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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Uncertainty in State Budget leaves ABC’s Budget in flux

By Jerry Bernstein

Criticizing the State Legislature for not facing up to the continuous state budget crisis, ABC Superintendent Gary Smuts told the Board of Education at its Oct. 19 meeting the budget signed by the governor this month is already 10 billion in deficit. The new governor, whoever she or he might be is gong to have to grapple with some very difficult issues. He said some of the budget issues are still very fuzzy. “This is a terrible condition the state is in and terrible fiscal behavior on the part of the leaders of California.”
ABC Chief Financial Officer Toan Nguyen said the budget signed by the governor has gone deeper into deficit and is now out of balance by $12 billion. “The budget defers a lot of problems into future years,” he asserted. He said the budget restores some of the cuts to education that was made in May but defers payment until 2011-13. We may get paid next year. He said ABC would have to deal with a 6.5 million deficit in the current budget.
Nguyen said the District would deal with that by implementing previously passed measures. This includes continuing four furlough days [$2,160,000], transfer from Health Benefits/Workers Compensation funds [655,000], and the Adult Education Fund [$1 million], plus additional flexibility transfers [$1,565,000]. Increase class size K-3 from 22 to 24 [$460,000], reduce administrators by 2.5 positions [$280,000], reduce MOTF staff by three ]$200,000] and reduce classified support staff by three [$180,000] that will leave us ending with a balance budget if the state comes through with the money.
Going into 2011-12 we will have a structural deficit of $10.3 million. He said this would probably change with the coming in of a new governor.
He said new revenues include Education Job Act, $3,877,000 [one time only], ARRA-Final 10 percent, $990,000 [one time only], and Mandated Cost, $650,000 [one time only], leaving a project ending balance June 30,2011 of $10,217,000.
Board President Celia Spitzer asked what does the District do if the state continues to defer payment. “What do we do? We still have to pay our bills. How do we do that? Do we borrow money?”
Nguyen replied, “We would issue Trans [short term, tax exempt securities] the Board previously approved to pay bills and payroll.” He said the county has an emergency fund the District can borrow from. It can also borrow from a fund within the District. He said, “We work closely with the county on cash management.”
Dr. Smuts said both the District and County have to manage cash flow to the rule of auditing practices. “The state has no such obligation. We are constantly on guard to the inconsistencies of the state’s lack of common honest practices.”

Cerritos Past and Present: Artesia Cranford Airport 1945-1954





Photo taken in 1953. The airport had two 2,300" runways. One north/south and the other northwest/southwest. It was first known in 1945 as Artesia airport then in 1946 it was renamed Cranford.

Present day photo showing area where Cranford airport was. The runway is still clearly visible under the borders.

By Brian Hews

Not too many know that a small general aviation airport was built at some point in 1945 North of South St and West of Carmenita.
At that time it was called Artesia Airport and was classified as a commercial or municipal field.
The June 1946 Department of Commerce Airman's Guide described “Artesia Airport” as being renamed “Cranford Airport” as of June 18, 1946.
The guide described Cranford Airport as having a 2,700' unpaved runway, LCCN has been told it actually had two 2,300" runways one north/south and the other northwest/southwest. Each runway had a parallel taxiway, and a ramp along the south side of the field had 2 buildings, probably hangars.
Then in 1949, the San Diego Sectional Chart described Cranford Airport as having a 2,700' unpaved runway.
The Alley's, who owned a lumber yard in nearby Downey, purchased the Cranford airport sometime in the years following WW2 as a real estate investment. Cranford Airport evidently gained a paved runway at some point between 1949-51, as the March 1951 San Diego Sectional Chart depicted Cranford as having a 2,200' hard surface runway.
The earliest photo which has been located of Cranford Airport was a 1952 aerial view. It depicted the field as indeed having 2 runways, one oriented north/south & the other northeast/southwest. A dozen light aircraft were parked on the southwest side of the field.
Cranford Airport apparently closed at some point between 1953-54, as it was no longer depicted on the September 1954 San Diego Sectional Chart. It was evidently a very short-lived airfield, only lasting no more than 9 years. A 1972 aerial view showed no trace of the airport, with dense housing having covered the site. In the March 2004 USGS aerial photo of the site of Cranford Airport,
incredibly, even though the area has been densely developed, the former northeast/southwest runway appears to have remained intact.
The former runway is still quite recognizable in the photo -it forms the north edge of the parking lot of the retail shopping complex
which has been built along the southern portion of the former airport site.

New Cerritos Sculpture installed on Park Plaza Drive




"Angelic Duet" was finally installed in Cerritos this past Thursday morning. A large crane lifted "Angelic Duet" onto a pedestal located next to the CareMore office building at 12900 Park Plaza Drive in the Cerritos Towne Center. James T. Russell, the artist who created the sculpture, was on site to supervise the installation.
"Angelic Duet" took a long and circuitous route to Cerritos. In 1978 the artwork was commissioned by the State of California and was installed at the Junipero Serra State Office Building in Los Angeles.
The State sold the building and the artwork was removed and placed in a Sacramento storage facility where it has languished since 2003.
The California Arts Council was unable to find a suitable location for "Angelic Duet" and decided to seek an agency with a well-recognized public art program to provide a prominent location for the sculpture.
The California Arts Council and the California Department of General Services made the piece available to the City at no cost for 30 years, with options to renegotiate the contract prior to the expiration date. The sculpture was removed from storage in Sacramento and trucked to its new home in Cerritos.
"Angelic Duet" is one of the largest pieces ever created for the State's public artwork program. The sculpture is composed of two linear stainless steel structures. The taller piece is 38 feet tall, and the shorter piece is 36 feet tall. The piece has strong, clean bold lines paired with gentle undulating curves.

An official rededication ceremony for the sculpture featuring comments from Cerritos Mayor Joseph Cho, Ph.D. and sculptor Russell will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 23. The community is invited to attend the rededication ceremony that will take place at 12900 Park Plaza at the CareMore office building in the Cerritos Towne Center.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez to speak at Artesia Chamber luncheon

The Artesia Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its monthly luncheon featuring Congresswoman Linda Sanchez on Thursday, Oct. 28 from noon to 1:30 at the Great Seafood Harbor Restaurant, 18329 Pioneer Boulevard, Artesia, CA 90703.
Congresswoman Sanchez will be discussing the state of the nation’s economy and how the United States Congress is moving forward to help small businesses.
Admission is $15 Members and $20 for prospective members or guests.

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez names Whittier man first “Veteran of the Month”



Sergeant E-5 Raymond Ramirez

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez kicked off her new veterans’ outreach program naming retired U.S. Army Sergeant E-5 Raymond Ramirez of the City of Whittier as the 39th Congressional District’s first “Veteran of the Month.” Ramirez is the first recipient of the award and was chosen by the newly created Veterans Advisory Council.
Sergeant Ramirez began his military career in 1964 when he enlisted with the U.S. Army and was immediately deployed to Vietnam. He was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the first major ground combat unit of the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. Ramirez exhibited courage and heroism while in combat, earning him awards and medals including the Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster. His unit also received the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy) for assisting the U.S. Marines in the fall of 1966, and the U.S. Army Meritorious Unit Citation. Upon his return from Vietnam in June of 1967, he was assigned to the 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX.
"Sergeant Ramirez’ dedication to our country is inspiring and I was pleased to honor him today," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "It’s vitally important that we never forget the sacrifices made by our fighting men and women. I look forward to recognizing a new veteran each month."
Following his discharge from the Army Ramirez attended Rio Hondo College and California State University, Los Angeles. He then worked for several years in the defense industry and later with the County of Los Angeles and the City of Commerce for more than 25 years.
He is currently an active member of the American Veterans Post 113 (Irwindale, CA) and the Association of the 173d Airborne Brigade, where he is the former President of the Western States, Chapter 10. Notably, he serves on the board of directors for the 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation whose “sole mission” is to build a 173d Memorial “on a piece of American soil.”
To honor Sergeant Ramirez’ hard work and dedication to his country, he was presented with a flag flown over the capitol in his name. The presentation took place at Congresswoman Sánchez’ Cerritos office Friday.
The “Veteran of the Month” program is coordinated by her Veterans Advisory Council, comprised of distinguished veterans from across the district. Each month, a veteran will be recognized for their service overseas and here at home. For more information regarding the “Veteran of the Month Program” please contact Mr. Jamie Zamora at Jamie.zamora@mail.house.gov or (562) 860-5050.

Red Ribbon Week focuses on drug prevention

By Jerry Bernstein

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Although the start end dates can vary slightly depending on the organization and source, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates. This year Red Ribbon Week is being celebrated October 17-23.
Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.
And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffikers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.
Behind the Symbol
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. He worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. "I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.
Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, Camarena's Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, Camarena's home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin, red ribbons, as a symbol to Camarena's memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse. 3

Supervisor Knabe reaffirms intention to seek re-election in 2012



Bob and Mary Buell with Diane and Dan Paddleford at Don Knabe’s annual Birthday/Oktoberfest Celebration aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach Oct 14.


Supervisor Don Knabe observed his birthday Oct 14 at his 15th annual Oktoberfest and Birthday Celebration abroad the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Surrounded by friends and family, he reaffirmed his decision of last year that he would run for re-election in 2012. “I love my job and I feel I can make a difference,” he asserted.
He also announced that to date 80 babies have been saved under the County’s Save and Safe Program which he sponsored, where young unwed mothers can give up their newborn babies at local fire stations and hospital emergency rooms. No questions are asked. He said there is no shame and no blame. The program also has a new face book page in support of the program.
Knabe began his public service in Cerritos as a planning commissioner. In 1980 he was elected to the city council where he served eight years, including two terms as Mayor. He was involved in developing the city’s general plan, which is now regarded as a national model for sensible growth, It called for development of the Cerritos Auto Square, the Los Cerritos Center, and the Cerritos Town Center, creating a tax base that has provided jobs, additional citizen services, doubled the number of city parks, and allowed for the creation of the nationally renowned Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
In 1982, he joined Supervisor Dean Dana’s staff, soon becoming his chief of staff and in 1994 he was elected to the Board of Supervisors.
The Supervisor and his wife Julie have been married 40 years. They have two sons, Curt who is married to Seva and Matt who is married to Briana. They also have two granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Christy by Curt and Seva and a grandson, Kaden, by Matt and Briana who are awaiting the birth of their second child, a girl.

Our Lady of Fatima Runs For Fun

Student’s at Our Lady of Fatima School kicked off their “OLF, You’ve Got a Friend in Me” Toy Story themed Jog-A-Thon fundraiser with lots of laughter and fun. The students took part in team activities, like the hula-hoop run, and even got wet with a wild sponge toss game. Each grade was given a Toy Story theme, such as Kindergarten’s Little Buzz Lightyears!
The Jog-A-Thon event is one of the leading fundraisers for OLF, which provides much needed funds for the school.
Our Lady of Fatima School offers a comprehensive Catholic educational program with high academic standards from kindergarten through the eighth grade. The school's students grow and learn within a caring and faith-filled parish community, and under the guidance of their teachers and parents/guardians, they experience and develop Christian attitudes and behaviors of self-discipline, respect, and responsibility to the community. The Jog-A-Thon fundraiser event will be Friday, November 5th, 2010 at 4:00 PM. For more information on Our Lady of Fatima or Jog-A-Thon sponsorship opportunities please call (562) 865-1621. Our Lady of Fatima is located at 18626 S. Clarkdale Ave. in Artesia or visit www.fatimachargers.com.

Cerritos College Board of Trustees discuss Budget

by Victor Diaz

The Cerritos College Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 20 addressed a follow-up presentation of the Cerritos College budget which was given at its previous meeting by Vice-president of Business Services David El Fattal.
El Fattal reported that through advanced apportionment, Cerritos will be receiving $1.4 million on Oct. 22 from the state,. He also mentioned that with the arrival of more money coming through Nov. 4, the school is should receive $23 million that was deferred by the State last September. However, he said, “In any event, we may have to borrow a little bit more money our reserve before these funds start coming in, depending upon what our expenditures are.”
El Fattal said that about 25 to 26 percent will be apportioned to Cerritos and the remainder will be given next year. He also gave an update on a report that was given regarding $35 million of the state budget being used for categorical backfill, which, he informed,the Board was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Lastly, El Fattal spoke about the groundbreaking for the remodeling of the new baseball field, which he attended.
Other subjects that were touched upon at the meeting included the recognition of the classified employee of the month for September, that was awarded to Cindy Lo, a program facilitator for the Economics Department.
In the presentation, Cerritos College President Linda Lacy said, “Cindy is especially good with our business partners. She updates them regularly including the new training that is being offered and works diligently to turn training concepts into reality.”
In regard to her experience working at Cerritos, Lo simply said, “I love it here.”
Student Trustee Felipe Grimaldo gave a report of the homecoming events that occurred on Oct. 16. One event Grimaldo mentioned was the homecoming dance that followed the football game against Ventura City College.
Grimaldo said, “The dance was a huge success. At the same time, there were no incidents, so maybe next year we can reinstate it and make it something to look forward to for the students as well.”
Grimaldo credited the success of homecoming night to the amount of participation by students as well as the success of the dance. He also mentioned that due to the dance’s success, this might open the doors for the possibility of other social gatherings on campus in the future.
Board Vice President Tom Jackson also gave a report on his attendance of the Cerritos Theatre Department’s performance of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” which he thoroughly enjoyed.
The next meeting of the Trustees will be on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Cheryl A. Epple Board Room of the college.

Assemblymember Mendoza reponds to passing of friend, Mentor, Sen. Jenny Oropeza

“Jenny taught me what it takes to become a legislator.”

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Tony Mendoza (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement on the passing of Sen. Jenny Oropeza.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and mentor, Sen. Jenny Oropeza. Jenny was a true inspiration; she taught me how to talk to and connect with voters. Her mentorship helped me greatly when I first started as a public servant. She was very supportive when I ran for the Artesia City Council and State Assembly. Jenny taught me what it takes to become a legislator. The California State Legislature will never be the same without her. She will be missed.”

Artesia Mayor Speaker at Democratic Club



Welcoming guests to the Oct. 18 Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club Meeting at Coco’s Cerritos were (l-r) La Palma Mayor Pro-Tem Ralph Rodriguez, HHDC President Gary Chomiak and Artesia Mayor Tony Lima.

By Larry Caballero

When Artesia Mayor Tony Lima was asked to be the keynote speaker for the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club’s Oct. meeting, he decided to share with the members what he does as a city official.
“No one ever told me what my job requires me to do,” said Lima. He soon learned it included attending many functions of his city and of neighboring cities as well.
He has given numerous speeches at various ceremonies and events involving a multitude of ethnic groups and has learned a few introductory words in the process.
Lima said the worst time to be Mayor of any city is during rough economic times when there need to be budget cuts that require laying off workers and cutting back on salaries.
“Recently, I had my resignation ready to turn in so I could move to a nearby city with higher salaries for city councilmembers, but once the councilmembers were arrested, I decided against it,” Lima said jokingly.
Artesia is home to more than 17,000 people who speak 48 languages and live in the “Heart of Cerritos” on only 1.6 square miles of property.
Lima is never totally prepared for what may happen at any public event. He has been surprised when asked to speak in front of large audiences when he thought he was there to only be a guest. “Mark Twain once said that it took him about two weeks to make a good impromptu speech, so you can imagine how I made mine in 30 seconds.”
Once he presented an award to a foreign spiritual leader only to be awakened the next day with countless phone calls and emails from angry people all over the country.
Apparently the foreign dignitary had been accused on the Internet of being an insurgent and terrorist and charged with demolishing a mosque. “After that experience, I have instructed my staff to do a careful Internet search on anyone who is to receive any awards from the city.”
Lima has tried to run the city like a business in order to make Artesia more efficient, but he is not in favor of cutting important public services such as law enforcement, parks and recreation, and street maintenance.
“We are in the process of renovating downtown Artesia, to build a parking structure to service businesses and to purchase land to accommodate the housing requirements set by the state of California.”
Since there is no vacant land left in the city, Lima said the only alternative is to go up. “We also need to make better use of existing buildings to incorporate commercial, office professionals and residential components.”
During the past three years, Lima has worked diligently to bring back the Artesia Chamber of Commerce that had been out of business for nearly five years. A new Chamber is now up and running and in its beginning stages with lots of enthusiasm.
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez has agreed to be its keynote speaker at its Oct. 28 monthly luncheon to discuss the state of the nation’s economy and how the Congress is trying to support small businesses.
The location is the Great Seafood Harbor Restaurant at 18329 Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia from noon to 1:30. The luncheon is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. To RSVP call 562-882-7734 or artesiacommerce@gmail.com.

Fedde-Tetzlaff Students "Junior Shipmates" aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier





Fedde and Tetzlaff students aboard the Midway Aircraft Carrier gather in front of a plane in the ship’s hanger.
PIC Hanger

Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Assistant Tetzlaff Principal Tom Woodward for providing information and pictures of the overnight visit aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier permanently docked in San Diego. He was one of 17 chaperons who accompanied Tezlaff and Fedde Middle School students to the Carrier as guests of the Naval Academy under its Blue and Gold STEP Program.

Students at Fedde Middle School and Tetzlaff Middle School participated in the United States Naval Academy Blue and Gold STEP [Science Technology, Engineering and Math] Program Oct. 15-16 with an overnight trip to San Diego where they experienced life as junior shipmates aboard the USS Midway.
The students participated in the “Live It and Learn It Program” which encompasses activities in science, technology, engineering and math. The students left their schools Friday afternoon, Oct 15 and included 47 Fedde students with 11 chaperons, and 29 Tetzlaff students accompanied by six chaperons. The Naval Academy assumed all costs for the program including transportation.
The USS Midway is a retired aircraft carrier on permanent display as a museum in San Diego harbor. Students from both schools had an opportunity to explore the history of the ship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engendering and Math) programs. The overnight accommodations Friday were the same bunks that navy sailors used for years. Students lived an exciting, navy experience with navy chow, bunks, and regimented lifestyle for the one night.
On Saturday morning students woke up to reveille being announced at 0600. More science activities followed with a lecture on Newton's Laws and how they applied to an aircraft carrier followed by more navy chow for breakfast.
The highlight of the trip took place at the Naval Air Station on North Island. There they got to see two Sea Hawk helicopter squadrons up close and personal. The navy personnel did a great job answering all the students’ questions.
For many of these middle school students last weekend was the experience of a lifetime.

Tetzlaff student Jessica Gardner talks about her experience

On October 15, 2010, 30 students and 6 chaperones from Tetzlaff Middle School Accelerated Learning Academy were invited to stay the night on the USS Midway. The students received a personal invitation in late September to go on the trip. The Midway is a retired aircraft carrier and has served its years in the navy. It is now a museum for the public to visit. The night was full of fun activities like seeing the engine room, ready room, and flight decks to teach students about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students spent the night in racks, beds stacked three high in a large room.
The next day everyone boarded a bus to North Island, the Naval base in San Diego. Over 50 helicopters and jets are located there. Naval officers and academy recruits were there to meet the students and explain their jobs at the base. A couple of hours later everyone successfully arrived back at Tetzlaff exhausted and full of stories to tell. “It was a unique experience for everybody that had been able to go!” declared 8th grader, Rachel Bac.

LCCN Publisher guest speaker at Cerritos Optimist Club






Cerritos Optimist Club President Jamie Hamilton presents guest speaker Los Cerritos Community News Publisher Brian Hews with Optimist cup at its Oct. 14 breakfast meeting. Hews discussed Your City Coupons a subsidiary of LCCN. He described the company as a win-win for the advertisers, local charities, and LCCN. Companies create an great offer-50% off- and put in dollar terms; $40 of food for $20, etc. Your City designs the coupons, edits a description of the company and uploads the coupon onto Your City Coupons.net website. Subscribers to Your City, and new registrants, are alerted to the deal and buy the coupon online. The advertiser receives 50% of the revenue from the coupon ($10), and LCCN gets 50%. LCCN will then donate 10% to the subscribers favorite charity that they designate on the site. The program is free to everyone, Your City only makes money when the advertiser makes money. The Optimists meet the first, second and fourth Thursday’s at 7 a.m. and the third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Off Street Café across from Gahr High School.

CERRITOS SHERIFF’S STATION Weekly Crime Summary October 11-17, 2010

Twenty-eight Part I felony investigations were conducted by members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, up from twenty the previous period. Robberies and commercial burglaries increased, residential burglaries remained the same, while vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts declined. Calls for service increased by one after 273 were recorded. The 2010 weekly average in calls for service remained at 299.
There was one robbery reported. A lone gunman robbed a bank in the 11800 block of South Street on Thursday October 14 at 10:45 a.m.
There were three residential burglaries reported last week, the same as the previous week. Two windows were left open or unlocked, and a sliding glass door was pried last week. Jewelry and laptop computers were stolen. The current 2010 weekly average in residential burglaries is 2.6.
We have previously mentioned that the residential burglar will try to enter the home with the least amount of effort. Leaving doors and windows open creates that effortless opportunity. In one case last week, a second story window was left open and was used as a point of entry. Regardless of where the door or window is located, make sure that you check and secure them prior to leaving the residence.
There were three commercial burglaries reported. Two were investigated the week before. All were closed businesses last week. A glass door was shattered, a window was pried, and a rear door was forced open. Loss items consisted of laptop computers, a sump pump, and a printer. The 2010 weekly average in commercial burglaries is 2.5.
Vehicle burglaries dropped by one case when nine were reported last week. Eight occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. Five were SUVs. Two stereo systems were taken along with third-row seats (from SUVs), purses, wallets, ID, laptop computers, Social Security cards, cell phones, and sunglasses. The 2010 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is now 7.0.
We consistently see cases involving fitness center lots. This is an unfortunate trend that we have seen develop over the past few years. Patrons do not feel comfortable using fitness center lockers, but our statistics show that rarely is a locker targeted versus the frequent number of vehicles. Take the items with you, leave them at home, or lock them in the trunk if you absolutely must have them in the car.
Vehicle thefts dropped from two to one last week. An SUV was taken from a high-volume parking lot. The 2010 weekly average in vehicle thefts is 4.5.
There was no information to suggest that the vehicle stolen was equipped with any type of anti-theft device. Transportation and parts are frequently the cause of vehicle thefts, therefore if transportation is the motive, any make or model will do. Consider a steering wheel locking device that serves as a good visual deterrent.
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.

Cirque mechanics build a show at Cerritos

By Glen Creason

After several visits to Cirque du Soleil and other spin-offs of the animal-less circuses that proliferated in the 80’s and 90’s I kind of had my fill of the grand-scale whimsy of these performances. The multi-colored lighting, the noodling mood music, the aerial daredevilry, the oddball clowns and the obtuse presentation began to blur a bit. It’s not that they weren’t incredible and enjoyable for all ages but they ceased to enchant me as they did when I first took my kid back in the day. My whimsy-meter was on empty.
However, the unique splinter of the Cirque themes called Cirque Mechanics took over the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts at midweek and pretty much removed unnecessary whimsy and replaced it with down home acrobatics. All this amongst a backdrop that is as relatively plain as the 1860’s gold mining camp they call Boom Town in this show. It’s not really a redneck circus or some bowl of corny camp as you might suspect from the lobby cards. Instead the review presents a mixture of clowning, exuberant acrobatics and some amazing machinery that gives the tricks an extra dimension. The troupe is smaller and the sets simpler but the ability and charm of the performers pans out as pure gold in this show.
There are three main components to the show and they are evenly spread out over the ninety-minute experience that is lots of fun for those on both sides of the footlights. There are stunts that involve juggling and balancing tricks that raise pulses including one heady segment that involved drawers and corn liquor jugs stacked four high.
Charlotte Greenblatt balanced on four raised lozenges with strength that would be admired in any weight room and also performed as a ballerina on a raised platform.
Elena Day was the clown in residence and several of her routines brought genuine horselaughs and added much needed comic relief after spine-tingling acrobatics. She also ventured into the crowd and took a poor unsuspecting civilian up on stage used him as a prop, albeit good-naturedly.
Those same acrobatics formed the core of the show and were absolutely wonderful throughout. The really great ingredient to the carefree aerial hi-jinks was the obvious joy of the performers including Timber Brown, Kerren McKenna and Lindsey Orton-Hines who literally and figuratively made it look easy.
I can assure you it was not when you consider some of these maneuvers took place twenty or thirty feet above the stage and without any safety apparatus in sight.
They bounded repeatedly off of trampolines centered on ore carts, climbed ropes to the ceiling using mostly their feet and swung with precision near the top of the stage. T
he highlight of the acrobatics was the duel wonders of an upside down bicycle control of a moving trapeze that swung young ladies out over the orchestra seats where the crowd stared upward with mouths agape.

ASK THE DOCTOR- What are Cataracts and how common are they?

Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects more than half of Americans over the age of 65. Fortunately, cataracts can be surgically treated by removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens.

What are the symptoms and how and how do I know if I need surgery?
Cataracts may not be noticeable in their earliest stages, but as they progress, vision will become more blurred and reduced. Symptoms of cataracts also include brown-tinted vision, halos around objects, poor night vision, double vision, glare around lights and colors that appear faded. Cataract surgery may be recommended when you are no longer able to see well enough to perform daily activities or if cataracts interfere with treatment for another eye problem, such as macular degeneration (loss of central vision) or diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina caused by complications of diabetes). You do not have to make the decision to have cataract surgery immediately. Delaying the procedure typically will not result in long-term damage to the eye or make the operation more complicated.

What can I expect during the procedure?
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. Approximately 90 percent of people who undergo the operation report an improvement in their vision later2. Surgery is done one eye at a time if cataracts are in both eyes, usually about one to two months apart to give the first eye time to heal.
Cataract surgery lasts about one hour and is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Prior to the procedure, eye drops are placed in the eye to dilate the pupil and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the eye. A sedative may be given to help you relax. There are two types of cataract surgery, phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery.

What is phacoemulsification?
Phacoemulsification involves making a small incision on the side of the cornea. A tiny ultrasound probe is then inserted into the eye that emits ultrasound waves to break up the lens, the fragments of which are removed by suction. A less often performed operation called extracapsular surgery requires making a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removing the hard center of the lens in one piece. In both procedures, the very back of the lens is left in place to help position the new artificial lens. The implant, called an intraocular lens, is made of acrylic, plastic or silicone. It becomes a permanent part of the eye and will not require additional care. You will not be able to feel or see the new lens.

How is the recovery?
Although you can expect your vision to start improving within a few days after surgery, complete recovery usually takes about eight weeks. You may feel some itching and mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but it is important to avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye. You may use eyedrops to prevent infection, lessen inflammation and control eye pressure.
Ask the Doctor is provided by Lakewood Regional Medical Center. For a referral to a doctor or for information about free community events, please call 1-800-813-4345 or go to lakewoodregional.com

ASK THE DENTIST-Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry- Oral Bleeding

As a dentist I have always been curious why more people are not alarmed when they see blood in their mouth. I suppose it is because most oral bleeding is painless and momentary. Oral bleeding is out of sight and out of mind.
Oral bleeding can be caused by trauma or disease. Traumatic sores are noticeable and usually heal within a few days. These include cheek biting, lip biting, and scuffing of the oral lining from hard foods. Cheek biting that occurs over and over can be corrected by your dentist with minor alterations to offending teeth that catch the cheek and lip. Habitual gnawing on the cheek can create a fibrous bump that frequently gets caught up between the teeth. This bump should be removed by your dentist.
Oral bleeding from gum disease usually does not hurt and sometimes gets minimized. It is a serious sign of trouble. It seems odd that bleeding from the skin, ears, nose, stomach, and intestines raises alarm signals whereas oral bleeding goes unnoticed and sometimes undetected.
As I have mentioned in previous articles your dentist will exam your mouth for dental decay, gum disease and other abnormalities in the soft tissue, tooth alignment, jaw function, erosion, abrasion and attrition. Even with all our technological improvements with identifying gum disease it still remains that bleeding is the number one indicator for activity level for this problem.
Bleeding is caused by harmful bacteria invading the space between the gums and teeth. The body’s immune response will try to stop the invasion and swelling of the gums that is occurring. This “battlefield” will leak blood upon gentle probing, flossing, and brushing. As blood leaks out bacteria leak into the blood system and circulate around the body. The body’s immune system will generally take care of the invaders. However, if a person has a compromised immune system and is not healthy these bacteria can invade other vital organs. The inflammatory load on the body is increased and other inflammatory related diseases can be affected.
I would advise that we look at any bleeding as a portal of entry into our body by invading organisms. That especially includes oral bleeding. The mouth is very exposed to bacteria, viruses, fungus, and molds. Fortunately, the mouth is protected by our immune system and has proven to be very forgiving. Yet the oral immune system can be overcome by bad habits. Ignoring warning signs, like bleeding, is not advised. Consult with your dentist if you are aware of bleeding when brushing and flossing. Ask your dental hygienist if they can detect any bleeding sites that could be serious.
For answers to your dental questions, contact Douglas Urban, D.D.S.Cerritos, CA 90703 562 924-1523 www.DrDouglasUrban.com

Gahr still continues losing streak within city of Downey


Gahr senior wide receiver Josh Perkins goes up high to haul in one of his six receptions in last Friday night's San Gabriel Valley League opener at Downey. Photo By Tom Meyers, H-Mphoto.Net.


SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
LEAGUE FOOTBALL



By Loren Kopff

DOWNEY-At times, Gahr’s offense was running as usual in its San Gabriel Valley League opener last Friday night at Downey. But the real story of the game, and what eventually hurt the Gladiators all night long, was the turnover factor.
Senior quarterback D.J. Lopez threw four interceptions and Gahr fumbled three times as the Vikings scored all three of their second half touchdowns off of Gahr turnovers to erase an early 10-point deficit and knock off the Gladiators 42-23. Gahr’s high octane offense was held to almost 26 points below its season average as the team dropped to 3-3 overall.
“Just like the Kennedy game, we turn the ball over,” said Gahr head coach Greg Marshall. “You can’t overcome that many turnovers. We didn’t do anything to win the football game.”
Gahr struck first when sophomore Isaiah Soto booted a 34-yard field goal just 1:10 into the game. But the Vikings, like the other league opponents, ran through and around the Gahr defense, led by Kyle Lewis. He picked up 69 yards on four carries on Downey’s first possession, the final 24 resulting in a touchdown. But when Alex Salinas was wide right on a 36-yard field goal attempt, Lopez immediately found junior wide receiver Delshawn McClellon over the middle on the very next play and 80 yards later the Gladiators had reclaimed the lead.
Those two would hook up again with 59 seconds left in the first quarter, this time for a 77-yard connection. Gahr had five first quarter possessions lasting a total of 3:10 but scored three times with Lopez picked off twice. In fact, Lopez was five of 10 for 205 yards in the stanza but was held to193 yards the rest of the game.
While Gahr was struggling to move the ball downfield in the second quarter, the Vikings took a page out of the Gahr playbook and scored twice on touchdown passes as Dallas Lopez found Isaac Dan for 11 and 45-yard strikes to give the hosts the lead for good with 5:03 left in the half. On top of the turnovers, Lopez wasn’t getting much help from the offensive line as he was sacked 10 times in the game for losses totaling 68 yards. Gahr’s running game would be non-existent as two other players combined to rush two times for minus seven yards.
“We didn’t run the ball as much as we thought we should,” Marshall said. “I thought we were losing some physical battles there. Some of the things they were doing made it real hard for us to [run]. You have to give [Downey] credit.”
The third interception of the night led to a Lewis 40-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, giving the Vikings a 28-17 lead. Then the game turned sloppy early in the fourth when both teams combined for three turnovers on successive plays in a span of 20 seconds. But with the Gahr offense finding tough times to score, McClellon gave his team some hope when he returned a punt 72 yards for a score down the left sideline with 5:16 remaining in the game. The two-point conversion would fail and the Gladiators would gain six positive yards the rest of the way. Lewis, who ran for 240 yards on 27 carries, scored the final two touchdowns of the game as Downey’s offense torched the Gahr defense for 467 yards.
For Gahr, Lopez finished completing 21 passes in 38 attempts for 398 yards but never completed more than three consecutive passes at any time.
“He was holding onto the ball a little bit and made some bad decisions,” Marshall said of his signal caller. “That kind of goes with throwing the interceptions. The ball should have been gone and it wasn’t gone.
“You can’t really calm him down,” Marshall added. “You just hope that the game slows down enough for him so he can make better decisions. I think Downey and Warren do a good job of mixing their coverages against us.”
McClellon caught eight passes for 206 yards while senior wide receiver Josh Perkins hauled in six passes for 87 yards. Gahr has now lost at least five straight games at Allen Layne Stadium and has fallen to Downey in at least eight of the last nine seasons. In addition, Gahr has also not won at Warren, the other school in the city of Downey, in at least four tries.
“We don’t play well on this turf,” Marshall said. “I’m telling you, I don’t like coming here and I don’t like playing on this stuff.”
The Gladiators hosted Dominguez on Oct. 21 in virtually a must-win situation. With the new makeup of the Western Division, the league is now taking two automatic qualifiers instead of three. Falling to 0-2 to begin the league slate would be tough for Gahr to overcome if it is to automatically advance to the playoffs instead of waiting to see it gets in as an at-large team.
“They weren’t more physical than us,” Marshall said of Downey. “The things that can be fixed are easy to fix. If it was something like where we’re getting blown away and we’re not hurting ourselves, then you have problems.”


SUBURBAN LEAGUE

SUBURBAN LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL Norwalk finally breaks through with first win of season, drops John Glenn into cellar

By Loren Kopff

It has been a very long and trying season for both the John Glenn and Norwalk girls volleyball teams. As the first round of Suburban League action came to an end last Friday, one of those teams would pick up their first league victory while the other would be dropped to last place.
In front of a raucous crowd at Norwalk, the hosts played their best match of the season and swept the Lady Eagles 25-14, 25-17, 25-23 to post their first league and overall win of the season. Norwalk also swept its city rivals for the first time since Nov. 1, 2005.
“It really feels good [to win] but the biggest thing was our offensive fire finally came around,” said Norwalk first-year head coach Quoc Nguyen. “Before, we would have long rallies and we wouldn’t be able to put the ball down because we had no offense. The girls seemed like they didn’t want it as much. Today they wanted it.”
For both teams to enter the match with a combined record of 1-17 was completely unheard of considering the Lady Eagles have been to the playoffs in three of the past four seasons and have at least five victories each season for well over 15 seasons. As for the Lancers, they’re trying to build off of a 3-13 campaign in 2009, their worst since 2002.
Both teams were somewhat on the sloppy side in the first set as they combined for seven serving errors. Norwalk (1-8, 1-6) began to slowly pull away when senior outside hitter Joanna Macias spiked a kill, then served three straight points to give her team a 9-5 lead. Following consecutive serves into the net by both teams, sophomore middle blocker Michelle Macias served a pair of aces along with a kill from junior middle blocker Amy Siliezar as Norwalk extended its lead to 13-6. The younger Macias would have five kills in the set while senior outside hitter Kate Olegario added four kills.
“Most of the time with high school teams, when you put a little bit of pressure on them, they tend to fold,” Nguyen said. “Only the really top teams are the ones who can pass out of it.”
Norwalk got out to a fast start in the second set, holding leads of 4-1, 7-3 and 10-6, the latter coming when Olegario served consecutive aces. Glenn got as close as 12-10 but down the stretch, both teams traded side outs. Through the first two sets, the visitors from the east side of the city never scored more than three straight points at any time.
That would change in the third set when the Lady Eagles roared out to an 8-1 behind the serving of senior defensive specialist Gaby Lucero. But, as quick as the Lady Eagles scored six straight points, the Lancers countered that with six of their own. Junior libero Andrea Zepeda benefited from a bad set, then served three aces.
Norwalk was still unable to crack Glenn’s desperate attempts for a win and still had not led in the set. Glenn, on the other hand, had leads of 19-15 and 20-17 when Michelle Macias put down back to back kills, followed by an ace from senior outside hitter Priscilla Mendoza. Another kill from Michelle Macias gave Norwalk its first lead of the set at 21-20.
But the Lady Eagles refused to give up and when senior middle blocker Sharae Moten had her team-high 10th kill, the score was tied at 23-23. However, a net violation and the ninth kill from Siliezar ended the match and sent the home team into jubilation.
“No matter what sport it is, no matter what our record is, we always play John Glenn like it’s a championship finals game,” Nguyen said. “Somebody has to come out with a win and we got the better of the day. Hopefully we can build off of this and use this as a way for us to know how to win.”
Norwalk hadn’t had much to cheer for thus far, winning just three sets all season long entering the Glenn match. It did begin to turn the corner on Oct. 8 when the team took the first set from Bellflower before losing in four, though the Lancers scored 22 and 21 points respectively in the final two sets. All of this is coming from a team that returns just two key offensive threats from last season.
“We focused so much on passing at the beginning of the season because we’re a smaller team,” Nguyen said. “I put hitting on the back burner but now that the passing is coming along I’m focused on hitting.”
After Moten’s 10 kills, the rest of the Lady Eagles recorded 22 kills with senior middle blocker Arlene Gomez chipping in with seven kills. Norwalk would be much more balanced with Olegario leading the way with 11 kills and Joanna Macias pitching in with nine kills. Of the 44 kills from Norwalk, 39 came from the big four of the Macias sisters, Olegario and Siliezar.
“I understand that sophomores go backwards before they go forward because they’re so young and they can’t figure it out,” Nguyen said. “I think [Michelle] is starting to figure it out now. I think she’s starting to pick her spots perfectly and she’s putting the ball down.”
Glenn will host Artesia today and Bellflower on Wednesday while the Lancers are home to defending league champion Cerritos today and to La Mirada on Wednesday. The city rematch will be on Nov. 5, the last day of the regular season. While a trip to the playoffs may not be viable for both teams, the intensity will still be there.
“We want to be competitive but Mayfair and Cerritos are very strong,” Nguyen said. “I want to be competitive with La Mirada and Artesia and I’m actually looking forward to the [Artesia match]. I think we can adjust to [their style]. I’m looking to build a program; I’m not looking for this season.”

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL Gahr’s “H” factor produces another “W”, Gladiators secure second place after first round

By Loren Kopff

It’s not too often that Sonny Okamoto, the 25-year veteran head coach of the Gahr girls volleyball team, can boast about his team playing a complete match. But following an important sweep over Paramount this past Tuesday night, the Gladiators are looking pretty as they enter the second round of San Gabriel Valley League action.
Gahr’s 25-21, 25-16, 25-17 decision was the 20th victory over the Pirates in the past 21 meetings and pushed the Gladiators to 11-10 overall and 4-1 in the league. Since winning the league in 1998, Gahr has always fought with Paramount for third place and an automatic berth in the postseason. Its Oct. 14 sweep on the road against Warren made the match against Paramount even that more important for momentum going into the final six matches of the regular season.
“I thought it was more competitive last year,” Okamoto said. “When you put things into perspective the biggest this is it depends on where you’re placing at the time. Today, if we would have lost, we would have had a three-way tie for second. The key becomes, was it important to take second place alone?”
“That’s who we usually battle for third place,” said senior middle blocker Erica Willig. “We hear it from our coach that’s our competition every year. This year, of course, our competition is Warren as well. We had to make sure that even though beat Warren, we didn’t say, ‘oh, we have this, we’re going to beat Paramount’.”
Gahr found itself down 16-11 in the first set when Willig’s serving brought the team back, which ended with her second ace of the set. Later on, with the score tied 21-21, Willig posted consecutive kills to give the Gladiators the advantage they needed. Willig, known more for her defensive play all season, finished with eight kills and gives the team an added offensive threat to complement senior middle hitter Chelsea Heyward, sophomore outside hitter Aaliyah Heckard and sophomore middle hitter Jewelyn Sawyer.
“I didn’t get to hit very much in the middle and now I’m getting some swings on the outside,” Willig said. “Sometimes I hit pretty hard and I’ll score but it’s also about playing smart for me, since I can’t jump very high.”
Gahr was clinging to a 13-11 lead in the second set when a kill from Willig gave her team the serve and that’s when Heyward took over. She slammed her fourth kill to that point, then had back to back blocks. Following a Paramount timeout, Willig had another ace and Heyward had another kill to give Gahr a 19-11 lead.
The Pirates thought they had something going in the third set when Melissa Yepez served four straight aces to give her team a 14-13 lead. But once again, Willig’s eighth and final kill of the match ended that rally. Then with the score at 15-15, a kill from Heyward gave Willig the serve and she responded with her fourth ace of the match. But the match wasn’t sealed until senior setter Elyse Quiones scored three of her team’s final five points with quick dumps which caught the Pirates off guard. Quiones picked up half a dozen kills but had a stellar night distributing the ball to Heckard (18 kills), Heyward (12 kills), Sawyer (eight kills) and Willig.
“When you’re athletic, you read things that are going to come at you,” Okamoto said. “We actually picked up balls tonight. Elyse did a great job and she finally ended the match on a dump that I needed, which I called a couple of times tonight. Everybody had to play and they all did a good job.
“Tonight, I thought we did a very good job of moving the balls; controlling the balls,” Okamoto added. “We gave Aaliyah the chance to swing and score and she did her job. I thought they were a scrappy team on the other side. The thing that hurt them is they don’t have the middles like we have. Our middles actually controlled the net a little bit.”
Coming into the season, Okamoto knew the bulk of his scoring would come from Heyward. What he didn’t know was that Heckard, in her first year on the varsity squad, would be as equal as a contributor. In fact, she has led the team in kills in a few matches thus far and when she hasn’t, she’s been right with Heyward for the team lead. Against Santa Monica last Saturday in the Marlborough Tournament, Heckard had 11 of Gahr’s 41 points in a two-set loss. Later in the day, she had six kills out of Gahr’s 25 points in a two-set loss to Marlborough.
“The concern I have is to try to make her an all-around player,” Okamoto said. “I don’t have her passing in the game yet, but I’m working on that slowly so she can play all the way around the whole time. For Aaliyah to be where she’s at, Elyse has to giver hittable balls and Elyse is doing that a lot better than the very beginning of the year.”
Gahr hosted league leading Downey on Oct. 21 and will visit the league’s two bottom feeders, Dominguez and Lynwood, on Tuesday and Thursday respectively. The rematch with Paramount will be on Nov. 4 on the road and could, once again, decide third place. When Gahr swept Warren, it was just the fourth win on Warren’s court in the past 13 meetings and snapped a five-match losing streak to the Bears. In the past 25 meetings, Gahr has defeated Warren eight times.
“I think that was really important because it gave us some confidence,” Willig said of the win at Warren. “I think our team has two different levels of confidence.”
“Playoffs feel good,” Okamoto said. “I’m just comfortable with getting to the playoffs. I told the girls not to be satisfied [with second place]. If you’re satisfied, then things won’t happen to the best of their knowledge.”