Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 Vol. 10 No. 3 12040 Foster Road, Norwalk, CA 90650

Governor proposes The problem with senior housing $176.6M (or lack of it) to clean up no longer taking applications. our streets, and out of shopping carts FridayWeekend67˚ A studio apartment, 525 sq. ft., full of their meager belongings. at a goes for $788 in Norwalk (in my But, in my opinion, not enough Glance Exide income bracket). I applied to two is being brought to the forefront VERNON – Governor Jerry of their apartments, but they could regarding the plight of senior Saturday 6873˚⁰ Brown on Wednesday proposed a not tell me how long the wait would citizens and the middle class with Friday $176.6 million spending plan to fund be. It’s all dependent upon a tenant’s their ever-escalating costs of housing expedited and expanded testing and dying or giving the 30-day required – be it buying or renting. cleanup of residential properties, notice of moving; even then there’s Not giving up too easily, my Sunday 78˚ ⁰ schools, daycare centers and parks that waiting list to deal with! 70 next approach to the problem was Saturday around the former Exide Technologies Totally frustrated by now, one to check into the Whittier area, in facility in Vernon. empathetic woman to whom I particular, as they are known to “This Exide battery recycling talked gave me the phone number have “casitas,” “granny houses” or facility has been a problem for a of someone she knew at the Housing “mother-in-law quarters” behind the THINGS TO DO very long time,” said Brown. “With Authority who she felt sure would be main house. The older section also this funding plan, we’re opening a able to help me. I quickly called him, has an ample variety of duplexes and new chapter that will help protect explained my dilemma in detail and triplexes as well. Those dear friends the community and hold Exide asked, “Isn’t there anything available of mine again drove me up one street responsible.” for an American senior citizen who after another. We saw very few “For The administration’s plan was has contributed to the system for Rent” signs, and the several numbers detailed in a Department of Finance By Sharon Smith I take a ”Memoirs Writing 58 years?” To which he promptly I did call turned out to be for one letter sent to the California State Contributor Class” at the Norwalk Senior Center, replied, “I know what you’re going bedrooms that went for as much as Senate and Assembly Budget and and I asked the receptionist about through. I am a Mexican American $1,100 to $1,300 which just about senior housing, and she gave me a citizen also, and I can’t help my amounted to my total Income per Bob Saget Appropriations Committee chairs. NORWALK – You can’t read the list covering a number of cities in own parents and friends with their month. So, that, too, turned out to Friday, Saturday - Brea Improv The $176.6 million plan will newspaper today or turn on the radio the surrounding area. These were housing needs. The immigrants, be an effort in futility. The “Fuller House” star embraces ensure all residential properties, and TV without hearing or seeing Norwalk, Downey, Bellflower,homeless and lower income brackets his “dark side” in a stand-up comedy schools, daycare centers and parks something on the subject of senior Feeling totally frustrated and Lakewood, Santa Fe Springs, Pico have the priority.” special. $30 within the 1.7 mile radius of the Exide housing. I never would have known “down in the dumps” about the Rivera, and Whittier. I began by Technologies facility are tested and it to be such a drastic problem until it I even learned in one situation, I decided to share my phoning each listed facility and contaminated soil removed where lead became reality for me. conversation that HUD and Section problem with my particular group at eliminated those offering assisted 8 Housing Authorities are no longer the writing class. Bless their hearts! levels are the highest and potential After having worked from age 16 living, since I am fortunate enough taking applications. They, too, are Word got around, a classmate made exposure the greatest. to 76, having two failed marriages, to be in good health and capable of inundated with seemingly endless an offer I couldn’t refuse, and it has This plan expedites and expands and making not-too-smart financial taking care of all my needs. waiting lists! been a win-win situation in a lovely efforts already underway and includes decisions, I was living in a mobile Over the course of the next few home that came with a cute and an exemption to the California home in need of endless repairs. There’s ongoing publicity weeks, dear friends Maggie and playful dog named Dency. Environmental Quality Act, authorities After 14 years of living there, I was surrounding the current and the Eddie accompanied me to facility said. persuaded to retire, and my Social impending homeless population I’m back to my usual “attitude after facility where I was told the Security became my sole source of due to the upcoming El Nino crisis of gratitude,” and thanking God for Local legislators reacted positively wait could be as long as two to six Murder Mystery income. Having lived with various and the influx of the immigrants. It answering the prayers of my friends to the plan. years; the shortest wait time being Saturday, Downey Elks Lodge - relatives in situations not working tugs at my heart-strings, and we can and loved ones and for always one year! Some facilities were taking 5:30 p.m. “I am very pleased to hear that for us, I decided it was time for me to all empathize with the lower income opening another window each time Governor Brown is proposing $176.6 applications; others had such an population, or when seeing the A murder-mystery dinner show check into senior housing. Was I ever one is closed. benefiting the Downey Rose Float million in funds to test and clean up extensive waiting list that they were homeless living under pup tents on in for a rude awakening! Assoc. $50 land around the former Exide plant. Residents of these contaminated areas have been clamoring for urgent relief. “Governor Brown’s funding Legislation would require nursing homes proposal, and his support for expediting the cleanup process, are important steps in making our communities safe once again. To date, the state’s to publicly post number of nurses on duty effort has been dangerously slow and WHITTIER – Assemblymember with disabilities,” stated Calderon. means operators of SNFs can include a minimum number of hours of care underfunded. This announcement is Ian Calderon (D–Whittier) introduced “Residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities non-direct caregiving personnel to provided by CNAs by instituting Comic Expo a much-needed change of direction in Assembly Bill 2079 (AB 2079) and their families deserve a safe living meet the 3.2 nursing hours per patient specified staff-to-patient ratios per Saturday and Sunday, Long Beach the state’s work to clean up Exide. I am Wednesday, which would raise the environment to help patients recover care requirement. This causes chronic shift. Convention Center hopeful the governor’s announcement minimum number of direct care and heal in a timely manner.” under-staffing of registered nurses This bill would raise the minimum All things comics, including actors, will help ensure that the DTSC will service hours for nursing assistants in exhibitors, artists, and more. $20-$30 Current staff requirements for (RNs), licensed vocational nurses number of direct care service hours, have all the funds needed to test and order to improve the quality of care in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) do (LVNs), and certified nursing assistants transforming the care and environment clean up the affected properties.” nursing facilities. not meet the direct care needs of (CNAs) in these facilities and creates in nursing homes to provide a more “Given the urgency of this crisis, “Nursing assistants are the nursing home residents. The California potentially unsafe living conditions for person centered level of care. I implore the state legislature to residents as they are subject to sub-par primary providers of direct care who Department of Public Health enacted “AB 2079 helps to ensure that direct immediately approve this funding meet the needs of seniors and people regulations that converted the 3.2- care and greater risk of hospitalization. in order to expedite the critical care staff are available to meet the needs hour requirement into ratios; however AB 2079 requires SNFs to publicly of seniors, people with disabilities, and work of cleaning up the poisons in these regulations do not differentiate post, at all times, the number of our contaminated neighborhoods. S hAREd StORIES: people recovering from illness and between types of direct caregivers. This direct caregivers on duty and assure injury,” stated Calderon. The health and well-being of our The Ties That Bind communities depends on swift and sustained action by the state.” Saturday, Veterans Memorial “I have been working closely with Auditorium in Culver City, 5:30 p.m. the Governor on securing funding opens its 2016 season for Exide,” added Assemblymember My Talented Mother with a double-header. All ages. $13 Cristina Garcia. “I look forward to Even though Janice Collins’s mother was run the restaurant. in Belpre, and she tried to keep the We moved to Stratton, Colorado, working with my colleagues to create a farm girl, she could do so much more. Later in life, as the children were farm going by using a plow behind a where Dad bought his own farm. a necessary CEQA exemption to She was good at algebra, geometry, and becoming of age to manage better at mule. This was in the late 1920’s. Times Colorado had a serious drought in the FROM OUR Facebook expedite the testing and cleanup of construction, as well as making cottage other jobs, the family made a move got hard again, and she could not make 1950’s and both of my parents had to get these homes. cheese and raising chickens to sell the to Belpre, Kansas, where Mom’s uncle the necessary money to pay her taxes. outside jobs. Once again Mom became Insufficient senior housing “Today, along with eggs. Shared Stories is a weekly column lived. So the farm was taken from her. a cook – this time at the Stratton Café. options Assemblymember Miguel Santiago featuring articles by participants in Mom was in high school and doing My grandmother and mother She was known to be good at it. and I will be introducing legislation on a writing class at the Norwalk Senior well. She was an intelligent person and moved into a place together so my When a trailer factory opened Anna Gabriel: This is the a proposed battery fee. This measure Center. Bonnie Mansell is the instructor earned enough credits to graduate a grandmother could take care of Juanita up in Stratton, both of my parents biggest problem for people. would create a state mandated Lead- for this free class offered through the year early. Mom was always good at and Arthur, and also make money by got a job there. My mother was good Rent is outrageous. About Acid(Car) Battery Recycling program, Cerritos College Adult Education reasoning problems and algebra, as babysitting other children. My mother at measuring to perfection when put 10 years ago the city of and have $1 from that fund go to re- Program. Curated by Carol Kearns. well as geometry. The teacher would went to work for the Larned Mental to carpentry work. She could use Santa Monica offered rent control to people. It’s a pay the $176.6 million loan program. always send her to the blackboard to do Hospital as head cook. Together they an electric saw and turned out good great idea; somebody in LA “The Department of Toxic By Janice Collins these problems and explain them to her made a living. looking cabinets for the trailers County, preferably Norwalk, Substance Control (DTSC) will I wish to acknowledge my mother, classmates. After a while, my mother started Mom stayed on the farm after dad should do something about continue to pursue holding Exide Gladys Josephine Fouts Hager Husler, Since my mother had her credits, dating the man who would become died, but she finally hired people to do landlords gouging people. responsible for repaying the loan. for who she was and the many things my grandmother allowed her to quit my father, Louis Husler. They dated the work since she was in her ‘70’s. If Exide cannot be held liable my she did. She faced many hardships in school and get married. Andy Hager three years before they were married. At the age of 80, my brother Kellean Mullen Day: My her life. asked Mom to marry him, and since They made a good couple. My mother Edward told her she needed to be mom has been on a list legislation will repay the initial $176.6 for years! Actually on million loan and continue to fund Mom was born in Missouri in 1906 her mother liked Andy, she agreed. had two more children – my brother with someone. They noticed that she multiple lists. She did get the cleanup of the 10,000 homes and was the seventh of eight children. Andy owned a farm. He was good to Edward and myself. would fall asleep and drop necessary called about one but it was surrounding Exide and other areas of Her father died at an early age, and her Mom. Since Mom liked horses, he My father had been working his pills under her rocker. Also, she would upstairs and they had no the state contaminated by lead acid mother had all of the children gathered bought a horse for her to ride. He also father’s farm at this time, and when his forget which day it was. People would elevator. At 78 that’s not an option. batteries. around the deathbed of their father, taught her to drive. father died, the farm was sold because come from Stratton to check up on her telling him goodbye and praying. She After four years of marriage, Andy his siblings didn’t want to keep it. Dad because they worried. Her driving skills I look forward to continuing was seven at the time and her younger had a swelling of his throat, and the rented land in Kansas to continue weren’t good anymore. to work with Assemblymember Reach us on Facebook at: sister was five. The hardship came to doctor traveled to Hutchinson, Kansas, farming, and then later, when I was Mom went to live in the Boulder Santiago, Environmental Safety and Facebook.com/NorwalkPatriot everyone because even she and her to get the necessary medication. Andy twelve, we moved to Colorado. Mountains where my brother owns Toxic Materials Committee Chair, little sister had to help in anyway they died, however, before the doctor could During these years Mom helped a large house. He gave her a beautiful Assemblymember Luis Alejo and Vice could. get back to Belpre. Mom was by his side, Dad with farm work, raised a large bedroom with a veranda by the Chair, Assemblymember Brian Dahle One thing was enjoyable for them and he told her he probably wouldn’t garden, and canned fruits and mountain. She was happy there. His as my bill moves through the Assembly. as children. She and her sister liked to make it. The swelling cut off his oxygen vegetables. She also raised chickens wife was a nurse practitioner. I thank them for their commitment sing. They sang a duet for their school and he stopped breathing. and gathered eggs to take to St. John, Mom died at the age of 92. She had Tweet of the Week to our community’s health and their program. Mom and Andy had two children Kansas to sell. many hardships in her life, but she was leadership. Without a team effort we @CerritosFalcon: Almost was My grandmother couldn’t earn at that time – my half-sister Juanita My parents separated cream and good at anything she put her mind to. cannot be successful.” eaten by a lion but anyways enough money keeping books for the who was three years old, and my sold the cream to a creamery. Mom She was buried in a Stratton cemetery how was your day today? grain elevator in Passaic, Missouri, half-brother Arthur who was only six made our own cottage cheese and with Dad. and she heard of a managing job at a months. Arthur had double pneumonia churned the butter. Chickens and steers Follow us! restaurant in Butler, Missouri. They and a nurse was caring for him. were butchered and taken to a rented @DowneyPatriot moved to Butler and everyone helped Mom delivered milk to the people freezer in town. 02 Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 The Norwalk Patriot In La Mirada, parents educated on cyber safety LA MIRADA – Vigilance and The workshop, presentedsuch as bullying, predators, ID theft have had difficulty keeping pace habits. In addition to the Cyber strong communication are the keys by the Norwalk-La Mirada and online addiction. with rapidly evolving modern “If your child is on the computer, workshop, a 10-week computer to maintaining a safe and rewarding Unified Instructional Technology “Cyber safety is a paramount technology.” make sure they are where you can class for adults has begun at Waite online experience for school-age Department, centered on common concern for our community,” Cathy De Alba, a District see them,” De Alba said. “Make Middle School. Parents who have children, concerned parents learned sense practices that parent and child NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Technology Integration Coach, led them understand you have the right never had an email address or at a Cyber Safety workshop at can agree on, as well as an overview Hasmik Danielian said, “We are the discussion with a PowerPoint to look at what is on their phone touched a computer keyboard Dolland Elementary School on Feb. of popular mobile phone apps and committed to providing education presentation outlining numerous and delete anything that may be before are meeting twice weekly 5. the proliferation of cyber threats and resources for parents who strategies for being a good digital inappropriate. However, you cannot for ten weeks. They are learning the citizen. De Alba urged Dolland be too strict. Communication is the Microsoft Office suite of programs parents to sit down with their ke y.” with curriculum centered on how to protect their children on the Internet children to discuss and sign an Graciela Romero, who has Internet Agreement detailing family by monitoring their use and adding two children that attend Dolland, filters to their computers. They are rules and safe habits regarding signed the Internet Agreement online activity. also learning how to use the Internet after attending a Coffee with the to support their students in other De Alba stressed that although Superintendent monthly meeting. ways, including the college and parents cannot monitor their The Cyber Safety workshop was financial aid application process – children’s online activity 24 hours organized as a direct result of parent much of which is now accomplished a day, they can take steps to ensure consultations with Dr. Danielian. online. children keep themselves safe, think “It’s a matter of safety. Your child first and keep a healthy balance “I congratulate our parents for is online and you don’t know who is participating in the workshop and between their online and physical on the other side,” Romero said. “I activities. She advised parents that in the computer classes,” NLMUSD worry about bullying, but also, in Board of Education President Karen building trust with their children many cases, it is the parents trying and paying close attention to their Morrison said. “As a District, we to catch up with their children. want to do everything we can to help moods were invaluable tools in There is always something new to helping children develop safe online parents understand the importance learn.” of cyber-safety. These parents are taking the time to learn about the importance of Internet safety and stepping out of their comfort zones to learn new skills.” NLMUSD has also built a comprehensive Digital Citizen and Online Safety Resource Library for parents, students and teachers on its website with a series of links, including suggestions for setting rules for mobile phone use and “myths and truths about internet safety” supporting the concepts of digital citizenship.

Library hosting citizenship clinic NORWALK – Norwalk Library will host a citizenship clinic Thursday, March 10, from 5-7:30 p.m. Participants will receive free application support, legal advice, study materials and a fee waiver application. Register by calling the library at (562) 868-0775. The clinic is held in partnership with the South Asian Network. The Norwalk Patriot 03 Friday, Feb. 19, 2016

Cal High teacher chosen to help develop statewide curriculum WHITTIER – California High experience as a visual and performing Tonkovich said. “I am so fortunate to keeps current on trends in the art teaching. work with IQC.” School arts teacher Julie Tonkovich arts teacher and utilizing her English have this opportunity and am excited world by constantly reading blogs and “I work well with a diverse student Additionally, Tonkovich has is one of only 10 public school and social science credentials within to make a difference in the education news articles, attending conferences population,” Tonkovich said. “Every presented lectures at the National Art teachers appointed to serve on the her art classes. community.” and workshops, and continuously student learns differently, so I alter my Educator Association conventions for Instructional Quality Commission Under this appointment, Tonkovich was selected as the trying to improve her knowledge of teaching style to address the diverse eight years and is a mentor and peer (IQC), an advisory body to the State Tonkovich will advise the state Board California Art Education Association’s technology with opportunities such as backgrounds and preferences of my coach at several area universities. Board of Education, providing her of Education on curriculum and Outstanding Visual Art Educator in iMovie lessons, bringing up-to-date, students.” the opportunity to help develop and 21st century teaching to her students. “Julie has demonstrated her ability recommend instructional materials 2013 and has developed a keen ability Field trips and art exhibitions to strengthen standards, instruction strengthen education standards that that will assist teachers in successfully to establish new arts standards and In addition to teaching AP classes, will benefit students across the state. are also a regular part of Tonkovich’s and assessment, while capturing the implementing standards-based curriculum at the local level, while Tonkovich has also been teaching arts curriculum. Students attend monthly attention of her students through her Tonkovich – who has been teaching instruction. meeting the needs of a diverse student courses for English learners and special trips outside the classroom to deepen engaging, inclusive teaching style,” visual arts at her alma mater for 24 “I try to keep up on education population. education students for more than two their understanding of art and also Whittier Union High School District years – will begin serving her four-year trends by attending development At Cal High, Tonkovich teaches decades. She has attended trainings to exhibit their work at campus, local or Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson term in January 2017. She will work classes and conferences. If my students Art 1 and 2, Advanced Placement (AP) assist English learners and participated national competitions. Her students said. “Our District student achievement with an 18-member commission to are going to be entering this modern Studio Art for 2-D and drawing, AP in several conferences and workshops have also been taught to reflect rate continues to grow thanks to our help revise and update the framework 21st-century workforce, I need to teach Art History, and Video and Cinematic on Asperger’s syndrome and autism themselves in their artwork, think quality teachers, our collaborative for education, drawing on her them how to navigate it ahead of time,” Arts — a course she developed. She to learn more about special education critically and make deliberate choices culture and the innovative frameworks in the creative process. our teachers help to develop, and I am “I want my students to always get confident that Julie will inspire that the ‘big idea’ when it comes to their same forward thinking at the state Senator calls for safety alarms on California school buses projects,” Tonkovich said. “I make sure l e v e l .” WHITTIER – State Senator Tony the bus. The system must be approved boarding and exiting a school bus at Vehicles (DMV), which entails everything they do has a lasting value Mendoza (D-Artesia) on Tuesday by the CHP and hard-wired into the each pupil’s bus stop and at the final classroom instruction, special training, outside the classroom. I hope to bring introduced a measure that would vehicle’s electrical system and activated trip destination. and testing. Annual renewal of the all of this with me when I begin my require school buses in California to when the ignition is turned on. Additionally, to operate a school certificate is required and involves be equipped with child-safety alarm *Require drivers upon a renewal bus, a driver is required to obtain a 10 hours of renewal classroom systems to ensure that children are of their annual school bus driver safety California Special Driver Certificate instruction, or behind-the-wheel or not left on buses unattended and in certificate to receive training in child- from the Department of Motor in-service training. potentially hazardous circumstances. safety check procedures. Mendoza’s proposal comes after *Impose a penalty for a driver, an autistic student died last September school district or contractor who after being forgotten on a school bus knowingly permits a child to be in Whittier. Authorities say Hun Joon transported in a bus in which a child Lee was left inside the hot bus for safety alarm has not been installed, is seven hours after being forgotten by a not properly maintained, or is not in substitute bus driver. good working order. “California should join other states *Direct the CHP to promulgate that require child safety alarm systems rules to implement this section and on school buses. It is vital that we do provide a list of child-safety alarms everything we can to protect the many that are approved for use in school thousands of children transported busses and a qualified technician or daily to and from school,” said mechanic that can install the system. Mendoza. “It is my hope that we can find some meaning in the recent tragic *Grant school districts and school loss of a Whittier student on a school bus contractors a grace period of three bus, in the form of meaningful change months after the date that the CHP that will safeguard other children. It issues the rules to install a child safety should not take events like this one to alarm. spur us into action on these issues.” Current law requires public and Specifically, SB 1072 will: private school districts to create and follow a transportation safety plan *Require all school buses to be containing procedures for school equipped with an operational child- personnel to follow to ensure the safe safety alarm system that prompts the transportation of pupils. The plans driver to inspect all seats before leaving must include specific procedures on

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONDAYS 1st, 6:00 p.m. - Public Safety meetings - Council Chambers TUESDAYS 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Farmers Market - Excelsior High School 1st & 3rd 6:00 p.m. - Toastmasters Meetings - Registrar Recorder/County Clerks Office 2nd & 4th, - Toastmasters Meetings - Norwalk Library 1st & 3rd, 6:00 p.m. - City Council - Council Chambers 3rd, 5:45 p.m. - Housing Authority - Council Chambers WEDNESDAYS 10:30 a.m. - Woman’s Club - Masonic Lodge 12:00 p.m. - Rotary - Doubletree Hotel 1st, 12:30 p.m. - Soroptimist International - Soroptimist Village 1st & 3rd, 7:00 p.m. - Lions Club - Bruce’s Restaurant 2nd & 4th, 1:30 p.m. - Alondra Senior Citizens - Social Services Center 2nd & 4th, 7:30 p.m. - Planning Commission - Council Chambers 4th, 11:30 a.m. - Coordinating Council - Arts & Sports Complex THURSDAYS 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts Troop 924 - Norwalk United Methodist Church 2nd, 7:30 p.m. - Golden Trowel -Norwalk Masonic Lodge 3rd, 8:00 p.m. - American Legion Post No. 359 - 11986 Front St. SATURDAYS 2nd, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast - First Christian Church of Norwalk Have an event you want listed? E-mail [email protected] On This Day... Feb. 19, 1945: Some 30,000 U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima and began a month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces during World War II. 2008: An ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power. 2010: Golfer Tiger Woods admitted infidelity and acknowledged receiving therapy. Birthdays: Singer Smokey Robinson (76), actor Jeff Daniels (61), singer Seal (53), actor Benicio Del Toro (49), actress Haylie Duff (31) and actress Victoria Justice (23).

You can contact puzzle editor Stan- ley Newman at his e-mail address: [email protected]. Or write him at P.O. Box 69, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you’d like a reply. The Norwalk Patriot Opinion 05 Friday, Feb. 19, 2016

Make your Supreme Court vacancy voice heard P resident Obama: “This is the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. It’s the one court leadership can spare the court and the country damage by doing the right thing.” where we would expect elected officials to rise above day-to-day politics. I understand the stakes. Hillary Clinton: “Justice Scalia’s passing means the court hangs in the balance. Now the I understand the pressure that Republican senators are undoubtedly under. This would be a Republicans say they’ll reject anyone President Obama nominates, no matter how qualified. Some City representatives deciding vote. But that’s not how the system is supposed to work.” Mayor Leonard Shryock are even saying he doesn’t have the right to nominate anyone, as if somehow he’s not the real Phone: (562) 929-5305 Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire): “We’re in the midst of a consequential presidential president. E-mail: [email protected] election year, and Americans deserve an opportunity to weigh in given the significant implications “That’s in keeping with what we’ve heard all along, isn’t it? Many Republicans talk in coded, this nomination could have for the Supreme Court and our country for decades to come. I believe racial language about takers and losers. They demonize President Obama and encourage the Vice Mayor Mike Mendez the Senate should not move forward with the confirmation process until the American people ugliest impulses of the paranoid fringe. This kind of hatred and bigotry has no place in our politics Phone: (562) 929-5305 have spoken by electing a new president.” or our country.” E-mail: [email protected] Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa): “I would wait until the nominee is made before I would make Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont): “It appears that some of my Republican colleagues in the Councilman Marcel Rodarte any decision. In other words, take it a step at a time.” Senate have a very interesting view of the Constitution of the , and apparently they Phone: (562) 929-5305 Sen. ThomT illis (R-North Carolina): “I think we fall into the trap if [we] just simply say, sight believe that the Constitution does not allow a Democratic president to bring forth a nominee to E-mail: [email protected] unseen, we fall into the trap of being obstructionists. [But] if he puts forth someone that we think replace Justice Scalia. I strongly disagree with that. And I very much hope that President Obama is in the mold of President Obama’s vision for America, then we’ll use every device available to will bring forth a strong nominee, and that we can get that nominee confirmed as soon as possible. Councilman Luigi Vernola block that nomination.” “The Supreme Court of the United States has nine members, not eight. We need that ninth Phone: (562) 929-5305 E-mail: [email protected] House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin): “The Supreme Court is not an extension of the White member. A lot of important issues coming up.” House. The president has absolutely every right to nominate someone to the Supreme Court, but Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas): “We have 80 years of precedent of not confirming Supreme Court Councilwoman Cheri Kelley Congress as an equal branch also has every right not to confirm someone. justices in an election year... There is a long tradition that you don’t do this.” Phone: (562) 929-5305 The president has tried everything he can to empower the executive branch at the expense of Donald Trump: “Ted Cruz, along with Jeb Bush, pushed Justice John Roberts onto the Supreme E-mail: [email protected] the legislative one. His Supreme Court nominees have all contributed to that, those that he has Court. Roberts could have killed ObamaCare twice, but didn’t! placed on the bench already. So not only does Congress have the authority to stop a nominee, it has an obligation to defend itself against a president and a radically altered court that would “Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz are not electable presidential candidates, Hillary would destroy them. C ongressional continue to seize its powers.” Ted may not be eligible to run - born in Canada.” representative Linda Sanchez Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut): “Rejecting this constitutional obligation will Phone: (562) 860-5050 rightly prompt public outcry and outrage — eventually forcing the right outcome. The Republican Mail: 12440 E. Imperial Hwy., Suite 140 Norwalk, CA 90650 What’s at stake with the Supreme Court State representatives Sen. Tony Mendoza By Marge Baker like Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania to line up behind him. Phone: (323) 890-2790 Nearly every issue that matters to the American people eventually finds its way before the Mail: 400 N. Montebello Blvd., Supreme Court. Suite 100, Montebello, CA 90640 Their refusal to fulfill their constitutional obligation is, to put it kindly, breathtaking. Over the Whether it’s access to health care, the right of women to make personal medical decisions, past three decades, the longest confirmation process took 99 days. The last four justices, spanning Assemblyman Ian Calderon the ability of workers to defend themselves against discrimination, or simply having access to the two administrations, were confirmed in an average of 75 days. There are more than 300 days left Phone: (562) 692-5858 voting booth, it’s difficult to look at any part of our lives and not find evidence for the importance before the end of the Obama administration. Mail: 13181 Crossroads Parkway of our nation’s highest court. If Congress fails to act, the Supreme Court will go two terms — well over a year — with North, St. 160, City of Industry, But even that list of challenges doesn’t convey the total importance of filling the seat vacated a vacancy. Since the 1980s, Congress has almost never left a vacancy during a Supreme Court 91746 by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. With Republican senators threatening to block any session. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia replacement put forward by President Barack Obama, the integrity of our political system is also But more important than the numbers is the idea that the Supreme Court — an institution Phone: (562) 402-4893 at stake. Americans have traditionally thought of as operating above politics, where ordinary individuals Mail: 8255 Firestone Blvd., What happens next will shed light on whether our political process is so broken that one party are supposed to get the same shot at justice as enormous corporations or powerful special interests Suite 203 can ignore the plain language of our Constitution — which entrusts nominations to the president, — is just another political pawn that Republicans can hold hostage. Downey, CA 90241 in every year of his or her term — and do serious harm to our federal courts, all to score political Obama has said that despite the threats, he intends to nominate someone to fill Scalia’s seat. points against a president they don’t like and tilt the Supreme Court towards the decisions they And already a few conservatives are rejecting the GOP’s partisan attacks on the Supreme Court. prefer. U.S. representatives Senator Susan Collins of Maine and former Attorney Alberto Gonzales have made clear that the Sen. Barbara Boxer Senate should evaluate a nominee based on his or her merits. Phone: (213) 894-5000 The Constitution is clear about how we should handle vacancies on the Supreme Court. Are Republican leaders willing to put partisanship aside, to honor our Constitution and give Mail: 312 N. Spring St. Suite 1748 Article II, Section 2 says that the president shall “with the advice and consent of the Senate” name President Obama’s nominee fair consideration? Or will they let partisan rancor and petty politics , CA 90012 a new justice. That’s pretty simple, right? damage our nation’s highest court? Sen. Dianne Feinstein There’s a lot at stake with pending Supreme Court cases. But the question of whether Phone: (310) 914-7300 Yet within minutes of media reports of Scalia’s passing, Senate Republicans, led by presidential Republicans are willing to fulfill their constitutional obligations may be the biggest question of all. Mail: 11111 Santa Monica Blvd. candidate Ted Cruz, announced that they wouldn’t even consider anyone Obama might nominate. Marge Baker is the executive vice president of People For the American Way. PFAW.org Suite 915, Los Angeles, CA 90025 It didn’t take long for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to say the same, and for senators

Board of Education President Jesse Urquidi E-mail: [email protected] No candidate is perfect Vice President Karen Morrison By Jill Richardson because no contender perfectly matches E-mail: [email protected] Let me tell you something people your views. don’t often say when arguing about The death of Supreme Court Justice Board Member Darryl Adams presidential candidates on Facebook: No Antonin Scalia is a good reminder of E-mail: [email protected] candidate is perfect. one of the most enduring legacies that Board Member Chris Pflanzer But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth any president can leave: Supreme Court E-mail: [email protected] choosing to support one. justices. President Ronald Reagan For example, you can support appointed Scalia, who carried on Board Member Ana Valencia Bernie Sanders because you believe he’s Reagan’s values long after he left office. E-mail: [email protected] the best all-around candidate, while Our next president will remain in simultaneously accepting that he tends office for up to eight years, but his or her Board Member Sean Reagan to be clumsy when it comes to matters Supreme Court nominees will probably E-mail: [email protected] of race. shape our legal system for decades to It’s also possible to support Hillary come. No matter your feelings on the Board Member Margarita Rios Clinton while noting that you dislike individual candidates, a win for your E-mail: [email protected] her vote in favor of the Iraq War, or are party in November could create an concerned about the millions of dollars opportunity to nudge the Supreme Court cerritos college trustees her family’s foundation accepted from in the direction of your choice for the Board Member Marisa Perez Saudi Arabia. next 20 or 30 years. Phone: (323) 359-6839 The same goes for Republican In other words, we should behave E-mail: [email protected] candidates. Each of those contenders like rational, logical grownups as we comes with advantages and select the next leader of our country. All Board Member Carmen Avalos disadvantages. candidates have their own flaws. Our Phone: (562) 773-3686 In other words, whatever your job as citizens is to pick the best one and E-mail: [email protected] leanings are, you need to weigh each push them to become even better after candidate’s pros and cons. How well do we vote. Board Member Dr. Sandra Salazar their proposals match your values? Do Phone: (323) 632-9564 E-mail: [email protected] you believe they have a shot at actually CLASSIFIEDS getting something done? Board Member Bob Arthur It’s a balancing act. Employment Phone: (562) 863-2864 Hillary has more foreign policy E-mail: [email protected] experience than Bernie, although you LIFE INSURANCE AGENT might not consider that a good thing if Board Member John Paul Drayer you don’t like the decisions she made as Licensed or unlicensed, your Phone: (562) 331-5028 a senator and secretary of state. Bernie future can start here. E-mail: [email protected] doesn’t have a history of supporting For more information call pro-corporate economic policies like (562) 822-7678 Board Member Dr. Shin Liu Hillary, and that’s a perk if you share his Phone: (562) 213-3107 economic populism. E-mail: [email protected] For Rent A ridiculous way to choose a Board Member Zurich Lewis candidate, by the way, is by selecting BEAUTIFUL NORWALK the one whose genitalia matches your 2 BEDROOM CONDO own. And it’s an insult to women to 2 car gar, central A/C, suggest that any of us ought to, as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Heat, Most Appliances, Write To Us did when she said there’s a “special place Gated Community, Best The Norwalk Patriot accepts and in hell” for women who don’t support Neighborhood. Avail 3/1. encourages letters to the editor. Hillary Clinton. $2,000/mo. + $2,000 sec. dep. Letters must include a full name, Even if you make your choice based 1 year lease. address and telephone number, on the issues, however, whomever you although only the author’s name (614) 465-7763 choose is still imperfect. In fact, it’s and hometown will be published. dishonest to claim that your preferred Letters may be edited for length, Services style and/or content. candidate is, by virtue of being the best person running in your eyes, without PLANS, PERMITS Letters can be mailed to The flaws. Norwalk Patriot, 12040 Foster Rd., And it’s dumb. CONSTRUCTION Norwalk If you want what’s best for America, Project Design, CA 90650 or via e-mail at then it makes sense to pick the best New Construction, [email protected]. candidate — and then push them to Remodeling & Additions become even better. Lic. #936419 On the flip side, it’s also foolish to Call Jeff (562) 869-1421 abstain from supporting any candidate 06 Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 The Norwalk Patriot Commentary: Parking, canopies, converted garages, oh my By Raul Samaniego Norwalk? week, I was able to drive to three and it says, “Credit card only.” Contributor Of course his answer was no. At medical appointments, one dental Still not a problem. least he was in the urban ballpark by appointment and numerous cups of coffee. Like Casey at bat, I confidently NORWALK – On Tuesday, the being based in Buena Park, just up the pulled out that plastic monster and Norwalk City Council agreed to 91. Not bad, except the one day I slipped it into the slot. disagree on where to go with the needed to get to Los Angeles for Money, money, money! (In my “Credit card does not work.” issues brought up in a Sept. 8, 2015 best Jan Brady voice). my retinal specialist appointment, special meeting held in the south of I decided to take the train. The Wwwwwwwwwhat? That’s all we hear today when Norwalk at the Social Service building Metrolink. issues are addressed to this council No problemo, as I said, always on Alondra Boulevard. (and I am sure every elected body Having taken the train many have a backup plan, right. I eagerly Is that right? Sept. 8, 2015? Judas anywhere). times, I figured that I’d give my bike and confidently reached back into my priest, that’s over five months ago! -- the Raulmobile -- a rest and drive to wallet and pulled out a tensky. “We do not have the money’” was the Metrolink station near Bloomfield. Having arrived at the same echoed by Council Member Cheri Ahhhhhh! No slot for cash! conclusions by asking my Kelley. Normally I would ride to the No. 3 I was blanked. neighborhood amigos and compadres starting point on 166th, chat with the My question is, for what? Think! Ahah, the backup to the y comadres (that’s basically friends), driver for about 18 minutes and then backup plan. they were formalized by the city team Do we hire more or new “canopy ride over to the Northbound side of as: police” to go around and warn the station. I would drive away from the residents their canopy is blocking the Transportation center, park the car 1) Parking issues. Always have a backup plan. sun of their neighbors and that they in free zone and jump on a bus to 2) Storage of trash cans in plain were reported for sun abuse? I always do. I missed the scheduled the center; exactly what I would have view. 8:12 departure time, so I stopped at done two hours before. That is a serious crime in my favorite green-monikered national 3) Converted garages. California (Even though the nearest coffee shop and picked up a cup of Joe My backup to the backup plan did 4) Canopies. beach is 13 miles away by my best and a paper. not work. estimate). Arriving a good thirty minutes So, what’s the moral of the story? Hey, I understand my neighbors When it come to parking in the City of Okay, this is for my nine readers ahead of the next train, I found out aren’t innocent. I see their converted Norwalk, have a plan, have a backup (remember, one is in Austin, Tex.). that parking was not free. garages, “personal stuff stuffed” plan and a backup plan to the backup We know there are parking issues garages, the orange cones and even Okay, prepared for that too. plan. in Norwalk. I see it and anyone who trash bins marking their “adopted” I approached a safety officer who Grill & Cantina owns or rents in this community sees When the backup to the backup territory in front of their properties. was dealing with a parking issue of AuAutthentichentic FFreshresh MMadeade MMexicanexican FFoodood it or experiences it on a daily basis as fails, call and reschedule that “Took 60 their own. well. Last week, my neighbor asked to days to set up that Retinal Specialist” park her car in my available driveway “Yes, they do charge and there is appointment for only four weeks later. Oh, I forgot, or remembered, most for she and her mother were going to a machine over there,” the uniformed of the paid management level team in Darn, I should have asked Mayor be away in Vegas to watch the Super officer said and pointed to a walled HAPPY HOUR the city administration do not live in Shryock to pray for you parking Bowl. area. Mon. - Fri. 3 -8  the city of Norwalk. enthusiasts at Wednesday’s mayor’s Having her car for most of a Okay, I walked over to the machine prayer breakfast. Sat. & Sun. 3 -8  As for parking, even the council members get their name on a curb in (Bar Only) front of the council chambers. N  P  S What are they going to do when construction begins on refurbishing Leon Emerson, lawyer who helped Breakfast & Lunch and installation of a new concourse area in 2019 (based on turnaround Bu et MARIACHI times so far)? Downey incorporate, dies at 90 Now Available! Friday & Saturday So, what about these parking 7:30  - 12  issues? The only solution was to DOWNEY – Judge Leon Emerson, He therefore led the Chamber at Judge Emerson was a local leader who Monday - Thursday Sunday 4  - 9  schedule another meeting to discuss, who served as president of the Downey an important time in the city’s early ultimately left a national impact in his Buy One Entree, eh, the findings of the second meeting? Chamber of Commerce in 1958, died history, when debates raged about tireless crusade to get drunk drivers off in his sleep Feb. 11 at 90. what the services would be, and how the road. Time Magazine hailed him as Get the Second of $ Tel. 562.622.9100 I had this conversation with a much they would cost. a courtroom innovator. Equal or Lesser Price for 3.99 11010 Paramount Blvd. real estate agent who was walking As a young local attorney, Emerson Expires 3-20-16 the south Norwalk neighborhood was an active member of the Steering He also became president of the He met Bud McDonald, a (Not valid with any other o er.) Downey, CA 90241 recently. I asked as I do most strangers Committee for the Incorporation of Exchange Club and several other local former child actor in the “Our Gang” (and city staff), do you live here in Downey. When the movement for groups. He was a Scoutmaster, long- series, and they became friends and incorporation won the vote in 1956 time member of Downey Kiwanis and collaborators. Together they developed (a similar vote had failed in 1954) the the Shriners, and a founder of Downey what is known today as the court card, instant city of 86,000 began to establish Counseling Center. used by judges nationwide to confirm processes and take over services that In 1961, he was appointed to the attendance at a local Alcoholics had previously been supplied by the Downey Municipal Court, and served Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous County. most of his 30 years on the bench here. meeting under a judge’s order. Like many early Downeyites, Judge Emerson came from the heartland of America. The eleventh of 13 children, he grew up on an Oklahoma farm. In WWII, he fought at Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. He then used the G.I. Bill to attend Compton College and Loyola, and graduated from the Southwestern School of Law. He is survived by his wife, Lora; daughter Julia; sons David and Donald; granddaughter Ayisha; two grandsons and two great-grandchildren; and an older sister, Cleo LeVally of Oklahoma. A short military ceremony is set for 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 29 at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Judge Emerson told his daughter he wanted a “fun funeral.” So whether attending or not, those who wish to honor him are “encouraged to wear bright, fun colors on Leap Year day. And smile to remember the loud jackets and ties he often wore under his dark judicial robes.”

ATTORNEY ■ ABOGADA Eva Juárez -Attorney Malhotra & Malhotra ■ Wills, Trusts, Probates (Testamentos, Fideicomisos, Demandas Sucesorias) ■ Divorce, Custody, Support (Divorcios, Convivencia, Pensión alimenticia) Call for a FREE Consultation! Your problems have solutions. (Todos sus problemas tienen solución) Hablo Español (562) 806-9400 (800) 811-8881 7847 E Florence Ave. Suite 111, Downey, CA 90240