbard decided to run in the Foot Locker West Regional at Mt. San Antonio College. There he placed 5th with a time of 15:37.8 for a 5k. His performance qualified him to run at Foot Locker Nationals and made him an All American Honorable mention. There were 12 states that were represented at the Foot Locker West regional (all the western states). For Nationals “They take the whole country all 50 states and divide them into four regions… there [were] ten people in the race from the West, ten people from the Northeast, ten people from the Southeast and ten people from what we call the Midwest,” said Hake. At Nationals, which took place on December 8th at Balboa Park in San Diego California, Hibbard placed 26th with a time of 16:10.7. Hibbard explained “I feel like I could have done better,” but says that he still feels “good” about his performance. As Hibbard will graduate this year, he leaves his team mates with this advice “run hard every single day and go to every single course that you know you know you’re going to race… go practice and see every single course.” Hibbard leaves Arroyo’s cross country team having broken many records, run at State, and having been named an All American Honorable Mention.
Roses Parade
by Juliette Funes, Contributing Writer South El Monte
South El Monte High School senior Daniel Torres will represent El Monte Union High School District at the 130th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade after winning a coveted spot in the Pasadena City College Honor Band, which has marched in every parade since 1930. After a rigorous audition process that included hundreds of high school musicians from throughout Southern California, the Honor Band chose Torres, a four-year member of the Might Eagles Marching Band, to perform in the New Year’s Day parade. “I was speechless,” Torres said. “I just pointed at the computer screen when I received the email. I couldn’t believe it, but I’m so happy to be a part of it.” Torres is joining nearly 250 musicians who will represent their schools and showcase their talents in the parade, watched by millions across the globe. “It was a lot of pressure because the Rose Parade is world -renowned and it has always been my ultimate goal to be in it,” the baritone saxophone player said. To prepare for the October audition, Torres practiced for at least two hours a day while juggling athletics and academics. Torres, who has applied to eight universities – includ-
ing UC Berkeley, UCLA and Cornell – plays basketball, is enrolled in AP Calculus BC and takes classes at Rio Hondo College. Members have been practicing every Sunday since Nov. 4 and will practice almost every day during the winter break. Performers will memorize and perfect five pieces during the group and sectional rehearsals and will train for the six-mile trek during marches around the hills of Dodger Stadium. “This is an exciting opportunity that comes around once in a lifetime, and we are proud to see one of our own joins the illustrious band to represent El Monte Union,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “We will be cheering him on from the sidelines and can’t wait to welcome in the New Year.”
December 19, 2018
Your Community Paper of Record
Rio Hondo Honors WWII Vet and Former College Vice President by Staff Writer El Monte
Rio Hondo College commemorated Veterans Day with a Nov. 13 celebration that honored World War II veteran and former College vice president Yoshio C. Nakamura and featured guest speakers and a presentation of the Rio Hondo College Veteran Memorial Coin to attending veterans. The event, which took place at the Veterans Memorial on the Rio Hondo College campus, included a display of a military vehicle and remarks by College Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss, veteran Kevin Skinner and Nakamura. “As the Superintendent/President of Rio Hondo College, I’d like to thank all of our veterans for your dedication and service to our country,” Dreyfuss said. “Every time we are on campus, we are reminded of our veterans’ sacrifices by the presence of our Veterans Memorial. Our College believes the veterans in our community have provided us with an invaluable service, one that cannot be repaid, only honored.” Skinner talked about the importance of military service men and women standing watch to shield the nation. He also praised Nakamura for his service. “He served his post with honor and,
when he returned home, his service to others did not cease,” Skinner said. “Mr. Nakamura you are a hero and you represent the finest qualities of what an American should be.” Nakamura recounted the impact of his internment as a junior in high school with other Japanese Americans, first at the Tulare Race Track and later at the Gila River camp in Arizona, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. “My most humiliating experience of my life was the walk from the train station to the race track with local residents looking at the spectacle, with armed soldiers with fixed bayonets along the road,” he said. Still, Nakamura reported for active duty as an enlisted reserve, went through basic training and joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France. The team was composed of Americans of Japanese ancestry and became the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and length of service. He was discharged as a staff sergeant. After the war, Nakamura earned BFA and MFA degrees from USC and began teaching at Whittier High School. When Rio Hondo College was established, he was hired as the founding instructor and chair of the Fine Arts Department. He retired as a vice president of Rio Hondo College in 1992. Nakamura has been honored for his service with the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, European, African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, the French Legion of Honor Medal and, with other Japanese American veterans of World War II, the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.
SoCalGas Pledges $350,000 to California Wildfire Victims by Staff Writer LA County / National
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and the Sempra Energy Foundation today announced as much as $350,000 in combined donations to support relief efforts for victims and evacuees impacted by the major wildfires that continue to burn throughout California. The contributions include $75,000 in disaster relief assistance from SoCalGas; $25,000 in donations from Sempra Energy, the holding company that includes SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric; $75,000 in donations from the Sempra Energy Foundation, a private foundation of Sempra Energy, to the American Red Cross; and $75,000 in donations from the Sempra Energy Foundation to the United Way of Ventura County, designated for the wildfire disaster-relief fund. In addition, the Sempra Energy Foundation has agreed to match Sempra Energy employee donations up to
$50,000 to the American Red Cross and United Way of Ventura County, adding potentially $100,000 to the total contribution for relief efforts. “SoCalGas crews have been working with first responders around the clock to keep communities safe and to restore natural gas service to impacted customers because we know that being without natural gas service may be difficult, especially when temperatures are low,” said Trisha Muse, director of community relations at SoCalGas. “It is our hope that these donations provide some relief and support to the thousands of families impacted by these devastating fires.” “Residents have faced so much devastation and confusion throughout these terrible wildfires,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. “The continued support from the Sempra Energy Foundation, SoCalGas, and Sempra Energy employees will go a long way to provide immediate as-
Wildfire Victims continued on page 8
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May you be surrounded by loved ones during this happy time of year.
THANK YOU
for your continued support.
Unemployment Filing Deadline Extended to March 15 For Victims of Wildfires by Staff Writer LA County / National
The Employment Development Department (EDD) today announced that workers, business owners and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs or had their work hours substantially reduced as a result of the Camp Fire in Butte County, Hill Fire in Ventura County and Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties now have until March 15, 2019 to file for Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits. The previous deadline to file for DUA benefits was December 14, 2018. DUA provides temporary unemployment benefits to people whose jobs losses, work hour losses or loss of businesses are a direct result of a disaster and who do not qualify for regular state unemployment insurance benefits, such as business owners or self-employed individuals. Affected individuals are encouraged to apply for DUA through the EDD, which will first check to see if applicants can qualify for state unemployment benefits, and if not, process the claim for federal disaster unemployment benefits. DUA applies to losses beginning the week of November 11, 2018. Individuals can receive up to $450 a
week for a maximum of 27 weeks. These unemployment assistance benefits are offered to victims of a disaster and available to individuals who worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment, in the disaster area or cannot reach work because of the disaster or can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster. In addition, benefits are also offered to victims who can establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income, cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster, or became the head of their households because of a death caused by the disaster. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted to the EDD within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed. Required documentation includes a Social Security number and a copy of the most recent federal income tax form or check stubs, or documentation to support that the individuals were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. Documentation
Unemployment continued on page 8
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Mid Valley News
December 19, 2018
Mid Valley News Sports
Jerry Ortiz Boxing Gym – The Home of Champions by Staff Writer El Monte
The Jerry Ortiz Boxing Gym is a non-descript building on Lexington Ave about ½ block from Main Street in El Monte. If you blink twice you, or don’t know to look for the ring in
B
the storefront window, you might not notice the decal in the window. Most residents probably drive by the gym twice a week and don’t even know it’s there. However, if you’re a fan of the sweet science of boxing then you now where the gym is, and you know that the coaches and trainers working are working with some of the best young talent in the sport. If you didn’t know already, the Jerry Ortiz Boxing Gym is quickly becoming a club that turns out champions. Last week, the 2018 Elite and Youth National Championships were hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah and the team from Jerry O turned out some impressive results. Luis “cholo” Vazquez boxed 3 times and dominated all 3 of them earning his 2nd National Title this year with only 10 fights in his career. Francisco “Panchito” Cruz jr also boxed 3 times and earned a 3rd national title in the tournament. In one of the most impressive performances of the tournament, Mayra Ruiz dominated all 3 opponents winning the championship bout by tko in the first round, earning her 2nd National title and TeamUSA spot. Mayra will be traveling to Bulgaria in 2019 to represent teamUSA.
San Gabriel Valley Arsenal Hosting Baseball Clinic by Staff Writer El Monte
Southern California is one of the few places in the world where baseball is a year-round sport. Only in the San Gabriel Valley is there enough talent, interest, and good weather to host a baseball clinic on the day after Christmas. The San Gabriel Valley Baseball clinic is set for Wednesday, December 26th, at Mount San Antonio College. The event begins at 5:00 pm, is scheduled to run until 8:00 pm and is free for kids from kindergarten to the 8th grade. Here is an opportunity to get instruction from some of the best coaches who come from the San Gabriel Valley and currently coach in the college ranks such current Saint Mary’s College skipper and former Bishop Amat Knight, Eric Valenzuela. Joining Mr. Valenzuela at the event is current USC Assistant Coach Gabe Alvarez and Mountain View High School Alum and current University of Arizona Assistant Coach Sergio Brown. For more information, or to register for the event, players should visit the San Gabriel Valley Arsenal website at www.sgvbaseball.com The Arsenal was established in the
summer of 2001 with players from throughout the San Gabriel Valley to form one 14U travel ball team and has now grown to field 8 teams with some of the top baseball talent throughout Southern California. The San Gabriel Valley Arsenal now have players from the San Fernando Valley, Inland Empire, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, High Desert and the Greater Los Angeles areas.
SGV Alum Rio Ruiz was recently claimed the Baltimore Orioles. Courtesy Photo
Two-time Youth World Champion, and bronze medal winner of the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenas Aires, Heaven Garcia earned a spot at the 2020 Olympic Trials with a second-place finish and coming up just short of victory in the championship bout agains number one seed Virginia Fuchs. In other tournament results, Leonardo Rubalcava and Ray Johnson were defeated in semi-finals by the eventual champions of their bracket. Bryan “Suga Suga” Medell, Yurem “Pollo” Merino, Kayla Rico, and Sammy Contreras earned tough losses but are still up and coming talent local fans should keep an eye on.
Rio Hondo College Breaking Childcare Cost Barriers by Staff Writer El Monte
Rio Hondo College will receive $664,220 in federal grant dollars over the next four years to remove financial barriers to childcare that can prevent students with children from attending college. The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant will provide the College with $166,055 annually to subsidize up to 75 percent of the cost of childcare for parents who are Pell Grant recipients or Pell Grant eligible. When added to state funds received by Rio Hondo College for its on-campus Child Development Center (CDC), the grant provides the opportunity to eliminate costs for childcare for parents in need. The federal dollars will be provided on a sliding scale, depending on family need. “Rio Hondo College is deeply committed to providing the promise of a higher education to all members of a community as a pathway to a more fulfilled life,” Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “Childcare costs are a significant barrier to achieving that dream.” CDC Director Shireetha Gethers, Ed.D., said the College is committed to serving as many parents as possible. Already this year, the CDC expanded its service to 2-year-old children. The service means parents no longer need to wait to potty train their children before
taking advantage of the College’s stellar facilities. With a capacity to serve 105 children, the CDC currently has openings available in classrooms serving all ages. “Rio Hondo College’s CDC offers a range of preschool and transitional services to children from ages 2 to 5,” Gethers said. “This grant will expand our ability to provide parents with not only the convenience of childcare on campus, but top-level services to ensure their children get the best possible start on their own educational paths.” The grant will fund a new administrative position to manage CCAMPIS programs, which include a slate of parenting classes and regular visits with a counselor for parents. Childcare continued on page 8
E B C V
December 19, 2018
Your Community Paper of Record
Thank you for continuing to choose us as your source for both local news and for advertising your business. In the coming year, we’ll continue to work hard to create a paper that caters to the community as a whole while also meeting each of your individual needs. Our whole team wishes you a wonderful holiday season, filled with laughter, love and special moments as well as a healthy and prosperous new year.
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Mid Valley News
December 19, 2018
into Summer Fun C R O S S W O R D
S u d o k u
Crossword Puzzle solution in issue 12.26.18
Solution for Sudoku in issue 12.26.18
ACROSS
HOLIDAY SONGS
1. Rare bills 5. Clairvoyant’s gift 8. Snoopy 12. Time distortion 13. Show worry 14. Wyoming’s official sport 15. *John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is ____)” 16. And elsewhere 17. Opposite of bonjour 18. *”Have ____ a Merry Little Christmas” 20. MTV’s “____’d” 21. Incessantly 22. A cool ____, as in money 23. *”Should auld acquaintance be ____” 26. *”Run ____ Run” sung by Chuck Berry 30. *Co-writer of #15 Across 31. Used tabulator key 34. Your majesty 35. 1965 Watts events 37. *”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” sung by Brenda ____ 38. Mozart and Einstein, e.g. 39. Golly! 40. Dry ravine, in Asia 42. Not don’ts 43. Diplomatic alliance 45. Like empty hotel room 47. “Fat chance!” 48. Shenzi of “The Lion King” 50. Eastern European 52. *Vince ____ Trio of “Linus and Lucy” fame 55. Between violin and cello 56. Rainbows and such 57. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver 59. Coral reef island 60. Facebook’s “psst” 61. ____ Mann of “The Simpsons” 62. Decades 63. Lt.’s inferior, in the Navy 64. *”Last Christmas” duo
DOWN 1. *____ Turtle Doves 2. Not straight 3. Post-meal sandwich 4. Spring action, past tense 5. Like yesterday’s meal 6. Coffee burn, e.g. 7. Bread or cabbage 8. Having small nodules 9. Scandinavian war god 10. Radio button 11. *”All I want for Christmas is ____” 13. Bygone Spanish money 14. R in R.E.M. 19. Alex Haley saga 22. ____ pie in a sand box 23. Blacksmith’s hearth 24. Gibson garnish 25. Fowl perch 26. Film roll 27. Ronstadt, e.g. 28. Infectious protein particle 29. Bank job 32. *Like Elvis’ Christmas? 33. 10 decibels 36. *Deck’em 38. Ivory Coast neighbor 40. Utmost degree 41. Not sympathetic 44. Maryland Academy 46. Young and inexperienced 48. Second-largest Great Lake 49. Talks and talks and talks 50. It houses web content 51. “On Golden Pond” bird 52. Open-mouthed astonishment 53. Shakespearean “does” 54. Tiny bit 55. Port vessel 58. Mrs. Goldberg, e.g.
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A Tasty Tradition Continues By Arlene Bury, Contributing Writer National
El Monte City School District’s annual Employee Recognition Tea has become an event that many employees, both past and present, look forward to attending. Events like this set EMCSD apart from other school districts, since the District has been hosting this event for more than 60 years when it was started by former Superintendent Byron Thompson. “At one time the Tea consisted of employees coming to the District office, standing in a line that was quite long, walking into the former board room, shaking hands with the superintendent, and other admin staff there, receiving a cookie and getting a cup of champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate), or punch and moving on,” Former EMCSD Superintendent Jeff Seymour said. “The Tea continued in this fashion, but fewer people attended. When I became superintendent, I talked with our food service director, and we decided to offer more, in a setting that had more of a holiday feel, and would give employees and retirees a chance to catch up and see each other. It really caught on. Retired principal, Liz Raymond, said, “I come every year. It’s a nice chance to meet with people you don’t get to see. And the food is always great.” This year’s theme “A Storybook Christmas” was conceived and brought to life by Central Kitchen and Catering Manager Liz Estavillo. She said, “Each year I try to come up with a fresh and innovative idea. I want it to be pertinent to the school district, as well as
Courtesy photo.
be unexpected.” Estavillo’s idea included giant storybooks complete with text and illustrations from Christmas classics like “The Night Before Christmas” and “The Polar Express”. Upon seeing the festive room filled with holiday decorations, lights and the giant storybooks, not to mention all the appetizing trays of food, Superintendent Dr. Maribel Garcia exclaimed, “My goodness! This room looks amazing!” “This storybook theme is by far my favorite,” Garcia said. “It’s perfect for a school district and our employees are going to love it.” The inclement weather did not deter employees from attending. Pat Murrell, a retired teacher who currently lives in Oklahoma, was in town and attended the tea. She just happened to be the third grade teacher of EMCSD’s own Superintendent – Dr. Maribel Garcia! The two greeted each other with an embrace and reminisced about their good times together. “I enjoy visiting with everyone,” EMCSD Board President Jennifer Cobian said. “This is a great way to celebrate a successful year and an exciting way to look forward to a new year.” Amongst all the laughing, reminiscing and eating - there were even the obligatory photos with Santa. The room overflowed with holiday cheer and comradery between friends and colleagues. Special thanks to the creative talents of Liz Estavillo and her Nutrition Department team.
December 19, 2018
Your Community Paper of Record
Webb’s Rule Treasured Seasons
by Eugene R. Webb to be living; While you There are good reasons; For our treaare generously giving. sured seasons. Time for everything here on earth; Starting from the time of our birth. Time to enjoy each season as it comes; While being thoughtful to everyone. For A time for sharing; As Well as for Caring. there’s always time to wear a smile; When A special time for love; And for others we you remember to go the extra mile. think of. There’s even a time for rest; And realizing you’ve been blest. Yes, a good time
“Connie’s Comments”
Christmas Special
by Connie Keenan El Monte
right in front of Macy’s. Connie the half-dead Grandma, has a very determined stare. If anyone would stop her, she would give them such a glare. All of the other shoppers, look to have the same intent. They never let poor Grandma, holler, yell, scream or vent. Now I’m off to Trader Joe’s to get one of those spiral hams. I got one last year and I’ve been craving it all year. Grandma’s been run over by a reindeer…Walking through the aisles of Trader Joe’s. You could say there’s no such thing as Santa… I’m proud of myself. I didn’t throw one ham, salami or brisket at any one of the shoppers. I did notice the frozen half smiles on some faces. The frenzied harried look of a mother who has to make Christmas work. I wonder if I had the same expression. As I toss the ham into the passenger seat of my dear Sebastian (my trusty blue 2004 Toyota Celica), I realize I’m finished. I’m finished with Christmas! All the packages are wrapped, save the one I just exchanged. The tree is trimmed. I did all my baking and candy making. A serene sense of smugness creeps over me. Joy to the world, grandma’s done, let peace begin to heal, the anger, pain and jealousy…the fear, loneli-
Holy guacamole Batman! Have you been outside? There are so many people out! I understand the holidays and shopping and last minute cooking, but really? I could walk faster, (It probably would be healthier too.) than my car is going. Sorry, I’m being a grump today. Not a Scrooge. Just a grump. The traffic outside is frightful, my dear it’s not delightful. As long as I have to go, let us move, let us move, let us move! What luck! I found a parking place Connie’s Comments continued on page 8
May the holiday season be a special time for you and your family.
Our best wishes for the New Year.
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Ramona Property Managers, Inc.
Cracker Barrel “A Day At Whittier Narrows”
by: Mike McClure, Staff Writer El Monte
Above all, we wish you and yours good health.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
El Monte - South El Monte Emergency Preparation Coalition 3 pm | 4th Monday | Every Month El Monte Senior Center 3120 Tyler Ave El Monte, CA 91731
…so the other day I went to Whittier Narrows to see the progress on the County’s Homeless Initiative. Thursday, December 13, Supervisor Solis shared highlights and significant progress of the L.A. County Criminal Record Clearing Project, which is a one-stop mobile expungement event started earlier this year. With the Supervisor was the new Public Defender, Ricardo Garcia, and his team. This new model builds on the Public Defender’s legal clinics held throughout the County. It gives individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness the opportunity to engage in legal services onsite at Homeless Connect days and outreach events, and resolve outstanding infractions and associated warrants, which are often barriers to housing, employment, education, and legal immigration. The mobile expungement event was held at the location of the mobile showers program at Whittier Narrows and highlighted how the County’s wraparound services are collectively working together to combat homelessness in the region. I had a chance to talk to Supervisor Solis about the perception that many of the families in our community have that the parks would become unsafe for them to bring their families
to, the Supervisor assured me that our residents have no reason to be concerned and that much of the negative reports of lawlessness and drug use was overblown. She asked me to talk with Deputy Sheriff Rodney Gutierrez who was there as the Sheriff’s Department Homeless Liaison who told me that since the project had begun there at Whittier Narrows there had been no increase in arrest or reports of crime and that it was as safe as before to bring the family out and enjoy the outdoors (when someone as “big” as Deputy Sheriff Gutierrez tells you it’s safe, you believe him). While I was there, I saw an old friend, Reina Schmitz and the team from San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps. It seems that anytime you need volunteers the Conservation Corps are there, so I wasn’t surprised to see them helping out. We have to remember, the Supervisor provides the leadership and the funding to get the County agencies to come out into the community and provide the services and then organization like the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps show up to do the heavy lifting of setting up booths, serving food for the homeless and all the other little things that go unrecognized, so Reina I saw you and your team and I saw the Supervisor recognize you. Keep up the Good Work!
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Mid Valley News
Toy Drive Continued from page 1
eight hundred food and toy baskets to over three thousand residents throughout the City of El Monte. The event may have started with only a couple dozen volunteers, a
clothing company, and the City of El Monte providing food and comfort to thirty families, but over the decades, the program has grown to provide food and toy baskets to thousands of El Monte residents from the generosity of over two-hundred volunteers, and dozens of business. It began as a partnership between a
Courtesy Photo
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Contributing Writers Connie Keenan Dick James Devette Johnson Michael McClure Mike Nelson Mid Valley Media Center, LLC, all contents here in are copyrighted and may not be reproduce in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff of Mid Valley Media Center, LLC. Adjudicated as a paper of general circulation in the City of El Monte, County of Los Angeles Superior Court, Nov. 7 1973. No. C68383 official paper for the County of Los Angeles, Adjudicated on general circulation Los Angeles July 18, 1992, No. BS016380
The students excitedly loaded the blankets into the car to be taken to the ERA facility. The entire Voorhis team is overjoyed to express their gratitude and fondness to the community they serve by giving back during the holidays. Voorhis principal, Larry Elwell was very proud of the Voorhis team for their efforts. “This is wonderful on both sides. It fills a need in the community and it teaches the students the importance of giving back,” he said. “It’s a great extra lesson beyond the classroom.” Voorhis’ recycling efforts also enable the school to donate Baskets of
Childcare continued from page 4
The CDC – which provides care from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Friday in coordination with the College’s academic schedule – is also applying for accreditation by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The accreditation, which will take more than a year to complete, is a voluntary step that will signify the highquality early-learning services Rio Hondo College’s CDC offers. “This new grant is an excellent tool for Rio Hondo to continue delivering on its pledge that higher education should be an option for everyone,” Board of Trustees President Gary Mendez said. “It joins a long list of services that have become a hallmark of Rio Hondo College’s commitment to serving its community.”
December 19, 2018
business and the City over thirty years ago. It is now a symbol for gratitude, appreciation, and service for others and the only pay in kind these officers and civil servants expect are the smiles from children who have little.
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Love each spring to those in need which are filled with toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene items.
Wildfire Victims continued from page 3
sistance to impacted households in Ventura County. We’re so thankful for their ongoing generosity.” Through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, the American Red Cross works to provide care, shelter, and hope for all people across the country and around the world affected by disaster. In times of emergency, the United Way of Ventura County works to improve people’s lives by mobilizing a wide range of partners to provide the necessary resources to those who need it most. In addition to the American Red Cross and the United Way of Ventura County, the SoCalGas donations will support the following relief funds and organizations: American Red Cross, Central California Region American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region Ventura County Fire Department’s Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund Ventura County Community Foundation, Hills Fire and Woolsey Fires Sudden Urgent Needs Fund Friends of Ventura County Animal Services Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation Big Heart Ranch, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, Malibu Fire Relief Fund Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation Noah’s Legacy Fund SoCalGas has more than 100 field representatives working alongside fire fighters in support of public safety and first responders. In areas where evacuation orders have been lifted, SoCalGas crews are working diligently to restore natural gas service to customers impacted by the fire.
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Unemployment
from banks or government entities, or affidavits from individuals having knowledge of their business.
continued from page 3
for the self-employed can be obtained
Connie’s Comments
To all our readers, Merry Christmas and here’s to a wonderful New Year!
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ness, and forgetfulness. Let heaven and nature sing. Let heaven and nature sing. Let heaven, let heaven and nature sing. As I pull into my driveway I realize that perhaps the bustle and hustle of Christmas is to remind us of the calm afterward. It isn’t the presents. Nor the food, (Hubby Terry would vehemently decry that statement.) or the decorations. It’s the calm. The peace knowing one has a whole year before you have to do it again.
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