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The San Diego Monitor
Navy makes it official: ship named Cesar Chávez By Elizabeth Aguilera seemingly benign decision to name a Navy cargo ship after the late labor leader and Navy veteran César Chávez drew ire Tuesday from Rep. Duncan Hunter, RAlpine, who said there are more deserving candidates. His criticism quickly spurred a national debate, including rebuttals from Chávez defenders who said the honor is appropriate. “Naming a ship after César Chávez goes right along with other recent decisions by the Navy that appear to be more about making a political statement than upholding the Navy’s history and tradition,” Hunter, a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said in a statement. He said a better choice could have been the late Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Navy Cross recipient, or the late John Finn, a Pearl Harbor vet who received the Medal of Honor. Both men lived in San Diego County.
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Those who knew Chávez personally or have studied his life applauded the choice. “He is arguably the most revered Latino American in the United States, and his contributions to equality and justice for one of our most vulnerable work forces make him a hero in the eyes of Hispanics and Americans of other backgrounds,” said Abel Valenzuela, chairman of the César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o Studies at the University of California Los Angeles. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who names all ships for the service, is expected to formally announce the naming today during a visit to the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. The company is building the César Chávez, the last in a line of 14 resupply ships. Navy officials declined to comment on Hunter’s remarks. Sen. Barbara Boxer, DCalif., commended Mabus for his decision Tuesday.
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Update Navy Secretary Ray Mabus formally announced that the cargo ship will be named for labor leader César Chávez in an appearance in San Diego, calling the labor leader and a "patriot and a hero." Twenty-five members of Chávez' family were on hand for the announcement. His son, Paul Chávez, said it was "unfortunate" that Rep. Duncan Hunter criticized the choice, but said he understood the congressman's point that there might be more deserving choices.
NASSCO spokesman James Gill said the company suggested Chávez in honor of its majority Latino workforce and its location in Barrio Logan. About 60 percent of NASSCO’s 3,600 employees are Latinos. In 2009, when Mabus dubbed the 13th resupply vessel the Medgar Evers after the late civil rights leader, he said the ships “are traditionally named for famous American pioneers, explorers and visionaries. They celebrate the dreams and bold action of the American spirit.” Gus Chavez of San Diego, a Navy veteran and Latino rights activist who is not related to the farmworker rights pioneer, said “the naming of a cargo ship in honor of César Chávez is very much in line and compliance with the history of naming naval ships.” Tony Kvaric, chairman of the San Diego County Republican Party, said: “While I agree with congressman Hunter that other individuals’ names would have been more fitting, I respect the Navy’s decision.” Chávez, born in 1927 in Arizona, gained
Ferris State University
Labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez national prominence when he mobilized thousands of migrant farmworkers in the 1960s and ’70s and led boycotts of grape farmers across the country. His actions led to union contracts and labor rights for field workers. About a year after Chávez died in 1993, President Bill Clinton recognized him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “He was always uncomfortable being singled out for praise because he knew there were many César Chávezes who achieved great things and made many sacrifices,” said Marc Grossman, a longtime aide to Chávez. “The Chávez family is acknowledging this (latest) honor in the name of all Latinos who helped build this country and served America in the military.” Early on in his organizing career, Chávez took a strong stance against illegal immigrant workers because he felt they harmed union efforts by being strike breakers. Later that position softened, around the time of the Chicano Movement of the late 1970s, said David Gutierrez, vice chairman of the history department at the University of California San Diego. “There was a broadening perspective of the workforce — the big recognition that we are all in this together,” Gutierrez said. Chávez, a third-generation American, served in what was still a segregated Navy from 1946 to 1948 and referred to those years as some of his toughest. Grossman said Chávez considered that time a learning phase. UT Staff writer Gary Robbins contributed to this report.
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The Life and Times of Debra A. Stephens By Barbara J. Hall ebra Stephens slipped away May 16, 2011 after a short illness to join her God in heaven. She was 55 years old but she lived a full life and leaves a loving family, a legacy of community work and the empowerment of the young, the old, and the challenged. She helped so many during her journey and she will be remembered for all she so willingly gave while she was with us. Debra came to San Diego with her family when she was seven years old. She never left San Diego for very long and during all her adult years she strived to make her community better. Debra was an entrepreneur and a professional, but foremost she was a community organizer and a strong participant in life. She organized community outreach projects, mentored young people, nurtured family, supported friends, wrote poetry, spoke at events, and was the MC for countless special occasions for family, friends, and community programs. She spoke eloquently and had a wonderful sense of humor. All those who met her soon loved her for her professionalism, her infectious laugh, her giving nature, her beautiful smile, and her warm spirit. In recent years Debra worked for Carter Reese & Associates as a Project and Sales Consultant. Both Mr. Reese and Debra were Lincoln High School graduates and took pride in their school and their roots. Together they made a great team. He saw the need and built affordable housing in the community surrounding Lincoln, and she sold those homes, matching excited home buyers to newly built homes in their own community. Other jobs she held through the years included, The Children’s Initiative as a Community Relations Manager, CEO of her own firm Stephens and Associates Consulting, San Diego Convention Center Corporation Sales Manager and Protocol Officer/Community Outreach for Mayor Maureen O’Connor’s office. Prior to that, she worked at Pacific Bell and AT&T. Those were her professional endeavors. Her community activities spanned a wide range of interests and filled her life with joy. She worked tirelessly for YWCA fund raising activities, was a constant presence at the Catfish Club, as well as a board member, volunteered at Lincoln High School, speaking up at neighborhood meetings to support better education and better availability of resources for students, and mentoring students to help ready them for college. Lincoln High School held a special place in her heart and in her words gave her the foundation for all she became – a willing and hard working community activist – giving back to the community that raised her. Debra also found ways to help adults cope with their life challenges, such as The Grandparents Connection – Grandparents raising grandchildren. She was on the Urban League Board, worked on the Scholarship Selection for SD Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation, and was constantly being sought out to organize or speak at programs in support of charity fund raising, scholarship awards, leadership development, family and friends events. Debra combined her business knowledge, education, community interests, real estate prowess, faith in God, her love for her community and her heart to continue to find ways to make San Diego a better place to live. She loved her church New Creation and was responsible for bringing many new members to its doorstep while she also supported church activities and boards. For her commitment to others Debra received many awards, too many to list, but two of her more recent ones were the 2008 Union Bank of California Local Heroes Award for her community hard work and achievements and an award from Lincoln High School for her continuous support. She also found time to be a Co-Host of AM1240 Radio People Get Ready Community Talk Show and Host & Executive Producer of Sisters of Distinction Community Talk Show. It’s a wonder Debra found time to enjoy her passion for writing poetry. Somehow she did. Debra wrote for every occasion; graduations, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, celebrations of life, and more. Last year, on her 55th birthday she held a book signing for her published writings. Her poems were all very personal and dedicated to the people she loved. Debra was dynamic, thoughtful, engaging, and just plain wonderful. She was also fun to be with. Her favorite singer Aretha Franklin was often reincarnated in Debra. Debra used that alter ego of hers to raise funds for a multitude of community programs, as well as to just entertain her friends at retirement parties. She loved being with friends and family and cooking delicious foods for them.
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Even though she was only on this earth for a blink of an eye, she will never be forgotten because she touched so many of us in so many ways. Her heart was big, her mind was creative, and her abilities were many. She reached across all socio economic and racial lines to help others. She saw a need and she moved towards it not away from it. She often repeated the phrase of a dear friend to
goad us into supporting a variety of causes. The phrase was “Friends aren’t free.” Meaning you must step up to the plate with time and money to help your friends help those who need it more than yourself. We can show Debra we’ve learned the lessons she tried to teach us by filling just one iota of the void that Debra’s passing has left in our community. Debra also leaves behind seven siblings, a host of other family members, and many, many friends and colleagues. Last but not least, she leaves her devoted husband Duane that she always acknowledged at her speaking engagements as the love of her life. They met when she was 15 and they leveraged that meeting into a 40 year happy relationship. Duane was recently heard saying “marrying Debra was the best thing I ever did.” We thank Duane for sharing his jewel with us and now it’s our turn to share that jewel with God. We’ll miss our Debra but we know she is in good company. Her Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled at the school she loved so much, Lincoln High School (47th and Imperial Avenue), Wednesday 5/25/2011 at 5:30pm (doors open at 5pm). The Memorial Services will be held at New Creation Church, Friday 5/27/2011 at 11:00 a.m. The church is at 3115 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105-3604.
Community Celebration Wednesday, May 25, 2011 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Lincoln High School Performing Arts Theatre 4777 Imperial Avenue San Diego, CA 92113 (We encourage attendees to wear Lincoln High School attire or green and white colors.)
Memorial Service Friday, May 27, 2011, 11:00 a.m. New Creation Church 3115 Altadena Avenue San Diego, CA 92105-3604 Duane and the family will accept floral arrangements and plants at the Memorial Service. He, however, has established a Debra Ann Stephens Scholarship with the San Diego Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation, a charity that Debra worked tirelessly for to ensure that inner city youth in San Diego realized their dream of achieving a college education. The Foundation will give this scholarship annually in Debra's honor to a Lincoln High School graduate that has achieved academically and emulates the spirit, compassion and commitment demonstrated by Debra towards making the Lincoln and greater San Diego community "a better place." You may make a donation to the Foundation in her name by writing a check payable to the SD MILK Jr. Foundation (PLEASE NOTE - Place Debra Stephens in the memo line) and send to the following address: San Diego, Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation, 2250 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
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The San Diego Monitor
Brothers and Sisters: We Are Suffering From the Mistakes of Past Black Leaders One ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of a cure. If we prevent the illness, we don’t have to perform the surgery. Any good surgeon will tell you not have surgery if it can be helped. Surgery is not a guaranteed cure; only prevention of an illness can truly stop it. Our Black leaders must have never been taught this lesson— that prevention is easier than trying to cure the problem. No matter what we do it seems that our children end up in the graveyard, or maimed and crippled from the shootings and gang violence in our community. But why? Where did all of this come from? I remember standing behind my barber chair and listening to Black leaders tell me, my patrons, and anyone else who would listen about the wonderful plans for the Market Street Industrial Park. There was a vacant hunting land that the community sold to the city, in order to give preferential treatment to outside corporations in exchange for jobs for Black people. These companies agreed. Those companies moved into those beautiful corporate buildings and all they did was transfer their offices from Del Mar, Miramar, and else-
EDITORIAL where to take the benefits. Never did they hire any Blacks. Black leaders please do not act like you Continued on page 6
Censorship at Voice & Viewpoint Sponsored Community Forum My name is Hayward X. I own an independent advertising and media agency and also work for the San Diego Monitor News. I was asked by the publisher to attend the community forum sponsored by the Voice and Viewpoint this week, which was supposed to focus on the recent gang violence in our community. However, when I arrived to the event, I was told that I could not write anything down or take any pictures. I asked the woman who said this to call her father, the publisher of the paper, for permission since I am a member of the media. She said I was welcome to stay and attend, but again, could not take any pictures or take any notes. I decided to stay because the meeting was already starting. After about 90 minutes had passed, those present were only discussing their own agendas; the topic of the night was never really addressed. Both my treatment and the subsequent meeting were very disappointing, especially since the San Diego Monitor, which is a competitor to the Voice and Viewpoint, saw fit to publicize the forum in last week’s paper despite their rivalry. In fact, the story was given preferential placement Continued on page 6
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SDUSD Offers Free Resources To Licensed Construction Contractors Of All Tiers San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has opportunities for local small and underutilized businesses to participate in its construction projects. Licensed trades sought will include acoustical, carpentry, concrete, demolition, doors/window work, electrical, flashing/sheet metal, flooring, grading, HVAC, laborer, landscape, painting, piping/plumbing, etc. Supplies may be needed too. Be informed. The following projects will be bid soon: Bid/Contract Title Repair or Replace Toilet Stall Partitions on an As-Needed Basis (IDIQ) As-Needed Removal or Demolition of Portable and Relocatable Buildings (IDIQ) Holmes Elementary School: Replace Fire-Destroyed Portable University City High School: Lighting & Scoreboard Fulton Elementary School Food Service Modernization Webster - F&I New HVAC (Group 2) Marshall Elementary School: Student Drop-Off and DSA ADA Upgrades Jefferson Elementary School: K-2 Second Floor Exiting Improvements Washington Elementary School: K-2 Second Floor Exiting Improvements Encanto Elementary School: New Classroom Building Mead Elementary School HVAC Project Creative Performing Media Arts: Whole Site Modernization (WSM) CPMA at Kroc Visual And Performing Arts (VAPA) Project Construct Sustainable Technologies Building at Scripps Ranch High School Language Academy: New Classroom Building Project Data Center at Serra High School Zamorano Elementary School: New Classroom Building Euclid Elementary School: New Classroom Building Project Creative Performing Media Arts: New Building Project
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The San Diego Monitor
DARK CHOCOLATE MAY BOOST EDITORIAL VISION AND BRAIN FUNCTION By Lady Topaz Ladies and Gentlemen! New research has given you more reason to reach into your box of dark chocolates— powering vision and brain performance as early as 2 and a half hours after eating them! If the taste and the cardiovascular benefits weren’t temptation enough, a new study published in Physiology & Behavior shows consumption of antioxidants in dark chocolate, called cocoa flavanols (CF), improves visual and cognitive function in young adults. Eating dark chocolate can improve visual and brain function, a study suggests. Researchers from the University of Reading tested the effects of cocoa on memory and reaction time. “The results of the current study demonstrate for the first time that performance on tests of visual system function in healthy young adults can be improved by the acute consumption of CF” they reported. This new study adds to the mountain of data supporting chocolate as a cornerstone in health-minded dietary indulgence. The researchers randomized 30 participants into two groups. One group received 35 grams of dark chocolate during the first week; the other received a white chocolate placebo. The authors switched the intervention that the subjects received during the second week and they administered the same cognitive and ocular exams. The researchers reported that the results of this randomized, single-blinded, crossover design demonstrated “for the first time performance on tests of visual system function in healthy young adults can be improved by the acute consumption of CF.” It is likely, the authors deemed, that the “flavonoids are able to influence the function of retinal neurons.” In other words, the potent plant compounds concentrated in cocoa may
increase blood flow, particularly to the eye. This increase in blood flow, they suggest, supplies the conductive elements of the brain with the nutrients necessary to optimize function. Although the study was conducted in young people, the authors suggest that the benefits of cocoa may be more dramatic in elderly persons. The improvements in visual function were primarily observed as contrast sensitivity (CS)—the subjects’ ability to distinguish figures from their backgrounds. Older adults, the authors suggest, “experience a considerable decline in CS,” which may be mitigated by the increased blood flow to the retina and visual cortex observed in groups receiving the cocoa flavanols. Dark chocolate can also support your brain and body’s defenses against oxidative stress. Whether you gain improved nerve function, more blood flow, additional antioxidant protection or simply the sheer delight of a piece of chocolate melting on your tongue, dark chocolate is sure to have a benefit for everyone! Just make sure to choose the right kind— one that is created through minimal heat processing and delivers a high antioxidant value to provide your body with maximum antioxidant benefit. *** For additional information on healthy, holistic, nutritional supplements that will assist you with your healthy lifestyle visit Topaz’s website at: www.sherrytheus.isagenix.com or e-mail her with your thoughts and/or inquiries at topazstjames@gmail.com. Here is to optimum health! *** Reference: Field DT et al. Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in an acute improvement in visual and cognitive functions. Physiology & Behavior 103 (3-4): 255-60. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.02.013
Continued from page 4 don’t remember. I am challenging the religious community, the NAACP, the Urban League, and every other organization in our community to look at your past and clearly show the mistakes that we made by giving away land, tax credits, and other benefits for nothing in return. This is clearly what happened. Those young people that would have been hired in that industrial park would be about 55 to 60 years old today. Those young people would have been the parents and grandparents of our children that are being killed today. We did not hold the city or our Black leaders accountable for their failure to defend our community against those companies that did not live up to their end of the bargain. And now, we are suffering from the mistakes of the past. This single mistake was repeated through the years in a number of other redevelopment opportunities that have gone through our community and resulted in no benefits to the Black people that live here, including our children. We want to place the blame for shootings and drugs at the feet of our children, when much of this blame should be placed on those that lived here and didn’t give a hoot about what we left for our children. If we don’t stand up for something we will lay down for anything. Our community leaders made deals on paper, but accepted whatever came down the pipe even when it was far less than what we had a contract for in the beginning. We have nothing to offer our children, and now we are paying the price. Until Next Week, Willie Morrow
CENSORSHIP Continued from page 4 on the front of the paper. As I sat there I almost felt as if I was participating in a betrayal. We were there to end the community violence, and yet there I was participating with another black person in the same kind of gang mentality. My camera may have been turned off, my pen may have been tucked away in my pocket, but ears recorded it all. The meeting left a question in my mind as to the message we are sending to our children. If adults can’t work together, how can our children? By: Hayward X
Electronic Edition of the San Diego Monitor News Now Available The San Diego Monitor News is now making available electronic subscriptions to the paper at no cost. Moving the San Diego Monitor into the electronic age is a move toward helping our readers stay in touch with what Black people are doing throughout America. Send an to email virgiej2001@aol.com to be added to the weekly email edition of the paper. Or you may contact our office at (619) 668-1007.
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The San Diego Monitor SAN DIEGO MONITOR Coming soon to City Heights: More media
OMNILOGUE© - “All of us communicating with each other, so that we all come to a collective understanding, so that we all work toward the same goal.” © Vision…a better understanding of … the communities in which we live.
CBOs – Our Own Money! Why have Black folk somehow come to the conclusion that white folks, brown folks, Asian folks, or anyone but us folk are gonna give us money to take care of our business? It’s time for us to wake up and get our community money together and take care of our own BUSINESS! Let’s try this again: Black people in San Diego are the economic engine for other communities – AND NOT OUR OWN!! What is missing is a comprehensive plan (“business” plan) for the economic self-sufficiency of the Black community. Again, I refer you to two books: Blackonomics, by James Clingman (http://www.blackonomics.com/) and Powernomics by Dr. Claud Anderson (http://www.powernomics.com/). You have to read more than just the newspaper! Non-profits, by design, are only supposed to plug the holes in the system, not fix the system. Therefore, there will never be enough money in the non-profit sector to fix the problems Black people face. The concept is simple: We need money to fix the problems, money comes from people applying their time and energy to solving their own problems. This is why capitalism works for those who work it. If we apply our time and our energy to solving our own problems, we won’t need to keep begging and competing with each other for the crumbs off of someone else’s table. I was in a meeting (I’m always in meetings) with one non-profit agency where they announced they had not gotten a grant that another agency I am affiliated with also applied for and did not get, when a third agency in the room announces that they did get the grant. It was a very small grant to do very little work in the community, yet all three of us had applied for it in competition with each other. It wasn’t enough money for any of us to do the work, yet we had all competed against each other – CRUMBS! The bottom line is that the bottom line is the bottom line – for the Black community as a business in and of itself – we must become a “COMMUNITY CORPORATION.” We have to become PRODUCERS of value in our own community – ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS OWNERS SERVING THE NEEDS OF OUR OWN COMMUNITY and stop being the economic engine of other people’s communities. CBOs have a role to play in helping those of us who fall on hard times, but they cannot fix the fundamental problems of the Black community, which is the lack of fundamental economic development in our community. We have to change. CMH clovis.honore@yahoo.com
By Nathan Max CITY HEIGHTS — City Heights is about to get a whole lot more media attention. Two organizations, Price Charities and The California Endowment, are launching separate initiatives aimed at getting residents of the impoverished, central San Diego neighborhood more informed. Price Charities is launching a monthly publication that will have both a print and online component, and The California Endowment has given four local media organizations a grant to spotlight the area. The two initiatives are unrelated and the timing is coincidental. The Price Charities pilot project, which does not yet have a name, will be multilingual. Plans call for articles to appear in English and Spanish, and possibly also in Vietnamese and Somali. “The articles will be focusing on what we believe are areas of need for City Heights,” Price Charities Spokesman Derryl Acosta said. Stories will focus on education, public safety, health services, human services and recreation. The publication also will offer a calender of events, he said. Some of the articles will be generated by organizations that work in City Heights. “We’re committed to six issues,” Acosta said. “We’ll be collecting feedback along the way to see if it’s meeting the residents’ needs.” The publication, which will be fully funded by Price Charities, has hired one part-time editor at this point. It will be distributed for free, and there will be no advertising accepted at the beginning. “Price Charities’ mission is to help the residents of City Heights improve their lives,” Acosta said. “We think that increasing the lines of communication will better serve that purpose.” Meanwhile, The California Endowment has given a $315,000 grant to four local organizations as part of its “Building Healthy Communities” project. KPBS, the Voice of San Diego, the Media Arts Center and the Aja Project — a photography education program — will coordinate coverage of community health issues in the area. Over the next 18 months, the four will partner to cover a particular issue of concern to the community, California Endowment Project Manager Steve Eldred said. City Heights is one of 14 communities
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statewide that is being targeted by The California Endowment, which is spending $100 million over the next 10 years to improve impoverished areas. Other areas in Southern California that will benefit include Santa Ana, Long Beach, South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. “We’re trying to increase media coverage and positive things that people are doing in these 14 communities to advocate for community improvement for better health,” Eldred said.
Walmart gives tips to prospective suppliers VALENCIA PARK — Local entrepreneurs who want to do business with Walmart had their chance to learn all about the ins and outs of dealing with the Bentonville, Ark.-based mega company at a special workshop Tuesday night in southeastern San Diego. About a dozen hopefuls showed up to the one-hour event, which included opening remarks from City Council President Tony Young, who was instrumental in paving the way for the big-box retailer to come to San Diego. One local entrepreneur, 52-year-old Stephen Walters, said he was encouraged. Walters, the president and CEO of PCSWorld.net, said he plans to give it a shot. “It’s going to be difficult for a micro business to get involved with their purchasing process,” said Walters, whose company has six employees and three locations in San Diego County. “We have a software that we’ve developed that I would love to get online.” Aaron Rios, Walmart’s senior manager for public affairs and government relations, said suppliers need to be financially stable, have a proven track record, be competitively priced and have excellent products and services. Also, Walmart requires suppliers to be diversified, he said. “If you’re a start-up, it’s going to be very difficult,” Rios said. “We will not be more than 25 percent of your business.” Young said he expects 12 Walmarts of varying sizes to open in the city in the next few years. “I think Walmart will be a great opportunity here in the city," Young said.
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The San Diego Monitor
FEMA seeks refunds from victims of fire, disaster Potrero couple among many locally expected to be contacted By Christopher Cadelago After the Harris fire tore through southeastern San Diego County in 2007, Veronica and Donald Lytle returned to their ranch-style home to discover a colossal hole in the roof, blown out windows and inches of grime coating the floors and walls. “We sat outside and had a good two-hour cry because the house was destroyed,” said Veronica Lytle, of Potrero. “The ceiling had come down, the windows were gone and there was piles of dirt everywhere. I couldn’t live in my own home.” The Lytles, who did not have insurance, turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial assistance. They made phone calls and submitted paperwork before receiving $1,647.43 in aid, far less than it cost for materials to repair the damage. They were able to fix some major damage for between $10,000 and $15,000 — excluding the cost of labor, which they largely provided themselves. In March, the pair says they were forced to relive the experience of October 2007 when they received a letter from FEMA saying they never should have received the money and now must repay the entire amount. The form letter did not specify why the Lytles didn’t qualify for assistance. The federal agency, acknowledging it erroneously assisted many who were ultimately deemed ineligible, is asking thousands of people across the country that were victims of natural disasters to return more than $22 million in aid. The effort has spurred federal legislation that would give the agency discretion to waive debts in cases involving its mistakes. In California, a total of 61 applicants are receiving “notice of debt” letters from three disasters that if recouped would total about $466,000. For the 2007 wildfires the amount to be recouped is $270,365 from 40 applicants
across the state. In all, 37 applicants live in San Diego County, according to Rep. Duncan Hunter, RAlpine. Each has the right to appeal once they receive their debt letter. Hunter said he has yet to receive a constituent complaint, but remains available to provide whatever assistance or guidance he can to any affected resident. County officials say they are attempting to contact others beyond the Lytles. FEMA says it approved more than $25 million in aid to 4,663 applicants statewide who suffered damages from severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides in 2006; and wildfires in 2007 and 2008. Several factors may have contributed to the overpayments, including employees who misunderstood eligibility rules, approved duplicate assistance for costs that were covered by other sources, or made accounting errors. Although none of the potential cases involved fraud, the agency is required by federal law to recover improper payments. “We are committed to serving disaster survivors and communities as effectively as possible, while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” FEMA spokeswoman Rachel Racusen said. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said unless the agency was “pursuing a matter of fraud,” she was deeply troubled by the turn of events. The Harris fire killed five people and injured more than 60 others on its way to charring 90,000 acres near Potrero, about 45 miles east of San Diego. It destroyed 253 homes and cost a total of $21 million to fight, according to the state. In a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Jacob said the reimbursement burden was ill defined, unreasonable and forces victims to relive the disaster based on FEMA’s own mistakes. The efforts set a poor precedent for victims of future disasters because it may discourage them from seeking federal aid to their own serious detriment, Jacob said. “I expect this particular federal agency to
Photo by Peggy Peattie
Donald and Veronica Lytle are being asked to pay back more than $1,600 in disaster aid received from FEMA for damage to their home during the Harris fire in 2007. treat disaster victims with care and compassion,” she said. “Instead, FEMA is going after victims to cover for FEMA’s own internal blunders.” After Hurricane Katrina, this is yet another example of FEMA eroding the public’s trust, she added. The agency has been required to attempt to recoup improperly spent money since 1982. However, the efforts had been suspended for nearly four years after a federal judge ordered the agency to provide better notice about the process and victim appeal rights. The agency has reduced its error rate for disaster payments from 14.5 percent after Katrina to about 3 percent in 2009, Racusen said. FEMA has continued to review thousands cases that potentially involve improper payments and plans to send more notices in the coming months. On Tuesday, the Lytles received a letter from a debt collection officer requesting they
submit current bank statements, most recent tax return and a summary of monthly expenses. Victims can appeal the matter, apply to forgive the debt through a hardship waiver or establish a payment plan. Veronica Lytle, who described herself as disabled, said her continuation health coverage recently expired and any money she’s able to sock away goes to prescription medication. “Right now, I can’t afford to pay nothing — I’ve got a triple-whammy,” said the 53-yearold. “With the economic times the way they are, I’m not working because I am disabled, but I am not receiving anything for it (come June).” Donald Lytle, 42, is a paid caretaker for his elderly mother-in-law. “Basically, there is nothing to give,” he said. FEMA says it encourages anyone who feels they received a notice of debt in error or has questions about their case to call 1 (800)-8161122.
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NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Neighborhood House Association requests proposals for the purchase, lease and installation of Telephone Systems from qualified vendors. Proposals must be submitted on or before 4:00 pm (PST) on May 15, 2011. A proposal package with further details may be obtained by visiting www.neighborhoodhouse.org and clicking on the “Request for Proposal� link at the bottom of the Home page or contacting the NHA Procurement Department at (858) 7152642x183.
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Bob Filner Welcomed at Community Gathering
Congressman Bob Filner attended a community gathering on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the home of The San Diego Monitor Publisher Willie Morrow (above). The large crowd gathered and listened to Congressman Filner discuss local events.
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The San Diego Monitor
Domestic Abuse Special Part 3
Reflections of a Past Life Even after being thrown in the trunk of his car and knowing how he felt about my relationship with Randy I returned to him less than a week later. There were many violent episodes approaching I hadn’t counted on such as being head butted, slapped around, choked out, and on couple of occasions running away from him half naked in only my panties. Then there was the time he sunk his teeth into my left cheek biting and holding it until I released his index finger from my mouth; I took hold of his finger because he was pointing it all in my face like I was a child who should be reprimanded, yelling and spit flying everywhere. The truth is I’m a feisty, temperamental woman, I say what I want whether you like it or not; and he hated these traits of mine. He wanted me quiet and submissive; I believe he felt as though threats, intimidation, and beatings would tame me. In a way his methods were successful. I knew when he was “on one” to remain silent or pacify him when deemed necessary; however, I can only be myself and in some cases being soft and passive was not an option. The point is there were various violent incidences in which I attempted to battle back, but I was never the victor only the defeated. With all that being said, I made a conscious decision to move in with him for 11 months of my life; those months felt like time without end. When I reflect back I (at that time) believed there were justifiable reasons for me to do so, but the reality was I was losing myself in him. I was not making intelligent choices nor was I thinking about the realities of my dysfunctional relationship. I continued to hold on to the good, although the bad always proved more worthy. I was battling within myself; I truly felt lost like there was no path no light only darkness and I couldn’t find my way. The beatings I hated most was when he was drunk or high; he became belligerent and heated with anger; his strength increased, and when I stared into his eyes all I perceived was evil. Many of these episodes happened while we lived together such as the time he threw hot candle wax on me as I was watching television – angry because I didn’t answer his calls; he thought I was out in the streets, when in actuality I was sleeping. It took unwarranted beat-
ings, drugs, alcohol, guns, and feeling worthless for me to finally decide to live my life and forget about this ridiculous notion that I’d ever have a normal relationship with this guy. This insert from my book marks the last senseless trip I would take with him. We were at my family’s celebration when I young man I hadn’t seen in years came by to say “hello” and gave me a hug. He was furious about it, so we left, and he made sure to torment me by driving like we were a part of high speed chase. When we finally made it home I refused to stay with him – I was terrified, so I took off. This incident marks the boiling point; I knew I had to leave and within two months I did. “I began to doze off when I heard a tapping at my window; I was startled when I saw it was him. He wanted me to lower my window, but I didn’t hesitate to start the ignition and flee. I drove quickly down Rodeo hoping he wouldn’t follow, but that’s exactly what he did. I was coming up on Dorsey High School when I looked to my right and saw him driving parallel to me with his gun pointing directly at my face. I was petrified; I ducked down while driving to avoid a bullet penetrating my face or head. I didn’t know where to go, but I knew my son was spending the night with his friend at my friends’ home a few blocks away. I drove there with him on my tail the entire time. Once I reached Westside Avenue, I approached Michael’s home and with the key still in the ignition I jumped out of the car and screamed for Michael. I began to run for the front door but he got to me first; he grabbed me with both hands wrapped around my neck and dangling me in the air like a rag doll. At that moment Michael ran out of the door and advised him to put me down stating to him it was in his best interest to leave. To my surprise he listened and he left. I explained to Michael the situation he listened and told me to get some rest. I laid there that night knowing I had to make a change otherwise I’d be dead.”
Are you stressed? Can’t seem to manage with life issues, pressures from work, and or family life?
M
y question to you is when was your last vacation? I'm not talking about the family back yard BBQ but a real vacation. Scientist have researched vacations and health related wellness and according to, Elizabeth Scott, M.S., "Workers who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burn out making them more creative and productive than their over worked and under-rested counterparts". Taking a day off to stay home and work or catch up on your household chores does not count as a vacation. Take a vacation! You might be saying to yourself why on earth would I take a vacation in the midst of all this confusion? My point exactly, a vacation will allow you to place your current problems down to see the big picture, your life has more to offer than your current problems. Most people do not take a vacation because of finances and feel it is better to pay bills than to ensure that their mental health is in tack. Stress being one of the biggest leaders of fatal diseases such as cancer, heart disease and hypertension should be reason of enough to take a vacation. It pays to relax your mind and body; you can't afford not to take a vacation. Elizabeth Scott adds, "Vacations promote creativity: a good vacation can help us to reconnect with ourselves, operating as a vehicle for self-discovery and helping us get back to feeling our best". In this economy, I understand that people are just trying to get by with the basic necessities. The same as you would include regular doctor's visits, eating healthy, and a work out regime, you need to add a vacation. First time vacationers and financially strapped vacationers could start with something in their local town. Many times we have an oasis in our front and back yard that we may indulge in. Did you know that the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers overnight stay? Their motto is, "Pack up your trunk for a sleepover adventure at the park, where you'll relax in comfy tents surrounded by the sounds of wild life. Slumber to the rumblings of lions, elephants and then wake up to the morning courtship calls of African cranes". The package includes overnight stay starting at 4:15 pm- 9:30 am, tent accommodations, dinner, evening snack, breakfast and T-Shirt for only $120 for children ages 3-11 and $140 for adults. If you want to act fast you can join my group tour to Las Vegas Memorial Day weekend. The bus leaves Saturday, May 28th and returns Monday, May 30. The trip includes 3 days/2 night hotel stay, round trip bus ride, 2 meals, and a gift bag for only $125 per person based on double occupancy. You may contact me for all your vacation needs at (619) 757-0175 or visit my website at www.straighttravel.biz Your Chief Vacation Specialist: Ebony Hope Taylor
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PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO THE MIDDLE EAST: “ARAB SPRING”
M
ay 19st, 2011, 11:40 am could in fact be a historical day in foreign policy: Presidential Address “Arab Spring.” Unlike the pressing notoriety of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love scandal, President Obama spoke to Arab Leaders (those resisting change and those living next door to those resisting change), the Arab street, Israelis, members of Congress and the American Public. Like any Presidential speech this is a daunting task because the President would have to carefully tailor messages that would hit critical audiences at various points in his speech. All of this, in lieu of protesters demanding change across the Arab world—Libya—and the Isreali-Palestinian warfare. The White House is downplaying expectations that one speech from the president will spark any of those efforts to a desired resolution, there’s little doubt that the speech is intended to nudge. As one senior administration had put it, “This comes at a moment of opportunity in the region and for U.S. policy in the region,” a senior administration official said on a conference call with reporters. “We’re obviously coming off of a decade of great tension and division across the region, and now, having wound down the Iraq war and continuing to do so, and having taken out Osama bin Laden, we are beginning to turn the page to a more positive and hopeful future for U.S. policy in the region.” The focal point of his whole speech will be predicated on the Middle East peace process. So as it turns out he proposed billions in economic aid Thursday to reward Mideast regimes that reform. “Square by square, town by town, the people have risen up to demand their basic human rights,” Obama told an audience at the U.S. State Department. “And though these countries may be a great distance from our shores, we know our own future is bound to this region by the forces of economics, security, by history, by faith.” He vowed to support the growing freedom movement across the Arab World and had harsh words for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, denouncing him for killing hundreds of peaceful demonstrators and suppressing political freedom. “The Syrian people have shown their courage in demanding a transition to democracy,” Obama said. “And President Assad now has a choice: he can lead that transition or get out of the way.” Obama seeks to reward change in Egypt by forgiving roughly $1 billion in debt to free up money for job creation efforts there. He also wants aid for Yemen and guarantees of up to $1 billion in loans for Egypt through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, a U.S. government institution that mobilizes private capital. The White House also plans to launch a new trade partnership in the Middle East and North Africa - and to prod world financial institutions to help Egypt and Tunisia more. Obama faces the challenge of selling the aid proposals to a Congress and constituents focused on reining in government spending and debt—a constant debate here in Washington, DC. The speech was Obama’s first major address on the Middle East since 2009 in Cairo, when he called for a new beginning to U.S. relations with Muslims amid animosity stoked by U.S. policy after 9/11. To contact me via email: princesefab@gmail.com and follow me on Facebook.
San Diego Monitor Editorial Staff Publisher and Editor Dr. Willie Morrow Associate Publisher Gloria Morrow Associate Administrator Cheryl Morrow News and Legal Editor Virgie Johnson
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Keith “Paintbucket” Johnson
Old School Psychology Today Pulls Offensive Article on Black Women from Website
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By Ujala Sehgal Every now and then comes along an article so shockingly appalling that the only explanation is that all the editors at the publication have been taken hostage. This one might be the best example yet: on May 15th, Psychology Today posted an article by evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa called “Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women?” Yes, you read that right. The article goes on to make some deeply offensive and weakly supported claims such as “It is very interesting to note that, even though black women are objectively less physically attractive than other women, black women (and men) subjectively consider themselves to be far more physically attractive than others… Nor can the race difference in intelligence [...] account for the race difference in physical attractiveness among women.” Kanazawa attempts to make it seem as though his theories have arisen from “objective data,” but actually the opposite seems to be true: he is providing a shallow interpretation of data to support his offensive theories. The article is no longer available on Psychology Today‘s website, though you can read it here (http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3412493). At first, we learn from Adweek, the magazine tried to soften the piece by tacking on this headline instead: “Why Are African-American Women Rated Less Attractive Than Other Women, but Black Men Are Rated Better Looking Than Other Men?” But it didn’t do the trick, and the article was widely lambasted not only by feminist blogs, but by academics, before being pulled altogether. We will update if the editors are finally released from captivity and issue an apology.
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Just Keeping It Real With Angela Harris Relationship Discussions
Change is inevitable (this is the 3rd of a 4 part series on what it takes to successfully implement “change”.) So far we have explored topics/ideas such as “Change begins with me” and “Be the change you want to see.” We will take the next journey of change and explore the reality that change is inevitable. Throughout history you’ve seen the change of flight, the change of driving, the change of listening to music, the change in clothing, changing in ways we communicate, the change in what is or isn’t acceptable on television or on the radio. We’ve seen opinions change time, you name it and for the most part people have moved toward, what is called the left, on moral issues. Dress and hair styles have changed even the church has changed. We’ve moved from writing letters, to typing letters, having to use carbon paper, then white out and now we’ve changed to the computer. Bottom line there is very little that hasn’t changed since our early beginnings and change will continue until the end of time. Many people are reluctant to the acceptance of change; they moan and groan, complain about it, and lodge a campaign to prevent it. Sometimes those campaigns have been good, other times they have been catastrophic. Nevertheless if you are one of those who have a challenge with change you might as well get over it or it’s going to roll over you anyway. Because as the Mayor of San Francisco stated, “you better get ready because it’s coming.” There was a book called “who moved my cheese” by Spencer Johnson. The principle of the book is very simple change is inevitable so you might as well learn to identify the signs and then be prepared to move with change. Of course not all change will be embraced and shouldn’t be embraced you must be able to discern between appropriate and inappropriate change. Examples of unhealthy change: • Your children running your house • People, especially Christians, living together until their wedding day. • People, opting to receive government assistance instead of actively pursuing a job to provide for themselves and their families. • Special interest being the primary driving force of influencing elections. • People turning a blind eye to injustices and crime on the streets instead of being proactive in eradicating both unhealthy behaviors. • Church becoming the least single influence in the home • People coming dressed anyway to church, in the name of come as you are. • Lack of reverence to God • Removal of prayer from school • The identification of Christian holiday’s with secular contemporary distinctions. (i.e. Happy Holiday’s, Spring break) So as we began change is inevitable just make sure you are a guide, an intricate agent of that change and not the residue of it. Stay tuned to next week full article please contact me.
Photos Sandy Huffaker
Stylists Liz Brigman, left, and Ana Mariscal work on Madelin Henrich’s, left, and Pauline Richardson’s hair and make-up for the prom put on by Eastlake Church in Chula Vista.
Church couple give special students ‘A Night to Remember’
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irls in sparkling prom dresses, makeup done and not a hair out of place, and boys in pressed tuxes, complete with cummerbunds and boutonnieres, eagerly filed into limousines and awaited their arrival to the dance. Minutes later after a jaunt up the hill, the limo door opened and students were greeted with hundreds of paparazzi, high-fives, streamers and signs. Their eyes filled with wonderment. The eyes of parents and onlookers, who lined the red carpet, welled with tears. About 300 students from 26 high schools throughout the county attended an honorary prom last Friday, hosted by Eastlake Church. Half of the attendees were special needs students. The 150 “honored guests” were pampered with free hair and makeup done by local beauty school students, free dresses and rented tuxes, professional photos, a limo ride, red carpet entrance and a topnotch dance with a disco ball, lights, decorative drapery and tunes spun by 98.1 FM’s host Mike Vasquez. The event was the brainchild of Cheryl and Rob Shields, attendees of Eastlake Church and parents to eight-year-old triplets. The event had been on their hearts for three years after seeing a similar event in Illinois, but they began planning the Chula Vista prom just three months ago. The Shields originally planned on 50 honored guests; they closed it down once the number tripled. “We had no idea when we were talking about it in our house that it would turn into something this huge,” Cheryl Shields said. “We put it on because honestly we feel God doesn’t make mistakes when he creates people. For us, we didn’t choose to have children without health risks or any health issues so we feel strongly that we want to celebrate all people … we wanted to honor people that sometimes get marginalized.” The Shields estimate the event cost $50,000, including all the donations. More than 38 local businesses and 500 volunteers contributed to the event, with some sponsoring a student for $100. “I am just blown away by how much fun this has been for us,” Rob Shields said. Caroline Saunders teaches a transition class for students with moderate to severe disabilities at Sweetwater High and volunteered to staff the dance. “I think it is the most wonderful thing that this
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Jessica Cruz, middle, is all smiles in her prom dress and tiara at the event for special needs students. church has ever done,” she said. “A lot of our kids never get to go to the prom.” Students were all smiles entering the dance hall in the church’s high school youth room, and got down to a mix of Top 40 hits and throwback tunes from decades ago. A conga line periodically circled the room. Montrail Murphy, 18, heard about the event through the church and signed up to be a partner for an honored guest. “It’s really just nice to see their face,” he said. “(The event) really isn’t anything I have ever seen before.” Marcus and Rhonda Ramsey saw the prom as a great socializing opportunity for their 18-year-old daughter, Kalaya. “She has never been to something like this where she is so pampered,” Marcus Ramsey said. Parent Claudia Ayala saw the event as an equalizer. “I think it’s just the fact that they are all in the same category,” she said. “They are all special and nobody is singled out. Nobody is staring at anybody. They can be who they are.” After getting her hair and makeup done, 15-yearold Danielle Kulowitch, was eager to take in the rest of the evening’s festivities. “Like I’m a 10th grader and we get to experience it two years earlier, and hopefully it will be like the real prom,” she said. Karla Renfro, a director of outreach at Eastlake Church, said the purpose of the event is “that they feel loved and that it’s a positive experience, and the parents in the community, that they know they have support and are cared for.” The Shields said they plan on making it an annual event.
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The San Diego Monitor
Bail set at $1 million for accused wife killer
S
AN DIEGO — The 83-year-old man accused of gunning down his estranged wife in the Gaslamp Quarter on the weekend pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of murder. San Diego Superior Court Judge David Szumowski set bail at $1 million for Joseph Gotell. No new details behind the afternoon shooting emerged at the brief hearing. Gotell is accused of shooting Deborah Gotell, 57, on Saturday afternoon at Fifth Avenue and Broadway. In addition to the murder charge, he also faces a weapons charge. Each charge carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Bullets struck Deborah Gotell twice in the head and once in the arm. She was declared brain-dead Sunday after being rushed to a hospital following the shooting and was kept on life support so her organs could be donated. Seven relatives of the deceased woman attended the arraignment but declined to speak afterward. At a news conference Tuesday night, three of Deborah Gotell’s four daughters described their stepfather as abusive and controlling. The couple had recently separated after being married for several years, the daughters said. Tahirah, 35, of Chula Vista described her stepfather as “cunning and manipulative,” and said he was insecure and jealous of their mother’s relationship with her daughters. (She and her sisters declined to give their last names.) “Looking back, I don’t think I took it seriously enough,” Tahirah said. “She felt she was meant to help him. He always had a sob story for her.” Court records show that Joseph Gotell was involved in the past several years in two federal court cases, one alleging his civil rights had been violated. Both suits were dismissed. He also appeared in an online video complaining he had been treated unfairly by the courts and complaining that an estate in Georgia had been take from him. In the video, posted earlier this year, Deborah Gotell also appears supporting her husband.
Deborah Gotell
Earnie Grafton
David Brooks
Three of the daughters of Deborah Gotell, Nefera (left), Jael (center), and Tahirah (right) talk to the press at the San Diego YWCA.
Joseph Gotell, 83, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court to the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, Deborah, 57. He is accused of gunning her down Saturday afternoon in the Gaslamp Quarter at Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
American Eagle: free phones when you try on jeans By The Associated Press PITTSBURGH — Teen retailer American Eagle Outfitters Inc., looking to jump-start backto-school denim sales, is offering anyone who tries on a pair of jeans starting later this month a free smart phone. The offer comes with a catch: the new phones, such as the Droid Eris by HTC, the BlackBerry Curve and the LG Ally, are only available with new two-year service plans. More than 40 phones are available across multiple carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile. The iPhone is not included. The deal runs from July 21 to Aug. 3. Customers who also sign up for a new smart phone and plan also get a $25 gift card for use at
American Eagle. Customers can find out more at http://www.ae.com/jeans . The back-to-school season is a major time for retailers, especially ones catering to teens like the Pittsburgh-based company. In May American Eagle Outfitters said that revenue at stores open at least a year fell 3 percent, slightly more than analysts had expected. That's a key figure for retailers because it measures growth at existing stores rather than new ones. The company's jeans sell for about $30 or $40, or more, according to its website. The company declined to say how much the promotion will cost. Shares of the company rose 14 cents to $11.95 in morning trading.
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Police applicant jailed on child porn charge By Pauline Repard, UNION-TRIBUNE SAN DIEGO — A Chula Vista man who authorities say admitted on a San Diego police job application that he once had sexual contact with a child and had viewed child pornography has been arrested. The 38-year-old man’s answers on a lengthy hiring questionnaire prompted police to investigate and seize computers, cameras and pictures of “exotic girls,” according to a search warrant document filed May 11. Robert Lee Williams was arrested the same day and remains jailed on suspicion of possessing child porn. His bail was set at $150,000 and he is scheduled to appear in Superior Court Monday. Williams filled out the background questionnaire on April 23, according to a search warrant affidavit filed by San Diego police Officer Susan Righthouse, who is assigned to the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In response to a television report on Williams’ arrest, his wife called KGTV, Channel 10, and read a statement on his behalf. “The San Diego Police Department has problems with the
integrity of their officers because telling the truth during the hiring process brings prosecution upon those seeking employment,” the statement said. “Mr. Williams told the truth, revealing his secrets, his thoughts, and his past. But he remains innocent of all charges they have illegally obtained. He is seeking expert counsel, pro bono.” In the affidavit, Righthouse said the questionnaire is designed to screen police officer job applicants before a full background investigation is conducted. Righthouse said Williams answer “yes” to questions about whether he ever had sexual contact with a child, looked at a child for sexual pleasure, or viewed, bought or sold child pornography. He explained on the form that when he was 29 he had “tried to touch” a younger cousin as she slept, and at age 35 he had started viewing child porn after an intense argument with his wife. Righthouse said in the affidavit that she interviewed Williams’ former roommate or girlfriend, who said she forced him to leave after she found a video on her computer depicting a girl of about 8 engaged in sexual conduct. She reportedly told Righthouse the video was on an external hard drive belonging to Williams.
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Target grant helps kids go to Outdoor School CHULA VISTA — A $10,000 grant from Target stores will allow 65 sixth-graders from Harborside Elementary School in the Chula Vista Elementary School District to enjoy a week of outdoor education and camping at the Cuyamaca Outdoor School. The students are set to leave today for the weeklong camp. A representative of Target said the retail chain is sponsoring the camps for kids who would not otherwise be able to afford them. "Because of statewide school budget cuts, school districts have increasingly relied on families to cover part or all of the cost to attend outdoor school. Target's support enables students to take part in outdoor school. who otherwise would not be able," a Target spokesman wrote in a statement about the grant. - By Wendy Fry
D I R E C T O RY
Dr.William A. Benson and First Lady Rachelle Y. Benson
Total Deliverance Worship Center Sunday 8:00 am • Sunday 10:45 am • Wednesday 7:00 pm
2774 Sweetwater Spring Blvd. Spring Valley 91977 (619) 670-6208 www.totaldeliverance.org
6126 Benson Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114 619-262-8384 • www.bayviewbc.org
MINISTER DONALD R. WARNER SR.
To send community notices & event infromation please email The San Diego Monitor: sdmnews@aol.com or call 619-668-1007
Linda Vista Second Baptist Church 2706 Korink Avenue, San Diego, CA 92111 Tel. (858) 277-4008 / Fax (858) 277-8441 Email: second-baptist@sbcglobal.net “Welcome to Praise City” Weekly Order of Service Sunday: Early Morning Worship Power Hour Mid-day Worship
7:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday: Noon-Day Bible Study Evening Prayer Bible Study
12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Dr. David C. Greene Sr. Pastor
Page 22 - May 7, 2011
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Maxine Clark
E
arthquakes, floods, wars—-What else could happen?…?.Roy Rogers hung up his spurs, Captain Kirk left the Enterprise, Dianna deserted the Supremes, the Beatles are no more, The King is gone, There is no “man in the moon”, There ain’t no “alien” in Roswell and “Oprah” is no more—-What else traumatic could happen to our way of life….Nothing, you say….welll…after 37 years, seven months, eleven days and two hours, Maxine Clark retired from the Xerox Corporation. At Xerox San Diego, she was the most senior in tenure with the exception of one service Representative and the training face of Xerox to its customers for all those years. Her employment included one year as a Sales Secretary and 36 years as a Production Training Specialist, instructing customers how to operate and utilize Xerox Printers to their fullest. She was afforded the opportunity to train customers on the very first revolutionary copy machines, the Xerox 660, 914 and 1000 up to and including the newest production printer, the Xerox 800/1000. For twenty-five years she was the Xerox dedicated Federal Trainer (Navy and Marines) and her territory included all the states in the Pacific South and North West, Hawaii, Guam, Kwajalein (the Marshall Islands) and Japan. Having such a vast area demanded that she travel extensively, for weeks at a time, to those places including Europe and oftentimes she was accompanied by her husband, Pastor Charlie Clark. As a Professional Trainer, Maxine performed her job with professionalism, pride, integrity, proficiency, dignity, compassion and just plan o’ hard work. Maxine states that, “Xerox did not hire, train and instill those characteristics in us (me), we were hired by Xerox because we possessed them already. “ These qualities allowed our customers and us to reap the greatest, most fulfilling,
positive and rewarding training experiences. Ms. Max (as she is affectionately called by her peers) has been a “President’s Club” winner (Sales Award) and “Peak Performer” (Service Award) which included all-expense paid trips for two at a posh location. She also has been featured on the front of the Xerox Web page twice, with a letter of recognition from the CEO of Xerox. She has been involved in the Xerox Community Involvement Program for 37 years, coordinating countless activities and events in the community with Xerox employees’ participation, funneling thousands of dollars into San Diego County to help improve the quality of life for the less fortunate. She received special recognition from the former Mayor, Maureen O’Conner, Former Governor, Pete Wilson, Congressman and President Barack Obama for her untiring volunteer service and efforts. Maxine says that…”My tenure at Xerox has been bravura, awesome, rewarding and a great ride; working with magnificent people, at a superlative company and serving splendid customers (my business card read, ‘37 Wonderful Years of serving you’)— Truly, I can say, ‘God blessed me to work for such a prestigious company’. We Xerox people are some of the most diverse, flexible, intelligent, resilient and knowledgeable people in the workforce today.” She adapted this mantra from her husband: “When a training is first begun, Never quit until it is done… Be the equipment large or small, Train the customers well, Or not all!! So, Ms. Max, says, “Thank you, Xerox, I enjoyed working here and appreciated all the support and avenues to be all that I could be and for all the memories and great legacies, for giving me the opportunities for professional and personal development. “I have grown up intellectually, professionally, successfully and spiritually over the years with you and the memories will always be with me. I have been places, beheld sights and experienced opportunities that I never dreamed I would be capable of achieving or accomplishing. Many of you have been a great inspiration to me during my tenure here at “Ma Xerox” and I feel like family to some as we trudged through getting married, children, college, children’s weddings, grandchildren, etc. However, after working with Xerox for the last 37 years, it’s now time for me to cut the apron strings and figure out what I want to do when I grow up and use some of this awesome, intellectual capital that supposedly has been amassed over the years. lol “And, now, I am entering into my new phase in life – RETIREMENT. Instead of answering my phone, “Xerox”, I will now answer it, ’RPH’. That means ‘Retired Person Here’.” (:—)) This 67 year old mother and grandmother also has the helpful hand and support of her loving husband of 33 years, Pastor Charlie, and her church where she has been an active member for 41 years, St. Stephen’s COGIC, pastored by Bishop George D. McKinney, where Lady B. J. Warren is the First Lady. A birth mother of one daughter and a blended family of seven adult children, it’s safe to say there’s always been a lot on Maxine’s plate. “From a child, I’ve always had a positive attitude and been full of activity and involved in folks lives and I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way,” Maxine said. “I know what I’m doing is vital and there are many people who depend on it. So many of us are blessed and it is my belief that we have an obligation and responsibility to improve others’ lives every day.”