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Friday, July 30, 2010

7-30-2010 Los Cerritos Community Newspaper digital version

7-30-2010 Los Cerrios Community Newspaper digital version

Tribute paid to Korean War Veterans at Cerritos Performing Arts Center





Korean Dance performed by the Navy Performers at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

By Jerry Bernstein

Korean Veterans, their families and friends gathered in the Sierra Room at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts July 27 in a Korean War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony.
Cerritos Mayor Joseph Cho welcomed those present and introduced members of the city council and special guests. Opening ceremonies included the singing of the United States and Korean National Anthems by Soo Joung Lee.
The Mayor said this year, 2010, marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, when North Korea invaded South Korea. In this country the war is called the “Forgotten War.” “To the Korean people it is not a “ Forgotten War.” He reminded those present that the war was never formally ended with the signing of a peace treaty. The fighting stopped with the signing of an Armistice agreement.
He noted that it wasn’t until President Obama signed the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act on July 27, 2009 that the Korean War Veterans Day became a National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
He expressed gratitude in behalf of his native country and said South Korea could not have become what it is today except for the American young men and women who defended the country. “Without their sacrifice my native country could not have become what it is today.” He extended his appreciation to the veterans who were present in the audience.
Visiting California and docked at the Port of Long Beach is the Republic of Korea Navy 2010 Cruise Training Task Group to pay its respect to the war veterans and to acknowledge their sacrifices and dedication. Representing the Task Force and participating in the ceremony was the Commander, KNA Training Task Group, who expressed his country’s sincere thanks in behalf of all the service men who fought in the war. “Today the Republic of Korea would not be what it is if not for you. We will never forget what you did for our country. To us, you are our heroes.”
Speaking for the veterans, who recently returned from Korea marking the 60th year of the war, was Clyde Van Dyk who said “We will never forget the people of Korea and their warm welcome given us upon our arrival. He said many of the veterans who were on the trip recognized some of the names of the 24,000 Americans who lost their lives in the war engraved on plaques on the walls of the memorial. We also will never forget our visit to the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone] and the North Korean’s looking at us through binoculars from their side of the zone.
Later in the evening, the Commander of the Task Force hosted a reception on board his ship for the veterans and their wives.
The Cerritos Friends of Korean War Veterans, Mid-Cities Korean-American Chamber of Commerce, Central Church Council of Southern California, Mid-Cities Silver Association, Korean Veterans Association of Los Angeles, ROK Naval Academy Alumni Association of Southern California, Korean Special Forces Veterans Association and Friends of American Veterans of the Korean War sponsored the Korean War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony.

Gilroy Garlic Festival keeps on growing along with world-wide visitors






Gourmet Alley has been the heart of the Garlic Festival for 12 years. This is where the Pyro Chefs entertain the crowd with spectacular flame ups. The garlic cuisine they prepare includes Stuffed Mushrooms, Pasta con Pesto, Calamari, Scampi, Pepper Steak Sandwiches, Italian Sausages Sandwiches, Garlic Bread, Garlic Fries and Garlic Chicken Fry.



By Jerry Bernstein

The Gilroy Garlic Festival first opened its doors in 1979 to celebrate the end of the harvesting of the Gilroy garlic crop. Today it has grown with this year hosting 97,766 visitors compared to last year’s 108,000. However, revenues were up about seven percent from last year.
Festival President Greg Bozzo said. "I think this festival is bigger than garlic and it has to do with the people and their know how," he said in a short celebratory speech to festival organizers after the last visitor left the park Sunday night. "That's what's unique to our festival that's nowhere else in the world." The festival is basically organized and run by local volunteers. Money raised goes to local charities designated by the volunteers. Dollars raised by local charities since 1979 total $8,525,322.
This writer has been going to the Gilroy Garlic Festival for the last 12 years when my cousin insisted I go with her and son Bernard. My initial response was, “Who wants to go to a Garlic Festival? However, they talked me into going and have I returned each year since. Last year Bernard, my 16 year old granddaughter and myself drove to Gilroy in Bernard’s new Corolla. We saved on gasoline but this year we drove in my 1998 Oldsmobile, which got 28 mpg. I explained to him that his car was not designed for tall people. I’m 6 ft. 2 in. He reluctantly acceded to my request.
We left his residence in the Valley close to 8 a.m. and arrived in Gilroy five hours later, heading immediately to our favorite breakfast and lunch establishment, Ode’s, which is located in downtown Gilroy. If you request it, the cooks will add Garlic sprinkles to your food.
We had already purchased our tickets on line, which were raised from $10 per person to $15. Senior’s paid $6. After checking into our hotel, we drove to Cosco’s and replenished the gas tank.
The next morning we were up early and after a quick breakfast at Denny’s drove to the Festival. Over the years the festival parking lot has increased in size as the number of visitors has grown. The parking lot is now divided into sections. There is the handicapped area, yellow etc. Once you park your car, shuttles take you to the festival entrance.
The first thing we did was head to a stand that sold garlic braids. Over the years we learned the owners picked their garlic about two weeks before the festival opened whereas other pick them six to eight weeks before the opening date. The garlic bulbs stay fresh for a minimum of one year. After we bought our braids we walked around investigating the grounds to see what was new and along the way sample some of the
free food. One of the most popular is the miniature vanilla ice-cream cone made with Garlic.
Along the way we lost Bernard but I figured we would catch up with him at the Braiding Competition. Deanna and I browsed through the many stands that sell everything from hats to temporary tattoos. I broke down and purchased a glass elephant made with gold sprinkles to add to my collection. I also bought a print of a silhouette of a horse that my granddaughter liked and plan to give it to her on her 17th birthday in August.
Annual Cook-off
One of the most popular events at the festival is the annual cook-off. This year there were two large television screens hooked up at the back of the cook-off stage. This let people sitting in the bleaches located in front and both side of the stage see what the contestants were cooking. The cookout has become an international event with entries received from all over the world. Hundreds of recipes featuring the use of garlic are received. These in turn are narrowed down by the judges to eight.
The eight finalists are required to travel to Gilroy to cook and present their recipes on the Cook-off stage on Saturday morning [second day] of the festival. A select panel of judges tastes each finalist’s dish and selects the winner. The grand-prize winner is awarded $1,000 and is crowned with a wreath of garlic. Second and third place winners are awarded $750 and $500 respectively. The remaining finalists are awarded $100 each.
Last years winners included first place – Spicy Garlic Butter Cookies with Garlic Goat Cheese and Honey. Second place recipes included Coconut and Garlic Sopa, Short Ribs with Black Bean BBQ Sauce and Saffron/Garlic Infused Root Veggies. Recipe books are available for those interested in trying some of the recipes at home.
At the end of the day we took the shuttle back to the car.
We decided to investigate two of the discount centers near the hotel where we spent 45 minutes. We drove back to the hotel and walked to a strip discount center where we found a bookstore. I bought two books and my granddaughter picked out three. We then returned to the hotel where my cousin relaxed in the room we shared and my granddaughter disappeared into her room. I in turn changed into my bathing suit and went down to the hotel’s pool where I spent a few hours swimming and sitting in the sun. I might ad the pool water was ice cold. However, two youngsters, a brother and sister, were in and out of it like fish, which gave me heart to jump in, Very invigorating.
The next morning the car started up and we headed home.

Cerritos posts residential color palette on city’s website

By Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council approved the placing of the city’s residential color palette on the City’s website at its July 22 meeting. Current Planning Manager Robert Lopez said in his report the placing of the palette on the website should make the process of selecting paint colors and obtaining a paint color permit easier for homeowners.
Under a 2004 amendment to the city code, a free city-approved paint color permit is required prior to the painting home exteriors in order to maintain the attractive and compatible appearance of Cerritos neighborhoods.
In addition to showcasing the colors for home exteriors, the new web page contains an interactive tool that allows residents to create and evaluate custom color combinations. The on-line residential color palette is available on the City’s website at www.cerritos.us and can be accessed through the I Want To... and Resident sections.
The on-line color palette includes pull-down color menus. It is organized by color family and displayed according to specific design features (stucco, siding, trim and accents). There are more than 500 colors in the palette, which can be combined to create 400,000 distinct color combinations. As color displays vary between computers, monitors and printers, the on-line display is offered as a general guide for the types of colors available in the approved color palette.
After making color selections, residents can click on the “Print My Palette” button. A new window appears, providing instructions on the next steps for obtaining paint color approval from the Department of Community Development.
Lopez said the City’s exterior paint color ordinance helps protect property values and the park-like look of Cerritos. Before buying paint or hiring a contractor, homeowners must obtain a paint color permit at City Hall. There is no fee charged for the permit. Prior to issuing the permit, staff will assist the homeowner in conducting a quick check to make sure the proposed colors will fit well with Cerritos neighborhoods.
Samples of the 500 colors in the City’s approved palette are available for residents to review at City Hall. Residents can also pick up paint samples for their choice of exterior and trim colors at a local hardware or paint store. They can then bring the paint color samples to the Community Development counter on City Hall’s second floor between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A City planner will review the choices and compare the colors against the City’s approved exterior paint color palette.
Homeowners who need ideas or help choosing a color may also review the color palette at the Community Development counter. The palette provides color combinations most suitable for residential properties and was prepared by a professional color consultant. To best determine how a paint color will look on a home, it is suggested that residents purchase a quart of the paint and apply it to an area of their home. For more information call the Planning Division at (562) 916-1201.

B & B Stables hosted a boot stompin’ good time



Enjoying a boot stompin’ good time were (top l-r) Cerritos Councilmember Carol Chen, Planning Commissioner Dianna Needham, former Cerritos Mayor Barry Rabbitt and (bottom l-r) former Mayor Alex Beanum and Hedy Harrison-Anduha.


By Larry Caballero


Bob and Mary Buell have owned B & B Stables in Cerritos for 47 years and hosted the 6th Annual National Day of the American Cowboy on Saturday, July 24 at the B & B Stables to raise funds for scholarships for families who cannot afford the cost of its Ride Your Horse Therapeutic Program. Last year the funds were used for a horse trailer that can cost up to $10,000. With the trailer, it was possible to transport horses to state shows and the Special Olympics.
In 2006, Instructor Darlene Harman started the therapeutic riding program to provide quality equine-assisted activities to persons with disabilities and encourage self-growth through physical, cognitive, social, emotional and educational benefits. The Alex Beanum Arena for Therapeutic Riding was dedicated in 2008.
The countrywide celebration honoring our cowboy and western heritage included pony and horse rides, vendors, crafts, and artist booths, a kids corral, photos with horses, breakfast and lunch, a raffle and door prizes.
Riding Demonstrations have included in the past the Long Beach Mounted Police, Dressage, Therapeutic Riding, Natural Horsemanship and Horse Wiser Training as well as Blacksmith and Wood Branding, Barrels, Reining, and Roping, Jumping, Parade of Breeds, and a US Territorial Marshals “Old West Reenactment.”
The fun continued for the adults who were invited to join the Ride Your Horse 3rd Annual TRP Birdcage Saloon and Casino Night starting at 6 p.m. The evening was advertised as “a night filled with boot stompin’, hat flying excitement for everyone.” Guests were welcome to “kick up their heels and wash down the dust.” Tickets were $100 per person who enjoyed live music by Jeff Severson and the Singing Safety Band, dancing, casino tables, dinner and a silent auction. Guests were ridden to the Casino entrance by a horse and wagon, and once registered, more than 200 guests could purchase drink tickets that were good at the bar for water, soda or alcohol, and a 100 dollar chip for gambling at the craps, blackjack or poker tables. Before eating a fantastic dinner, they ate delicious appetizers and had the opportunity to bid on numerous items in the silent auction.
A Texas Hold-em’ tournament was offered to the more savvy gambler, and winners from the gambling tables were given raffle tickets good for wonderful items including gift baskets, dinner and movie tickets, baseball tickets and expensive jewelry.
After dinner, guests listened to the live country band and couldn’t help “kickin’ up their heels” on the dirt dance floor. It was a night full of fun and amusement for all who attended.
Instructors in the Ride Your Horse Program are NARHA-Certified (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). More than 100 volunteers and interns participate. Many high school students choose to spend their 40 hours of community service requirement working in the program.
Cal-State Long Beach student Pam Poindexter enjoys her time as an intern. “This has been the most incredible experience I could ever be involved with. It’s been a dream come true. I cannot imagine not being involved with this program in some capacity in future years.”
Harman works with more than 40 students ages 3 to 76 in 7 week sessions in the year round program. She works closely with the outpatient program at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Hospital in Downey. The Therapeutic Riding Program’s motto is “Let the warmth of a horse carry you to your dreams.”
It offers activities to persons with a wide range of disabilities such as autism, ADD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Rhetts Syndrome, visual and hearing impairments, and social, emotional and behavioral disorders. Group lessons, private lessons, seasonal clinics and educational workshops are provided.
Harman does not want to offer a program with more than 100-150 riders because she fears that the personal connection with the instructor and rider will be lost. “They need to make new friends and not feel overwhelmed with a lot of people at one time. I know this is where I was meant to be. If I weren’t here, I would feel like I was letting a lot of people down.”
None of the volunteers are paid, and all of the money received goes back into the program. “There’s rarely enough money for all of the needs we have which include special food for the older horses, veterinarian bills and materials and supplies,” said Harman.
The horse has been known for centuries as a powerful therapeutic tool. Caring for horses and riding them can assist muscles to strengthen and stretch, enhance circulation and offer the opportunity to be in control of one’s own mobility.

Hawaiian Gardens to hold second annual National Night Out

The City of Hawaiian Gardens in conjunction with the Sheriff's Department and LA County Fire Department will host its 2nd annual National Night Out and Community Peace March Aug. 3. The event will commence with a Community Peace March at the Hawaiian Gardens City Hall at 6:00 P.M, and culminate with a community celebration at the Hawaiian Gardens Public Safety Center. The public is invited to join this community event that will include food, music, games, face painting, bouncers, public safety demonstrations and information booths.
Sgt. Thomas Burt, with the Hawaiian Gardens SAO Team said he is looking for volunteers to staff the Neighborhood Watch Booth during the event at the Public Safety Center. Those interested in volunteering should contact his staff at the Public Safety Center at 562-496-1026.

Family Feud features Cerritos family

Think of it as “Feud 2.0” if you like, because the new season of America’s favorite family game show is bursting with big changes, and the Vora Family of Cerritos, CA is going to be part of the action. Cerritos’ own Vora Family will face off against the Lewis Family of Inglewood, CA on the exciting new season, and they will man their buzzers beginning on Tuesday, August 3. This exciting new season of the classic game airs Monday-Friday at 6:00 p.m. on KCAL (Channel 9).
The Vora Family – which includes Nilesh, a doctor who wants to be the first Indian to play in the NBA; wife Pinal, an accountant who is also a basketball fan; aunt Rajul, a physical therapist and the brains behind the family; brother Samir, a lawyer in Downtown Los Angeles; and cousin Nikhil, an investment banker who once won the jackpot at a casino – will be aiming for top prize money of $150,000, plus a brand new car, when they appear in America’s favorite family game show, taped before a live studio audience in Hollywood.
“We decided to go on ‘The Feud’ because we consider ourselves very witty and in tune with current social concepts,” said Nilesh. “If we win we want to take a family trip back to the motherland, India.”

Hawaiian Gardens hosts 11th Annual Donald E. Schultze Memorial Golf Tournament






The City of Hawaiian Gardens hosted its 11th Annual Donald E. Schultze Memorial Golf Tournament at the Westridge Golf Course in La Habra to raise money for youth activities. Mayor Victor Farfan described Schultze as "an icon in the City and a great friend to many who served for 25 years as a Park and Recreation and Planning Commissioner and City Councilmember before his death on July 1, 1998. Attending the tournament were (l-r) Hawaiian Gardens Senior Division Little League Champion District 38 Coach Anthony Corrales, player Cesar Soto, Mayor Farfan, Tri-City Director of Community Relations Mary Lou Landes, player Pedro De La Rosa and Manager Frank Amaro.

Rotary Club welcomes ABC students from Japanese Student Exchange Program






The Rotary Club of Artesia/Cerritos welcomed students from the ABC Unified School District who visited Japan. The program is sponsored by the ABC Unified School District with strong support from our Rotary Club. Seven students visited Kakamigahara in Central Japan. Both the school district and Rotary Club have very strong ties with this area in Japan. Several students each year spend up to 10 days visiting other students in Japan, attend their school, learn about Japanese culture, and even stay in the homes of host families. The students also do sightseeing in a major metropolitan area such as Tokyo.
The trip this year was from June 26 to July 5th. The students who went were Kemi Jhun, Van Ahn Tran, Veronica Williams, Joana Acorda, Nathaniel Taniguchi, Jessica Kanemaru, and Alma Luquin. Mrs. Susan Wu, a teacher at Gahr High School, escorted them. On Monday, July 19th, each of the students and Mrs. Wu visited the Rotary Club to report about their trip, show all their pictures, and thank those involved for making such a wonderful experience possible. Parents, other ABC officials, and many club members were in attendance. For more information on the Rotary, contact Dr. Steve Sherman at 562 926-1097.

A Fast Penny wins Wiener Nationals






A determined Truffles (front) on her way to the win.

Los Alamitos Race Course, Cypress-
Named after The Beatles’ famous song, Penny Lane rocked the competition to win the title of Fastest Wiener in the West in the 15th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals.
In front of a season high crowd estimated at around 12,000 people, 97 dachshunds competed in the Wiener Nationals, an event consisting of a series of races for dachshunds held over the 50-yard distance on the same track the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbreds race at Los Alamitos Race Course.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter in Orange County. Over the years the Wiener Nationals has raised nearly $200,000 for the Care Center.
Owned by Trish Ausilio of Buena Park, California, Penny Lane beat the gate at the start of the championship race and opened up a big lead. The 3-year-old tan doxie then ran like a pretzel, swerving inside to allow defending champion Presley to catch her with 20 yards left in the championship race. The two star runners then bumped into each other hard and a determined Penny Lane could be seeing gnarling at her talented rival.
After the two bumped, Presley appeared to take a slight lead before Penny Lane rallied back to victory. In addition to the title of Fastest Wiener in the West, Penny Lane won a doghouse in the shape of a Wienerschnitzel restaurant and a $1,000 cash prize. Amy Caetta’s Presley of Placentia finished in second place and took home $500. Presley’s tough second place finish means that there has still never been a back-to-back champion in the history of the Wiener Nationals.
Following the winner’s circle festivities, Los Alamitos Race Course presented and additional $5,000 donation to the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.
In addition to Penny Lane and Presley, the championship race also featured trial winners Gary Broesder’s Nikko of Anaheim, Mitch Sechrest’s Charlie of Sierra Madre, Lisa Chavelier’s Truffle of Costa Mesa, Abel Raygoza’s Truffle of Fontana, Brittany Hayes’ Riley of Huntington Beach, Sheena Diaz’s Tootsie of Rialto, Felipe Lerma’s Gizmo of Woodland Hills, and Kayla Weaver and James Hanna’s Belle of Irvine. For more information on the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course contact 714-820-2690 or larace@losalamitos.com.

Cerritos Sheriff’s Station Weekly Crime Summary July 18 to July 25, 2010

Cerritos Sheriff’s Station reported twenty-three Part I felony crime investigations for the above reporting period, up by one from the previous period. Vehicle burglaries slightly increased. Robberies, residential burglaries, and vehicle thefts remained the same, and decreases were noted in commercial burglaries. Calls for service dropped from 340 to 275 last week. The 2010 weekly average in calls for service is now 301.
GREAT NEWS! For the third consecutive reporting period, there were no robberies reported.
Three residential burglaries were again investigated last week for the fourth consecutive reporting period. A screen door and a sliding glass door were left unsecured, and in the third case, a window was pried open. Purses, laptop computers, jewelry, and computer games were taken. The current 2010 weekly average in residential burglaries is 2.1. We cannot stress the need to ensure your residence is COMPLETELY secured prior to departing.
There was one commercial burglary reported last week, down from three the previous one. A closed business was entered via a pried door and two TVs were removed. The 2010 weekly average in commercial burglaries is 2.8
Vehicle burglaries increased from six the week before to nine last week. High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in seven. Four of the vehicles last week were SUVs and two victims reported stereo items missing.
Other items stolen were four GPS units, liquor and TVs (from two motor homes), purses, wallets, credit cards, CDs, cameras, and a leather bag. The new 2010 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is now 6.8.
Regionally there have been increased reports of GPS unit thefts. These items are usually held by suction to windshields, which offer an easy target. Vehicle thefts also remained the same last week for the second consecutive reporting period. Four were investigated.
High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in all four. Three were involved SUVs, and one a Honda. The 2010 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 4.7.

Publisher's Rant: Cerritos needs to look into this

More than 2,200 softball players, their parents, siblings, and friends invaded the Antelope Valley for the latest tournament brought in by Valley local cities to use municipal sports fields and help boost business at local hotels and eateries.
Cerritos and surrounding cities (Artesia) need to look into this.
Coming as far away as San Diego (this was a “B” tournament), some 150 teams are playing at ball fields around the area. They also are filling up shopping center parking lots with minivans and SUV’s, windows covered with names and cities from which they came, and shopping.
Based on prior years, a tournament of this size is expected to bring an estimated $975,000 in economic impact to the area.
Games are going on at 11 fields in the area with six age groups participating: 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under. Each division will hold its’ championship game on that Sunday with the winners going to the ASA National Championships in August.
We have 5 fields at the Regional Park, another four in Artesia and with the new fields at Fedde there will be two more. More than enough to host a large tournament.
Cerritos should take the lead on this and attempt to land a tournament here in the area.
We have several very good local girl’s teams-as some of you have seen in this paper-going to different State and National tournaments in August. (See page 10). Our local area boasted the ASA 18 and under National Champion a few years ago-the Artesia Punishers.
Seems odd that our area had a national champion and we have no tournaments.
Parks and Recreation Commission and Department should investigate, or they can see it first-hand just down the 5 freeway next year; the city of Irvine just secured the 2011 ASA Girl’s GOLD National Championship next August.

On to politics…. $enate Republican$ block political di$clo$ure bill

All 41 Senate Republicans this past week blocked a vote on a bill that would force special interest groups to disclose their donors when purchasing political ads, defeating a effort to impose new campaign finance regulations before the November election. The bill passed in the House.
With that vote, they are obviously picking sides. According to some it is the right side based on the statement that the bill was “a politically motivated attempt to curb free speech rights”.
The legislation is in response to the Supreme Court's ruling of Citizen’s United that Companies, Unions, and front groups can spend millions without restraint. The Senate bill would force issue groups to reveal their donors as well as require CEO’s to record messages saying they stand by the ad.
The act would also bar government contractors, foreign controlled corporations and companies that receive federal bailout funds from making contributions.
What’s wrong with that? Everything according to all 41 $enate Republican$.

Sánchez statement on federal ruling on Arizona Law

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton’s decision granting a preliminary injunction against Arizona’s law, SB 1070:
“The Court’s decision today underscores the bottom line -- it is the federal government’s responsibility to set immigration policy.
“There is simply no way you can tell immigration status just by looking at someone. Policies requiring police officers to engage in racial profiling and compelling citizens and legal residents to carry papers with them at all times are the wrong response to solve our broken immigration system.
“I applaud the decision and look forward to getting back on track with immigration reform that is principled and pragmatic.”

City of Bell

Thanks for the info on salaries of city council members of Cerritos. Can you publish the salaries of the three (most highly paid) staff, such as the City Manager, etc.?

Jeffrey D.
Cerritos

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry- The Hollywood smile

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your teeth aren’t as straight and bright as your favorite beautiful or gorgeous Hollywood actors? If not, then stop reading. For the rest us let me explain what goes into a great looking set of teeth and smile.
First, it starts when your parents take you to the dentist and orthodontist. Most bad bites and crooked teeth can be corrected with braces in two to three years. Take off the braces and bleach the teeth and Voila! You have a Hollywood smile.
Second (if you skipped the first step as a child), talk to your dentist about your smile. There are many types of beautiful smiles. They all have harmony and symmetry. Your dentist will evaluate your smile for lip line, tooth size, gum line, and color to develop an appropriate plan of action. Plans may include braces, bleaching, veneers, crowns, and cosmetic oral surgery.
I have many adults that have opted for braces. Yes, this takes a little longer, but it is often necessary for very badly positioned teeth. If the teeth are not too bad orthodontists can use the Invisalign clear tray method. Even with orthodontic correction your teeth may still be dark and worn.
Bleaching may be all that is needed. I use the “Sapphire” one-hour professional whitening. Other products such as Brite-Smile and Zoom are performed routinely. Take home tray bleaches are great and a little less expensive. The advantage is that you can bleach on your own quiet time and give yourself an occasional “booster” treatment when the teeth start returning to the original shade.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth. I try not to permanently alter healthy teeth for cosmetic work (sorry-it’s just me) so I use Lumineer veneers wherever justified. These are really thin (.3mm-.5mm) porcelain shells and are placed without the use of shots. I like them so much I have placed them on my staff and family to fill out the smile line and to permanently brighten teeth. Occasionally I must do a minor reduction of the tooth if it sticks out too far. The first veneers that were developed are thicker and require drilling back on the tooth to compensate for the added thickness.
When Lumineers cannot achieve your Hollywood smile many dentists are using ceramic fused to ceramic crowns. These crowns are brilliant and strong. They are more expensive than the old porcelain fused to metal crowns, but you will not get that dark line you see at the gum line when the tissues eventually shrink back.
Finally, oral cosmetic surgery may be required to correct gummy smiles and high lip lines.
So, if you want that “Hollywood Smile” a consultation with a dentist experienced in Cosmetic Dentistry might just start you on the road to the smile of your dreams! For answers to your dental questions, contact Douglas Urban, D.D.S. Cerritos, CA 90703 562 924-1523 www. DrDouglasUrban.com

Los Alamitos Medical Center recognized for implementing quality heart disease and stroke care

Los Alamitos Medical Center has been recognized for achievement in using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best possible care to patients through The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program.
Los Alamitos Medical Center and 814 other hospitals are featured in a special advertisement in the “America’s Best Hospitals” issue of US News & World Report (August issue) to commemorate their receipt of Get With The Guidelines Gold and Gold Plus Performance Achievement Awards. A total of 961 awards were given for achievement in coronary artery disease, stroke and/or heart failure treatment.
Hospitals recognized in each category achieve at least 85 percent compliance to Get With The Guidelines measures. Those achieving 85 percent compliance for 24 consecutive months receive the Gold Performance Achievement Award, with the Silver Performance Achievement Award going to those with 85 percent compliance for 12 consecutive months. Special recognition is also given for those hospitals achieving 85 percent compliance in two or all three categories and/or for being in 75 percent compliance with heart failure and/or stroke measures.
Get With The Guidelines is a hospital-based quality-improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients following the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations. The program addresses coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke. Currently more than 1,400 hospitals participate in the program.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s advertisement recognizes Los Alamitos Medical Center’s commitment and success in performance achievement (stroke – gold plus, coronary artery disease – gold, heart failure – gold).
“The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its top Get With The Guidelines participants,” said. Lee Schwamm, M.D., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and Vice Chairman of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Healthcare providers who use Get With The Guidelines are armed with some of the latest evidence-based guidelines and immediate access to clinical decision support, using a set of tools that have been shown to improve delivery of evidence-based care. The goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of life and help reduce deaths and disability among patients with heart disease and stroke.”
For a free stroke brochure from Los Alamitos Medical Center, call 800-548-5559.

Hearing Loss Association Speaker on “New Ideas and Technology”

Guest speaker for Thursday, August 12, 2010 Hearing Loss Association, Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter will be member Herb Balkind, who will be speaking on “How My Life Improved with New Ideas and Technology.” Balkind is the co-chairman of the HAT Committee (Hearing Assistive Technology) and the Rocky Stone Hearing Device Exhibit that demonstrates technology through monthly meetings at the Weingart Senior Center. Balkind holds a degree in Cinema from the University of Southern California.
Hearing Loss Association, Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter is a support group offering education on coping skills and resources to help survive in a hearing world. HLA meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. Admission is free. Reservations are not necessary.
Please join us and take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about Hearing Loss Association of America’s outreach to the hearing loss community. Don’t miss it! Light refreshments are served at every meeting! For more information, please call 562-438-0597 or visit www.hlalongbeachlakewood.org.

Pioneer Medical Group free health education seminars

Hernia
If you have or think you might have a hernia, you are not alone - by a long shot. About 5 million people in the U.S develop hernias every year. The most common type of hernia is an inguinal hernia but there are many other types that can cause problems. Join Dr. Pinal Doshi from Pioneer Medical Group as he discusses the most common types of hernias, along with symptoms, risk factors, and current treatment options.
Dr. Pinal Doshi
Cerritos Senior Center
12340 South Street, Cerritos
(562) 916-8550
Wednesday, August 11th at 8:00am

Depression- There is Hope
Feeling blue is not a normal part of aging. Many older Americans think that feeling depressed is just part of growing older. They believe sadness, irritability, aches and pains, and feelings of hopelessness just come with age. However, these feelings are not a normal part of the aging process. In fact, such symptoms can be a sign of depression. Join Dr. Valentina Dalili from Pioneer Medical Group and learn to recognize which symptoms may need medical treatment and what the latest treatment options are available today.
Dr. Valentina Dalili
Cypress Senior Center
9031 Grindlay Street, Cypress
(714) 229-2005
Thursday, August 19th at 10:30pm

Your Liver - Your life
The liver is the primary filtering system for your body and is connected to many of your body’s vital functions. Over 25 million Americans have liver related diseases; and liver disease appears to be on an increase. Please join one of the physicians from Pioneer Medical Group for an informative lecture on the many different types of liver disease. This lecture will also discuss current treatment and prevention of liver diseases
Cerritos Senior Center
12340 South Street, Cerritos
(562) 916-8550
Wednesday, August 25th at 1:00pm

Norwalk Senior Center offers tour to Little Italy in San Diego on Wednesday, August 18

New and old exist side by side in the beautiful neighborhood of Little Italy, where Italian is still spoken! Over 150 years of History in one of California’s most diverse neighborhoods is included in this exploration of turn-of-the-century homes, historic grocery stores and bakeries. One of the highlights of this charming tour is a stop at Little Italy’s neighborhood church where magnificent Venetian art is on display. The tour includes a fun progressive lunch and dessert at two of Little Italy neighborhood cafes. The tour will depart on Wednesday, August 18 at 8:30 a.m. from the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex and return at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale for $64 per person (adults age 50 and older); price includes transportation on a luxury coach, lunch, and the assistance of well-trained volunteer tour guides. Advanced registration is required and is open until filled. For a complete list of upcoming Tours or more information, please call (562) 929-5580.

MENDOZA TO HOLD “HOW TO PREVENT FORECLOSURE” WORKSHOP

Norwalk Sports Complex Norwalk Cultural Arts Center 3200 Clarkdale Avenue Norwalk, CA
NORWALK, CA - In an effort to prevent more people from losing their homes, Assemblymember Tony Mendoza (D-Norwalk) will join forces with state agencies and non-profit credit organizations to host a foreclosure prevention workshop on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010.
“People should not have to walk away from their homes because they are not informed of the options available to them,” said Assemblymember Mendoza. “People in danger of falling behind on their mortgages, or those who are already delinquent should know what's ahead. The faster people move, the more choices they will have about their financial future.”
Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, a former teacher and current vice-chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, represents the communities of Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens, Cerritos, Buena Park, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Lakewood, Los Nietos and South Whittier and Whittier.

Garden, Gourmet and Gallery Series Lecture and Book Signing by Pat Welsh Culinary Demonstration, Sample Tasting and Book Signing by Cathy Thomas

Saturday, September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admisson $15.00 - RLA Members & Students $10.00
Enjoy an informative, entertaining and delicious morning as expert gardener and author Pat Welsh joins Cathy Thomas author, editor and creative chef in presenting a program dedicated to the benefits of organic gardening and organic food preparation. Pat Welsh will offer helpful tips, hints and little-known but important information on growing winter crops. Cathy Thomas will bring the crops to the table with a tasty culinary demonstration. The ladies will introduce their new publications.

L.A. PET FAIR

Pet Expo USA, Reptile Super Show and APEX Aquarium & Pond Expo Offer Pets, Goods, Celebrities
Attention all pet lovers – the L.A. Pet Fair is coming to Fairplex with all kinds of pets that swim, fly, crawl, walk or slither – and everything they need! Consisting of three shows in one, the L.A. Pet Fair offers the latest in pet products, celebrity appearances, numerous drawings for products, and will have several adoption organizations on site. Plenty of entertainment will also be part of the show, so bring the family. Show visitors may not bring their pets to the show.
L.A. Pet Fair features Pet Expo USA, Reptile Super Show and APEX Aquarium & Pond Expo – all included in one admission price of $12 for adults and $8 for ages 12 and under. Each admission will include a special discount for admission to the L.A. County Fair, Sept. 4 to Oct. 3.

61st Annual Long Beach Greek Festival and Cultural Event

Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 4th, 5th, & 6th 12 - Noon - 9 PM
Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 5761 East Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 92814
For directions and information: (church office) 562.494.8929 Media Information: Bobbie Soupos @ 714.307.1488

Fullerton Arboretum “Tuesdays in the Garden” Summer Evening Events for Families

Offered at just $5 per family, through generous funding by anonymous sponsors, the Fullerton Arboretum is pleased to announce the return of “Tuesdays in the Garden,” evening events for families held throughout the summer months. Join us for an evening out with the family as we explore the worlds of living things at the Fullerton Arboretum. The 2010 event season includes:
Birds of Prey will be held on August 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Special guest Peggy Chase of the Orange County Bird of Prey Center will lead the presentation, assisted live by her flying friends. Take a first-hand look and learn about the life of falcons, hawks, and more! We welcome picture-taking and questions galore!
Please call 657-278-3407 by the Friday before the event so that we can plan for your arrival. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Check in at the Nature Center.

Tomato Tasting and Sizzlin’ Summer Salsa Contest at the Fullerton Arboretum, August 14, 2010

The Fullerton Arboretum will be hosting its annual red-hot Tomato Tasting and Sizzlin’ Summer Salsa Contest on Saturday, August 14, 2010. The contest will be held in the open pavilion area of the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum, located on the grounds of the beautiful Fullerton Arboretum.
This event runs between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. There is not a charge for visitors; however to help support development of the Arboretum gardens and educational programs, voluntary donations at the main entrance are encouraged. Come prepared to get “fired up”! Bring your home-grown tomatoes in bags, clearly labeled, to the tomato tasting tables. There, they will be cut up in bite-size morsels for all to sample, savor and select their favorites. The People’s Choice for the top 3 tomatoes of 2010 will be posted on the Arboretum website after they have been tallied.

Marine Battalion Adoption Committee fund raising trip to casino scheduled

The Cerritos lst Combat Engineer Battalion [CEB] Adoption Committee will sponsor a trip to the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland on July 31.
Cost of the trip is $21, which includes the round trip bus ride, driver’s tip and $10 from the casino for player's choice.
All proceeds from the trip will be used to benefit the Marines of the 1st CEB, a unit of the 1st Marine Division station at Camp Pendleton. The bus will leave from the North end of the parking lot of the Target Store located at the corner of Bloomfield and Del Amo at 9 a.m. and will return at approximately 5 p.m. that evening. To sign up, or to receive
More information call Sara at 562-926-9428. or Joanne Witt at 562-860-2036. Checks should be made payable to 1st CEB Adoption Committee and mailed as soon as possible.
The 1st CEB Adoption Committee is a non-profit 501 [c] 3 orgqnization, which sends care packages to Marines deployed as well as provide additional support for the families of those Marines in the 1st CEB.
The Cerritos City Council held an Adoption Ceremony for the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion on Nov. 11, 2007 and established a volunteer organization to administer programs benefiting these Marines.The San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino features 2,300 state of the art slot machines, 87 Las Vegas style table games, eight restaurants and two lounges with live entertainment daily.

Artesia Punisher family to be busy throughout country, vie for national championships

By Loren Kopff

There will be a lot of texting, tweeting, and other means of communication for the next week amongst the Artesia Punisher travel ball family as half of dozen teams will be competing in their respective end of the summer major tournaments. From Southern California to Bloomington, IN, there won’t be any shortage of games involving the Punishers as they try to bring home an Amateur Softball Association “A” championship. Here is a quick look of the six teams.
18 Gold
Manager: Mark Dupuy, Assistant: Tim Koenig.
Destination: ASA 18 and Under Gold Western National Tournament in Stockton.
Opening ceremonies: Aug. 4 at Arnaiz Fields. Championship game: Aug. 8.
Games to be played at Arnaiz Fields, Louis Park, Oak Park and Regional Sports Complex.
What’s at stake: An automatic berth in the 2011 ASA/USA 18-Under Gold National Championships in Irvine.
1 Taylor Gonzalez 1B/OF El Segundo High
3 Alexandra Rodriguez 2B/SS/OF St. Joseph High
4 Eileen Rico 2B/SS/UTL Downey High/University of California, Irvine
6 Brittany Adler OF/1B Millikan High
9 Michelle Rivas P/1B/OF South Gate High/Cypress College
10 Jenna Fiala OF/2B Millikan High/Hope International University
12 Liz Gonzalez P/1B Millikan High/Hope International University
13 Lina Avila P/1B Valley Christian High/Calvin College
16 Julie Lopez C/1B/OF St. Joseph High
17 Brenda Bott C/UTL Fountain Valley High
21 Marissa Rivas OF/1B El Rancho High
22 Bri Dupuy 3B/UTL Valley Christian High
32 Leanne Garrels SS/UTL Valley Christian High
38 Connie Koenig SS/UTL St. Joseph High/Long Beach State University
44 Amanda Olazabal C/1B/3B South Gate High/Mt. San Antonio College
77 Katie Gripp P/C/1B/3B St. Joseph High
Avila was the 2010 Los Cerritos Community News Pitcher of the Year while she, Adler, Koenig and Rico were recently named to the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Dream Team. The team just capped off a 7-0 performance in the Surf City Showcase and has gone 13-10 in major tournaments this summer. The Punishers had to play in two national qualifiers in order to advance to the Western National Tournament. Bott, Bri Dupuy and Michelle Rivas are swinging hot bats of late according to Mark Dupuy.
“I think we’re definitely peaking,” he said. “I think we’re really going to give it a really good shot at Western’s. Again, it’s all chemistry. The addition of Liz as another pitcher just solidifies our pitching rotation.”




18-Under
Manager: Bob Medina, Assistants: Ed Blanck, Mike Fuentes and Tim Rivera.
Destination: ASA 18-Under “A” National Championships in Hemet.
Opening Ceremonies: Aug. 1 at Hemet High School. Championship game: Aug. 8.
Games to be played at Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, Wheatfield Park and Winchester Park.
What’s at stake: An automatic berth in the 2011 ASA/USA 18-Under “A” National Championships.
00 Celine Fuentes P/UTL Ocean View High
5 Amanda Natsuhara OF Canyon High/University of California, San Diego
7 Mahrisch Medina SS Mayfair High/East Carolina University
8 Kristin Jaeger P/1B Mayfair High/California State University, San Marcos
9 Sydney Colenzo C/SS/UTL Downey High
10 Jessica Roper C/1B Mayfair High/CSUSM
11 Lacey Nilsson C/1B/OF Los Alamitos High
17 Autumn Martinez SS/UTL Ocean View High
18 Starla Coffee OF/C Los Alamitos High
19 Brittany Colenzo P/3B Downey High/Vanguard University
2 Sarah Carrasco SS/C Lakewood High
23 Natalia Morales 1B/2B/3B South East High
25 Rochelle Rivera CF/OF Fountain Valley High
27 Cerissa Rivera P/OF Fountain Valley High
29 Kristina Akiona SS/1B/UTL Pacifica High
32 Abrianna Palacio OF/SS Garden Grove High
33 Arren Nunez 2B/SS/OF South East High
99 Katrina Pinkowski P/1B Cypress College
Bob Medina returns to the National Championships for the first time since 2008 when his team played in Moline, IL. He won the 2007 ASA/USA 18-Under “A” National Championship in College Station, TX. Carrasco, Brittany Colenzo, Jaeger, Medina and Roper were recently named to the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Dream Team. The Punishers began the summer by going 4-2 in the inaugural Premier Girls Fastpitch Qualifier, then went to Las Vegas for the first of two college showcase tournaments. The team is in Hemet by virtue of finishing in 12th place in the state tournament, winning four straight games in the loser’s bracket after falling in the first game. Bob Medina won the





16-Under
Manager: Michelle Medina, Assistants: Gus Avila and Norm Okazaki.
Destination: ASA 16-Under “A” National Championships in Bryan/College Station, TX
Opening Ceremonies: Aug. 1 at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. Championship game: Aug. 8 at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
Games to be played at Bee Creek Park, Bryan Regional Athletic Complex, Stephen C. Beachy Central Park and Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
What’s at stake: An automatic berth in the 2011 ASA/USA 16-Under “A” National Championships.
00 Rheanna Davis UTL Fountain Valley High
2 Lisa Perez C La Mirada High
3 Rabecca Rice 2B La Mirada High
8 Alex Avila LF Cerritos High
9 Alyssa Marquez 3B Cerritos High
11 Marissa Swank RF Los Alamitos High
12 Miki Okazaki P Cerritos High
14 Kennedy Smith CF Fillmore High
17 Kelsey Neipris SS Los Alamitos High
19 Paige Bourgeois P Kennedy High
21 Shelby Unger 1B El Dorado High
25 Carley Roberts UTL El Dorado High
27 Amanda Padilla P/LF Mira Costa High
After beginning the summer with a two-and-out performance in the Premier Girls Fastpitch Qualifier, the Punishers rebounded by going 7-0 in a Las Vegas Showcase tournament. The team qualified for nationals with a 3-2 outing in the state tournament and capped off the recent Surf City Showcase by going 2-5 with both wins coming in the playoff portion. While the hitting heated up late in the Surf City Showcase, head coach Michelle Medina stated another part of the team needs to have a stronger showing in the heat and humidity in the Brazos Valley of southeast Texas.
“Pitching,” she said. “If our pitchers can handle it, we’ll win. We have the defense and we have the offense. But it’s really pitching.”
Medina is no stranger to the Bryan/College Station area as she observed her father’s initial games back in 2007 when the 18-Under squad brought home a first place trophy. Last summer, Medina’s 16-Under team, along with Tim Rivera’s 16-Under team, went to the Western Nationals in Phoenix. In 2008, Medina managed the 14-Under team in the Western Nationals in Clovis.





14-Under
Manager: Mario Alvarado, Assistants: Joe Collso, Mark Garcia and Ralph Gonzales
Destination: ASA 14-Under “A” Western Nationals, Fort Collins, CO
Opening ceremonies: Aug. 2, downtown Fort Collins. Championship game: Aug. 8.
Games to be played at Fossil Creek Park, Rolland Moore Park, Spring Park, Spring Canyon Park.
What’s at stake: An automatic berth in the 2011 ASA/USA 14-Under “A” National Championships in Midland, TX
00 Danielle Munoz C
2 Sarah Mendoza OF
3 Alex Cruz P/OF
4 Amy Zeronian SS/OF
8 Amber Helguera P/3B
9 Jasmine Javier C/OF
15 Stephanie Guild P/OF
16 Sara Gonzales 1B/OF
21 Andrea Rocha 2B/OF
26 Melissa Martinez P/3B
39 Valerie Alvarado P/1B
40 Bryanna Campos 2B/SS/OF
54 Erika Garcia 1B/OF
Mario Alvarado takes this first-year team to the Rocky Mountain state. This is one of three 14-Under teams in the Punisher family, the most ever at this age group and one of two going to Western Nationals. They qualified just by playing in the state tournament in Lancaster. Martinez will be a sophomore at Bellflower High School and is the leader of the pitching staff. The only other current high schooler is Zeronian, who is attending Marshall Fundamental. The rest of the team will be incoming freshmen. The leading hitter is Garcia. Alvarado stated that his team could have played in major tournaments from non-ASA organizations.
“We could be more competitive if we go to Western Nationals,” he said. “You’re not going to see the same competitiveness outside of ASA. A lot of teams shy away from ASA.”

14-Under
Manager: Roger Chavez, Assistants: Frank Goodman and Fernando Pintado.
9 Linnea Goodman OF/P Millikan High
10 Alex Algondar
14 Gabby Juarez
15 Sammi Nunez P/OF
22 Alexis Schiff IF/OF Wilson High
23 Nicole Chavez IF/UTL Kennedy High
24 Cynthia Ramirez
27 Alyssa Puente OF/P Mayfair High
33 Janine Lopez C/UTL Whittier High
36 Courtnie Voet OF/IF Cypress High
44 Sara Foster IF/OF
83 Kira Ito OF/C Artesia High
Inessa Lopez
Melanie David
This will be the second straight year Roger Chavez has taken a Punisher team to a major tournament. His then-new 14-Under squad went to Mt. Vernon, WA last summer in the western Nationals. Like Mario Alvarado’s team, this 14-Under Punisher group qualified by participating in the state tournament.

12-Under ‘97
Manager: Craig Cameron, Assistants: Carlos Hernandez, Brian Iseri and Tommy Parten.
Destination: ASA 12-Under “A” National Championships in Bloomington, IN
Opening Ceremonies: Aug. 2 at Armstrong Stadium on the Indiana University campus. Championship game: Aug. 8
Games to be played at Twin Lakes Sports Park and Winslow Sports Park.
What’s at stake: An automatic berth in the 2011 ASA/USA 12-Under “A” National Championships.
00 Jennifer Iseri P/1B
1 Brianna Betschel OF/2B
3 Amanda Flores 1B/P
8 Leeann Tran OF
9 Ashley Hernandez LF
10 Jenna Llamas CF
11 Katelyn Valladao OF
12 Sarah Parten OF
15 Heather Cameron C
21 Lauren Vansteenwyk SS
22 Monica Navarette P/OF
97 Alex Hernandez 2B/C
99 Amanda Akles 3B/P
Craig Cameron has been in a familiar position before as he guided the Cerritos Girls Softball Association’s 10-Under Xtreme all-stars to a fifth place finish in the 2008 ASA “B” Western Nationals. His daughter Heather along with Iseri, Llamas, Tran and Valladao were part of that team as well.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Norwalk City Council Approves Lien List For Unpaid Trash Fees

by
Shelley Henderson

At its regular meeting on July 20, three members of Norwalk City Council voted unanimously to approve a list of properties with unpaid trash fees and send that list to the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor to place a lien on each property. Two members of the Council were absent for the vote.
A lien for unpaid city fees clouds a property’s title. The lien must be paid before the property can be sold.
According to a staff report, 1,678 notices adding up to $402,000 were mailed on March 31 to property owners with unpaid trash fees. Of that number, 1,206 remain unpaid, adding up to $318,000. A lien will be placed on all properties with fees not paid by July 31, 2010.
In other business, the Council confirmed approval of two items in this meeting’s consent calendar that first came up for a vote at its last meeting on July 7. Both needed a second vote to become effective.
The first item, Ordinance No. 10-1631, amends the Norwalk municipal code in regards to charity car washes.
At the prior meeting, Councilman Michael Mendez noted that the city had no choice because restrictions on water runoff were mandated by the State of California. Without the change, the City would be open to huge state fines. He worried that schools would find it harder to raise funds.
Councilman Jesse Luera expressed concern for families raising money to pay for funerals.
Councilwoman Cheri Kelley worried about the safety of children trying to catch the attention of drivers.
Councilman Rick Ramirez asserted that it will be hard to educate the public about the change, and that the new ordinance will need consistent enforcement.
Despite these concerns, the ordinance passed unanimously at the July 7 meeting and received final approval at the July 20 meeting.
The second item, Resolution No. 10-24, amends the 2010-2011 City budget to pay for a school resource deputy and matching funds to qualify for a grant for upgrades to Vista Verde Park. The same resolution called for a reduction in hours of operation at the Norwalk Senior Center due to lack of funds.
As discussed at the July 7 meeting, the City expects that at least part of the expense for the school resource deputy will be recovered from a U.S. Justice Department Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). The City’s 2010 JAG allocation is $61,505 but the funds have not yet been awarded.
The resolution passed unanimously at the July 7 meeting and received final approval at the July 20 meeting without further discussion.
The last item of Council business, a request to waive property maintenance enforcement fees for the property at 16105 – 16115 Norwalk Blvd., was delayed to the next Council meeting at the request of Councilman Luera because of the absence of Councilman Mendez. A roll call vote on Councilwoman Kelley’s motion to deny the waiver was already in progress. Mayor Gordon Stefenhagen agreed to the delay over Kelley’s objections.
The meeting closed with an appeal from the Norwalk Girl’s Softball All-Stars (NGSA) for support to get the team to Hillsboro, Oregon. By placing fourth in state-level competition, the team qualified for the National playoffs for the first time ever. Some of the girls have worked for ten years to reach the National playoffs. This will be their last eligible year to play. NGSA is headquartered at Los Alisos Middle School, 14800 Jersey Avenue, in Norwalk.
Pastor Linda Crews of Community Church gave the invocation. Jana Stuard, Acting Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Norwalk, led the flag salute. Councilman Rick Ramirez was absent. Councilman Michael Mendez left before the meeting ended.
— END —

Funding Issues Main Topic At Hawaiian Gardens Council Meeting

By Larry Caballero

Consent Calendar items on a city council agenda are usually considered routine and are enacted by one motion and one vote, unless discussion is desired. Yet all of the items were removed from the calendar for discussion at the Jun. 13 Hawaiian Gardens City Council meeting because two of the members—Barry Bruce and Reynaldo Rodriguez—had budgetary concerns.
“We need to cut consulting costs,” Rodriguez said. “We’re making these firms rich.” Three firms alone, said Rodriguez, received more than $500,000 from the City. “And I’m not counting attorney fees.” Rodriguez wanted to cut these services to provide more funding for seniors, youth, park and recreation projects and to protect the City’s reserve from future economic downturns.
Bruce had concerns about the City’s donation policy related to general city contributions to non-profit organizations and local schools. “The guidelines are too general,” said Bruce. “We give grants without documentation and we need full disclosure to be sure that residents from Hawaiian Gardens, and not only surrounding communities, are taking advantage of the benefits the City provides.” Bruce was concerned that local schools are always expecting Hawaiian Gardens “to rescue them.”
In some cases, the program had already expired before the City was asked for funding. “That’s just rude,” said Bruce. He wanted future requests for funding to be made in person and an oral presentation, with a slide show if possible, to the Council once the project had been completed.
Bruce also had a problem with the ineligibility requirements by the City for a religious organization that wants to support a non-religious program. He gave the example of providing suits for parolees. “We need to be more proactive and do more to benefit all the members of our community.”
Bruce also had concerns that there is little or no enforcement of the requirement that at least 75% of all Hawaiian Gardens residents need to benefit from any program that the City is funding.
Gomez reminded Bruce “we are the little city with a big heart.” He felt that some programs that did not meet the 75% requirement could still deny many City residents of a service. After much discussion, the Council supported the 75% requirement that could only be changed at the discretion of Council members.
A Resolution of the Hawaiian Gardens City Council approving the exchange of Proposition A Transportation Funds for fiscal year 2010-2011 between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the City of West Covina also was approved. Proposition A was passed by the voters in 1980 that allowed cities to purchase, sell or transfer funds to mutually benefit each city. Hawaiian Gardens would pay West Covina 75 cents on the dollar to purchase its funds to be placed in the General Fund to help defray future expenditures. Hawaiian Gardens should save approximately $90,000 annually for approving the exchange.
During the Public Comments portion of the meeting, Rosie Gomez, wife of city councilmember Mike Gomez, thanked three of the members for their support of a June memorial barbecue in honor of a slain law enforcement officer. “It was well attended by deputy sheriffs from all over the southland.”
Another resident was not so pleased. “There are residents in this community who live their tragedy every year. They have been affected by violence, too, and yet there is no recognition by the City for them.”

City of Bell: Why cities need a community newspaper

Brian Hews

It was years ago that Bell had a community newspaper, it was called the Bell, Maywood, Cudahy Community News.
I know this because it was part of a larger newspaper group my family owned. Art Aguilar was the editor at the time and, suffice to say, you did not mess with Art.
Coincidentally, we sold those papers in 1998, right around the time Bell hired its highly overpaid City Administrator.
This is exactly why cities need a vibrant community newspaper. We are the watchdog for the residents, keeping in check what goes on in the city.
Johnny-come-lately bloggers have no chance at a story like this unless they are lucky, and then it is not in print.
It takes someone like LCCN Editor Jerry Bernstein to spot salaries such as Bell's and call them out in the newspaper.into Community News readers have recently been inquiring what type of salary or stipend city council members receive in Cerritos, Artesia and Hawaiian Gardens. A quick review of their budgets revealed the following.
In Cerritos the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and councilmembers all receive $13,518 annually. Monthly this is equivalent to $1,127 per month.
Councilmembers in the city of Artesia receive an annual stipend of $6,613, which breaks down to $551.12 per month. In both cities city council are reimbursed for their expenses when they attend conferences and various meetings
In Hawaiian Gardens the Mayor receives $945 a month while council members receive $795 a month In addition to the monthly stipend they also receive a $450 car allowance. Councilmembers also makeup the Redevelopment Agency and receive an additional $30 and the Public Housing Authority for which they receive $50.

Korean War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony July 27 at Cerritos Center for Performing Arts

Jerry Bernstein


At the Cerritos City Council meeting of July 8, Mayor Joseph Cho issued a proclamation declaring July 27 as Korean War Veterans Day in recognition of a war known in this country as “The Forgotten War.”
Mayor Cho stated “Koreans and Korean-Americans have never forgotten the war or the heroic efforts of the Veterans who sacrificed for the freedom and liberty of the Korean People. Although the fighting stopped on July 27, 1953 with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the Korean War never formally ended. For the last 57 years, the Korean peninsula has been under an ongoing cold war situation which most people prefer not to discuss.”
The Korean War began on June 25 1950 when the North Korean Army crossed the 38th parallel at 4 a.m. invading the Republic of Korea [ROK]. This was a war where 23,615 American fighting men were killed in action defending a country they knew little
about and a people they did not know, A war where 2,847 died in Prisoner of War Camps.
On July 24, 2009, President Obama proclaimed July 27, 2009, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. On July 27, 2009, President Barack Obama signed H.R. 2632, the Korean War Veterans Recognition Act. Prior to reaching the president's desk, the bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 421-0 and the Senate by unanimous consent. H.R. 2632 adds the National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day to the list of days on which the display of the flag of the United States is especially encouraged.
Mayor Cho's proclamation declaring July 27 as Korean War Veterans Recognition Day is the first of any city in the US. In honor of the Korean War Veterans Recognition Day, the Cerritos Korean-American community will hold a special ceremony at the Cerritos Center for Performing Arts located at 12700 Center Court Drive in Cerritos. The ceremony, which will begin at 10:00 am on July 27, will feature a band from the Republic of Korea Navy along with teams of Honor

New Graves Gallery Art Opening: “Through Their Eyes”

Graves Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for Melinda Read in a new show during the next First Friday Artwalk in Downtown Fullerton


Fullerton, CA (Wednesday, July 21, 2010) – Graves Gallery is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibition, entitled “Through Their Eyes,” featuring talented Fullerton artist Melinda Read. The show’s opening reception will coincide with the next First Friday Artwalk in Downtown Fullerton on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 114 E. Amerige Avenue in Fullerton, CA. The opening will also include entertainment by local eclectic band Collusion of Souls, and complimentary food tastings by Café Hidalgo, with wine provided by Graves Gallery. The exhibition will run through August 27, 2010.

Melinda Read's detailed portraits of marine life and other wild animals captivate audiences through her use of color and emotion, giving viewers the chance to see the world “through their eyes.” Melinda has always been a creative person, and six years ago began painting, both as a way to express herself, as well as to share her passion for Art, Wildlife and the Environment. When she is not painting, you can find Melinda teaching art to children and young teens at a local private art studio, or working to raise funds for endangered species and other animals in need through both her art and her work with a number of environmental organizations.

For more information on Graves Gallery, Melinda Read and the show opening/artwalk, visit the gallery web site at www.GravesGallery.com or call (714) 879-1993.

ABOUT GRAVES GALLERY – Graves Gallery specializes in working with local artists to develop a style and promote their work. The gallery is located at 114 E. Amerige Avenue in historic downtown Fullerton, CA. Graves Gallery’s artists and their works can also be found at www.GravesGallery.com. Classes are also offered.

Contacts networking business mixer

CONTACTS, a Cerritos based business referral and networking group, will be holding their annual PROSPECTIVE MEMBER MIXER on Thursday, August 5, 2010 from 6:pm to 8:pm at EL TORITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT 11167 E. 183rd, Cerritos
(between Gridley and Studebaker). All members of thee business community are invited to attend this free event. Meet the Contacts members. Enjoy El Torito hors D'oeuvres on us. Free beverages for prospective members.

Attendees will have the opportunity to win door prizes like a ¼ page advertisement in the Los Cerritos Community Newspaper a value of $400, a $100 Nordstrom’s gift card, & many more prizes!

CONTACTS, is a dynamic business referral and networking group dedicated
to generating leads and business for its members. Meetings are held every Wednnesday morning from 7:15 AM-8:30 AM at Mimi’s, Cerritos Towne Center, Cerritos. Each business category is exclusive. High integrity and outstanding service are expected from all members.

We are looking to fill these open membership categories:
Photography, Banking, Handyman, Auto Repair, Auto Sales, Employment
Services, Escrow, Title, Signs, Hair Styling, Auto Body Shop,
Moving & Storage, Interior Design, Health & Nutritional Products,
Landscape Contracting, Security Systems, Graphic Design,
Heating & Air Conditioning, Jeweler, Optometrist, Cleaning Services, Florist, Painting Contractor, and Travel Agent. If you own or operate a business in one of these categories, please join us at the PROSPECTIVE MEMBER MIXER. See how you can generate more business through member refferal

To RSVP, or further information call the CONTACTS recruitment chair, Diana Needham, at (562) 926-4882.

Norwalk Town Square host free kid’s craft event every month

(Norwalk, CA) The last Saturday of every month from 12:00pm-3:00pm Norwalk Town Square hosts Kids Fun Zone, located at the corner of Rosecrans and Pioneer next to Fallas Paredes, Norwalk, California. Children are invited to join Kids Fun Zone for Free! Membership benefits include a lifetime membership card, a free monthly kid's craft. Kids Fun Zone events will occur rain or shine while supplies.
Mark your family's calendar for the last Saturday of every month to enjoy FREE fun at “Kids Fun Zone” at Norwalk Town Square.
Mark your family's calendar for the last Saturday of every month for Kids Fun Zone at Norwalk Town Square. For more information about the event and other community activities at Norwalk Town Square call 562.868.2291 or visit www.norwalk-townsquare.com. Become a fan on Facebook today!
Norwalk Town Square is part of a portfolio of more than 44 shopping centers owned or managed by NewMark Merrill Companies. The company’s more than 25 years of experience provides a high level of property management, development and asset management services for its clients. NewMark Merrill Companies has ranked among the top 25 Largest Property Management Firms and Top 10 Largest Commercial Real Estate Developers from 2007-2010 by the LA Business Journal. In addition to Woodland Hills, regional offices are located in Orange County, Ventura County, San Francisco, San Diego County, Colorado and Illinois. The company currently owns and/or operates 44 shopping centers in three different states representing over 6-million square feet and almost $1 billion in value. The Company owns LandMark Retail Group, a preferred developer for CVS Pharmacy which are developing new stores throughout California.

Tall Mouse re-opened!

Yes, we are back. We are bringing you some good news! Tall Mouse is re-opened in Cerritos in a
different format which we are nicknaming the Tall Mouse Craft Outlet.

As times change, Tall Mouse must adapt as well and a Tall Mouse Craft Outlet is our effort to continue in the Cerritos neighborhood!

We will continue to provide:
..Customer service
..Basic crafting supplies at great savings!
..New Product arriving continually
..Crops, Sew-Ins, Bead-a-thons
..Deals discounting manufacturer overstocks, test products, and more.
..It’s like a coupon everyday!

Thank all of you who have called, emailed and sent letters of appreciation for the Tall Mouse store! We deeply appreciate your positive comments and feedback about Tall Mouse and our efforts to contribute to your family and to our local communities. We have worked to create a family shopping atmosphere and will continue to do so in the new format. Please think of us for: scrapbooking, balloons, school project supplies, floral, fabric, yarn, art supplies, paint, glue, wood, kids crafts, beads, frames and more! And yes, new product as well!

We are now open, so stop on by and say hello! Save the date, Saturday, July 31st we will be hosting a grand opening! Even more fun to come!

We wish to thank you again for your business and allowing us to be part of the community for over 16 years!

See you there,
The Tall Mouse Family

Store hours:
M-F 10:30-7
Sat/Sun 10-6

CERRITOS SHERIFF’S STATION Weekly Crime Summary July 12-18, 2010

There were twenty-two Part I felony crimes reported to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, down from thirty-one the previous week. Robberies and residential burglaries remained the same, and decreases were noted in commercial burglaries, vehicle burglaries, and vehicle thefts. Despite the drop in reported crimes, calls for service rose from 309 to 340 last week. This is not uncommon during the busier summer months and around the Holiday Season. The 2010 weekly average in calls for service is now 302.

GREAT NEWS! For the second consecutive reporting period, there were no robberies reported.

Three residential burglaries were again investigated last week for the third consecutive reporting period. Open doors and windows were the entry points in two crimes and a window was pried in the third. Cameras, checkbooks, jewelry, and coins were among the loss items. The current 2010 weekly average in residential burglaries is 2.0.

The open window case last week was a second story entry. Just because a window is on the second floor obviously doesn’t make it safer. Thieves will find anyway they can to make you a victim. Remember to secure all doors and windows when you are not inside the home.

There were three commercial burglary incidents logged for this reporting period compared to six the week before. Two closed businesses and an open one that had been entered from a rear door were involved. Purses, check books, make-up, electronics, and a hatch absorber were stolen. The 2010 weekly average in commercial burglaries is 2.8

There were six vehicle burglaries reported, down from nine the previous week. High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in four. Five of the vehicles last week were SUVs and two victims reported GPS units missing.
Other items stolen were purses, wallets, cash, laptop computers, and MP3 players. The new 2010 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is now 6.7.

Just because a vehicle is parked in a driveway does not mean that is safe from vehicle burglary. Normally, we don’t see vehicle burglaries in residential neighborhoods but occasionally, that does occur. Since there is no way to predict when that will happen, make sure that you never leave any valuable item in the passenger compartment of your vehicle regardless where it is parked

Vehicle theft incidents dropped again last week from five to four. Two of the four were attempts only. High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in all four. Two were involved SUVs, one a Honda, and one an Acura. The 2010 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 4.7.

We always promote the use of steering wheel locking devices as great visible deterrents, but also endorse the use of tracking devices that can lead to the speedy recovery of your stolen vehicle.


Go to www.safercerritos.com for an extensive library of crime prevention tips, disaster preparedness information, and a variety of links to other pertinent sites.
Opportunities
Volunteers on Patrol Wanted
The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station is seeking Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs). Patrolling the City in distinctly marked vehicles, VOPs assist with crime suppression, traffic control, vacation checks, special events and park security checks. They serve as additional “eyes and ears” for the Sheriff’s Department and train as first responders in the event of a major emergency or disaster.
If you are interested in helping Cerritos maintain its reputation as a safe place to live and work, the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station encourages you to apply to be a VOP. For more information, contact the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station at (562) 860-0044, or visit the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station to obtain an application.
Block Captains Wanted
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain in the Cerritos Neighborhood Watch, contact the Community Safety office at 562-916-1266. Block Captains act as contacts for the Sheriff’s Department and the Community Safety Division on behalf of their neighbors. They are also responsible for distributing information and do a great deal to promote public safety in Cerritos.
Remember, informed citizens who use safe living strategies are safer citizens! We encourage residents, business owners, and their employees to consider joining the Virtual Block Club (VBC). If you are interested in helping our Sheriff’s Department prevent and reduce crime, and enhancing your own personal and neighborhood safety, join the VBC on-line at our website devoted to public safety in the City of Cerritos. We encourage you to share the information with your family, friends, and co-workers.

When You’re Right You’re Right When You’re Wrong You’re Wrong

By Jerry Bernstein

Recently a petition was submitted to the Hawaiian Gardens City Clerk recalling Councilman and former Mayor Mike Gomez. Unfortunately for the backers of the petition there were only 10 signatures on it, not the required 20. In addition some of the signatures were ruled invalid.
The person who instigated the recall apparent reasons for trying to remove Councilman Gomez are apparently revenge for having been terminated from his city job. Will he try again? Speculation is that he hasn’t given up.
A look at Councilman Gomez’s record since he has been on the council shows no reason for his being recalled. For that matter none of the council members, at this time, deserve to be recalled.
This writer has covered Hawaiian Gardens for the past 13 years. Many changes have occurred in the city. All good changes. Many problems and complaints have been addressed. Residents no longer fear for their safety. Children can now play outside without the fear of being hit by a speeding car or a stray bullet. This isn’t to say everything is perfect. Much remains to be done. But, as they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a Day.”
This brings us back to the city council. No one is perfect and that includes city council Members. They may disagree on issues, but hopefully that all agree that serving the city the best they can is their priority. A recall petition should have good reasons why it is being circulated. It should not represent revenge.
If there is another attempt to recall Councilman Gomez or any of his colleagues on the council there had better be a good reason.
The Hawaiian Gardens City Council is made up of members who are new to the world of governing a city. The only veteran is Mayor Pro Tem Michiko Oyama-Canada. You don’t learn the in-and-outs of city government immediately. It takes time. Not only does a councilmember serve on the city council, but he or she also participate in such organizations like Contract Cities, The League of California Cities and their different committees which councilmembers are assigned membership. There are also state and county laws which councilmembers need to be aware of and how they affect the city.
In so many words, when an individual is elected to the city council, he or she does not just become a member of city government but becomes part of the system that governs the city, county and state.
There are conferences and meetings to attend. Some are formal and others are informal where a lot of networking is accomplished. An example is the annual Contract Cities meeting held in Palm Desert every year. There are committee meetings, speakers, and in this case time to play some golf, where I might add a lot of networking occurs during the game.
Hawaiian Gardens needs councilmemers who know what they are doing, have a good understanding of local government and most of all has the city’s welfare at heart. If there is going to be a recall election, it must be for a good reason, not a trumped up one.

NORWALK ROTARY INDUCTS NEW PRESIDENT




[l-r] Don Skala (outgoing President) Briant Carcamo.


Briant Carcamo has been inducted as the President of the Norwalk Rotary Club for the Rotary year 2010/2011. At a luncheon at Bruce’s outgoing Pres, Don Skala, commented that the Norwalk club has had a lifeline twice that of the incoming Pres.

Although he may be young, Carcamo, is well experienced about Rotary, having attended the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp when he attended Norwalk High School. He was also once a recipient of a Rotary Scholarship. He was in the process of creating a community based Rotary Club when he was recruited into join the already long established Norwalk Club.

Briant brings a fresh outlook to what Rotary can do for the community. But more importantly, he is optimistic about attracting new and energetic young professionals who are looking for an opportunity to feel good about serving their community. His enthusiasm is contagious.

He stated that there are so many projects that can help fulfill that need to belong to a community that cares about itself.

The club meets every Wed at noon at the Sizzler (Imperial & Pioneer). The new Pres has extended an open invitation to anyone in the community who would like to learn about Rotary to join them for lunch any Wednesday, or call membership chairperson, Reyhan Belici @ 562-822-1487.

Optimist Speaker Relates Role Of Combat Veterans Court

By Jerry Bernstein



She said Mentors act as coaches, guides, role models, and advocates and provide special personal support to the Veteran Mentee as they progress through the program and the court system. “This support the Mentee is given is in a way that only another combat veteran can understand,” she stated.
The Cerritos Optimist Club meets the first, second and fourth Thursdays at 7 a.m. and the third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Off Street Café across from Gahr High School on Artesia Boulevard.

Winning lottery ticket sold in Cerritos

CERRITOS - A lottery ticket recently sold in Cerritos is worth $210,214, the California Lottery said today. The ticket has all five winning numbers out of the 39 numbers possible in the Fantasy Five game. Saturday night's drawing picked 7, 10, 16, 36 and 39. It was sold at the Cerritos Market Store, 12606 South Street, lottery officials said.

Cerritos College Pathway Programs Host Middle and High School STEM Workshops







Sandra Alvarado from Ross Middle School receives instruction fro instructor in Robotics.

Brothers Baron and Aaron Liu from Carmenita Middle School won 2nd place with brothers Jose and Johnny Perla from Bellflower High school.

Recently, Cerritos College’s Pathway Programs hosted middle school and high school students in summer workshops in the college district. ABC students participating were from Cerritos and Gahr High Schools, plus Carmenita, Fedde and Ross Middle School
The summer camps provided the students with enrichment activities that introduced them to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
The workshops covering topics such as robotics, solid works and career exploration have been offered at no cost to the middle and high school students.
The Robotics classes started on June 1 and end July 29 and included one student each from Cerritos and Gahr High Schools, five from Carmineta and one from Ross Middle School attended the classes. For the seventh grader Sandra Alvarado, the summer camp has been a great experience. “We built robots and had a competition using them. Then we programmed a robot game,” said Alvarado, who attends Faye Ross Middle School in Artesia. “I think I want to study (robotics) in college.”
Twenty-four Fedde Middle School students took the two week 3-D Graphic Design program specifically offered to them. An additional 19 Fedde student took the one-week career exploration class.
Maggie Cordero, coordinator for the Pathway Programs explained the summer enrichment program was funded by the Career Technical Education Pathways Initiative (SB70/SB1133) Grant provided by the Economic and Workforce Development Department of the California Community College Chancellor's Office. She said the
purpose of the initiative was to provide opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students to explore career technical education pathways and programs, helping them in career development and furthering education.
Cerritos College serves southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at http://www.cerritos.edu/.

Parents Encouraged To Register For ABC Parent Education Program




By Larry Caballero

# 1 Artesia parent Kich Lee, with ABC teacher Janet Aasness, enjoys the ABC Parent Education Program because her son Titus and daughter Serenity are making new friends and learning valuable social skills.


Young minds continue to grow this summer in ABC Adult School’s Parent Education Program. These children have been participating in a variety of fun activities to help develop their fine motor skills, letter, number, color and shape recognition, phonics, artistic creativity, etc. Parent Ed not only supports the children, but the program educates the parents as well in developing effective communication, interaction, recreation, and discipline with their children. Both parents and children benefit from this outstanding program.
The well-known Parent Ed program has existed almost 30 years and has served several generations. All Parent Ed teachers have their California Credential, yet this is only one of Parent Ed’s many hallmarks. Most importantly, the teachers have a tremendous heart for the children and loyalty toward the program. Teacher, Janet Aasness first came into the program over 15 years ago as a participant with her two children. So impressed with the program, she applied to become a substitute teacher for Parent Ed, and eventually she was hired on as a Parent Ed teacher with her own classroom. “I loved this program when I first brought my kids and I still love it! It’s a great opportunity for parent and children to grow together in a stimulating and positive environment. It’s a wonderful start in parenting and a great start for children's educational experience.” Studies show that children who attend preschool are far better prepared to meet the social, emotional and academic challenges of kindergarten.
Clearly parents believe strongly in this wonderful program as it has held a firm interest of the surrounding community – and further. Parents from Brea, Fullerton, and other Orange County cities enroll in Parent Ed because there is NO program like it in their own community. Last year a parent attended from Ontario! The program consists of highly motivated parents who desire to have their child educated in the program, regardless of the miles they have to drive.
Artesia parent Kich Lee attends the program with her two children—41/2-year-old Titus and 2-year-old Serenity. “My son has been in the program since he was a baby,” Lee said. “The program has helped my children make friends, and it’s helped me to share parental views with the other parents.”
Cerritos parent Mariana Quintana agreed. “I love seeing my daughters interacting with the other kids.” Quintana attends with 3-year-old Alyssa and 2-year-old Isabelle. Even her mother, Merida Quintana, participates in the program.
Cerritos parent Edna Wan has been involved with the program as parent and an officer in the school’s Parent Education Association (PEA) for the last three years. “My two-year-old son has learned so much from the program,” Wan said.
La Palma parent Jin Yoon loves the program’s emphasis on arts and crafts and the interaction with the other children. “It’s a great program.” Yoon attends with her children Chloe aged 4 and Shelby aged 2.
Parent Ed directly feeds into the well-acclaimed ABC Unified School District where graduates are ready for kindergarten and beyond. Parent Ed teachers encourage parents to take advantage of this remarkable program. These classes are popular, and they need your attendance to continue their existence. Visit the ABC Adult School web site to register now for the fall semester (scroll to bottom of site to “Register Now”). Classes begin in September. The incredibly low tuition will amaze you! Go online and see!

Ist CEB Meritorious Marine for July





[l-r]Chris Tierheimer, George Ray (Cpl Lacanne's host for his visit to Cerritos), Mickey Christiason, Cpl James Lacanne, Mayor Joseph Cho, Bob Hewlett, Councilwoman Carol Chen, and Dorothy Owen. If any Cerritos resident, family, or organization is interested in hosting a Meritorious Marine, please contact Dorothy Owen at 562-926-1092. There is no cost to do so as all lodging, meals, and entertainment are provided by Cerritos Businesses: Sheraton Hotel, TGI Fridays, Macaroni Grill, TJs Restaurant, and the Cerritos Performing Arts Center.


Corporal James J. Lacanne currently serves as a Combat Engineer for Mobility Assault Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Corporal Lacanne returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November 2009. Cpl Lacanne received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal July 1st 2010 for heroic achievement. His award read as follows: for heroic achievement in the performance Corporal Lacanne leadership ability as a Non-Commissioned Officer is that of a professional and his moral character, integrity, and dedication to duty is what inspires others to do their best. Marines like Corporal Lacanne are the keepers of Marine Corps tradition.