Last week the Hawaiian Gardens City Council imploded when Councilmember Barry Bruce crossed the line of council rules and accused Mayor Victor Farfan of deliberately not notifying members of the council and “arbitrarily” moving discussion of the proposed Sports Complex to be built on Fedde Middle School property forward on the council agenda-while at the same time adding two presentations to the Complex discussion.
Bruce was correct in that the Mayor should have notified the council about moving up the discussion of the Sports Complex before the agenda’s Oral Comments and the adding of two presentations to the discussion, including finance options available to the city and contract details with the ABC school district. But this type of move is done quite frequently at City Council meetings to accommodate residents who want to comment on the project, and not wait until later on to do so.
But to publicly humiliate city employees (the City Administrator, Council members) and consultants at the meeting crossed the line and violated the council’s as well as the state’s code on meeting rules of conduct and decorum.
He called City Administrator Ernesto Marquez a stooge of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Michiko Oyama-Canada, and Councilman Mike Gomez. Bruce referred to the three council-members as “Baboons”, accusing then of rubber-stamping anything Marquez proposed. He added insult to injury by referring to the city’s finance advisor Mike Bush as a “long time parrot” of the council. He went on to accuse the three of using the council podium as a campaign podium, ignoring the fact he has been doing that since his election.
Councilman Gomez attempted to bring order to the meeting by interrupting Bruce and asking the Mayor to rule him out of order. The Mayor attempted to do so by pounding his gavel for order. Bruce ignored him and said, “you can pound the gavel all you want but I have more to say.” Gomez then asked the city attorney for a ruling. He demurred, referring to the council’s own code of conduct and the state code governing meetings.
Bruce’s public display of attacking his fellow council not only embarrassed himself but the city as well. (A Cerritos resident commented on our website that he had watched the Hawaiian Gardens City Council meeting and said he was shocked at the actions of Bruce and what he said about his fellow council members, the city administrator and consultants.) He must cross back over the line and observe the rules of decorum during the council meetings and negotiate rather than humiliate.
It’s good for the council, good for the city employees, good for the residents, and good for the city. Let’s hope Councilman Bruce thinks it is good for him too.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Accuses Republicans of trying to stonewall Congress on economy
“Just before the August break, we were working on a number of bills to create jobs,” stated Congresswoman Linda Sanchez in an interview with the LCCN editorial staff, which she said is called, especially by the Democrats, “The Making of America.” She described them as good bills aimed at leveling the playing field and creating economic incentives to get companies to continue to manufacture here and in some cases to relocate their manufacturing from overseas back to the United States.{{more}}
There used to be tax breaks. However we did close one tax loophole in the education bill. She said there are five or six bills we’re working on and hope to complete when we come back from the August break.
Asked to comment on Republican assertions that the country can’t afford to spend more money and what is needed is tax cuts, especially for small business, she accused the Republicans of putting up roadblocks to prevent the Democrats from passing bills that will help the economy-so they can say we haven’t done anything. “It’s the Republicans who aren’t doing anything. They refuse to work with us,” she asserted.
Asked what she thinks might happen if the Republicans gained control of one of the houses. “It tough to say. We have said to them, if you don’t like this proposal, give us you ideas of what needs to be done.“ She said they had nothing to propose.
She said they are still advocating privatizing Social Security, with the downturn of the economy, if Social Security had been privatized when former President Bush proposed it at least one-third of all retirement incomes would have been lost.
Asked if there were any Republicans in the House or Senate who would be willing to compromise with the Democrats, she replied there were a few but they are increasingly rare. She cited the case of former Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, a Republican who represented a district in Maryland. A moderate Republican who you could work with and affect a compromise. The party apparently didn’t like the fact he was a moderate and ran an extreme right wing candidate against him in the primary who defeated him. He in turn lost to the Democratic candidate because he was too extreme for the district. If they had just left him alone there would be a Republican holding that seat today. True, a moderate Republican, but a Republican who could work with Democrats across the aisle.
On another subject she was asked why supporters of President Obama, who voted for him, are now asking why he isn’t communicating with the people. Sanchez said she didn’t know. “We have done some great things in this session of Congress, but we are not getting credit for it. The reason is the message or communication has not been effective.”
She said she doesn’t know what the problem is and that is why she is spending her August break in the District to let the people know what we have done in this session of Congress.
Asked how she viewed the coming national election she said the Democrats will lose some seats. She said Democrats won seats in the last election that are traditionally Republican. Those are questionable. She said the Republicans need to win an additional 43 seats to control the House. The Democrats will lose about 25 seats, but still retain control, she predicted. As for the Senate she thinks the Democrats will lose about five seats. She said many of the bills the House has passed are stuck in the Senate.
Asked if she thought California’s election was a reflection of the nation, she replied no. California is a separate animal, especially with the present budget deficit in Sacramento.
Concerning tax cuts and its effect on businesses, she said tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 are going to expire. It is written in the bill, the Democrats did not put that in the bill, the Bush administration did. Businesses are not investing, she explained. They are hoarding their money because they are uncertain about the economic future. True, the largest companies have over 1.4 trillion dollars of available cash but are not hiring.
“If people had confidence in the economy which is making slow but steady progress, not hoard their money, the economy would be a lot better off.” She said she has talked to local business people in the District and asked them how was their business. Most said it was flat but better than one year ago. She asked if they thought the economic recovery was moving forward and they replied yes, but slowly.
Fourth annual Marine car wash raises over $2,600
Once again the citizens of Cerritos and adjacent communities showed their support for our men in uniform by having their cars washed at the 4th Annual CEB car wash last Saturday held in the parking lot of the Cerritos Center at the corner of South and Gridley Streets under the leadership of Lew Woodson's.{{more}}
Sponsored by the Friends of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion stationed at Camp Pendleton, volunteers worked diligently to coordinate this year's car wash while others donated baked goods and hot dogs. Chick Fill provided lunch for the marines and volunteers that included Whitney High Key Club members.
The Marines collected $2,477 in cash and another $215 in checks for a total of $2,692. The money will go into the Marine Corps Birthday Ball fund to be held for them until they return from combat duty in Afghanistan sometime next year when they will celebrate a safe return and belated Birthday Ball.
Tents, tables and chairs were donated by the Center while the City of Cerritos provided the hoses which connected to the fire hydrants. The Cerritos Optimist Club provided bottles of cold water for the thirsty marines and volunteers with soft drinks provided by the Friends.
Norwalk hosts Vietnam Moving Wall, honors city’s fallen heroes
Amid flashing lights, horns, and sirens, the Vietnam Moving Wall arrived in Norwalk Aug. 19. The Wall, a half replica of the original, was erected on the lawn of City Hall at 12700 Norwalk Blvd. and open 24 hours continually until Aug. 22. This event was made possible Mayor Gordon Stefenhagen, the City Council, Norwalk Community Coordinating Council (NCCC), and many generous and outstanding contributors and sponsors.{{more}}
The three-day event included guest speakers, military bands, exhibits, displays, and military vehicles. There was the Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening (Aug. 19), A Candlelight Ceremony on Saturday evening, and a Closing Ceremony on Sunday.
From the beginning of the war in 1959 until the end in 1975 there were 58,159 American lives lost. Norwalk alone lost 53 of its young men. On Saturday evening Aug. 21st these 53 fallen heroes were honored with a Candlelight Ceremony. The emcee for this special event was local businessman Richard Fierro, a Vietnam veteran who served in US Army 1968-1972.
While all 53 were honored by a family member or representative four stepped forward to speak of their loved one. Ruth Ellet sister of PFC Frank Blackburn, told of how their cousin Billy Bailey was also serving in Vietnam. He was unable to escort the body home but after a week wait in Oakland the army sent Travis Lampin to escort the body to the family. He spent a week here and was able to tell the family just how their son and brother died. It helped ease the family’s suffering.
Pamela Sue Delp, wife of PFC Kenneth Delp, traveled from Meza, AZ to attend. She told how she and Ken were high school sweethearts at Excelsior High. They married in December after graduating in June. He had to go into the service in January and was soon shipped out. She had to have major surgery so the army sent him home so they did get to spend one week together. Their dream was to have six children. After Ken’s death, Pamela never remarried but she did go to college and is now a teacher. “We didn’t get to have our six children but now I do have 200 each year.” Kenneth Delp is buried at Westminster.
Carlos Gonzalez, brother of Cpl Jose A. Gonzalez, told how in 1970 their family was notified of Jose’s death on Mother’s Day. He read the poem ‘A Baby’s Secret.’
Leon Powell, brother of Cpl Leslie (Les) Allen Powell, told of his brother’s athletic abilities while attending Santa Fe High and how he was voted MVP while attending Cerritos and playing in their first Conference Championship while playing Utah.. He was captain of the team and drafted to the ABA. He was drafted just before signing his contract. He was sent to a special camp for leadership training and was in reconnaissance. He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.
The Roll Call of these 53 Fallen Heroes was by Richard Fierro, a Vietnam hero himself. Music for the ceremony was provided by the California Army National Guard Band 40th Infantry Division. Invocation and Benediction was by father John Mohoney of ST. John of God Catholic Church. Presentation of Colors was preformed by US Army Recruiting Station. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Auxiliary President Becky Bullard of American Legion Post #359.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington was inspired by Jan Scruggs, an infantryman who served in Vietnam. In 1979, he saw the movie, the “Deer Hunter” and which reminded him “Of the people he’s seen suffer and die in Vietnam.” That night he decided to build a memorial with the names of everyone killed in the Vietnam War. It was completed in 1982.
The Moving Wall is a half replica of the Memorial in Washington. It was devised by John Devitt after he attended the annual commemoration celebration in Washington for Vietnam veterans. He felt that he needed to share his experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veterans volunteered to build the Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas, in October 1984.
Hawaiian Gardens Council meeting turns ugly over Sports Complex agenda item
Councilman Bruce accuses city employee and Council of "rubber stamping" and calls other employees "baboons".
Once again the Hawaiian Gardens City Council fell into a quagmire of accusations at its Aug. 25 meeting. Councilman Barry Bruce lashed out at Mayor Victor Farfan for moving discussion of the Sports Complex to the beginning of the Council’s agenda without notifying the councilmembers in advance. He also said the council should had been notified about the two presentations added to the Complex discussion.
Mayor Victor Farfan said the reason he moved discussion of the Complex forward was because residents in the audience had questions and this was an opportunity to answer them. However Bruce insisted the council members should had been notified before the meeting began.{{more}}
The accusations followed presentations by the complex’ architect representatives of W.L. C. Architect Inc., James P. D. Camillo, President, and Susanto Agustiadi, Senior Project Architect, plus the city’s financial advisor Mike Bush of Urban Futures.
Steve Gomez, Director of Human Resources, told the council construction of Phase One of the Complex was scheduled for October to March 2011 at an estimated cost of $3.8 million which will consist of construction of the Southside parking lot as well as a pedestrian entryway, basketball/volleyball court and the stadium. He said the City will have unrestricted use of the Complex except when the school is in session or when the District is utilizing it for a public school program.
Gomez said the second phase would begin in March 2011 with a completion date of September 2011. Cost is approximately $4.3 million. Construction includes the eastside parking lot and entryway, concession stand area, playground area and baseball field. He said complete construction is schedule to last eight months at a total cost of $8.2 million.
Gomez listed the current financial contributions, which he said consists of $1.5 million from the Irving Moskowitz Foundation, $500,000 from the school district, $1 million state grant, and a General Fund Project Reserve of $3.7 million. Local fundraising is also planned.
Councilman Rodriguez asked if the City of Lakewood had any objections since they own the park adjacent to the school property. Gomez answered Lakewood had voiced no objections.
Responding to a question about the number of parking spaces from Bruce, Camillo said there would be a total of 150 parking spaces. Bruce also asked if there had been an environmental impact review on the project. He replied yes. The architect explained the project is considered a replacement project not a new project so the environmental impact would not change from its current status. Concerning lighting for the Complex he said the new lighting used will not affect adjoining properties but will shine directly on the fields. Councilmember Rodriguez asked if there was a contingency fund and what was the amount. Camillo said it usually is five percent of the bid.
Financing Options
Turning to financing the project, City Financial Advisor Mike Bush said he had been asked by the City Administrator to take a look at the opportunities to finance the project. He said there were three options. The first is Cash on Hand. He said the city has as a line item for this project in he amount of $5 million which is earning roughly two percent interest. The second is a bank loan, which because of the city’s good credit standing would offer a 10-year loan at four percent. Another option is bonds where fees are a little higher.
Bush said the Council needs to remember the 2.5 percent interest the set aside cash is earning subtracted from the 4.4 percent interest on a loan leaves a true cost interest rate of 1.9 percent. If you choose that option that is what the council should focus on.
Meeting gets ugly
Rodriguez responded, “This presentation should had been put on the agenda and I don’t like taking out loans.” The Mayor replied the items needed to be addressed before the public and that was why they were being presented now.
Bruce wanted to know when the Mayor asked the consultants to address the council. Farfan said Thursday. Bruce said that was time enough for the council members to have been informed.
“There was nothing on the agenda that we were going to have multi presentations.” Rodriguez said. “The Mayor should have had the courtesy to inform us about the presentations.”
Farfan said no one asked the City Administrator what was on the agenda. “I cannot explain why you did not ask him.” Bruce said the agenda only had discussions concerning the Complex, nothing was said about two presentations. He said it is the responsibility of the City Administrator to inform the council members what is placed on the agenda. He accused him of “rubber stamping everything” and doing what he wants and expects “his baboons” to put a rubber stamp on it for him. He said he was tired of three people running the city.
He accused Bush of being a long time parrot of the council. Bruce accused them of political grandstanding on a project that he described as not being well thought out. “People it’s going too happen so I don’t know why you’re getting your shorts all in a knot.”
Councilman Mike Gomez asked the Mayor to rule Bruce out of order. Bruce responded by stating the Mayor could pound his gavel all he wants but he was not through talking.
Gomez asked the city attorney to make a ruling but he only deferred to the council’s own rules of conduct concerning meetings.
The Mayor again said the reason the presentations were put on the agenda was to explain to the residents what was going on. “Obviously you guys are opposed to it. The people need to know the details. That’s what has been requested.”
Once again the Hawaiian Gardens City Council fell into a quagmire of accusations at its Aug. 25 meeting. Councilman Barry Bruce lashed out at Mayor Victor Farfan for moving discussion of the Sports Complex to the beginning of the Council’s agenda without notifying the councilmembers in advance. He also said the council should had been notified about the two presentations added to the Complex discussion.
Mayor Victor Farfan said the reason he moved discussion of the Complex forward was because residents in the audience had questions and this was an opportunity to answer them. However Bruce insisted the council members should had been notified before the meeting began.{{more}}
The accusations followed presentations by the complex’ architect representatives of W.L. C. Architect Inc., James P. D. Camillo, President, and Susanto Agustiadi, Senior Project Architect, plus the city’s financial advisor Mike Bush of Urban Futures.
Steve Gomez, Director of Human Resources, told the council construction of Phase One of the Complex was scheduled for October to March 2011 at an estimated cost of $3.8 million which will consist of construction of the Southside parking lot as well as a pedestrian entryway, basketball/volleyball court and the stadium. He said the City will have unrestricted use of the Complex except when the school is in session or when the District is utilizing it for a public school program.
Gomez said the second phase would begin in March 2011 with a completion date of September 2011. Cost is approximately $4.3 million. Construction includes the eastside parking lot and entryway, concession stand area, playground area and baseball field. He said complete construction is schedule to last eight months at a total cost of $8.2 million.
Gomez listed the current financial contributions, which he said consists of $1.5 million from the Irving Moskowitz Foundation, $500,000 from the school district, $1 million state grant, and a General Fund Project Reserve of $3.7 million. Local fundraising is also planned.
Councilman Rodriguez asked if the City of Lakewood had any objections since they own the park adjacent to the school property. Gomez answered Lakewood had voiced no objections.
Responding to a question about the number of parking spaces from Bruce, Camillo said there would be a total of 150 parking spaces. Bruce also asked if there had been an environmental impact review on the project. He replied yes. The architect explained the project is considered a replacement project not a new project so the environmental impact would not change from its current status. Concerning lighting for the Complex he said the new lighting used will not affect adjoining properties but will shine directly on the fields. Councilmember Rodriguez asked if there was a contingency fund and what was the amount. Camillo said it usually is five percent of the bid.
Financing Options
Turning to financing the project, City Financial Advisor Mike Bush said he had been asked by the City Administrator to take a look at the opportunities to finance the project. He said there were three options. The first is Cash on Hand. He said the city has as a line item for this project in he amount of $5 million which is earning roughly two percent interest. The second is a bank loan, which because of the city’s good credit standing would offer a 10-year loan at four percent. Another option is bonds where fees are a little higher.
Bush said the Council needs to remember the 2.5 percent interest the set aside cash is earning subtracted from the 4.4 percent interest on a loan leaves a true cost interest rate of 1.9 percent. If you choose that option that is what the council should focus on.
Meeting gets ugly
Rodriguez responded, “This presentation should had been put on the agenda and I don’t like taking out loans.” The Mayor replied the items needed to be addressed before the public and that was why they were being presented now.
Bruce wanted to know when the Mayor asked the consultants to address the council. Farfan said Thursday. Bruce said that was time enough for the council members to have been informed.
“There was nothing on the agenda that we were going to have multi presentations.” Rodriguez said. “The Mayor should have had the courtesy to inform us about the presentations.”
Farfan said no one asked the City Administrator what was on the agenda. “I cannot explain why you did not ask him.” Bruce said the agenda only had discussions concerning the Complex, nothing was said about two presentations. He said it is the responsibility of the City Administrator to inform the council members what is placed on the agenda. He accused him of “rubber stamping everything” and doing what he wants and expects “his baboons” to put a rubber stamp on it for him. He said he was tired of three people running the city.
He accused Bush of being a long time parrot of the council. Bruce accused them of political grandstanding on a project that he described as not being well thought out. “People it’s going too happen so I don’t know why you’re getting your shorts all in a knot.”
Councilman Mike Gomez asked the Mayor to rule Bruce out of order. Bruce responded by stating the Mayor could pound his gavel all he wants but he was not through talking.
Gomez asked the city attorney to make a ruling but he only deferred to the council’s own rules of conduct concerning meetings.
The Mayor again said the reason the presentations were put on the agenda was to explain to the residents what was going on. “Obviously you guys are opposed to it. The people need to know the details. That’s what has been requested.”
Cerritos Council approves wireless telecommunication facility
The Cerritos City Council at its Aug. 26 meeting approved a request by Blackdot Wireless of Mission Viejo to construct a 60 ft. monopine wireless telecommunication facility in an existing industrial development at 16717 Norwalk Blvd. across from the ABC Unified School District Administration Offices.{{MORE}}
Cerritos Current Planning Manager Robert Lopez said the monopine would contain three microwave dishes, six panel antennas and one global positioning antenna for wireless purposes. An equipment cabinet will be located below the monopine and will be mounted on a concrete slab with all electrical conduit and cabling being trenched underground. The cabinet will be enclosed with a 6 ft. high green screen.
The site is owned by Kent Browning Osbispo Properties, LLC who was recently granted approval for an addition to the existing warehouse building on the property Lopez said the monopine would be designed to look like a Canary Island Pine to match similar trees to be planted on the property.
The council also approved a Planning Commission recommendation dividing an existing single-family lot into two single-family lots at 19412 Ely Ave. The applicant plans to develop the site with two single-family residences and related street improvements
Cerritos Current Planning Manager Robert Lopez said the monopine would contain three microwave dishes, six panel antennas and one global positioning antenna for wireless purposes. An equipment cabinet will be located below the monopine and will be mounted on a concrete slab with all electrical conduit and cabling being trenched underground. The cabinet will be enclosed with a 6 ft. high green screen.
The site is owned by Kent Browning Osbispo Properties, LLC who was recently granted approval for an addition to the existing warehouse building on the property Lopez said the monopine would be designed to look like a Canary Island Pine to match similar trees to be planted on the property.
The council also approved a Planning Commission recommendation dividing an existing single-family lot into two single-family lots at 19412 Ely Ave. The applicant plans to develop the site with two single-family residences and related street improvements
Artesia Chamber hosts first luncheon
Artesia Chamber of Commerce President James Kang hosted the Chamber’s first luncheon and welcomed more than 30 business owners and elected officials who attended the VIP Chinese Restaurant in Artesia Aug. 26 to hear Small Business Development Center Director Bret O’Connor speak on the resources available for small businesses and the current business trends.{{more}}
“I want to thank everyone for attending our first luncheon,” Kang said, “and we plan to have many more in the future.” Kang told the business leaders that he has spoken with many business owners who are concerned about the current economy. “How long is this recession going to continue, they ask me, and many are concerned about having to close their doors if things don’t improve soon.”
Kang shared the Chamber’s goal of promoting businesses and exchanging information with other small businesses. “We have to help each other,” Kang said.
O’Connor voiced the same concerns that many businesses have shared with him, but he said his organization is there to assist them to succeed in tough economic times. Most businesses are experiencing a credit crunch and are slashing marketing budgets, but O’Connor thinks this is the time to be creative.
“You have to reach out to other businesses who may be willing to partner with you.” He shared an example of a local restaurant near the airport that partnered with a helicopter company so they could offer customers dinner for two and a helicopter ride for a special rate.
“You have to also know your customers,” said O’Connor. “You have to provide the products and services they want, and take advantage of the local newspapers to advertise what you offer.”
The Small Business Development Center assists more than 500 clients each year and is part of the Los Angeles Regional Network.
Cerritos Optimists hold 22nd annual golf tournament
The Cerritos Optimist Club held its 22nd Annual Golf Tournament Aug. 23 at the Rio Hondo Golf Club in the city of Downey raising over $19,000. Approximately 114 golf enthusiasts turned out for the event with the first foursome on the green at 12:30 p.m. following a putting contest and buffet luncheon.{{more}}
First place in the Woman’s Division were Gloria Kappe, Marianne Hughlett, Amy Anderson, and Glaudia Dunn. In second place were Amy Dominguez, Pat Law, Sharon Sargert and Pam Hickok.
Placing first in “A” Flight were Frank Martinez, John Acamper, Clarence Stephens and Ernest Vidal. “A” Flight second place winners were Duane Dannacker, Tom Gibson, Robbie Gilbreath, and Wayne Watt.
First place winner in “B” Flight were Don Taft, Chris Mellas, Charlie Taft, and Bob Dowell. In second place were Gary McHatton, Tim Sagert, Darren Sagert and Larry Sagert.
First place winner in the Senior Category were John Schulte, Tom Reasback, and Dave Kelsey. Placing second were Brody Dunn, Sherman Kappe, Maynard Law, and Phil Kress.
Low Gross were the foursome of Max Patel, Arron Buse, Ron Morin, and Steve Hester.
The tournament was underwritten by various sponsors, including Weatherford International Oil Company who underwrote the tournament lunch. Gold sponsors were Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Baker Inteq-Max Patel, Mi Swaco – Jim Rutledge, and Petroleum Solids Control Inc. – Mike Vignovich and support from
local businesses and individuals including 42 Tee Sign Sponsors. Four enlisted marines from the 1st Combat Engineers Group stationed at Camp Pendleton were guest players.
Grandmother won’t rest until killers of her grandson are found
A grandmother mourns the death of her grandson. “I can’t just let it pass while his killers are still free,” she laments. “There was no reason for him to die. Jonathan was only 17 years old.”
On Aug. 20, 2008 at approximately midnight Jonathan Muse was riding his bicycle on Pioneer Boulevard under the 91 freeway overpass when he was shot and killed by unknown suspects. According to his grandmother, he was killed by gang members. {{more}}
She related how last year, on the anniversary of her grandson’s death, family members put together a small memorial at the site, which included flowers, a poster and candles. A car pulled up, and several men, who she described as gang members knocked away the small memorial they had set up in her grandson’s memory, ripped apart the poster, then got into their vehicle and drove away.
“All I get from the sheriff is they are working on it,” she said. “No one seems to care,” she said. When I asked the sheriff I’m told they’re working on the case, but have nothing new to report. It’s not right,” she added.
Detective R. Hernandez told the LCCN the case is not closed and they are working on it. He said the boy died from a drive-by shooting from a rival gang of the Artesia gang He said the boy was dressed in clothes similar to a gang member and that probably was why he was killed.
On Aug. 20, 2008 at approximately midnight Jonathan Muse was riding his bicycle on Pioneer Boulevard under the 91 freeway overpass when he was shot and killed by unknown suspects. According to his grandmother, he was killed by gang members. {{more}}
She related how last year, on the anniversary of her grandson’s death, family members put together a small memorial at the site, which included flowers, a poster and candles. A car pulled up, and several men, who she described as gang members knocked away the small memorial they had set up in her grandson’s memory, ripped apart the poster, then got into their vehicle and drove away.
“All I get from the sheriff is they are working on it,” she said. “No one seems to care,” she said. When I asked the sheriff I’m told they’re working on the case, but have nothing new to report. It’s not right,” she added.
Detective R. Hernandez told the LCCN the case is not closed and they are working on it. He said the boy died from a drive-by shooting from a rival gang of the Artesia gang He said the boy was dressed in clothes similar to a gang member and that probably was why he was killed.
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital will host “LOCKS OF LOVE”
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital will host “LOCKS OF LOVE” hair donation drive to help children with medical hair loss achieve self-esteem and confidence
The donation drive will be Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, from 3 to 8 pm, at The Patricia L. Scheifly Breast Health Center, 12393 Washington Blvd., Whittier.
Anyone wishing to participate in the hair donation drive should come to the center on the date and time listed above.
There will be licensed beauticians available to cut hair and they will also style hair for a $10 contribution. For more information or if you would like to schedule a specific time to come by the center, please call 562.698.0811 Ext. 15638.
Hair donations need to meet the following guidelines: the donated hair must be at least 10 inches (preferably 12") in length and the hair must be free of bleach (colored hair and permed hair are fine).
Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 and younger with medical hair loss. Locks of Love provides its recipients with a custom, vacuum-fitted hairpiece made entirely from donated human hair. The vacuum fit is designed for children who have experienced a total loss of scalp hair and does not require the use of tape or glue.
Additionally, the Mariposa, a unique wellness boutique, will be open and will offer a free hand massage and free hand lotion sample to guests who stop by during the “Locks of Love” event.
Monique Rodriguez
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
The donation drive will be Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, from 3 to 8 pm, at The Patricia L. Scheifly Breast Health Center, 12393 Washington Blvd., Whittier.
Anyone wishing to participate in the hair donation drive should come to the center on the date and time listed above.
There will be licensed beauticians available to cut hair and they will also style hair for a $10 contribution. For more information or if you would like to schedule a specific time to come by the center, please call 562.698.0811 Ext. 15638.
Hair donations need to meet the following guidelines: the donated hair must be at least 10 inches (preferably 12") in length and the hair must be free of bleach (colored hair and permed hair are fine).
Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 and younger with medical hair loss. Locks of Love provides its recipients with a custom, vacuum-fitted hairpiece made entirely from donated human hair. The vacuum fit is designed for children who have experienced a total loss of scalp hair and does not require the use of tape or glue.
Additionally, the Mariposa, a unique wellness boutique, will be open and will offer a free hand massage and free hand lotion sample to guests who stop by during the “Locks of Love” event.
Monique Rodriguez
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
Artesia/Cerritos Woman’s Club set for September events
By Rosemary Economy
Public Relations Chairwoman
Woman’s Club Artesia-Cerritos
The Board of Directors of the Woman’s Club Artesia-Cerritos met on August 19th to establish their Program and Fundraising agenda for the next year.
The general membership is in for another busy, fun and exciting year.
Lead by President Nancy Sousa and Dean of Chairwoman Judy McNatt the club is looking forward to many different activities that cover a wide range of areas.
President Sousa’s theme for the year is “We are Women, We are Strong, We can do ANYTHING!”
The September 9th meeting at Cerritos Park East will feature a fun night called “Pig-N-A-Poke,” organized by Fund Raising Chairwoman Linda Harp.
Other activities in September will include the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Western States Conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
September 16th will bring an afternoon of playing BUNKO at the lovely home of Joan Anderson in Cerritos.
The California Federation of Woman’s Clubs Fall Board Meeting will take place on September 23rd at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.
The “Happy Hookers” will meet at President Nancy Souza’s home on September 30th. This group is responsible for crocheting beautiful and warm lap robes for the men and women veterans who are hospitalized at the Long Beach Veteran’s Memorial Hospital.
The Quilting Group will be meeting at the home of Barbara Applebury in Artesia on September 16th.
If you would like to become a member of the Artesia-Cerritos Woman’s Club, please call Mable Low, Membership Chairwoman at 562 865-8235.
The Artesia-Cerritos Woman’s Club was organized in 1915 and Chartered in 1969.
Public Relations Chairwoman
Woman’s Club Artesia-Cerritos
The Board of Directors of the Woman’s Club Artesia-Cerritos met on August 19th to establish their Program and Fundraising agenda for the next year.
The general membership is in for another busy, fun and exciting year.
Lead by President Nancy Sousa and Dean of Chairwoman Judy McNatt the club is looking forward to many different activities that cover a wide range of areas.
President Sousa’s theme for the year is “We are Women, We are Strong, We can do ANYTHING!”
The September 9th meeting at Cerritos Park East will feature a fun night called “Pig-N-A-Poke,” organized by Fund Raising Chairwoman Linda Harp.
Other activities in September will include the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Western States Conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
September 16th will bring an afternoon of playing BUNKO at the lovely home of Joan Anderson in Cerritos.
The California Federation of Woman’s Clubs Fall Board Meeting will take place on September 23rd at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.
The “Happy Hookers” will meet at President Nancy Souza’s home on September 30th. This group is responsible for crocheting beautiful and warm lap robes for the men and women veterans who are hospitalized at the Long Beach Veteran’s Memorial Hospital.
The Quilting Group will be meeting at the home of Barbara Applebury in Artesia on September 16th.
If you would like to become a member of the Artesia-Cerritos Woman’s Club, please call Mable Low, Membership Chairwoman at 562 865-8235.
The Artesia-Cerritos Woman’s Club was organized in 1915 and Chartered in 1969.
2010 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEWS Cerritos, Gahr, Valley Christian have plans for league titles
ARTESIA PIONEERS
3-12 overall last season, 2-10 in the Suburban League, tied for fifth place
19-53 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Micah Burpo (third season, 3-25)
Key loss: Lise Jacques, Amalla Okaro, Gabrielle Vega
Artesia is still seeking its first trip to the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section playoffs since 1996 and when last season ended, the prospects of ending that streak looked strong. Bur the departure of Lise Jacques and Amalla Okaro, who would have been key components to the offense, have left the school. Now, head coach Micah Burpo has to go back to the drawing board and hope he has enough to keep the Pioneers away from the bottom of the Suburban League.
“I see an improvement in the structure of the program,” Burpo said. “I see a huge improvement in the number of girls that we get, the commitment that they are now willing to put out. There is also a huge commitment to club volleyball as well, which is unheard of in this area.”
Burpo said the program will have a dozen players on the varsity team, 14 on the junior varsity and frosh/soph teams with another 30 trying out, which is night and day from the days when it took until the first day of school to find out who would even try out. The heart and soul to the team in 2010 will be senior middle blocker Ashley Crawford, who will generate at least 75 percent of the points. Crawford will start on the left front and play six of the nine rotations. The team will suffer a bit when she goes to the back row, according to Burpo. Also returning will be senior setter Brigith Geronimo, senior outside hitter Marina Ramos and juniors Holly Holtzer and Kimberly Lee. Burpo said he will move his two returning juniors to the outside to keep the ball in the play. Last season, Holtzer was a backup setter while Lee was a defensive specialist.
The top newcomers will be sophomores Faith Devera, a setter, Kyla Kelly and Lorraine Young.
“Every year the program gets tougher and requires to be more disciplined,” Burpo said. “We’ve been able to weed out the athletes who are under those types of goals; just having fun and things of that nature. The farther along we get in the program and the more years we get behind means the more discipline that’s going to be required. In addition, based on numbers, they have to fight for spots and that’s going to be the case this year.
“I see us in the fourth or third slot,” Burpo added. “I think Mayfair is going to be strong. We’re not going to be able to put the ball away 100 percent of the time. But we have very good ball control. We have girls, now, who have three years of experience, minimum two years of club experience who are going to be able to play at the higher level.”
CERRITOS LADY DONS
25-4 overall last season, 12-0 in the Suburban League, first place
Lost to Mayfield in the Division III-A championship, lost to Cathedral Catholic in the Southern California Division III state championship
72-41 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Khanh Vo (fourth season, 50-22)
Key losses: Samantha Adams, Janice Chung, Jade Garrett, Jenny Ho, Lisa Hom, Jackie Trimble
Sometimes the best athletic season for a team in high school history comes with a high price the following season. For Cerritos, it will have to deal with loss of four starters plus other supporting cast members. But never fear with head coach Khanh Vo at the helm. He feels he still has enough for another successful season which could lead to another great run in the postseason.
“I had a chance to see them in the spring time after the boys season,” Vo said. “I had about one to two months to work with them. They actually look pretty similar to last year’s team. Even though we have new players, the system is still there. They’re still committed and they’re a hard working group. We’re trying to build off of last year.”
Senior outside hitter Cherise Kam and senior middle blocker Jessica Wu, who was an outside hitter last season, are the two main returning players in the lineup. The Lady Dons also return senior outside hitter Jhea Illo, junior outside hitter Susan Suski and junior setter Trisha Justiniano.
The big replacement will be in the setting position where Justiniano and senior Telena Vo have to fill in the void left by Samantha Adams. Cerritos will run a 6-2 offense and the fourth-year head coach says the blocking will be better while the offense will be modified a bit; more complicated than in the past. As of now, the starting lineup will be Justiniano, Kam, Vo, Wu and a pair of sophomores-middle blockers Arnelle Duru and Bali Leffall.
“Jessica is going to have to fill [2009 graduate] Jenny’s [Ho] role, which I believe she can,” Khanh Vo said. “Cherise is going to have to fill [2008 graduate] Kristabelle’s [Tamula] role. I think this year, Susan is going to fill Cherise’s role from last year.”
So, the big question is can the Lady Dons win a second consecutive Suburban League title knowing they have a bigger bulls-eye on their backs? As was the case last season, Mayfair and La Mirada will have something to say about that.
“We felt like that last year,” Khanh Vo said. “When we had a strong start to the Gahr tournament, we had a similar target on our backs. I often saw coaches from other teams who were scouting us. I don’t think it’s anything new.
“I think it makes me hungry,” he added on repeating. “You never really know what you can achieve until you achieve it and once you achieve it, you want that feeling again. We have that extra drive in trying to prove that’s it’s not just a one-year thing.”
GAHR GLADIATORS
15-13 overall last season, 6-4 in the San Gabriel Valley League, third place
Lost to Quartz Hill in the Division III-AA first round
62-76 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Sonny Okamoto (25th season, 323-189)
Key losses: Leeane Currie, Tiffany McCray, Connie Reeves, Annie Reyes
Gahr girls volleyball, once a juggernaut in the area back in the 1990s, had its first winning record since 2002 season. Now, longtime head coach Sonny Okamoto is entering the 2010 campaign with hopes of winning the San Gabriel Valley League rather than just holding off Paramount for third place.
“The kids right now, the younger kids, have a different direction right now,” Okamoto said. “They’re telling me they want to win a league championship. I told them there are certain things that have to change and it has to do with molding the attitude. Molding the attitude in real life is knowing what being a champion is all about.
“You can’t let mediocrity linger on very long and the difficult part is we haven’t won a league championship in so long,” he added. “Not everybody gets to a league championship. What you reiterate to the kids is success only breeds success.”
The Gladiators will enter this season with an unproven setter as senior Elyse Quiones and sophomore Natalie Dilorio are varsity rookies. Okamoto said both of them are ‘caring people and close to having a setter’s personality’. Senior outside hitter Chelsea Heyward and senior middle blocker Erica Willig figure to give the team a lot of points but don’t rule out the play that senior right side hitter Marianne Tapales could give the team. Senior defensive specialist Katie Christiansen and senior middle hitter Jillian Tiedeman are the other returning players. Another top newcomer, according to Okamoto, might be sophomore outside hitter Aaliyah Heckard if she can score some points. Lack of depth will be a major concern; Okamoto needs his starting seven to be healthy.
“I don’t have a dominant player,” Okamoto said. “We need to be a team. We need to be able to pass the ball so Marianne can become very important. Erica has been a very solid non-club player. She will be around every play; she will compete for balls. Chelsea has to carry a little bit more load on her shoulders because she is one of the taller kids.”
Gahr has not won a league title since 1998 and since that time, has not won more than seven league matches in any season and during that time has advanced past the second round of the playoffs only once.
“The way you be a champion is you act like a champion,” Okamoto said. “Knowing what you have to do to be the best you can be.”
JOHN GLENN LADY EAGLES
10-9 overall last season, 6-6 in the Suburban League, fourth place
Lost to Gabrielino in the Division III-A first round
38-57 overall last five seasons
Head coach: David Cruz (third season, 18-18)
Key losses: Carla Acuna, Diana Jimenez, Monica Martinez, Vanessa Ochoa, Alyssa Robledo, Karina Rodriguez
The good thing for John Glenn’s girls volleyball program is that is seems to find a way to make the playoffs just about every season. The bad news for head coach David Cruz is that it’s not good enough. He wants more than a fourth place finish but isn’t sure it will happen this season, especially with the likes of Cerritos, La Mirada and Mayfair all contending for a Suburban League title.
“I asked the girls if they were content with being .500 and losing in the first round of the playoffs,” Cruz said. “If that’s where we want to go, I would like to know from the beginning. I hope that the girls would want to strive and contend for a league title. To be honest, I don’t know if we have the guns to win league.”
The Lady Eagles return only four players, so if a league title isn’t in the cards this season, then they are definitely looking towards the future. Senior middle blockers Arlene Gomez and Sharae Moten are the leaders of this group and as they go, so will the team. Cruz says he will have to try to find a way to have Gomez go all the way around. Senior Gaby Lucero and junior Kimberly Orozco, both of whom will play in the back row, are the other two returning players.
With the team losing both of its setters from last season, junior Ericka Sandoval and sophomore Gabby Cruz, the coach’s daughter, will have big shoes to fill. The other top newcomers will be senior defensive specialist Miriam Perez and juniors Denise Ponce and Moshannae Summerise.
“Ericka plays a lot like Vanessa and my daughter reminds me a lot of Raquel [Ochoa] of a few years ago,” Cruz said. “My daughter is an athlete; she’s able to cover a lot of ground. Last year she played in the front row but she understands the game and I imagine she’ll do well.
“Seeing Arlene on the court and having Sharae…I like my chances,” he continues. “Some teams can hit the ball and those are the Cerritos’, La Mirada’s and Mayfair’s. Other teams just roll the ball over the net; try to get a tip or a roll of the block. I feel we’re in that group right now but I’d like to see our team [be a hitting team].”
NORWALK LANCERS
3-13 overall last season, 2-10 in the Suburban League, tied for fifth place
31-64 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Quoc Nguyen (first season)
Key losses: Alex Gomez, Jennifer Gomez, Jessica Hernandez, Brittany Jimenez, Andrea Lomeli, Alexis Love, Amanda Rosa
For the seventh time this century, there is a changing of the guard with the Norwalk girls volleyball program as Quoc Nguyen replaces Ismael Nunez. Since last appearing in the playoffs in 2005, the Lancers have endured four consecutive struggling seasons which includes a combined 9-39 Suburban League record. Nguyen, who was an assistant under Nunez with the boys volleyball team last spring, hopes to changes that around.
“I thought it was a huge opportunity,” Nguyen said of the coaching opportunity. “We’re trying to piggyback off of the boys volleyball team, which recently won a Suburban League championship. We’re trying to get some type of a winning tradition going. The thing with me and Ish is that we’re still working together as far as keeping the program similar.”
Returning for the Lancers will be senior outside hitters Kassandra Caro, a libero last season, and Joanna Macias along with defensive specialist Priscilla Mendoza, junior setter Crystal Martinez and junior middle blocker Amy Siliezar. Nguyen says Martinez has the highest volleyball IQ on the team. The top two newcomers will be junior middle blocker Michelle Macias and junior defensive specialist Andrea Zepeda.
“All of these players haven’t really started a whole season,” Nguyen said. “It’s going to be a more even spread as far as points. I really have high hopes for Michelle. She’s a true athlete out there.”
A personal motivation for Nguyen to have a decent season will be the fact that Cerritos head coach Khanh Vo is his brother-in-law and plans to use Vo’s success of last season for his own team. But the Lancers are in the same boat as Artesia and John Glenn, which means fourth place and an automatic playoff berth will be tightly contested.
“Athletically, they can compete but I hope that with their dedication, it will push them to that playoff spot,” Nguyen said.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN LADY CRUSADERS
10-12 overall last season, 3-5 in the Olympic League, fourth place
71-52 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Erica Streelman (fourth season, 35-36)
Key losses: Lea Albers, Brooke Coates, Kiley Trudeau
Valley Christian head coach Erica Streelman summed up the 2009 season in one word-heartbreaking. For the first time 1995, the Lady Crusaders failed to reach the postseason. The sub .500 overall record was the first since 2000 and the program hasn’t had a winning Olympic League campaign since 2006. All of that figures to change as this was the first time the team has played in two summer leagues. Starting the 2010 season strong will be the key to V.C.’s season, Streelman indicated.
“We left our fate in the hands of Maranatha [last season],” Streelman said. “So, we went to the Maranatha-Brentwood match and if Maranatha had lost that match, we would have had a [play-in] with them for CIF. We were stunned as much as Brentwood was.”
This will be the finest squad Streelman has fielded and it will be a special one. Eight players return with half being seniors and the other half being juniors. The Lady Crusaders are loaded with big hitters in seniors Delaney Davis and middle blockers Samantha Hundertmark and Ally Streelman. Mix in junior outside hitters Alexa Chandler and Cassie Palmer, and there’s reason to believe this team will contend for an Olympic League championship. Getting them the ball will be senior setter Delayne Rock and junior setter Carley Berkenkamp as V.C. will run a 6-2 offense. The other returning player is junior libero Lexie Romberg.
“This is a special group for me,” Erica Streelman said. “It’s going to be an emotional year for me wherever we end up at the end. I’m excited for them. They’re hard workers. My seniors this year do not play club, so that right there will be interesting to see how it all plays out.”
The three newcomers will be senior middle blocker Amy Sybesma and juniors Kalei Manzia and Caitlyn Peters. The bulk of the points will come from Chandler, Davis and Sybesma.
“As far as hitting, those three outside…it’s always a battle in practice and it’s always ‘who are we going to start’ because we can go to any of them. Someone who is going to help us out a lot is Amy, being six feet tall. With her arms, she’s got the block. If we continue to work on her arm strength, she’s going to be another threat we can use.”
The Olympic League will sport a new look this season as longtime nemesis Brentwood as well as Campbell Hall depart and Los Angeles Baptist and Whittier Christian arrive, the latter being the defending IV-AA champions. V.C. still has Brentwood on the schedule as a non-league match.
“It’s nice to have your eyes set on a league title,” Erica Streelman said. “We have great teams in our league. We haven’t played L.A. Baptist yet, so that will be a new team for us. I know what Village has coming in; same thing with Maranatha. Whittier Christian is going to be our mountain this year. They’re going to be the Brentwood [of the past few seasons].”
3-12 overall last season, 2-10 in the Suburban League, tied for fifth place
19-53 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Micah Burpo (third season, 3-25)
Key loss: Lise Jacques, Amalla Okaro, Gabrielle Vega
Artesia is still seeking its first trip to the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section playoffs since 1996 and when last season ended, the prospects of ending that streak looked strong. Bur the departure of Lise Jacques and Amalla Okaro, who would have been key components to the offense, have left the school. Now, head coach Micah Burpo has to go back to the drawing board and hope he has enough to keep the Pioneers away from the bottom of the Suburban League.
“I see an improvement in the structure of the program,” Burpo said. “I see a huge improvement in the number of girls that we get, the commitment that they are now willing to put out. There is also a huge commitment to club volleyball as well, which is unheard of in this area.”
Burpo said the program will have a dozen players on the varsity team, 14 on the junior varsity and frosh/soph teams with another 30 trying out, which is night and day from the days when it took until the first day of school to find out who would even try out. The heart and soul to the team in 2010 will be senior middle blocker Ashley Crawford, who will generate at least 75 percent of the points. Crawford will start on the left front and play six of the nine rotations. The team will suffer a bit when she goes to the back row, according to Burpo. Also returning will be senior setter Brigith Geronimo, senior outside hitter Marina Ramos and juniors Holly Holtzer and Kimberly Lee. Burpo said he will move his two returning juniors to the outside to keep the ball in the play. Last season, Holtzer was a backup setter while Lee was a defensive specialist.
The top newcomers will be sophomores Faith Devera, a setter, Kyla Kelly and Lorraine Young.
“Every year the program gets tougher and requires to be more disciplined,” Burpo said. “We’ve been able to weed out the athletes who are under those types of goals; just having fun and things of that nature. The farther along we get in the program and the more years we get behind means the more discipline that’s going to be required. In addition, based on numbers, they have to fight for spots and that’s going to be the case this year.
“I see us in the fourth or third slot,” Burpo added. “I think Mayfair is going to be strong. We’re not going to be able to put the ball away 100 percent of the time. But we have very good ball control. We have girls, now, who have three years of experience, minimum two years of club experience who are going to be able to play at the higher level.”
CERRITOS LADY DONS
25-4 overall last season, 12-0 in the Suburban League, first place
Lost to Mayfield in the Division III-A championship, lost to Cathedral Catholic in the Southern California Division III state championship
72-41 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Khanh Vo (fourth season, 50-22)
Key losses: Samantha Adams, Janice Chung, Jade Garrett, Jenny Ho, Lisa Hom, Jackie Trimble
Sometimes the best athletic season for a team in high school history comes with a high price the following season. For Cerritos, it will have to deal with loss of four starters plus other supporting cast members. But never fear with head coach Khanh Vo at the helm. He feels he still has enough for another successful season which could lead to another great run in the postseason.
“I had a chance to see them in the spring time after the boys season,” Vo said. “I had about one to two months to work with them. They actually look pretty similar to last year’s team. Even though we have new players, the system is still there. They’re still committed and they’re a hard working group. We’re trying to build off of last year.”
Senior outside hitter Cherise Kam and senior middle blocker Jessica Wu, who was an outside hitter last season, are the two main returning players in the lineup. The Lady Dons also return senior outside hitter Jhea Illo, junior outside hitter Susan Suski and junior setter Trisha Justiniano.
The big replacement will be in the setting position where Justiniano and senior Telena Vo have to fill in the void left by Samantha Adams. Cerritos will run a 6-2 offense and the fourth-year head coach says the blocking will be better while the offense will be modified a bit; more complicated than in the past. As of now, the starting lineup will be Justiniano, Kam, Vo, Wu and a pair of sophomores-middle blockers Arnelle Duru and Bali Leffall.
“Jessica is going to have to fill [2009 graduate] Jenny’s [Ho] role, which I believe she can,” Khanh Vo said. “Cherise is going to have to fill [2008 graduate] Kristabelle’s [Tamula] role. I think this year, Susan is going to fill Cherise’s role from last year.”
So, the big question is can the Lady Dons win a second consecutive Suburban League title knowing they have a bigger bulls-eye on their backs? As was the case last season, Mayfair and La Mirada will have something to say about that.
“We felt like that last year,” Khanh Vo said. “When we had a strong start to the Gahr tournament, we had a similar target on our backs. I often saw coaches from other teams who were scouting us. I don’t think it’s anything new.
“I think it makes me hungry,” he added on repeating. “You never really know what you can achieve until you achieve it and once you achieve it, you want that feeling again. We have that extra drive in trying to prove that’s it’s not just a one-year thing.”
GAHR GLADIATORS
15-13 overall last season, 6-4 in the San Gabriel Valley League, third place
Lost to Quartz Hill in the Division III-AA first round
62-76 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Sonny Okamoto (25th season, 323-189)
Key losses: Leeane Currie, Tiffany McCray, Connie Reeves, Annie Reyes
Gahr girls volleyball, once a juggernaut in the area back in the 1990s, had its first winning record since 2002 season. Now, longtime head coach Sonny Okamoto is entering the 2010 campaign with hopes of winning the San Gabriel Valley League rather than just holding off Paramount for third place.
“The kids right now, the younger kids, have a different direction right now,” Okamoto said. “They’re telling me they want to win a league championship. I told them there are certain things that have to change and it has to do with molding the attitude. Molding the attitude in real life is knowing what being a champion is all about.
“You can’t let mediocrity linger on very long and the difficult part is we haven’t won a league championship in so long,” he added. “Not everybody gets to a league championship. What you reiterate to the kids is success only breeds success.”
The Gladiators will enter this season with an unproven setter as senior Elyse Quiones and sophomore Natalie Dilorio are varsity rookies. Okamoto said both of them are ‘caring people and close to having a setter’s personality’. Senior outside hitter Chelsea Heyward and senior middle blocker Erica Willig figure to give the team a lot of points but don’t rule out the play that senior right side hitter Marianne Tapales could give the team. Senior defensive specialist Katie Christiansen and senior middle hitter Jillian Tiedeman are the other returning players. Another top newcomer, according to Okamoto, might be sophomore outside hitter Aaliyah Heckard if she can score some points. Lack of depth will be a major concern; Okamoto needs his starting seven to be healthy.
“I don’t have a dominant player,” Okamoto said. “We need to be a team. We need to be able to pass the ball so Marianne can become very important. Erica has been a very solid non-club player. She will be around every play; she will compete for balls. Chelsea has to carry a little bit more load on her shoulders because she is one of the taller kids.”
Gahr has not won a league title since 1998 and since that time, has not won more than seven league matches in any season and during that time has advanced past the second round of the playoffs only once.
“The way you be a champion is you act like a champion,” Okamoto said. “Knowing what you have to do to be the best you can be.”
JOHN GLENN LADY EAGLES
10-9 overall last season, 6-6 in the Suburban League, fourth place
Lost to Gabrielino in the Division III-A first round
38-57 overall last five seasons
Head coach: David Cruz (third season, 18-18)
Key losses: Carla Acuna, Diana Jimenez, Monica Martinez, Vanessa Ochoa, Alyssa Robledo, Karina Rodriguez
The good thing for John Glenn’s girls volleyball program is that is seems to find a way to make the playoffs just about every season. The bad news for head coach David Cruz is that it’s not good enough. He wants more than a fourth place finish but isn’t sure it will happen this season, especially with the likes of Cerritos, La Mirada and Mayfair all contending for a Suburban League title.
“I asked the girls if they were content with being .500 and losing in the first round of the playoffs,” Cruz said. “If that’s where we want to go, I would like to know from the beginning. I hope that the girls would want to strive and contend for a league title. To be honest, I don’t know if we have the guns to win league.”
The Lady Eagles return only four players, so if a league title isn’t in the cards this season, then they are definitely looking towards the future. Senior middle blockers Arlene Gomez and Sharae Moten are the leaders of this group and as they go, so will the team. Cruz says he will have to try to find a way to have Gomez go all the way around. Senior Gaby Lucero and junior Kimberly Orozco, both of whom will play in the back row, are the other two returning players.
With the team losing both of its setters from last season, junior Ericka Sandoval and sophomore Gabby Cruz, the coach’s daughter, will have big shoes to fill. The other top newcomers will be senior defensive specialist Miriam Perez and juniors Denise Ponce and Moshannae Summerise.
“Ericka plays a lot like Vanessa and my daughter reminds me a lot of Raquel [Ochoa] of a few years ago,” Cruz said. “My daughter is an athlete; she’s able to cover a lot of ground. Last year she played in the front row but she understands the game and I imagine she’ll do well.
“Seeing Arlene on the court and having Sharae…I like my chances,” he continues. “Some teams can hit the ball and those are the Cerritos’, La Mirada’s and Mayfair’s. Other teams just roll the ball over the net; try to get a tip or a roll of the block. I feel we’re in that group right now but I’d like to see our team [be a hitting team].”
NORWALK LANCERS
3-13 overall last season, 2-10 in the Suburban League, tied for fifth place
31-64 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Quoc Nguyen (first season)
Key losses: Alex Gomez, Jennifer Gomez, Jessica Hernandez, Brittany Jimenez, Andrea Lomeli, Alexis Love, Amanda Rosa
For the seventh time this century, there is a changing of the guard with the Norwalk girls volleyball program as Quoc Nguyen replaces Ismael Nunez. Since last appearing in the playoffs in 2005, the Lancers have endured four consecutive struggling seasons which includes a combined 9-39 Suburban League record. Nguyen, who was an assistant under Nunez with the boys volleyball team last spring, hopes to changes that around.
“I thought it was a huge opportunity,” Nguyen said of the coaching opportunity. “We’re trying to piggyback off of the boys volleyball team, which recently won a Suburban League championship. We’re trying to get some type of a winning tradition going. The thing with me and Ish is that we’re still working together as far as keeping the program similar.”
Returning for the Lancers will be senior outside hitters Kassandra Caro, a libero last season, and Joanna Macias along with defensive specialist Priscilla Mendoza, junior setter Crystal Martinez and junior middle blocker Amy Siliezar. Nguyen says Martinez has the highest volleyball IQ on the team. The top two newcomers will be junior middle blocker Michelle Macias and junior defensive specialist Andrea Zepeda.
“All of these players haven’t really started a whole season,” Nguyen said. “It’s going to be a more even spread as far as points. I really have high hopes for Michelle. She’s a true athlete out there.”
A personal motivation for Nguyen to have a decent season will be the fact that Cerritos head coach Khanh Vo is his brother-in-law and plans to use Vo’s success of last season for his own team. But the Lancers are in the same boat as Artesia and John Glenn, which means fourth place and an automatic playoff berth will be tightly contested.
“Athletically, they can compete but I hope that with their dedication, it will push them to that playoff spot,” Nguyen said.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN LADY CRUSADERS
10-12 overall last season, 3-5 in the Olympic League, fourth place
71-52 overall last five seasons
Head coach: Erica Streelman (fourth season, 35-36)
Key losses: Lea Albers, Brooke Coates, Kiley Trudeau
Valley Christian head coach Erica Streelman summed up the 2009 season in one word-heartbreaking. For the first time 1995, the Lady Crusaders failed to reach the postseason. The sub .500 overall record was the first since 2000 and the program hasn’t had a winning Olympic League campaign since 2006. All of that figures to change as this was the first time the team has played in two summer leagues. Starting the 2010 season strong will be the key to V.C.’s season, Streelman indicated.
“We left our fate in the hands of Maranatha [last season],” Streelman said. “So, we went to the Maranatha-Brentwood match and if Maranatha had lost that match, we would have had a [play-in] with them for CIF. We were stunned as much as Brentwood was.”
This will be the finest squad Streelman has fielded and it will be a special one. Eight players return with half being seniors and the other half being juniors. The Lady Crusaders are loaded with big hitters in seniors Delaney Davis and middle blockers Samantha Hundertmark and Ally Streelman. Mix in junior outside hitters Alexa Chandler and Cassie Palmer, and there’s reason to believe this team will contend for an Olympic League championship. Getting them the ball will be senior setter Delayne Rock and junior setter Carley Berkenkamp as V.C. will run a 6-2 offense. The other returning player is junior libero Lexie Romberg.
“This is a special group for me,” Erica Streelman said. “It’s going to be an emotional year for me wherever we end up at the end. I’m excited for them. They’re hard workers. My seniors this year do not play club, so that right there will be interesting to see how it all plays out.”
The three newcomers will be senior middle blocker Amy Sybesma and juniors Kalei Manzia and Caitlyn Peters. The bulk of the points will come from Chandler, Davis and Sybesma.
“As far as hitting, those three outside…it’s always a battle in practice and it’s always ‘who are we going to start’ because we can go to any of them. Someone who is going to help us out a lot is Amy, being six feet tall. With her arms, she’s got the block. If we continue to work on her arm strength, she’s going to be another threat we can use.”
The Olympic League will sport a new look this season as longtime nemesis Brentwood as well as Campbell Hall depart and Los Angeles Baptist and Whittier Christian arrive, the latter being the defending IV-AA champions. V.C. still has Brentwood on the schedule as a non-league match.
“It’s nice to have your eyes set on a league title,” Erica Streelman said. “We have great teams in our league. We haven’t played L.A. Baptist yet, so that will be a new team for us. I know what Village has coming in; same thing with Maranatha. Whittier Christian is going to be our mountain this year. They’re going to be the Brentwood [of the past few seasons].”
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