Sports
Education
Champions page 4
Chalk Talk, page 2 - 3
The Community Paper of Record
Vol . 5, N
o . 05
S er vi n g t h e S an G ab r iel Valley S in c e 196
Mar c h 07
, 2018
P ar k vi ew S c h ol ’ s 43 r d A n n u al A m er ic an ism P ar ade by M. Earle El Monte
“Songs of America” was the theme for Parkview Elementary School’s 43rd Annual Americanism Parade featuring a parade line-up of enthusiastically patriotic students, marching bands and distinguished guests. Proudly decked out in red, white and blue and enthusiastically waving American Flags and signs paying tribute to their great country, Parkview’s transitional kindergarten through 6th grade students marched by classroom down Elliott Street, singing patriotic songs and shouting cheers for the U.S.A. The parade route was lined with hundreds of community members and students from surrounding schools cheering them on as they celebrated their pride in America. The amazing marching bands and auxiliary units from Madrid Middle School, Kranz Intermediate School, El Monte High School, Mountain View High School and South El Monte High School provided wonderful music and entertainment. Joining in the patriotic celebration were several distinguished guests including El Monte Police Chief David Reynoso along with El Monte Po-
Parkview School Americanism Parade. Photo courtesy.
lice Department Officers, Lieutenants, School Resource Officers, and Mounted Patrol Volunteers on horseback, L.A. County Fire Department Station 163, Parkview Parent Volunteers, THINK Together After School
staff members, El Monte City Council Members, Parkview retirees and MVSD maintenance worker, Louie Saenz, who drove one of the tractors used by the maintenance department. Masters of Ceremonies, George
Schonborn and Tony Lugo, MVSD administrators, provided an informational and humorous commentary, complete with several historical facts Americanism continued on page 8
A Day In Troy Captures The Imagination of El Monte Students by R. Conner, Staff Writer El Monte
On Saturday, February 24, 2018, the El Monte Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department with the help of the Jr. Recreation Leader Volunteer Program escorted 70 children from Gibson Mariposa Park, Lambert Park, Mt. View Park, Zamora Park, and the Cogswell and Payne After-School Recreation and Tutoring sites to “A Day in Troy”. During El Monte’s fifth year participating in the USC event, local attendees had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with about 160 USC student-athletes. Children from El Monte gathered inspiration and let their imaginations soar as student-athletes showed them around campus. Stops on the tour included the football weight room, a locker room, and a photo-op at the legendary Tommy Trojan and George Tirebiter statues. When asked about the Parks, Rec-
reation, and Community Services Department participation, Recreation Services Manager Lisa Del Real was enthusiastic in her hopes that a trip to USC can inspire the children. “It’s a beautiful, historic campus and the student mentors were very friendly and welcoming. Hopefully it starts a conversation about going to college or even USC!” This annual USC special event is an educational and entertaining opportunity for elementary-aged children to engage with USC student athletes who provide mentoring and Trojan pep-talks about education, physical fitness, goal-setting, diversity, and overcoming challenges. Children also received a tour of
the USC campus, lunch at the Galen Center, autograph session, and attend the USC Trojans vs. Colorado Buffaloes Women’s Basketball game. The fans were also treated to an au-
Courtesy Photo
tograph session with the student-athletes and a USC women’s basketball A Day In Troy continued on page 8
Mid Valley News
P age 2
Mar c h 07, 2018
EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Chalk Talk El Monte Union High School Districts Inaugural State of The District Address by Staff Writer El Monte
Dr. Zuniga presentation at El Monte Union High School District’s First Inaugural State of the District. He outline events and the new motto of the school district Courtesy photo
El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga planned on providing updates and information at the El Monte Union High School Districts Inaugural State of The District Address. Instead, he hosted an event that will live in the memories of those in attendance for years to come. Somewhere between highlighting successes of The District and outlining El Monte Union’s future, Dr. Zuniga introduced members to award winning academic programs, student achievements, and educational priorities. And it was all wrapped around songs in Swahili, Djembes, robots, and a brilliant display of compassion, lights, music, and photographs. The event – held at the El Monte High School Auditorium on a Saturday morning with the sky a clear shade of blue only God makes dur-
ing a Southern California Winter – included definitions, goals, and objectives of the District’s new vision, mission and goals, adopted this school year by the Board of Trustees. Students from the VISTA video production academy at Mountain View High School kicked off the event with a live broadcast on stage that included interviews of audience members, followed by a performance from the Arroyo High School acapella choir. Dr. Zuniga discussed the District’s commitment to supporting college and career readiness by providing robust academic and co-curricular programs, including career technical education courses. Classroom innovation was demonstrated by South El Monte High School students, who showcased their robotics skills and State of the District continued on page 3
EMUHSD to Help University El Monte High School Students Achieve Degrees Alum Receives Fellowship
by Christopher Au-Young, Contributing Writer El Monte
According to the National Association of Social Workers, March is National Social Work Month. Which means there is no better month for the El Monte Union High School District to provide San Jose State Students field training opportunities as University students work toward undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work. Bachelors or Arts in Social Work and Master of Social Work Programs require field work experience, the use of facilities, and opportunities to acquire and test skills relevant to the conditions of social work. In a world filled with complex pressing challenges and a constantly changing economic environment, we need people who are committed to making a difference in the lives of people within their communities more than ever before, and therein lies the true value of social work. Through their commitment to bringing about positive social change, helping individuals of all ages succeed and survive in local environ-
Photo Courtesy
ment, and advocating for those who have lost their voice, social workers are important in the struggle to improve the lives of those who need it most. And those who need it most are often in economically depressed atrisk communities. Though they work with both children and adults in vulnerable or disadvantaged populations, the benefits of a social worker’s service is especially evident in children, teenagers, and young adults. Without the help of a committed and dedicated social worker, young members of the community would little to no support or guidance necessary to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. This program is available only to University Students majoring in social work, and are supervised by a faculty staff member, as well as an onsite supervisor from the El Monte Union High School District. Social services are needed most in populations where clients may be disenfranchised, marginalized, oppressed, or otherwise5 emotionally compromised. Social workers stand Achieve Degrees continued on page 3
from Cal Poly Pomona by Devette Johnson, Staff Writer El Monte
El Monte High School alum Ulises Lorenzo is one of eighteen Cal Poly Pomona teacher candidates awarded a $5,000 fellowship from Partners in Education (PIE), a coalition of academic administrators and community leaders during its 12th annual Sponsor a Future Teacher Awards Ceremony on Feb. 15. Students are selected based on their GPA, progress in the credential program, community involvement and passion for teaching. Graduating from El Monte High School in 2007, Mr. Lorenzo is a firstgeneration college student, earning his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in 2017 before enrolling in the single subject teaching credential program. He is scheduled to graduate from the program in June 2018 with a credential in Adapted Physical Education where he Adapted physical education is the art and science of developing, implementing, and monitoring a carefully designed physical education instructional program for
a learner with a disability. He discovered his passion for physical education as a track and field and cross-country athlete While a student at El Monte High School and looks forward to being a positive role model and provide opportunities to help students to help his students reach their fullest potential. “The PIE Fellowship program is extremely important in supporting our students,” said Nick Salerno, PIE board member and lecturer in Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Education and Integrative Studies. “Clinical practice is a timeconsuming and intense requirement that all students must successfully complete in order to obtain their teaching credential. They are literally working full time to meet this requirement and there is no compensation. The PIE Fellowship allows our clinical practice students to focus their full attention on their teaching, their students and their coursework. Most of our students would need to also work part time during clinical practice to make ends meet.” El Monte Alum continued on page 3
Courtesy photo from University of Cal Poly Pomona
Mar c h 07, 2018
Y ou
r C om
m u n it y P ap er of
P age 3
R ec or d
EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Chalk Talk State of the District Continued from page 2
use of drones to enhance their learning. A constant theme throughout the presentation was the District’s acknowledgement and appreciation of their staff, the community, and the community partners. In addition, the superintendent touched on the challenges ahead, including declining enrollment, how to
Achieve Degrees Continued from page 2
up every day to maintain human rights, social justice, or just day-today survival that help strengthen our communities. Social workers are often the voice for people who aren’t being heard, including infants, teenagers, adults and senior. They tackle serious social issues and protect the defenseless creating solutions that help people reach
El Monte Alum Continued from page 2
Each year, PIE provides fellowships of up to $5,000 each to support students during their
address the needs of immigrant students and underperforming student groups, and school safety. “It has been an extraordinary year of successes for El Monte Union and we have been eager to share them with our community of students, teachers, administrators, parents and stakeholders – key drivers to shaping the achievement of our students and excellence of our District,” Zuniga said. “As educators, we hold the key to many of our students’ hopes and dreams and we are steadfast in our commitment to making a difference in their lives.” The District’s new motto is Community Committed to College and Career and the District obviously means every word. their full potential and make our communities a better place to live. Those wanting to major in social work and pursue are likely to find such working conditions and behaviors ideal and a great way to get their feet wet by helping those in need. The agreement to provide facilities for field training is for five years but is conditional on a signed contract for services between the Trustees of the California State University and The El Monte Union High School District.
clinical practice experience, a very important component of the credential program. Since 2006, the group has awarded more than 160 fellowships to teacher candidates.
For more information about the Cal Poly Pomona College of Education and Integrative Studies, its credential program or PIE, contact Ashley Jones at 909-869-5370.
Rosemead High Academic Decathlon Team Heads to State Championship by Staff Writer El Monte
The Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon is a colorful, rigorous two-day scholastic team competition that tests the knowledge and skills of high school students who compete against other school teams for gold, silver and bronze medals. In its first year as a Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Division One school, Rosemead High School’s Academic Decathlon team earned a fourth-place finish at the LACOE Academic Decathlon, advancing to the California State Championship on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 in Sacramento. Decathletes are challenged to use analytical skills, performance abilities and testtaking and writing aptitude in 10 events: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language & Literature, Math, Music,
Science, Social Science and Speech. South Pasadena High School won the 2018 Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon for the fourth consecutive year. The team bested all others with a tally of 57,353.70 points, improving their score for three years in a row. But because their scores were high enough to qualify, an additional nine Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon high school teams were invited to compete in the state competition as “wild-card” entrants. They are: Mark Keppel, West, Rosemead, Alhambra, Redondo Union, South, Edgewood, Beverly Hills and Palos Verdes Peninsula. Rosemead students were awarded three individual gold medals, with their strongest showings in the speech, essay and interview sections.
Fernando R. Ledesma High Named a 2018 Model Continuation High School by S. Jackson El Monte
Fernando R. Ledesma High School is one of 32 schools in the state to be recognized as a 2018 Model Continuation High School, a designation awarded by the California Department of Education to schools that provide exemplary programs to atrisk youth using innovative instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, guidance, and counseling. “Every day, our teachers and staff unite in their shared goal of addressing our students’ academic, social and emotional well-being, while cultivating a safe and caring learning environment in which they can overcome obstacles and succeed,” Principal Freddy Arteaga said. “Being among the few schools selected across the state as Model Continuation High Schools is a testament to the supportive culture we have worked hard to foster.” Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education. This year’s Model Continuation Schools were selected based on a comprehensive and competitive application process that involves effectiveness, assessments, and use of data. The process included a peer review panel and an on-site visit. Ledesma, awarded the designation on two previous occasions, has incorporated technology campus- wide to produce college-ready students. Every classroom is equipped with computers and most have SMART/ENO
technology boards that teachers use for daily instruction. Teachers regularly receive curricular and instructional development. The school has also incorporated a variety of scheduling options for the 320 students enrolled, allowing for smaller class sizes and one-on-one support. Instructional aides and college-aged tutors provide additional assistance to students. Students are provided scholarship opportunities and participate in leadership conferences, college fairs, field trips, financial aid workshops and the School Resource Officer Program with the El Monte Police Department. Students and staff give back to the community through food drives, community service projects and blood drives for the City of Hope. Attendance rates have increased steadily each year since 2013, reaching a peak of 78 percent in 2017. According to school data, 98 percent of students participated in the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress), the state’s official system of assessments. Ledesma High, which will retain its designation for three years, will be recognized at the 2018 California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in April. “We are incredibly excited to call Fernando R. Ledesma High a threetime Model Continuation High School,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “I want to thank Mr. Arteaga for his leadership and thank Ledesma teachers and staff for providing our students the supportive environment they need to make positive changes in their own lives.”
Scholarships of the Week
Welcome to the land of the debt free bachelor’s degree. Where nickels and dimes are common sense and the college degree has taken over student debt as the status symbol of higher education. While we usually discuss several scholarship opportunities, this week we are going to talk about one – though it is important and potentially has a greater positive impact on our communities that many of the scholarships we mention week in and week out. It is undeniable that education is key to breaking the cycle of generational poverty and abuse — the very circumstances that often force children into foster care. In Seattle, Washington, the Case Family Programs have supported foster your since 1966 and providing scholarships to deserving foster youth
since 1987. Casey Family Programs provides funding for students in community colleges, public and private universities, and technical/career programs in all 50 states. The program, Foster Care to Success (FC2S) provides the encouragement, mentoring and practical support students need to do well not only in school but in their personal lives. Application Deadline: March 31, 2018 Awards: $2,500-$5,000 based on a combination of need and merit up to five years if the student remains compliant with program requirements. A p p lic an t s m u st : Have been in public or private foster care for the 12 consecutive months leading up to and including their 18th birthday; OR have been adopted or placed into legal guardianship
after their 16th birthday; OR have been orphaned for at least one year at the time of their 18th birthday and not subsequently adopted Be under the age of 25 on March 31 of the year in which they apply if they have not previously received scholarship funding from Foster Care to Success Have been in foster care or orphaned while living in the United States. U.S. citizenship is not required. Have been accepted into or expect to be accepted into an accredited, Pell-eligible college or other postsecondary school This is an undergraduate scholarship only and awards are announced by email at the end of June. More information and applications can be found at http://www.fc2success.org.
P age
4
Mid Valley News
Mar c h 07, 2018
Mid Valley Sports
E l Mon
t e I s A H om
e F or
C h am p ion
s
by Staff Writer El Monte / San Gabriel Valley
Congratulations to Kayla Rico and Panchito Cruz Jr. on being recognized by the City of El Monte for their continued accomplishments in the ring. Fighting out of the Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym in El Monte, these outstanding ambassadors of the sport of kings recently travelled to Independence, Missouri for the 2018 National Silver Gloves Tournament and came home champions. The mark of a championship performance is making the difficult look easy, and the 100 lb weight class of the Intermediate Female Division was dominated by Kayla Rico when the contest against Jayla Walton was stopped by the referee in the first fight, and the second against Jasmine Winn won on points by unanimous decision. Francisco Cruz, Jr showed the heart of a champion, standing toe to toe with Caleb Suniga and making the decision difficult for the judges as he displayed skill and talent in the closing rounds. By the end of the fight, Panchito out worked his opponent and earned the victory by split deci-
sion before dispatching Naseia Richardson-Moore on points in a unanimous decision in the finals. By winning their respective divisions, these two champions have qualified for a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico and the 2018 Western Elite Qualifier and Regional Open. The Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing & Youth Fitness Gym offers a structured program led by dedicated trainers and assistant trainers. Different from many other youth boxing and fitness gyms that concentrate solely on boxing, programs offered focus on teaching boxing skills while promoting physical fitness, teamwork and good sportsmanship in a safe environment. For more information on programs, youth fitness, and how to support the Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym mission, readers are encouraged to call 626-401-3004 Congrats to 2018 Silver Gloves Champions Kayla Rico, Jose Rico, Carlos Rodriguez, and Panchito Cruz Jr. Photo Courtesy of Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym
Baseball’s Back!
by Tim Peterson, MidValleySports.com El Monte and South Pasadena
High School baseball opened Saturday in various cities across the CIF Southern Section. In South El Monte, Norwalk and South El Monte High School split a double header. The Lancers beating the Eagles 6-2 in the first game, but South El Monte High rallied from a 5-0 deficit to win the nightcap 7-6.
The Lancers led 5-0 in the fourth inning of the second game, but South El Monte battled back to get three in the bottom of the fourth and three in the bottom of the seventh to pull it out. Pub Note: This article is reprinted with permission from MidValleySports.com. All photos courtesy of MidValleySports. com.
Sport Schedule
Mid Valley Radio Mission Valley League Game of The Week Broadcast Schedule Friday March 9th Baseball Claremont at Arroyo Game Time - 3:30 Friday March 16th Softball La Canada at Monrovia Game Time - 3:30 Wednesday March 21st Baseball Arroyo at Rosemead First Pitch - 3:15 Wednesday March 28th Baseball Rosemead at El Monte First Pitch - 3:15 Friday April 6th Softball La Canada at Temple City First Pitch – 3:30 Friday April 13th Softball El Monte at Mountain View First Pitch - 3:15 Friday April 20th Baseball Rosemead at Arroyo First Pitch - 3:15 Friday April 27th Softball Arroyo at El Monte First Pitch - 3:15 Friday May 4th Baseball South El Monte at El Monte First Pitch - 3:15
UCLA defeats USC by Mike Nelson, Contributing Sports Writer National / Los Angeles
Last Saturday the Pac-12 Men’s College Basketball regular season came to an end. A crosstown rivalry was played and the winner may have guaranteed their spot in the NCAA Tournament. The UCLA Bruins defeated the USC Trojans 83-72 at the Galen Center in a very exciting rivalry matchup. After a very turbulent season for the Bruins off the court a big win like this one may have helped save the season. Aaron Holiday was clearly the best player on the court and he carried the Bruins in this game. Holiday led all scorers with 34 points and had 7 assists. He shot 11 of 16 from the field and he played the entire game, he never was subbed out. The game was close for most of the 1st half and the Trojans even had the lead at half 4340. The Bruins just took over in the 2nd half outscoring the Trojans 43-29 in the half. The Bruins shot 50% from the field, the Trojans shot 40%. The real difference in this game was the three point shooting, the Bruins shot 13 of 27 as a team while the Trojans shot only 5 of 19. The Bruins were without their star Point Guard Jaylen Hands who got injured in practice earlier in the
week. They employed a 7-man rotation and gutted out this huge win on the road. The 4th seeded Bruins will now play on Thursday (2:30 PM, Pac-12 Network) in the Pac-12 Tournament against the winner of #5 Stanford and #12 California. The 2nd seeded Trojans will play on the same day (6 PM, Pac-12 Network) against the winner of #7 Washington and #10 Oregon State. The tournament will be played at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and the Championship game will be Saturday (7 PM Fox Sports 1). The winner of this tournament will get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and won’t have to wait for Selection Sunday (March 11) to know their fate of their season. The Arizona Wildcats are the only team in the Pac-12 that has a spot already wrapped up for the big dance regardless of what happens in this tournament. For the other 11 teams nothing is certain so everybody has to try to do the best they can in this tournament to impress the Selection Committee. For USC and UCLA it will be interesting to see who makes the tournament because it most likely won’t be both of them.
Mid Valley Media Center Have a Public Notice To Be Published? Call Us at 626.888.1493 or Email Us at info@midvalleymedia.net
Mar c h 07, 2018
Y ou
r C om
m u n it y P ap er of
P age 5
R ec or d
Miramonte School Parents Rio Hondo College Students Complete 12 Week Project 2 to Conduct Research at UCLA Inspire Training by Staff Writer El Monte
by. M. Earle, Contributing Writer, Mt View School District San Gabriel Valley
The Mountain View School District (MVSD) was proud to celebrate the achievement of Miramonte Elementary School parents who completed the 12-week Information/Awareness Level 1 training of the California Association of Bilingual Educators (CABE) Project 2 Inspire program. The training was led by Gloria Garcia, Sandra Iribe, and Consuelo Godinez, MVSD parents who have completed CABE’s three levels of Project 2 Inspire training and are now Expert Level CABE trainers for the District. The three experts led Miramonte’s parents in 12 module sessions gaining awareness of critical information impacting their children and their schooling. The parents were very appreciative of the opportunity to take part in the training and gain strategies to support their children, as well as develop leadership skills so they may continue to the Level 2 Mastery training of the program. “The training was really great,” said Gwendolyn Celestino, mom to a 1st grader at Miramonte. “As we studied the different topics we shared our own personal stories and got to learn from each other. The strategies I learned will definitely help me with my child at home. I’m glad I went through the training and I’m looking
forward to continuing on to the level 2 training.” MVSD superintendent, Lillian Maldonado French was happy to be at the celebration and proud to congratulate the participants and presenters for their achievement. “Thank you for taking the time to participate in the training and your willingness to partner with us to provide the best for our students and families,” said French. “Congratulations on this tremendous achievement and I encourage you to continue on to the level 2 and level 3 training and become an Expert Level Trainer in our District.” In addition to the skills and knowledge they gain during the training, the parents come away with friendships, support and a sense of community that will continue beyond the 12 weeks. Expert trainer, Gloria Garcia is grateful to be able to give back to others as a trainer and is hopeful the new level 1 graduates will continue with the training. “We can have many things but without opening our minds and hearts we have nothing,” said Garcia. “We all love our children and are here for them and it’s important that we supInspire Training continued on page 8
Professors at Rio Hondo College and UCLA have established the UCLA-RHC Scientific Exchange Program, which will allow six students at the Whittier-area community college to work this spring with researchers at the UCLA Center for Biological Physics. The program kicked off Feb. 22 at the UCLA Physics and Astronomy building, where the students will meet UCLA faculty and tour the center’s world-class laboratories. “This partnership demonstrates
UCLA Professor Alex Levine outlines the RHC-UCLA Scientific Exchange Program for Rio Hondo College students, Courtesy Photo.
“T
by R. McGee, Contributing Writer El Monte
Our hearts go out to the families and staff involved in yesterday’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. We hope and pray that nothing like that ever happens in our schools or community. However, if it does, in the Mountain View School District we continue to work hard to ensure that our district and schools are prepared. The Mountain View School District takes student, staff and school safety very seriously and practices emergency response plans frequently. Our schools and the District have safety plans which are reviewed ev-
ery year and we schools and District have safety plans in place continue to build and strengthen those plans. We are fortunate to have a collaborative relationship the El Monte Police Department that includes daily interaction and communication, and we also work with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department regarding school safety and security. The District’s training in the Incident Command System (ICS) includes working directly with professional fire and police officials who use ICS for emergency response and communications. Additionally, staff members are trained in First Aid/CPR and search and rescue. Drills on evacuation, fire, earthquake, and criminal activity incidents are held regularly to ensure the best is done to protect students and staff during any emergency or crisis that occurs on school campuses. We encourage staff members, students, parents, and volunteers, on New App continued on page 8
Rio Hondo continued on page 7
Cracker Barrel
ea, C h eese & C h co ol at e C ok ies” By: Mike McClure El Monte
Greater El Monte Community Hospital to Receive New App
the commitment of Rio Hondo College’s faculty to continually stretch the boundaries of opportunity for our students,” President/Superintendent Teresa Dreyfuss said. Dreyfuss credited the effort to Rio Hondo College physics Professor Christian Vaca, who wanted to expand student research options. Vaca reached out to his graduate faculty adviser, UCLA Professor Alex Levine, and the duo mapped out a pact to allow students to research soft condensed matter and biological physics. The students will present their work at a conference in June. Levine outlined the program – the first such partnership between the two institutes of higher learning – in a talk at Rio Hondo College to 42 students in December. As part of the effort, UCLA will help cover the costs of travel and parking, as well as provide some research funds. The program meshes with UCLA’s mission to connect with local colleges and extend academic opportunities to students, especially first-generation students and those
…so recently I moved to El Monte and I was talking about it to a friend who had lived in El Monte for a couple of years back in the sixty’s. This friend of mine told me about one of the markets here in El Monte, he thought it was Crawford’s, that use to have a giant block of cheese and that when you would come into the store one of the employees would climb up on a ladder and cut off a piece for you. Well, I’m not going to say that my friend is prone to b.s. but he has been known to “embellish” a story, not for evil reasons but more as a way to gauge how gullible you are, so I went to my favorite source about the history of El Monte, the Historical Society’s Museum and I got lucky, both Donna Crippen (the Curator of the Museum) and Cathi Eredia (the President of the Historical Society) were there and they both laughed when I ask about the big block of cheese because they knew all about it. W.H. Crawford was a great showman. In the forty’s and fifty’s he had built his market, Crawford’s Village, into one of the first real supermarkets in Southern California. He would have several promotions throughout the year and also live entertainment, Country Western icon Cliffy Stone along with Moly Bee were regulars there. The biggest promotion each year was the “Giant Block of Cheese”. Each year Bill Crawford would have a block of cheese delivered from Hol-
land, Wis. and each year it would get bigger and bigger. Finally it weighed something like six tons and was about ten feet high! Old W.H. Crawford would have customers lined around the block trying to beat the record for how fast they could sell all of that cheese. Bill’s son Ray took over the store and he was a race car fan and did several promotions himself but none ever topped the “Six Ton Block of Cheese”. So John over in Temple City, you were right and thanks for the story. …so I went back to the museum last week for the Historical Society’s Quarterly Tea, which is always fun. Cathi Eredia gave an interesting account of some of the early settlers to come to El Monte, particularly the Thompson Party and the Johnsons. She also told of the capture of the Oatman girls and how Olive Oatman had been rescued. Cathi got assistance in her presentation by Virginia Mosely who was accompanied by her son Clarke (former publisher of the Mid Valley News and local community leader). Ms. Mosely had brought a file with her with photos and other research papers about the early settlers that she shared with Cathi Eredia. Virginia Mosely has written about many of the early residents of this area and is a wealth of information. She just celebrated her birthday so we wish her a belated Happy Birthday! One Last Thing: Jeff Seymour was Cracker Barrel continued on page 8
6
Mid Valley News
By D. McGann, Contributing Writer San Gabriel Valley / California
Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) introduced H.R. 5127, the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act, to assist water agencies with the expansion, planning, designing, and building of water recycling plants and modernizing water infrastructure in California, other western states, and communities across the country. “As we explore new ways to enhance our water portfolio and safe-
By Staff Writer El Monte
The City of El Monte is updating its transit system schedule to operate every 50 minutes beginning March 1 to allow for transfers at the El Monte Trolley Station. Currently, the bus schedule runs every 40 minutes with buses departing from the Trolley Station located on Center Avenue. The schedule has not been modified to reflect the increase in traffic since the program’s incep-
tion nearly 30 years ago. The updated schedule will provide enough time for buses to make transfers on time. The City’s transit program is key service for the community as it provides transportation to major shopping areas, recreation facilities and most schools within the City for only 50¢ a loop. The transit buses operate seven days a week, running five colorcoded routes: Blue, Red, Green, Yel-
Water Act continued on page 7
Community Corner
You’re invited to the Rosemead Blvd Complete Street Community Tour!
Please join Supervisor Hilda L. Solis at the Whittier Narrows
Recreation Area to help convert Rosemead Blvd into a safer, more enjoyable Complete Street for everyone, especially families, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.
Trail
Rosemead Blvd 0.3 0
PICO RIVERA Rd Legend Pedestrian/Cyclist Route
Project Initiation
Community Engagement
October 2017
November 2017 May 2018
Community Meetings
Questions?
Depa
io n
ails Tr
rt m
en
to
f Parks &
Re
Pico Rivera Sports Arena 605
Gallatin
Project Schedule
s Angele f Lo s yo
ive r
rie ab
MONTEBELLO
Equestrian Route
If you require accommodations based on disability and/or medical condition, please contact Suren Sahakyan at ssahakyan@parks.lacounty.gov
Bik e Tr ail
lR
Road
Bik eT rail
0.65
lvd
nd
sem
Ho
hon
nG
Tour spaces are limited! Reserve https/:www.eventbrtiec.om/e/roseyour mead-bvld-complspot ete-street-walk-rdie-tcikehere ts-42438714337 Please print and bring your Eventbrite ticket
Sip
Whittier Narrows Natural Area
Sa
Tour RSVP:
Ro
Rio
Parking is available at the Legg Lake park entrance along Rosemead Boulevard south of the 60 freeway
dB
o
e ln Av Linco il e Tra ndo Bik
Rio Ho
ea
10 AM - 10:45 AM 10:45 AM - 1 PM 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Parking:
Please contact Martin Reyes at mreyes2@dpw.lacounty.gov
An
mi
d b e l l o Blv
The Shops at Montebello
mi
d Blv el
931 N. Rosemead Blvd, South El Monte, 91733 Whittier Narrows Recreation Area D
e Av ita
bri
Welcome and Media Event Project Open House Guided Tours
Location:
e
Ga
Time:
N. M o n t
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area Area D
n
Saturday, March 17, 2018
60
Bosque Del Rio Hondo
Sa
Rosemead Blvd Complete Street Community Tour
Date:
SOUTH EL MONTE
60
Pedestrians and cyclists will be safely guided down Rosemead Boulevard while completing a field survey.
Event:
Rio Hondo Bike
1. Visit our Open House to learn about the project and provide direct feedback. 2. Sign up for a guided walking, biking or equestrian tour. Spaces are limited.
Whittier Narrows Golf Course
Merced Ave
Two ways to participate
Please join the First Supervisorial District, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, elected officials and other stakeholders to make this project a success!
Rush St
Rush St
The County of Los Angeles is currently working on Phase I of the Rosemead Boulevard Complete Street Improvements project which will enhance safety and access for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit along 2.6-miles of Rosemead Boulevard.
eat
Call Us at 626.888.1493 or Email Us at info@midvalleymedia.net
cr
Your Ad Could Be Here!!
guard our local communities from future water shortages and drought, it is imperative that we prioritize water recycling infrastructure projects,” Napolitano said. “This legislation would give local water agencies the necessary funding to increase capacities for existing recycling plants or create new cost-effective projects to boost water supplies.” the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act increases the competitive grant program for the Bureau of Reclamation from $50 million to $500 million and make the program permanent as it currently expires in 2021. The bill also funds water recycling projects for seventeen western states. In addition, the bill also reauthorizes the expired EPA Alternative Water Source Projects Program which provides grants for projects that conserve, manage, reclaim, or reuse wa-
Cou nt
Mid Valley Media Center
Mar c h 07, 2018
El Monte Updates Bus Schedule to Ensure Transit Connections
Napolitano Introduces the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act
Walnut Grove Ave
P age
SUPERVISOR HILDA L. SOLIS
Preliminary Design Concept Report July 2018
Welcome Area/Parking Project Corridor
Bus Schedule continued on page 7
Mar c h 07, 2018
Y ou
r C om
m u n it y P ap er of
P age 7
R ec or d
into Winter Fun O SS S W O CC RR O O RR D D
Sudoku
Crossword Puzzle solution in issue 3.07.18
Solution for Sudoku in issue 3.07.18
U.S. PRESIDENTS
ACROSS 1. Little rascal 6. 6th sense? 9. Cell status 13. Pentateuch 14. “To Kill a Mockingbird” recluse 15. Most famous hobbit 16. Enlighten 17. ____-Wan 18. Willow tree 19. *Smallest President 21. *”Oh Captain, My Captain” 23. Prepare to shoot 24. Tulip’s early stage 25. Geological Society of America 28. Symphony member 30. Hank Williams’ “Hey Good ____” 35. *Pre-election commotion 37. Unpleasant road display 39. Actress Watts 40. Full of enthusiasm 41. Musician’s exercise 43. Seedy source of Omega3s 44. Nine musicians 46. What those on the lam do 47. Kind of palm 48. Threefold 50. Accepted behavior 52. *Barack Obama’s former title 53. Toothy tool 55. H+, e.g. 57. *Lincoln follower 61. First book of Old Testament 65. Bye to Emmanuel Macron 66. It doesn’t mix with water 68. French wine region 69. Battery units 70. Spy org. 71. Emulate Demosthenes 72. Liberal pursuits 73. Baby goat 74. Continental money
DOWN 1. Education acronym 2. Musical finale 3. Extra dry 4. Godfather’s family 5. ____gnomy or ____logy 6. Jet black 7. Have a bawl 8. Southern chicken stew 9. CISC alternative 10. Hodgepodge 11. Cain’s brother 12. Between dawn and noon 15. Candy in Paris 20. Spaniard without “h” 22. The Jackson 5’s “____ Be There” 24. Cole Porter’s “Begin the ____” 25. *He commanded the Union army 26. Enjoy yumminess 27. Raspberry drupelets 29. *____ of office 31. Stumblebums 32. Caffeine-containing nut tree, pl. 33. *Candidate’s concern 34. *First US president to resign 36. She played a TV genie 38. Cocoyam 42. Chill-inducing 45. Group of foot bones 49. One from Laos 51. *Inspiration for Liberia’s capital 54. Beginning of a joke 56. India’s first P.M. 57. Cup of Joe 58. Detected by olfactory 59. Sword handle 60. Brooklyn players 61. Happy 62. Fly like an eagle 63. A fan of 64. Gets the picture 67. Roman three
Follow us @ MidValleyNews
Water Act continued from page 6
ter including waste water or storm water. Napolitano continues. “Climate change, unpredictable drought cycles, and population growth have strained our water supplies and economies in recent decades, and we in Southern California know full well that every drop of water is vital. The President is calling for an overhaul of our nation’s infrastructure; repairing and improving our water recycling infrastructure must be a part of this endeavor.” Napolitano introduced H.R. 5127 with Reps. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Jared
Save the Date
Huffman (CA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Julia Brownley (CA-26).
Rio Hondo continued from page 5
from immigrant families. Vaca said Rio Hondo College and UCLA are co-writing a proposal to the National Science Foundation to boost funding for the program. They hope to expand the effort to provide additional resources to the students. “Dr. Vaca has opened the door to an incredible opportunity for our students,” Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees President Madeline Shapiro said. “It’s also a terrific example of the support students receive when they enroll at Rio Hondo College, where our dedicated educators are continually raising the bar in their commitment to student success.”
Bus Schedule continued from page 6
low and Orange. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9:20 a.m. – 6:20 p.m., excluding holidays. El Monte transit buses are handicapped accessible and operate on cleaner-burning compressed natural gas. For more information on the updated schedule on all routes, please call (626) 580-2242, (626) 580-2217, email transportation@elmonteca.gov or visit http:// www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/327/ Trolleys. For language assistance, please call (626) 580-2241 for transit and paratransit information.
P age 8
Mid Valley News
Americanism continued from page 1
and tidbits. Parkview’s Teacher of the Year, April Alonzo Soto and Classified Employee of the Year, Miranda Velasco got the royal treatment as they were escorted down the parade route atop a convertible Mustang. Serving as Grand Marshals were retired Parkview teachers Jose Santiago, Alicia Evans, Grace Punzo and Nancy
Mar c h 07, 2018
Davis who dedicated many years to the school. “The Americanism Parade is an event that not only the students love, but the entire community looks forward to each year,” said Lillian Maldonado French, MVSD Superintendent. “The Parkview team does an excellent job and it’s wonderful to see the students so excited as they march by showing their patriotism.” The Americanism Parade is the culminating activity to a month of patriotic research, writing, language and drama activities Parkview students participate in during February encouraging their appreciation of America and its freedoms. Parkview’s principal, Donelle Soto appreciates the great community support the parade continues to receive and is happy the parade has become such a beloved tradition for students and families. “It’s wonderful to see the great community support we get and watching our students show their patriotism and have so much fun is incredible. The students love this parade, and so do all of us here at Parkview! We are happy to host it year after year and be able to create life-long memories for our students and families.”
A Day In Troy continued from page 1
T h e Mid Valley News is p u b lish ed B i - week ly on T h u r sday b y Mid Valley Media C en t er , L L C B u sin ess an d E dit or ial Offices are located at: 1 140 E . Valley B lvd .
Mast er so n B u ildin g , S u it e 2 0 8
E l Mon
t e, C alif or n ia 9173 ( 26) 4 43- 7531 F A X ( 62) 43245
D isp lay A dve r t isin g: midvalleynewssgv@gmail.com P u b lish er / Mid Valley Media Center E dit or / F eat u r e W r it er : Staff A sst . E dit or / G r ap h ic D esign er / S co ial Media / P h ot ogr ap h er : Devette Johnson C om
m u n it y D eve lop m en t L iaison Mike McClure
game against Colorado at the Galen Center, which the Trojans won, 6563. El Monte Parks, Recreation and Community Services intends to attend A Day in Troy next year so residents are encouraged to sign up. Del Real concluded “I would tell them to definitely go next year. It is a great opportunity for the children. It’s always a great idea for children to get a campus tour, but it’s so much more than that when they interact with student athletes”. For more information on events and filed trips through the Parks, Recreations and Community Services Department including sporting events, cultural events, and educational field trips, readers are encouraged to visit the website at www.elmonteca.gov.
:
Media R elat ion s S p ec ialist : Staff
t r ib u t in g W r it er s
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
New App
Continued from page 5
continued from page 5
port each other too. Now it’s your turn to give the same support to other parents. You are the change that can happen in the world,” she added.
Continued from page 5
Editor: Staff Glen Maldonado Dick James Devette Johnson Michael McClure Mike Nelson
Inspire Training
Cracker Barrel
S p or t s C on
Follow us @ MidValleyNews
Courtesy Photo
at the Quarterly Tea, ace reporter that I am I discovered one of the worst kept secrets in El Monte is that with all of his accomplishments in the
Sudoku Solution for 2.07.18
our campuses to report any unusual and suspicious activity. Communication is key, and we want everyone on our campuses to be empowered to speak up about anything that looks out of place. Education Field, Jeff Seymour is famous for his chocolate chip cookies, some of the best I have ever tasted and I knew “Famous Amos” before he was famous and was selling his fresh baked cookies out of the back of his van, Jeff’s are better! Crossword Solution for 2.07.18
For the pulse of the San Gabriel Valley, local news, special events, and school events check us out.
www.midvalleynews.com
https://www.facebook. com/midvalleynews