CIF Soccer page 14
Chalk Talk Community Events, page 2 - 3
The Community Paper of Record
Vol. 56, No. 05
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
March 06, 2019
El Monte Union Celebrates Success at Annual State of the District by Staff Writer El Monte
On February 20, Superintendent of the El Monte Union High School District, Dr. Edward Zuniga took to the podium and showcased success stories throughout the district in front of an enthusiastic crowd of parents, community members, and city leaders. From the installation of solar panels to station championships with acknowledgement of academic programs and parental support in between, Dr. Zuniga emphasized the entire district’s efforts to promote student achievements. “Our parents, teachers, staff and community partners are the backbone of our success,” Zuniga said during his second annual State of the District. “They provide critical support to our college and career readiness efforts and ensure our students thrive in their future endeavors. We understand the importance of investing in our students and their futures, and I want to congratulate this community for supporting education.” The event – held at the El Monte High School Auditorium – featured
El Monte Union recognizes parents across the District for their support, engagement and participation at the second annual State of the District on Feb. 20. Courtesy photo
performances by the South El Monte High School Jazz Band and the Rosemead High School choir, which sang Disney tunes. Guests received an overview of the District’s vision, mission and goals, its Community Committed to
College and Career motto and five LCAP goals of qualified staff and facilities, standards and materials, student achievement, parental involvement, and student engagement. The superintendent also discussed the importance of providing com-
petitive academic and co-curricular programs, such as career technical education and Speech and Debate, with Arroyo High School students demonstrating their skills on stage. Union Celebrates continued on page 16
El Monte City School District to Compete in Science Olympiad Event by Staff Writer, El Monte
Gidley School eighth-grader Tracy Chow said three years of participating on her school’s Science Olympiad team as captain has given her a tight-knit group of friends, fed her passion for learning about science and given her a career goal. “Before Science Olympiad, I was unclear about what I wanted to do with my life,” Chow said. “After Science Olympiad, I have this need to pursue something in science because science is what makes up the world.” Science Olympiad is an afterschool program that has been a staple at Gidley School for more than 25 years. The program averages 50 fourththrough eighth-grade students each school year, who jump at the chance to learn more about various science disciplines including biology, Earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology.
Science Olympiad provides students with an in-depth look at high school-level science topics and allows students to build contraptions and plot their own experiments. The program has helped countless students realize their potential by encouraging them to explore new career opportunities, Science Olympiad Head Coach Pamela Dominguez said. “Some of our students don’t realize that they are potential scientists,” Dominguez said. “They don’t realize how interested they are in the different types of science until they’re given a chance and Science Olympiad gives our students the chance to try new things and feel safe about it.” Dominguez said Science Olympiad has inspired students to attend prestigious colleges such as UCLA, Berkeley and Stanford and study complex topics including neurology, pharmacology and chemical engineering. She also said the program helps improve lateral thinking as
Gidley School eighth-grader Arianna Acebedo holds her team’s elastic glider, which was built to outfly other area schools competing at the 2019 Mesa Robles/ Wilson High School Science Olympiad Invitational on Jan. 19. Courtesy photo.
well as writing and social skills. “The most important thing with
Olympiad Event continued on page 16
Mid Valley News
Page 2
March 06, 2019
EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Chalk Talk
Bernice Sandler and Title IX by Alicia Naranjo-Champion, News Editor, Knight’s Banner, Arroyo High School El Monte
This is part 1 of a 3-part series written by Alicia Naranjo-Champion, News Editor of the Knight’s Banner, the online newspaper of Arroyo High School. Ms. NaranjoChampion does an excellent job researching the amazing contributions of Bernice Sandler and the Mid Valley News is proud to share her hard work with our readers. “Too strong for a woman.” Those are the words that led Dr. Bernice Sandler to fight for the passage of Title IX that forbids sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funds. Bernice Sandler, also known as the godmother of Title IX, died on January 13th, 2019 at the age of 90. She will be remembered for her work as an advocate for women’s and girl’s rights in education and most importantly for her contribution to Title IX. The right to equal treatment for both sexes in education and in educational activities in the U.S is not something we stop to think about twice. But a lot of work was put into the rights we have today. Prior to 1972, 47 years ago, according to
The Huffington Post, one in every twenty-seven girls participated in school sports. Today two in every five girls participate. Based on a survey taken of 100 female students at Arroyo as of January 30th, not one of the 100 students asked had heard about Title IX. How It Came To Be In 1969 there were 7 full-time job openings at the University of Maryland, where Sandler had been teaching part-time for a few years. Her qualifications were excellent, they included a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brooklyn College, a master’s in psychology from the City College of New York, and a doctorate in education from the University of Maryland, but she wasn’t even considered for one of the seven openings. She asked her colleague what he thought, and he told her “you come on too strong for a woman.” Sandler who cried after hearing this, wrote “I accepted the assessment that I was “too strong for a woman.” Then Sanders started thinking “Was this really a question of my being “too strong”? After a few more rejections with more explanations about why a woman was not suitable for the job, Sanders decided to do some research. When reading a report of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights about
11th Grade
COLLEGE FAMILY NIGHT Dear Arroyo Juniors and Parents: Please join us for our annual Family College Night! You won't want to miss!
DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019 LOCATION: CAFETERIA TIME: 5:00-7:30PM LIGHT REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED FROM 5:30-6:00PM. PRESENTATIONS START PROMPTLY AT 6:00PM Raffle Prizes ed! includ
a presidential Executive Order that prohibited federal contractors to use discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion and national origin, Sanders realized she had found what she was looking for. In the footnote Sanders’ saw that the Order had been amended by President Lyndon Johnson, on October 13, 1968, to include discrimination on the basis of sex. This means that because most colleges and universities had federal
contracts, they were not allowed to discriminate in employment on the basis of sex. “I shrieked aloud with my discovery…There was a legal route to combat sex discrimination,” wrote Sanders. This is what ultimately led to the creation of Title IX which states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied Bernice Sandler continued on page 3
Scholarship of the Week: Society of Women Engineers by Staff Writer El Monte
Welcome to the land of the debt free bachelor’s degree. Where nickels and dimes are common sense and a free and clear college degree has taken over student debt as the status symbol of higher education. You may not know it, but March is National Women’s History Month so this week we bring you an interesting opportunity from the Society of Women Engineers. The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to women admitted to accredited baccalaureate or graduate programs, in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. In 2017, SWE disbursed approximately 238 new and renewed scholarships valued at more than $830,000. Scholarships are typically awarded in May (sophomore, junior, senior and graduate students) and July (freshmen and reentry students) for use during the following academic year. Recipients are notified when they are awarded and are announced to SWE members in September. So now is the time for high school seniors to apply. What I really like about the SWE
is the variety of scholarships they offer. Scholarships generally range from $1,000 to $15,000 each and some are renewable. The SWE established reentry and non-traditional scholarships to assist women in obtaining the credentials necessary to reenter the workforce as engineers and there is no minimum GPA requirement for students entering their first year as a reentry or nontraditional student. More information on eligibility and requirements is available on the scholarships pages of the SWE website, but here are a few of the main eligibility points: only candidates who identify as female may qualify. Undergraduate or community college applicants must be planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year. Applicants must be planning to attend full time (though some exceptions are made for reentry and nontraditional applicants) and cannot be fully funded for tuition, fees, and books. For more information, visit the scholarship pages of the SWE website at http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/scholarships
March 06, 2019
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Mid Valley News
EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Chalk Talk
El Monte High School to Celebrate Stadium Renovations by Staff Writer El Monte
El Monte High to Celebrate $6.6 Million Stadium Renovations March 20 El Monte High School will hold a ceremony to celebrate renovations to its stadium – including a snack bar, restrooms and bleachers to seat more than 2,000 spectators – at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. The stadium increased seating capacity for spectators to enjoy a broad range of sports, including football, soccer, and track and field, and celebrate student milestones, such as graduation. The site includes new fencing, landscaping, a gate entrance and ticket booth. Guests are invited to enjoy a night rally in which students from winter and spring athletics will engage in friendly competition. The $6.6 million project was funded by Measure D.
Bernice Sandler Continued from page 2
the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” For more information about Bernice Sandler’s life and involvement in Title IX: http:// www.bernicesandler.com/id44. htm Ed Note: This article was originally published in the February 4th edition of Knights Banner, The Student News Site of Arroyo High School and is reprinted here in three parts with permission of The El Monte Union High School District.
El Monte Union Student Chefs to Compete in Game-Style Showdown by Staff Writer El Monte
Student chefs from three El Monte Union high schools will square off to prepare a full meal – complete with a protein, vegetable and starch – in Cooking Showdown, the District’s first-ever cooking competition, The competition is scheduled to be held from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Mountain View High School, 2900 Parkway Drive, El
Monte. Filmed by Mountain View’s VISTA Academy video production class, the game show-style competition will feature three teams of six students receiving identical surprise ingredients and being given 90 minutes to plan and prep their dishes. The show will “air” through each school’s YouTube channel on May 1, with winners announced at the Board of Trustees meeting later that evening.
by Staff Writer El Monte
El Monte/Rosemead Adult School CTE Registration Procedures ALL CTE CLASSES HAVE PRE-REQUISITES! Pre-requisite classes will not require a CTE orientation and do not require department approval. The following pre-requisites are summarized below by department:
Business/Computer Departments: Computer Literacy and Keyboarding (25 WPM) Medical Department: Medical Terminology or Advanced Medical Terminology, Computer Literacy and Anatomy & Physiology. If a student has completed a course at another school, they may present their certificate of completion or school transcript in order to waive the class; including the pre-requisite courses. Students may only waive up to two courses per program of study. The transcript must be current and not dated beyond five years. If students would like to challenge a course, EMRAS currently has challenge exams for: Computer Literacy, Keyboarding and Medical Math. A typing test for speed and accuracy is also available. Please call the Career Center at 626.258.5800, Extension 8871 or 8873 to schedule an appointment for the typing tests or challenge exams.
CTE Cohort Programs WHAT ARE COHORT PROGRAMS? The dictionary definition of a cohort is “a group of people banded together or treated as a
group.” That is a perfect way to define our “cohort classes.” At EMRAS a co-hort is a group of classmates learning together! Research has proven that students always learn better in groups. EMRAS has co-hort programs for most career sequences. These cohorts have many benefits that allow students to complete their program of study quickly within a year or less! Our Co-hort programs provide an active, interactive and dynamic setting for students to grow their knowledge and skills! Sign up for a Co-hort today and get that great job in as little as 18 weeks! Orientation is required to enroll in a co-hort and given in the pre-requisite classes. If you missed the orientation, please visit the Career Center for an orientation.
REGISTRATION FOR ALL STUDENTS:
The Rosemead High School Science Olympiad Team Returns to Tournament
Friday, March 1, 2019 – 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration is for ALL STUDENTS who are continuing or are new for the CTE departments: Medical, Business, Computer and Trades.
NEW students will be required to take an ASSESSMENT TEST. The Assessment Center is
located in Room 118. New students will NOT be allowed to register without an Assessment Test. Upon completion of the Assessment test; students will then be directed to the Registration office and placed in the appropriate pre-requisite classes or entry-level classes. See schedule below for remaining registration dates: March 4, 2019 – March 7, 2019 – 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. March 11, 2019 – March 14, 2019 – 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. First Day of Class Procedures: • Please line up outside the classroom on the day and time classes are offered. • The instructor will meet the students and direct the pre-registered students into the classroom. This routine will be followed for all class sessions thereafter. If you are 10 minutes late on the first day, you will lose your space in the class and any open spaces will be filled with students from the waiting list. Please allow time to find parking, at least 45 minutes prior to your class start time, so you will not lose your space in the class.
02/21/2019
The Rosemead High School Science Olympiad team will return to the Southern California State Science Olympiad Tournament for the first time since 2016. The state final will be held Saturday, April 6 at Caltech. The 15-member Rosemead
Panther squad scored an impressive fourth-place finish in the nearly 30team Los Angeles County Science Olympiad field, held on Jan. 26 at Antelope Valley College, advancing them to the finals. Every member of the Panther team placed in the top six in at least one of the 23 events and were awarded medals.
Vision of El Monte Union High School District The vision of the El Monte Union High School District is to cultivate and empower our students to be ethical, productive, successful and contributing members of our global society. The mission of the El Monte Union High School District is to: • Advocate, nurture and sustain a positive school culture through a challenging and rigorous, standardsbased curriculum that promotes achievement for all students; • Ensure management of the orga-
nization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment that is conducive to student learning and staff professional growth; • Collaborate with families and community members, respond to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilize community resources; • Model a personal and institutional code of ethics and develop professional leadership capacity
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Mid Valley News
March 06, 2019
SCE Files 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Plan by Staff San Gabriel Valley / National
Southern California Edison today filed its proposed 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Plan with the California Public Utilities Commission. The plan is intended to address and greatly reduce fire ignitions caused by utility infrastructure. It also is intended to further fortify the electric system against the increasing threat of extreme conditions driven by climate change and the impacts of wildfires if they occur. About 35 percent of SCE’s service area is located in high fire risk areas. The proposal is the first of what will be an annual submission of a Wildfire Mitigation Plan required by Senate Bill 901, which was passed last year and serves as a first step toward addressing rapidly growing wildfire challenges in California. SCE has long taken substantial
steps to reduce the risk of wildfires in its territory, including employing robust design and construction standards, vegetation management activities and operational practices. The Wildlife Mitigation Plan is part of a larger, ongoing effort and incorporates and builds on the $582 million Grid Safety and Resiliency Program SCE submitted last September to the utilities commission. SCE will seek opportunities to accelerate wildfire mitigation efforts beyond 2019 compliance goals in the plan where possible. “At SCE, the safety of the public, our customers, our communities and our employees and contractors is always our first priority,” said Phil Herrington, SCE’s senior vice president of Transmission & Distribution. “This is an aggressive plan to protect public safety. We are implementing a variety of additional
tools and technologies to advance fire safety even further throughout our system to respond to the ‘new normal’ of year-round wildfire risk.” “We are setting the bar high and putting extraordinary effort into meeting tough goals,” Herrington added. “We are going far beyond traditional good utility practices and incorporating advanced mitigation measures deployed in high fire risk regions around the world.” The plan takes a broad approach that includes enhanced inspections on all of the company’s overhead power lines in high fire risk areas in the immediate term to identify and remediate potential issues outside of standard inspection cycles. It will further harden infrastructure, bolster situational awareness capabilities, enhance operational practices and harness the power of data and technology. The plan also includes specific metrics that provide transparency to the public and other stakeholders and will enable the utilities commission to evaluate SCE’s performance. This year, SCE proposes to remove 7,500 additional hazard trees as part of the Hazard Tree Mitigation Program; replace conductor across 96 circuit miles; install more than 7,800 fuses on unfused lines; install 62 high-definition cameras and 350 micro weather stations in addition to those already existing in its network; and inspect 100 percent of overhead lines in high fire risk areas.
SCE has launched enhanced overhead inspections of its infrastructure in high fire risk areas. These inspections go above and beyond traditional inspections. The company is taking a holistic look at all potential challenges and working to quickly address any findings. This includes all the overhead assets it has across its transmission, sub-transmission and distribution system in high fire risk areas. By the end of 2020, SCE expects to have up to 850 weather stations deployed — more than 125 already have been installed — as well as up to 160 high-definition cameras providing coverage of up to 90 percent of high fire risk areas across its service area. Last year, SCE launched a community outreach effort aimed at raising awareness about what the company is doing to address wildfire risk, particularly around PSPS. SCE is helping customers to be better prepared for emergencies and directing them to resources where they can receive aid. SCE hosted more than 20 community meetings and invited more than 1 million customers in high fire risk areas to participate. Company representatives met with more than 120 cities, counties and tribal governments. SCE also conducted dozens of power shutoff workshops with its essential service providers and coordinated with emergency management agencies.
move this bill quickly at the start of this Congress.” H.R. 66 creates a Commission to recommend improvements and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. It passed the House with large bipartisan support by a vote of 399 to 22. The bill also passed the House last Congress but was not considered by
the Senate. Route 66 is an integral part of the San Gabriel Valley’s culture and economy and runs through the cities of La Verne, San Dimas, Glendora, Azusa, Duarte, and Monrovia, known in most of Napolitano’s district as Foothill Boulevard and Huntington Drive.
Napolitano’s Route 66 Centennial Commission Act Passes House
by Staff Writer National
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 66, the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, a bill coauthored by Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Rodney Davis (R-IL-13). “Cities in my district have begun to reinvest in Route 66, recognizing its historic significance and how it continues to provide transportation, economic, and community benefits to our region and American society today,” Napolitano said. “The federal government should be involved in these efforts as well. I thank Congressman Davis for reintroducing this legislation with me and helping
Hometown Hero’s Sponsored by the U.S. Army
Hometown Hero’s is a page dedicated to recognizing the local everyday hero. A hero can be anyone who goes out of their way to help others. A person who makes a difference in others life or even someone who inspires others by their deeds.
We want your help in identifying the local hero’s by letting us know of someone you feel is deserving. We will then review all the request and select a person. Please send your request to Michael.A.Frischknecht.mil@mail.mil or call (323)309-0877.
Another Chapter Junior Reserve in the Adventure Officer Proud to Represent of His Life Pomona High School by Sergeant First Class Brandon Byrd San Gabriel Valley/ National
U.S Army Recruiting Battalion Los Angeles Commander LTC Patrick M. Flood
U.S Army Recruiting Battalion Los Angeles Command Sergeant Major CSM Elvin Nuells
Private First Class (PFC) Justin Konda started his journey on a crazy path right after high school and left his home country of India to pursue studies in Australia. PFC Konda did not know anyone in Australia, which could be very scary, but he was excited and curious about living independently at the young age of 18. PFC Konda made some great friends and they really helped him go through his time there without feeling lonely and being thousands of miles away from his family. PFC Konda first job was at McDonald’s working on the grill and doing night shifts on the weekends. Those were the hardest times of his life because his expectations didn’t meet the reality. But it was the start for his work life and it taught him a lot about working hard and in a fast paced environment where every second counts. Then he eventually started getting recognized for his hard work and started getting better jobs. Once he finished his studies and worked as an intern in his field of study but was dissatisfied about my career. PFC Konda then decided to move to US and come here for further studies and knew America is the place where he can make his dreams become a reality. Just as every immigrant trying to make it in US PFC Konda went through the struggle of getting used to the culture and the language barrier. What made him keep moving was giving a better life for my mom and my family. As he was pursuing studies at Mississippi State University and he met a lot of people in the ROTC program that eventually joined the military drawn him to knowing more about the military life. PFC Konda loved the discipline, self-sufficient and it seemed to have such tremendous confidence and he wanted
Private Second Class (PV2) Richard Cole joined the Army as part of the intelligence field in the Army Reserves. PV2 Cole always wanted to be part of the military and the only thing holding him back was the attending college and later pursue a career in the film industry. PV2 Cole currently attends Garey High School and is a proud member Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
San Gabriel Valley Commander CPT Gerardo Gomez
He holds the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and has been actively engaged in unarmed drill unit, color guard, and currently as a Teacher’s Aid because of his knowledge and skill obtained throughout his time in JROTC. At the moment as part of the U.S Army Reserves, PV2
San Gabriel Valley First Sergeant 1SG Michael Frischknecht
Loyalty Duty Respect Selfless Service Honor Integrity Personal Courage
that. While he was growing up in India, he never thought he would be in this position and accomplish certain things in life. He gives all that credit to his mom who encouraged him and believed in him when he thought he was going nowhere. Now, PFC Konda feel certain about his future and have a structure in life. The more he accomplishes, the more he realizes there is more to achieve in every aspect of his life PFC Konda said, “I’m very excited of what the Army has for me in my future and I’m very glad I came to the Pomona recruiting station and spoke with my recruiter Staff Sergeant Lopez”. PFC Konda will go to basic training in March as a 74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist. mail.mil. “Warriors Wanted” Cole has been able to travel to his unit and participate on his monthly drill gaining knowledge prior to his basic training day. PV2 Cole counts on his parents’ support and they are ready to support him on this new endeavor as he will be departing to Basic Combat Training (BCT). PV2 Cole has been proudly representing Garey High School and the Pomona School District and he will continue to do so in the U.S Army. PV2 Cole1: PV2 Cole with his recruiter, Sergeant J. Martinez PV2 Cole2: PV2 Cole with his fellow peers.
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March 06, 2019
Mid Mid Valley Valley News News
Four Apps for Every Foodie Finding a readymade meal is easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for a table at the hottest restaurant in town or you’re hoping to have food delivered to you door, there’s an app that can help. Here are four apps every foodie needs on their smartphone. 1. OpenTable A quick and simple way to make a dinner reservation. Find restaurants that can accommodate you and your party by searching under the location where you wish to dine or the type of cuisine you’re craving. Used by thousands of restaurants all over the world, you’re sure to find a great meal.
3. Uber Eats If you already use the Uber app to get around town, use the same account to have dinner delivered to your door for a small fee. 4. ChefsFeed Find out where top local chefs like to eat (when they’re not at their own restaurants) and which dishes they think you should order. This app is also a great resource for recipes and other foodrelated content. Whether you’re heading out of town or staying close to home, these apps will ensure you have a great meal.
2. Yelp A great resource for unbiased recommendations from foodies like you. People can leave reviews on Yelp for any business, making it helpful when it comes to choosing a restaurant.
e t s a T & d n u So of
El Monte / South El Monte
Mind Your Manners Six Rules For Eating Out Heading out to dinner for a special occasion with a special someone? Ensure you don’t make a faux pas by following these six unspoken restaurant rules. 1. Dress the part. Make sure what you wear matches the setting. In other words, don’t put on a three piece suit if you’re eating at a diner, and don’t wear gym clothes to steakhouse. 2. Leave the kids at home. Older kids who can sit through a meal are more than welcome. Toddlers, however, should be left at home with a babysitter. Remember, it's a special night with a special someone. Family night is a different set of rules. 3. Keep personal items off the table. Your keys, wallet, phone and purse don’t belong on the table. Place your bag underneath and leave everything else in your pockets. 4. Don’t use your phone or electronic device. Enjoy the company of the
people you’re with. Constantly texting or checking your phone is disrespectful to your dining companions. 5. Wait to eat. Make sure everyone at the table has their food before you start to dig into your own. 6. Don’t forget to tip. Servers are typically paid a negligible wage and most depend on tips to pay their rent. It’s customary to tip between 15 and 20 percent of the bill, but you can always leave more if you had excellent service. Bonus Tip: Don't wear a hat at the table. Ever. Pay attention to who you're with and take time to smile often and laugh loud. Simple steps to have a special night with a special someone...and who knows, your night out might become a routine thing.
March 06, 2019
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Mid Valley News
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio Wants to Increase Cal Grant Funding by Staff Writer National
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D- Baldwin Park) introduced AB 1307, a bill to reinstate the Cal Grant funding formula for students who attend private nonprofit colleges and universities. The formula will bring stability to the award, which has been subjected to cuts and disinvestments since the year 2000 and will see increases over time. Private nonprofit universities play an integral role in meeting the needs of California students. Throughout
the state, these universities serve approximately 15% of students attending college. Despite enrolling a significant number of California students, Cal Grant awards for students attending these universities have not been adjusted since 2000, providing approximately $9,000 in maximum awards. By increasing the Cal Grant Award for private nonprofit universities, California’s students will gain the ability to choose from a wider range of higher education options, gain financial stability for themselves and their family, and rely less on financing education through student loans.
Marshall Fundamental Announces Five Posse Scholar Awards by Marshall Fundamental Pasadena
Marshall Fundamental Secondary School seniors Jonathan Garcia, Briana Johnson, Miles Kealing, Zyanya Rizzo, and Diego Zambrana were selected to receive a four-year full tuition leadership scholarship from the Posse Foundation. The five Marshall Posse Scholars are among 100 students from the Los Angeles area who will each receive awards estimated at $190,000. Jonathan Garcia plans to attend Hobart & William Smith Colleges and plans to major in Mathematics. His career interest is in engineering. Briana Johnson plans to attend Middlebury College, where she will be a Pre-med Major. She plans to be a pediatrician. Miles Kealing plans to attend Tulane University, where he will major in Business with interest in Public Policy. Zyanya Rizzo plans to attend Hobart & William Smith and will major in Biology. She plans to be trauma surgeon. Diego Zambrana plans to attend Kalamazoo College with a major in Sociology. He plans a career choice in public relations. The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits, and trains student leaders from high schools to form multicul-
Courtesy photo
tural teams called “Posses” of 10 Posse Scholars. Marshall’s 2019 Posse Scholars will attend top colleges or universities as part of supportive, multicultural teams or “Posses.” In addition to full-tuition scholarships, each Posse Scholar participates in weekly faculty mentoring and other supportive activities. During their Posse Induction Ceremony the scholars were charged to continue their scholarly endeavors, to continue their impact as empowered leaders, and to go to college as advocates for change. Marshall Fundamental School is a public school in the Pasadena Unified School District serving students in grades six through twelve. U.S News and World Report named it a 2018 Silver Medalist Best High School. The State of California, State Superintendent Torlakson, and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye awarded Marshall Fundamental the Civic Learning Award of Excellence in 2018, and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) name Principal Mark Anderson PhD the State of California Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018. For more information about Marshall Fundamental School www. pusd.us/Marshall
“As the recipient of two degrees from Azusa Pacific University, I am well aware of the benefits students receive when they attend an independent, nonprofit university in California,” Assemblywoman Rubio said. “It is my honor to work on behalf of these deserving students to ensure they are afforded the same opportunities many others before them have benefited from, including myself.” “This award can be the difference between whether or not a student is able to attend the institution that best fits their personal and academic needs, and I am delighted to have the support of Assembly Member Blanca
Rubio, who shares our commitment to students, and to bring much-needed stability to the Cal Grant program.” said the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) President Kristen Soares. Assembly Member Rubio received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Education with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Azusa Pacific University. She will speak at the 2019 AICCU Day in the Capitol on Feb. 26, 2019. AB 1307 is co-authored by Assembly Members Steven Choi and Randy Voepel.
County Urges Congress to Fully Fund Repairs for Whittier Narrows Dam by Staff Writer Whittier
Constructed in 1957 in the southern stretches of the San Gabriel Valley, the Whittier Narrows Dam no longer meets tolerable-risk guidelines set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and requires immediate upgrades and repairs. The U.S. Army Corps has ranked the retrofitting of the Whittier Narrows Dam as its highest national priority, estimating the cost to repair and upgrade the structure at hundreds of millions of dollars. Urging the federal government to begin swift repairs, today the Board of Supervisors approved a motion, authored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, that will request that the U.S. Congress immediately allocate funds to expedite needed upgrades and ensure the safety of millions of residents throughout Los Angeles County. “The rehabilitation of the Whittier Narrows Dam is a high priority because of the significant loss of life and high economic impacts that hang in the balance. Millions of LA County residents live downstream of the dam, and we cannot afford to wait to begin these upgrades,” said Supervisor Solis. “In the event of significant rainfall, the Whittier Narrows Dam could erode and give way, resulting in a catastrophic disaster. I spoke with Members of Congress about the importance of the Whittier Narrows Dam while in Washington D.C. earlier this year because I and my constituents demand action. I am pleased the Army Corps has ranked this project on the top of its national priority list because that will enable the Corps to access the funds needed to quickly begin repairs.” Though the Army Corps built the 60-year-old Whittier Narrows structure, due to budget cuts over the years the Army Corps has struggled to properly maintain the dam. Recently, federal engineers have noted that the dam could fail if a storm
delivered more water than the dam could store or if seepage eroded the soft soil underneath the structure. In addition, federal engineers have said that heavy rains could trigger a premature opening of the dam’s massive spillway on the San Gabriel River, releasing more than 20 times what the downstream channel could safely contain within its levees. Stretching from Montebello to Pico Rivera, the dam crosses both the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers. The structure is one of several flood control facilities under the Army Corps’ jurisdiction. The Corps needs up to $600 million in federal funding to repair the aging 3-milelong dam. In September 2015, the Board of Supervisors authorized the LA County Department of Public Works to collaborate with the Corps to work on a Water Conservation and Supply Feasibility Study on the dam. In May 2016, the Whittier Narrows Dam was designated as “very high risk” structure. In September 2017, the Board approved a motion by Supervisor Solis to send a five-signature letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the LA County Congressional Delegation requesting that the Assistant Secretary to the Army Corps provide a report on the status of the Dam Safety Study, a timeline for any proposed repairs to the dam, and efforts to coordinate emergency managers. The motion also directed Public Works, in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management, to report back on the County’s efforts to coordinate with the Corps and downstream communities to ensure that local measures are in place during emergencies. As a result, with help from the Corps and downstream communities, the County prepared an emergency response to a possible flood. On December 14, 2018, the Corps Whittier Dam continued on page 15
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March 06, 2019
Mid Valley News
Community Corner
Upper District Award Grants to K-12th Grade Schools by Staff National
The Board of Directors of the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) awarded 16 education grants totaling $14,642 to K-12th grade classrooms within the Upper District service area under the 2018/2019 Water Education Grant Program (WEGP). Historically, Upper District’s Education Grant Program provides funding of up to $1,000 for educators to help implement water projects and programs into their classroom curriculum. Any K-12th grade educator that teaches at a licensed school within Upper District’s boundaries is eligible to apply for a grant. As a qualifying standard, submitted projects must focus on waterrelated subjects that further students’ understanding of environmental issues, water sustainability, and the vital role water plays within our region and the State of California.
Since introduced in 2004, this program has provided over 128 grants totaling over $103,000 in funding. As a direct result over the years, teachers from 56 schools have implemented innovative and creative projects into their curriculum impacting over 13,000 students. Projects have varied from examining drought and its effects on our water supply to applying a transdisciplinary approach to studying water solutions and the importance of water conservation. “As a Board, we hold high importance in incorporating water education in the classroom. We see the incredible value of students from kinder to high school getting the hands-on experience of water conservation and understanding critical water issues through different disciplines. We are proud to remain supportive of these efforts through Upper District continued on page 15
March 06, 2019
How to do A Landlord Background Check When filling out rental applications, you’re expected to provide the landlord with all kinds of personal information, including references, pay stubs and a credit check. In most cases, however, renters sign a lease without knowing much about the person they’re entering into a contract with. Before committing to a lease, you should find out everything you can about your future landlord. Otherwise, you could end up with someone who doesn’t respond to urgent maintenance requests or who doesn’t treat tenants with fairness and respect. Search the landlord’s name and the property address. With notorious landlords, you’ll often find numerous complaints about similar issues. Public records of property ownership and court proceedings will reveal if a landlord has been linked to code violations, evictions, foreclosures or small claims court settlements. Most public registries can be accessed online. Ask other tenants about their experiences living in the area and whether they’ve had problems with the landlord. They may be willing to tell you things about the property the landlord doesn’t want you to know. Above all, trust your instincts and go with a professional.
Mid Valley News
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Overused Buzzwords to Avoid in Your Online Listing
Some words have been used so often in real estate listings they’ve become clichéd, meaningless and misleading. Here are a few words and phrases to stay away from when putting your home on the market.
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Words that are too vague Words like “luxury,” “charming,” “updated” and “gorgeous” are too general to have meaning and don’t reveal anything substantial about the property. The phrase “priced to sell” doesn’t add valuable information to your ad, as all homes should be priced to sell. Words that send the wrong message Descriptions like “handyman special,” “great potential” and “needs TLC” turn off buyers by implying that a lot of time and money is needed to restore the home. “Upandcoming neighborhood” is often taken as a euphemism for a rough neighborhood, while “quaint” and “cozy” can be seen as enticing ways to describe small, cramped spaces. Instead of falling back on clichés, try to be specific, transparent and unique when describing your home in writing for potential buyers.
Common new homeowner mistakes to avoid Now that the papers are signed and you’ve finally moved into your new home, it’s time to think about the responsibilities that come with owning property. Here are three mistakes to avoid when you first become a homeowner. When you’ve rented for a long time, you may not realize all the work that goes into property upkeep. Be sure to stay on top of routine maintenance tasks — checking smoke alarms, changing furnace filters, inspecting the roof, etc. — from the moment you move in. Give yourself time to get used to your new home before making major renovations or even smaller alterations like painting the walls or redoing the floors. Living in the space will help you figure out what changes need to happen to make it feel more like a home. Don’t DIY repairs and renovations that you don’t have professional experience with. Trying to do major
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repairs on your own — especially ones that involve pipes or wires — can have disastrous results. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you get the most out of your new house and prevent many headaches down the road.
Tips for Marketing Your Home to Millennial Buyers
These days, it’s important to appeal to millennial buyers when putting your home up for sale. Born between the years 1980 and 2000, this generation is becoming the largest demographic in the country buying houses, accounting
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materials and include special features like solar panels. The first generation to grow up with the internet, millennials rely on technology to obtain information, communicate and make transactions. Make sure your agent uses the latest mobile apps, virtual tours and e signature technologies, and has a strong social media presence. Appealing to millennials may require extra effort, but it’s worth ensuring that your home is catching for 66 percent of firsttime the eye of all interested potential homebuyers. Because of their busy lifestyles and buyers. limited financial resources, millennials want to buy turnkey properties they can move into right away rather than fixeruppers they’ll have to put time and money into restoring. Create an enticing online listing. Since over 90 percent of today’s buyers find homes using the internet, it’s important to perfect your property’s online listing. Millennials tend to be more concerned about environmental issues than their parents; they’re looking for “green” homes that are energy efficient, incorporate sustainable
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March 06, 2019
Mid Valley News
Webb’s Rule NURSES
by Eugene R. Webb There is certainly nothing worse; Than actually being sick without a nurse. Nurses have more patience than you can believe; And they will go to any length to achieve. Nurses will gladly take care of all your needs; They can stop a cut or a wound if it should bleed. A nurse will climb over a bed to needle you; It’s just one of the many things they love to do. A nurse will never cause a patient any harm; But they do enjoy giving you a shot in the arm. Nurses are considerate, thoughtful and kind; They always have their patient’s interest in
mind. Nurses are God’s angels that are in disguise; They are more helpful than you can realize. A real good nurse is also very brave; For people she’ll work real hard to save. Every household should have a nurse or two; For in a crisis they know just what to do. So how lucky can this one Grandpa possibly be; To have three nurses in our wonderful family.
“Cracker Barrel”
“Making the Whittier Narrows Dam Safe” by: Mike McClure, Staff Writer El Monte
…so with all this rain that we have been enduring I was concerned with how well our infrastructure was holding up. On February 20th Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) sent a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to make the planning, design, and construction of dam safety repairs at the Whittier Narrows Dam their highest budgetary priority. Congresswoman Napolitano is the Chairwoman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which has jurisdiction over the USACE. She sent the letter to Ricky “R.D.” James, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) after the two of them had met earlier to discuss the critical importance of the flood control project, not only for us here in her District, but for Southern California and the nation. Constructed in 1957 in the southern stretches of the San Gabriel Valley, the Whittier Narrows Dam no longer meets tolerable-risk guidelines set by USACE and requires
immediate upgrades and repairs. In a motion last week authored by Supervisor Solis, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors urged Congress to fully fund repairs for the dam. Supervisor Solis said, “… the rehabilitation of the Whittier Narrows Dam is a high priority because of the significant loss of life and economic impacts that hang in the balance.” The Supervisor continued, “In the event of significant rainfall, the Whittier Narrows Dam could erode and give way, resulting in a catastrophic disaster”. The Supervisor mentioned that she had spoken to Members of Congress about the importance of the Whittier Dam while in Washington D.C. earlier this year (as reported in this column) and that she was pleased that the Army Corps had ranked this project on the top of its national priority list. “The Cracker Barrel” is always proud to cover our elected officials working together to solve problems like this and I promise to keep our readers up to date on the repairs to the Whittier Narrows Dam. Stay dry!
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“Working Overtime”
“Eddie Rickenbacker and the Seagull” I get a lot of stories from my pals out there who read “Working Overtime” about my favorite subject, seniors like me who are doing interesting things. Here’s one submitted by my old friend Bill Burcham up in Sonoma, California. It happened almost every Friday evening, Old Ed would come strolling along the beach to his favorite pier with a bucket of shrimp. Ed would walk out to the end of the pier, all alone in the sundown with his bucket of shrimp, but before long dozens of seagulls would surround the lanky old man and he would start tossing them shrimp from his bucket. All the time smiling and quietly saying “Thank You”. If you were sitting on the pier you might have thought that Old Eddie was a “funny old duck” but that’s too bad, you would have done well to know him better. Old Eddie’s full name was Eddie Rickenbacker, he was a famous hero in World War Il. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. They floated for days, they fought the sun, they fought the sharks and by the eighth day their rations ran out. No Food or water, they were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were…they
by Dick James El Monte needed a miracle. That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed, they tried to nap. Suddenly, Eddie felt something land on top of his cap, it was a seagull! With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab it and wring its neck. Eddie and his starving crew made a meal - a very slight meal for eight men - of Working Overtime continued on page 16
“Connie’s Comments” (Continued) I was riding Star and Bernadette was riding Dolly. “It’s simple Bernadette,” I said, “If you want to go left, you move the reins to the left. I you want to go right, you move the reins to the right. If you want to stop, pull back gently. And you know to kick if you want to go. Got it?” Bernadette still looked like a deer caught in headlights. “Wha-a-at?” she said. “It’s like I told you in the car, you have to let the horse know what direction you want him to go.” “Don’t act so smart,” she growled. “I know what to do.” by Connie Keenan “Okay,” I said and nudged Star out El Monte through the entrance to the trail. I must have gone 20 yards when to check on Bernadette and saw that I realized Bernadette wasn’t behind she and Dolly were at a complete me. I turned to look and there she stop. was right where I left her at the trail I lopped back to her. (Because entrance. that’s what big sisters are supposed Trotting back I asked, “What’s to do. Even though she was physiwrong?” cally bigger than me.) “He won’t go,” said Bernadette. “What are you doing?” I asked. “Kick her,” I said. “You are a stupid head Connie! I “I did. She won’t go!” she said. didn’t want to do this dumb horse The stable hand swatted Dolly’s riding stuff… now look my horse flank and Dolly leisurely walked won’t go.” onto the trail. “Kick her Bernadette!” Dolly moved as slow as molasses. She kicked. Dolly ate. Bernadette Five minutes into the ride I told Berbroke into tears. nadette I was going to ride on ahead. I leaned down and took Dolly’s “Okay,” she said with a death grip bridle. The bridle came off. Bernaon the saddle horn. “But don’t go too dette cried harder. Dolly couldn’t far.” take it. She turned around and Star broking into a gentle lope and calmly walked back to the stable. I was immediately one with him; “Ya’ll have 35 minutes left,” said with the world; with God. I turned Connie’s Comments continued on page 16
September March 06, 30, 2019 2015
Mid Valley News
Metro Votes in Favor of New Taxes and Fees for Drivers by Metro.net and Staff San Gabriel Valley
In a significant vote to relieve traffic congestion and combat climate change, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors today unanimously voted to further explore congestion relief pricing and new mobility fees for ride share companies. Both are strategies in Metro’s “Re-Imagining of Los Angeles County: Mobility, Equity and the Environment” plan. The Board also voted to continue work on the Twenty-Eight by ‘28 Initiative, which seeks ways to accelerate the delivery of 28 major projects before the Olympic and Paralympic Games arrive in the Los Angeles area in 2028. Metro staff will provide updates to the board on acceleration efforts to deliver Twenty-Eight by ‘28 later this year. One of the “Re-Imagining L.A. County” initiatives approved for further study includes congestion relief pricing, which uses tolls to more effectively manage traffic flow, especially during peak periods. Metro will begin a 12- to 24-month congestion relief pricing feasibility study to evaluate potential models and locations to test the concept. The three models to be studied are: a cordon model, where anyone traveling into a designated zone is charged a fee; a Vehicle Miles Trav-
eled (VMT) model, where charges are based on the number of vehicle
miles traveled within congested areas, and; a corridor model, where anyone traveling within a congested corridor is charged based on number of vehicle miles traveled within that corridor. Upon completion of the feasibility study, the Metro Board will consider a pilot program to test the concept. A critical component of the feasibility study is an Equity Strategy that will look at ways that congestion relief pricing can improve equity for vulnerable populations. The study will develop a plan for transit service improvements to provide faster and more reliable trips as an alternative to driving. In addition, it will investigate potential toll and fare discounts LA Metro continued on page 15
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Metro to Hold More NextGen Community Meetings by Metro.net and Staff San Gabreil Valley / National
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will hold additional community meetings to get more feedback from the public on the agency’s NextGen Bus Study, the 18-month effort to redesign and reimagine the agency’s bus system to meet the needs of today’s riders. Metro held 10 workshop community meetings in January throughout Los Angeles County with more than 1,000 comments received about bus services needed in their region. Everyone who attends the upcoming meetings will receive a free TAP card, while supplies last. Several other types of Metro transit passes will be raffled, and food and refreshments will be served. Metro’s bus network carries about 70 percent of the agency’s riders. The NextGen study has found that seven percent of L.A. County residents are frequent riders on the Metro bus system and account for 80 percent of all Metro bus boardings. In surveys taken to date and through a series of focus groups, online engagement and community events and meetings, both current riders and non-riders agree that Metro should focus on providing fast, frequent and reliable bus service. Thursday, March 7, 2019, 4 – 7 p.m., at the Greater Zion Church Family, 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton (Assessible via:
Metro Line 205). Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 4 – 7 p.m., at Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s District Office, Community Room, 26600 Agoura Road, Calabasas (Assessible via: Metro Lines 161, LADOT Commuter Express 423). Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 4 – 7 p.m., at Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles (Assessible via: Metro Lines 37 & 209, LADOT DASH Midtown). Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 4 – 7 p.m., at the East Los Angeles Service Center, 133 North Sunol Drive, Los Angeles (Assessible via: Metro Lines 68, 770 & 106, Montebello Line 40, LAC El Sol Shuttle Union Pacific/Salazar Park and City Terrace/ELA). All Metro meetings are held in ADA accessible facilities with special accommodations available to the public for Metro-sponsored meetings. All requests for reasonable accommodations and translation must be made at least three working days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date. Please call 323.466.3876 or the California Relay Service at 711. Those unable to attend in person can access information on the NextGen Bus Study by visiting www. metro.net/nextgen. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority NextGen continued on page 16
Courtesy Photo from Metro.net
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March 06, 2019
Mid Valley News
Doesn't Get Any Better Than This... Eagles Win State!
Photo Courtesy South El Monte High School Facebook
control by the Rams for 10 minutes, then a penalty kick by sophomore striker Yisel Ybarra to tie the game 1 1. When asked about the team’s performance, Cordova said “Honestly we started to change once we began to believe in each other. Once we did that, we were able to work off each other and build momentum…once everyone came together as a team, we were unstoppable. “ With nine minutes remaining in the first half, sophomore forward Heather Gomez sent a cross pass from the left corner of the pitch to the box where it was redirected in to the goal by Cordova, scoring her second goal of the game and putting the Eagles ahead for good 21. “After the second round in cif we were hesitant going into it. I didn't think we would make it this far. But after winning that game I knew we had a shot at this. Going into the Semis that's when we believed we could win the whole thing whole thing.” Gomez said of the teams Championship run. In the second half, the Eagles lock down defense took over and one goal was all the Rams would manage. Coach Alex Rosales had this to say about his defense, “Alejandra Sanchez in goal gave everyone security and defenders knew that if they got beat Alejandra had their back. The fact that we Photos from Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star News Courtesy only got South El Monte High School scored First, they were the best in the league. Then they were the best in their division. Now, they are the best in the State. On a day when skies were the color of hammered lead and rain never really stopped, a week after winning their first CIFSS title, the Eagles of South El Monte High School Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team used their tenacity and great defense to hold off the Desert Mirage High School Rams and win the 2019 CIF Southern California Regional Girls Soccer Championships in Division 5 – the first in school history. In the age of immediate gratification, the hardest part of watching soccer is understanding the incredible amount of patience and discipline it takes to score a goal. Desert Mirage came into Gabrielino High School – a neutral site – scoring a combined nine goals in their previous two matches through the tournament. The game was not settled by attrition in overtime or through the intense oneonone drama of penalty kicks. It was a quick score by Eagle’s by senior defender Makayla Cordova just 30 seconds into the game, ball
twice against in playoffs and both coming off a penalty shot shows how well we play defensively.” In an interview with the San Gabriel Valley Tribune after the game, Desert Mirage Coach Jose Chavez indicated mentioned travel as a factor “The girls showed fatigue. We had never been at this level, this far, and I knew coming here, the drive, it was going to be a factor and it showed.” Whether it was the weather, or the threehour drive from Thermal, there was no doubt the difference was goal keeper Alejandra Sanchez and her
defense that allowed only two goals on penalty kicks throughout this run to the championship. Today, in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, the heartbeat of the community belongs to the South El Monte Eagles and doesn’t get any better than this.
Congratulations to the Eagles of South El Monte High School from the MID VALLEY NEWS for winning the 2019 CIF Southern California Regional Girls Soccer Championships
March 06, 2019
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Mid Valley News
into Summer Fun C R O S S W O R D
S u d o k u
Crossword Puzzle solution in issue 03.20.19
Solution for Sudoku in issue 03.20.19
VALENTINE’S DAY
ACROSS 1. Indian black tea 6. Elmer to Bugs 9. Glorify 13. Head of a mosque 14. E.T. transporter 15. This was his name-o 16. Mental portrait 17. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr. 18. French novelist Zola 19. *Related to puzzle theme 21. Way to absorb 23. Lobe locale 24. H. H. Munro’s pseudonym 25. Rap sheet abbr. 28. Hungarian bagpipe 30. Deeply hidden within self 35. Initiation ceremony, e.g. 37. Made with stitches 39. Venus neighbor 40. Crucifix 41. Cerberus’ domain 43. Petri dish filler 44. Young hooter 46. Fraternity recruitment season 47. Type of shark 48. ____ Grove, MN 50. Corset rod 52. Animal’s nose 53. Number one 55. Second solfa syllable, pl. 57. *Flowery Valentine’s gift 61. *Between girlfriend and wife 65. Liquid drug container 66. Planet ruler in the movies 68. *Blast from Harry’s past, movie 69. Caterpillar hairs 70. Easter lead-in 71. Human social group 72. *Tied upon marriage 73. Kith partner 74. Wild plums
DOWN 1. Gulf V.I.P. 2. Clash of heavyweights 3. NBA action 4. Lake scum 5. Dionysus’ follower 6. Mussolini, with Il 7. On vacation 8. Cuckoo for what puffs? 9. *Romantic ride 10. Anisette, for short 11. Tangerine plus grapefruit 12. “Easy ____ it” 15. *Kind of wish 20. *Puppy love 22. Do biathlon 24. Woodworker’s byproduct 25. *Cupid’s ammo 26. Native of American Great Plains 27. Circular island of coral 29. *First word 31. Hat-tipper’s word 32. Donated life-saver 33. Interest in a venture 34. *Heart____ 36. “Harper Valley PTA” star 38. Hatchling’s home 42. Harry Belafonte’s daughter 45. Tiny tube 49. Tiger’s launch point 51. Leavening agent, pl. 54. Smelled offensively 56. Angry growl 57. Lounge, like in the sun 58. A sign 59. “____ ____ no good” 60. African tea 61. Shade-loving plant 62. Greek muse of history 63. River in Bohemia 64. *”Can’t take my ____ off you...” 67. Hawaiian dish
Supervisors Continue Fight Against Poverty by Staff Writer El Monte
In 2016, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the Homeless Initiative’s comprehensive strategies aimed at connecting people experiencing homelessness to critical housing and employment resources. Many of the Initiative’s recommendations focused on General Relief, a County-funded program that provides financial assistance to indigent adults who are ineligible for Federal or State programs. As currently written, however, the County Code prevents some lowincome individuals from receiving General Relief. To close this loophole, today the Board of Supervisors approved a motion, authored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, that will initiate a thorough review of the County’s General Relief eligibility requirements to ensure that every vulnerable resident receives help. “Right now, strict eligibility rules for General Relief preclude many residents from participating in the program. LA County is the safety net for many residents who are struggling to make ends meet. We will review whether we are inadvertently preventing County residents who are experiencing homelessness from receiving the help they deserve,” said Supervisor Solis. “LA County will scale up its response to support our most vulnerable residents.” “The County is responsible for operating a myriad of programs to help the most economically disadvantaged individuals and households achieve self-sufficiency,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said. “Increasing decades-old asset limitations that have not kept pace with the region’s skyrocketing cost of living will help more of our truly indigent populations qualify for the County’s poverty reduction programs.” Today’s motion will launch a comprehensive review of current General Relief eligibility requirements to ensure that the program assists the people it was intended to help support. Currently, the County Code includes several eligibility restrictions for General Relief participants, including limits on the value of
personal property and other assets. Some of these restrictions carry dollar amounts that prevent indigent individuals from participating in the County’s General Relief program. This Board motion also directs the Department of Public Social Services and County Counsel to report back within 30 days and provide a list of recommendations to update asset limits that may prevent some from receiving General Relief. The motion also calls for recommendations in adjusting the County’s current code so that more indigent individuals may participate in poverty reduction programs.
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Mid Valley News
March 06, 2019
Marshall’s Fundamental Boys Soccer Advance to CIF Playoffs
by Devette Johnson, Contributing Writer Pasadena / San Gabriel Valley
The journey for Marshall’s Fundamental Boys Soccer, when this season began there was no buzz of excitement craze around campus but that soon changed when the season began to wind down. Victory began with Marshall’s Eagles defeating Lennox Academy, February 7, with the score of 4 to 0 in the first round of CIF. Next up on February 9th, was the second round of the Southern Section CIF, with a victory over Crossroads and the final score was Marshall 3 and Crossroads 1, of Santa Monica, CA. Quarterfinals began on February 13, when Marshall played Nuview Bridge of Riverside, CA. Marshall hosted Nuview Bridge at San Marino High School and won the game 2 to 1, which advanced
Courtesy Photo by D.Johnson, MVMC
Marshall to the CIF playoffs. Three days later, the Eagles were match up against Rancho Mirage, of Rancho Mirage CA. The Eagles pulled of a win 2 to 1 over Rancho. Congratulations! Boys Soccer advance in the CIF Playoff Next up in this fairy-tale season, was on Feb. 23, when Marshall’s soccer team played for the CIF Division 6 Championship game against La Puente High, of La Puente CA. The Eagles faced La Puente once before so both teams were familiar with each other. This was a tough battle for the Eagles, because the Warriors were fast and matched up well against the Eagles, but in the end the Eagles prevailed with a victory 3 to 2 over the Warriors. Feb. 26, the Eagle played Classical Academy and soared to victory by defeating the Academy 2 to 1 and advanced to round one of the 2019 CIF SS Division V Championship tournament. Congratulations to Marshall for advancing, to first round of the 2019 CIF SS Division V Championship tournament. This past Wednesday, February 28, Marshall advance to the Regional Semi-Finals and played a team that they had meet earlier in the playoffs. Both teams were very familiar with each other’s styles and the rematch brought on an intensity and an excitement in the air. Marshall Fundamental’s Mission League Defensive Player of the Year was ready to play. At the halftime Marshall Fundamental Eagles are down 0 to 1. It came
Marshall Fundamental at halftime, during the Regional Semi-final game against La Puente High School. Courtesy Photo by D.Johnson, MVMC
down to 15 minutes and 27 seconds, in regulation with a 1 to 1 tie, and on a penalty kick by Nolan Evers, won the game and advanced the Eagles to Regional finals on March 2. Congratulations to Marshall for advancing, to Regional Finals of the 2019 CIF SS Division V Championship tournament. After their victory over the Warriors, the Eagles soared to Bakersfield, CA to face Graces
Memorial. Bakersfield was where this fairytale season ended with a loss to Garces Memorial, of Bakersfield CA, who defeated the Eagles 2 to 0. This was great conclusion for the seniors on the team but a huge stepping stone for the 10th and 11 grade athletes on the team to build on next year.
Marshall’s Student body showed up and supported their team. Courtesy photo by D. Johnson, MVMC.
Cougars Too Much for Academy of Art
by Tim Peterson, Mid Valley Sports San Gabriel Valley
Azusa Pacific used a 17-3 run to take an 18 point halftime lead and went on to beat Academy of Art 77-62 Thursday night at Felix Event Center.
Will Ferris hit a pair of threes and led the team with 10 points in the first half. Selom Mawugbe had nine and Darien McClain scored eight. Stefan Milivojevic led the way for Academy of Art with eight points. The Cougars opened the second
Darien McClain glides in for two against Academy of the Arts. Courtesy photo by Mid Valley Sports.com
half with a quick 8-2 run to go up 49-25. Academy of Art responded with an 11-0 run to cut the lead to 13, but the Cougars came right back with six straight to take it back to 19. Mawugbe airmailed an Academy shot into the stands prompting a timeout. Mawugbe then threw down a jam and a little runner inside later in the half to put the Cougars up 68-53. But Academy of Art refused to go away cutting the advantage down to nine at 68-59 with 3:55 left. That was as close as Academy of Art would get. The Cougars took control down the stretch as Mawugbe scored again and McClain made a nifty move and knocked down a jumper to put the game away with a 1:20 left. Mawugbe played a huge part in the Cougs win finishing with 20 points and owning the paint with nine rebounds. McClain ran the show at point guard with 19 points and four assists while Ferris added 15. Jake Spurgeon was also in double figures with 14. For the Academy Milivojevic took scoring honors with 16 and Andrija Blatancic scored 11. There simply wasn’t enough firepower as they were the only players in double figures. Academy of Art was just 5 for 20 from three point land. APU wasn’t much better from behind the arc going 6 for 18 but the Cougars still had enough to get the W. Azusa pacific improved to 18-10
overall and 15-6 in the PacWest Conference while Academy of Art fell to 10-16 and 10-11. Next up for the Cougars is a home game against Dominican Saturday night in the last game of the regular season before the PacWest Tournament gets underway next week.
Courtesy Photo by Mid Valley Sports.com
March 06, 2019
Mountain View School DiStrict D iStrito e Scolar M ountain V iew • I nspIrIng E ach s tudEnt E vEry d ay •
Kindergarten / transitional Kindergarten ENROLL NOW
If your child will be 5-years-old on or before September 1, 2019, MVSD invites you to register your child in its outstanding full day Kindergarten program. Children turning 5-years-old between September 2, 2019 and March 2, 2020 are invited to register in the full day Transitional Kindergarten program.
students in the Mountain View school district enjoy: • highly qualified teachers • Biliteracy/Dual Language • clean, safe and secure schools • a college bound culture • exceptional early literacy programs • free breakfast and lunch programs • extensive technology learning - in school 1:1 devices • excellent after school care and instructional support • a variety of academic enrichment programs • excellent family engagement program • a district-wide school uniform policy • character education and positive behavior programs
For registration and enrollment information please call 626-652-4000 or visit the district website at www.mtviewschools.com
Kínder y Kínder transicional Si su niño(a) cumple 5 años de edad antes del 1º de septiembre de 2019, MVSD lo invita a que matricule a su niño(a) al sobresaliente programa de Kínder de día completo. Niños cumpliendo 5 años de edad entre el 2 de septiembre de 2019 y el 2 de marzo de 2020 están invitados a que se matriculen al programa de MVSD de Kínder Transicional de día completo.
los estudiantes del distrito escolar Mountain View disfrutan de:
• maestros altamente calificados • escuelas limpias y seguras • programas excepcionales de alfabetización temprana • Aprendizaje extensivo de tecnología incluso dispositivos de
• •
tecnología 1 a 1 en la escuela una gran variedad de programas de enriquecimiento académico excelente programa de involucramiento familiar educación de carácter y programas de comportamiento positivo Bialfabetismo/Dos Idiomas
• •
una cultura con destino hacia la universidad programas gratuitos de desayuno y almuerzo excelente cuidado después de clases y apoyo instruccional póliza del uso de uniformes a través del distrito
Para información acerca la matriculación por favor llame al 626-652-4000 o visite la página web del distrito en www.mtviewschools.com
Mountain View School DiStrict’S eleMentary SchoolS - eScuelaS De eleMental De DiStrito eScolar Mountain View • Baker • Cogswell • La Primaria • Maxson • Miramonte • Monte Vista • Parkview • Payne • Twin Lakes • Voorhis •
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Whittier Dam Continued from page 7
issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a 45-day public comment period assessing the various alternatives to addressing the deficiencies at the dam. The Water Conservation Study is currently on hold due to the dam’s safety issues and designation of critical habitat for endangered bird species within the dam. In the event of a dam failure, one of the communities that may be hardest hit would be Pico Rivera, which is located directly below the dam. With a fierce storm, Pico Rivera could be hit with water 20 feet deep, and the adjacent City of Downey could see 15 feet of water. Today’s motion also directs the County Office of Emergency Management, along with LA County Department of Public Works, update the Board in 30 days on the local measures adopted that will ensure the safety of all downstream communities. In a separate, but affiliated action, the Board of Supervisors today also approved a related Board motion, authored by Supervisor Solis and co-authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, that directs the County’s Chief Executive Officer, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, to send a five-signature letter to the LA
County U.S. Congressional Delegation to request their support for a Disposition Study to explore the transfer of authority of 40-miles of open channels currently under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District.
School District Leadership Program Boosts Confidence Ad tobyrun Staff Writer Monte Feb. 20,El2019
by El Monte City School District’s Leader in Me program. Chang and the 40-member team’s other members teach classmates the importance of honing their leadership qualities, exuding positive attitudes and advocating the teachings of the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” “One of the best messages I ever learned from the pro-
Cherrylee School fifthgrader Tyler Chang said participation in his campus leadership program has given him the opportunity to be a role model for classmates, taught him how to coordinate school events and boosted his self-confidence. Chang is part of the Student Lighthouse Leadership Program continued on page 16 team, created
LA Metro continued from page 11
INSCRíBASE AHORA
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Mid Valley News
for low-income users. Metro will also study the idea of levying fees on new mobility devices like electric scooters and ride share companies like Uber and Lyft that profit from the use of public roadways and whose vehicles contribute to congestion. “It’s easy for us to say ‘Fix traffic!,’ but it’s going to take serious imagination and out-of-the-box thinking to actually do it,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Sheila Kuehl. “We are ready to explore a whole panoply of
Upper District continued from page 8
this grant program and other types of educational resources,” Board President Ed Chavez. This year, the Board of Directors awarded the following schools with checks and commendations for their anticipated water projects includes El Monte City School District’s Gridley Elementary School for their
ideas that can help reduce traffic, encourage shared trips, and get more people on public transit.” “By reinventing Los Angeles County through the lens of better mobility, equity and the environment, we have the potential to greatly reduce congestion, combat climate change by lowering our carbon footprint and significantly increase our transit frequency and capacity,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “We are now thinking boldly to ensure our region can adequately meet its growing transportation demands in the decades to come.”
project Harnessing and Harvesting Water for Hydro and Aquaponics. Upper District’s mission is to provide a reliable, sustainable, diversified and affordable portfolio of high-quality water supplies to the San Gabriel Valley; including water conservation, recycled water, storm water capture, storage, water transfers and imported water. Upper District services nearly one million people in its 144 square mile service territory. Governed by a fivemember elected board of directors, Upper District is a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Annually, more than 78 billion gallons of water is used in Upper District’s service area. For more information about Upper District, please visit our website www.upperdistrict. org or call 626-443-2297.
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March 06, 2019
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Leadership Program continued from page 15
gram was ‘even if you make a mistake, you can fix that problem. But if you remain doubtful, it will be difficult to fix,’ ” Chang said. “Being a leader means helping throughout the school, including advertising health programs and reminding others of what they should and shouldn’t do.” Students in grades three through six can join the program by filling
Continued from page 10
the stable hand. “GET ME OFF of here!” screamed Bernadette. “Berna! Bernadette!” I yelled. “Can I ride the rest of the time?” “You do and I’ll tell Mama,” she said. She would make up some long
M sordid tale and I wouldn’t be able to ride again. Two weeks of collecting soda bottles went down the drain. The only good thing that came out of this was that Bernadette never went riding with me again. Because I TOLD Mama what happened. And I can really be dramatic.
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El Monte, California 91731 (626) 522-1944 FAX (626) 443-2245 Display Advertising: midvalleynewssgv@gmail.com Publisher/ Mid Valley Media Center Editor/ Feature Writer: Staff Asst. Editor/Graphic Designer/Social Media / Photographer: Devette Johnson Community Development Liaison: Mike McClure Media Relations Specialist: Staff
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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
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Working Overtime continued from page 10
it. Then they used the intestines for bait, with it they caught a fish which gave them food and more bait…and the cycle continued until they were finally rescued (after 24 days at sea). Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond this ordeal, but never forgot the sacrifice of that first lifesaving seagull, and he never stopped saying, “Thank You”. PS: Eddie was also an Ace in WW l and started Eastern Airlines
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out applications that detail their qualifications and desire to become student leaders.
Olympiad Event Continued from page 1
Science Olympiad is teaching children about perseverance because the work they do is above and beyond their grade level,” Science Olympiad Coach Peter Lam said. “Sometimes it can be frustrating for them, but it teaches them to push through so they know they can do better.” Gidley’s students have opportunities to test their science aptitude against other area schools. The District sent 15 students and two alternates to the 2019 Mesa Robles/ Wilson High School Science Olympiad Invitational on Jan. 19 to compete against 43 schools. The event required nearly three months of preparation, with additional work done before school and on Saturdays, Dominguez said. Students competed in a series tasks such as building battery-operated
(Metro) is unique among the nation’s transportation agencies. Created in 1993, Metro transports about 1.3 million passengers daily on a fleet of 2,200 clean air buses and six rail lines.
vehicles, investigating viral outbreak causes, using math to determine magnetism and answering questions about genetics. Dominguez said invitational events are practice, aimed at getting students ready for regional and state competitions. Gidley School’s students will attend the 33rd annual Los Angeles County Regional Science Olympiad on Feb. 23 at Rio Hondo College, where they will compete for a spot in the state tournament in April. “The El Monte City School District is extremely proud of our Science Olympiad program for providing students with a look at all the different science and technologybased pathways available,” Superintendent Dr. Maribel Garcia said. “This program is just one of the many engaging ways we encourage college and career readiness at all grade levels.”
Union Celebrate continued from page 1
Dr. Zuniga did not ignore the elephant in the room and tackled head on the issues of declining student enrollment, rising employee benefit costs, and the impact these challenges may have on the district. Members of the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee and parent groups across each EMUHSD campus were also recognized. The award-winning El Monte High School cheer team concluded the event, filmed and live streamed by the Mountain View VISTA Academy students. A reception was catered by the MVHS culinary students.
Gidley School eighth-graders Amanda Tran (right) and Natalie Siguenza check to see how much weight their boomilever can hold during the 2019 Mesa Robles/ Wilson High School Science Olympiad Invitational on Jan. 19.Courtesy Photo by Duane Barker.
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