Supporter of Caroling at Tesla makes Downey police Rancho toy donation See Page 13 See Page 4 See Page 16

Friday, December 18, 2009 Vol. 8 No. 35 8301 E. Florence Ave., Suite 100, Downey, CA 90240 Looking back on... Ban on Richie’s Drive-In pot clinics

 The Downey Patriot begins a new series this week, extended “Looking Back On...”, a bi-weekly revival of Downey’s

sometimes forgotten past. BY CHRISTIAN BROWN, STAFF WRITER the girl you were dating.” BY CHRISTIAN BROWN, DOWNEY – In a unanimous Bill O’Neill, who graduated STAFF WRITER decision on Tuesday, the City from Downey High in 1952, recalls Council voted to extend its morato- Christon vividly the atmosphere of Richie’s. rium on the establishment and DOWNEY – This year, “That was the “happening operation of pot dispensaries in the Downey saw the rebirth of one of place” on Friday nights, long city, from 45 days to a full year, adds voice to its oldest restaurants when the before Harvey's was established a despite a local dispensary’s protest drive-in formerly known as few yards to the west,” said against the decision. Johnie’s Broiler opened its doors O’Neill, who covered high school Last month, the Council ‘cultural’ cry once again as Bob’s Big Boy on sports for the local newspaper dur- approved a 45-day moratorium in October 19. ing that time. order to provide city officials time However, during the 1950s, “A couple of kids named Jim PHOTO COURTESY DOWNEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY to evaluate the legality of medical in Downey Johnie’s, then named Harvey’s, Hearn and Ward Vaughan used to marijuana dispensaries and draft a was not the only drive-in in town. stop cars “cruising” bumper-to- new city policy to regulate the In fact, less than a mile away from bumper into Richie's, and charge facilities. them 25 cents to drive through. By Henry Veneracion, Bob’s Big Boy, near the corner of Prior to the Council’s vote, And Jim, the legendary street fight- Staff Writer Rives Avenue and Firestone Assistant City Attorney Ross Boulevard was another burger er and football star, would get up Trindle said the temporary ordi- ore and more, for reasons place called Richie’s Drive-In. and dance a jig on the hood of any nance would suspend the operation that will become clear Built in 1953, Richie’s was car whose driver refused to pay the of the dispensaries until Nov. 10, later, longtime Downey M bought on July 15, 1954 by Buck “toll.” 2010, giving the city more time to resident Lawrence Christon is Chandler, who turned the structure Like most drive-ins of the time, fully study the conflicts that exist making his views known in the into one of the most popular drive- Richie’s had several carhops, between federal and state law pages of the Downey Patriot. More ins in the area until Harvey’s where visitors could order their regarding the collectives specifically, he thinks Downey opened four years later. delicious Richie’s burgers. Frieze In addition to legal inconsisten- lacks a cultural identity and it’s Though the small restaurant has recalls them always being full. cies, the city ordinance also cites about time something is done about been closed for decades, the build- “I never remembered anybody various studies, which report an it. ing is still intact and has not walking up to Richie’s window,” increase in burglaries, drug-traf- Christon was born and grew up changed much since it played host said Frieze. “That would have real- ficking and robberies near and in Manhattan in the 50s, a time of to the wild teenagers of the ‘50s ly been a not cool thing to do at around pot dispensaries, a con- pristine artistic and cultural flower- who would cruise around the Richie’s.” cern that several council members ing, a time when a literary figure restaurant looking for friends and Growing up, Kay Cofield never PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN BROWN such as T. S. Eliot routinely made possible dates. got to hang out at Richie’s, where See POT, page 4 the cover of Time, something that Seventy three-year-old Don teens were also known to secretly just doesn’t happen nowadays. Frieze remembers being one of smoke and drink so not to be Not without talent, he soaked those teenagers. caught by the Downey Police. “When McDonald’s on in 2007. up the literary, artistic and cultural “It was basically a Downey “I vaguely recall that I was not Florence Avenue and Lakewood Despite its many owners and New York scene, and honed his Senior High School hang out, allowed to go to Richie's because it Boulevard opened up, it slowly minor changes, the integrity of the Kiwanis writing skills. It was a good thing, although kids from surrounding had a rather “rough” reputation,” took the place of Richie’s as the building is still intact, standing as a too, as he became a victim of cir- towns would cruise it as well,” said said Cofield. “What that meant in Downey High School hang out,” reminder of Downey’s golden era cumstances: a basketball all-star in Frieze who graduated from the parlance of the mid to late ‘50s said Frieze. “It [Richie’s] became of hot rods, juke boxes and launches high school, his college basketball Downey High School in 1956. was that the kids who went there more of a hang-out for the car-club carhops. scholarship fell through, and he “It was not very big compared were a little on the tough side.” guys in the area than for the aver- Next up: Gallatin School and Bell. quit college after only one year. He to the drive-ins in some of the other Towards the late ‘50s, Richie’s age teens.” Do you have memories of the old evening tried his luck as a writer for a cities – however, it was very began to lose some of its teenage Today, Richie’s is owned by Gallatin School that you would like while, then served in the Marines important to us who went to patrons as another burger restau- Kal Motors, a used car dealership to share? If so, contact reporter from 1963 to 1969. Downey High to be seen at rant named McDonald’s began to based in South Gate since 1995. Christian Brown at meetings After a stint with the now Richie’s – to “show off” to others expand. Kal Motors purchased the property [email protected]. defunct Herald Tribune, Christon DOWNEY – Councilman was for 22 years a staff writer for Roger Brossmer will be guest the Los Angeles Times. He was speaker when Kiwanis Club of drama critic, columnist, features Downey hosts its inaugural and profiles writer, essayist, and evening meeting Jan. 7 at the Rio reporter. His reporting centered on Hondo Event Center. Samperi is new DUSD board president Brossmer, international cultural develop- ments, especially about Brazil, who is also princi- pal of Downey South Africa, and Australia. At the the Budget; Corrin and Samperi the BY HENRY VENERACION, Adult School, is same time, he also wrote for the School/City Coordinating Washington Post, Daily Variety, STAFF WRITER expected to speak Committee; while LaPlante was on city issues. Long Beach Press-Telegram, the reappointed to serve as representa- DOWNEY – The three female Social drinks San Diego Union-Tribune and tive to LACSTA and for Electing Downey Unified School District begin at 6 p.m., Orange Coast Magazine—mostly Members to the County Committee Roger board members, who were unop- followed by din- about the U. S. military, including on School District Organization. Brossmer posed in last November’s district ner and the Persian Gulf War. His other Meanwhile, the board heard a elections and will serve their sec- Brossmer’s talk at gigs over the years include being a presentation by Downey High ond 4-year terms, were sworn in 6:30. lecturer and commentator on cable School principal Tom Houts on a Tuesday by Downey Kiwanis is one of the oldest TV. pilot intervention schedule for at- Councilmember Roger Brossmer, service organizations in Downey, Not too long ago, he was risk students for the second semes- who also serves as Downey Adult operating since 1925. It is made up involved in ‘Operation ter of the 2009-10 school year. School principal for the district. of volunteers dedicated to helping Homecoming’ published by The gist of the proposed pro- Taking their oaths of office children, and help sponsor the Random House. It’s a collection of gram will be to reward high- were Barbara Samperi, represent- monthly barbecue for patients at 50 of the best essays about the Iraq achieving students (A-B students) ing Trustee Area 7, who was subse- Rancho Los Amigos National War written by veterans. Among with, say, greater flexibility in their quently voted board president, Rehabilitation Center; the Rancho the contributors are such well- lunch schedules (as an added replacing D. Mark Morris; Martha Los Amigos Carnival for patients known writers as Richard Wilbur, incentive) and continuing tutoring Sodetani, representing Trustee and their families; scholarships for Howard Nemerov and Mark opportunities for C and below stu- Area l, voted vice-president; and Downey high school students; La Bowden (of ‘Blackhawk Down’ dents. The program will be re-eval- Nancy Swenson, representing Casita Rehabilitation Center; Arc; fame). Christon was a writing uated at year-end. Trustee Area 5, who will serve as and more. instructor. In other action, the board: clerk. Kiwanis has also funded com- Just last September, a 340-page •Accepted with gratitude vari- After the usual congratulations puter labs for all DUSD schools book he wrote on commission, ous cash and in-kind donations were made, the 7-member board and, with The Downey Patriot, “Stepping Ahead,” about the 45- from individuals and institutions, matched member assignments to honors local youth with the year history of the Orange Coast including $13,176.33 for class- various committees. Tod Corrin, Downey Youth Service Award. Repertory, “one of the nation’s pre- room use at Gallatin Elementary mier regional theaters”—came out. Sodetani, and Swenson will com- Downey residents are invited to Barbara Samperi was sworn in as school board president on Tuesday, attend the free event. For more prise the Audit Committee; Morris, See DUSD, page 12 taking over for D. Mark Morris (above). See CHRISTON, page 10 Don LaPlante and Willie Gutierrez information, contact Fernando Vasquez at (562) 261-7601 or [email protected]. John G. Downey statue going up at City Hall

BY CHRISTIAN BROWN, who served as Governor of STAFF WRITER California from 1860-62 and whose company owned land here before it was subdivided DOWNEY – The City into smaller cities. Council voted unanimously on Councilman Mario Guerra Tuesday to hire a consultant applauded the idea, one he has who will help facilitate the introduced in the past. process of creating and con- “I really want to see this structing a full-size statue of done as soon as possible,” said John Gately Downey, which Guerra. will be placed in front of City Phillips said he will search Hall. for a consultant with experience Just prior to the vote, managing public art projects. Community Services Director “I commit to do it as fast as Thad Phillips said the consult- possible and come back to you ant would take the project from with the artwork and where it beginning to end, soliciting pro- will be,” said Phillips. posals for the sculpture from Once hired, the consultant’s local artists. work will be reviewed by the The public art sculpture will Art in Public Places Committee John Gately Downey, the seventh governor of California and the per- also contain some points of his- and later approved by the City son after whom the city of Downey is named after, will be further hon- torical record around its base Council. ored when a statue of his likeness is erected outside City Hall. about John Gately Downey, Winter Worship Directory Assistance League of Downey’s Lottery ticket sold here Christmas Distribution program culminated this week with presi- dent Judy Faust presenting worth $190K $1,000 to PTA HELPS president DOWNEY – Check your lottery tickets, because a Fantasy 5 ticket Stacy Brabant. Christmas sold in Downey is worth more than $190,000, California Lottery officials Distribution is funded by the announced this week. Second Tyme Around Thrift The ticket, which matched all five numbers in the Dec. 12 draw, was Shop and the Christmas Tree purchased at the 7-Eleven located at Downey Avenue and Stewart & Gray Brunch. Thirty-two nursing Road. homes, shelters and non-profit The winning numbers were 17, 20, 23, 31 and 32. The ticket is worth community agencies, including $191,335. Su Casa, the Salvation Army and Lottery officials did not say if the winner has come forward yet. Metropolitan Hospital, received Lottery winners have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim prizes. wrapped gifts as well as mone- tary support. Assisteens, the teenage auxiliary of Assistance City will pick-up, recycle trees League of Downey, shop for the gifts and wrap them during the DOWNEY – CalMet Services, the city’s franchised refuse hauler, will summer, and chapter members collect Christmas trees for recycling Dec. 26 until Jan. 16. deliver the gifts during the holi- Residents who receive automated curbside trash collection – usually days. single-family homes – may place their trees on the curb on their regular trash collection day. Apartment residents and businesses should call CalMet at (562) 259- 1239 to schedule a pick-up date. However, trees must be set out at the curb and not by their trash bins. All trees must be free of decorations and stands, and should not be in a bag. Trees over four feet tall should be cut in half. Flocked trees are OK. Christmas trees can also be dropped off at the city’s public works yard Church choirs in concert Christian club meets Jan. 13 at 12324 Bellflower Blvd., behind Independence Park. DOWNEY – First Presbyterian Church of Downey will host two DOWNEY – The Downey Christian Women’s Club will celebrate the Christmas concerts this week and the public is invited. New Year on Jan. 13 with guest speaker Susan Anderson. The concerts will feature the Instrumental Ensemble, Kids Choir, The meeting begins 11:45 a.m. at Los Amigos Country Club. Cost is Learn about federal student aid Praise Band and Adult Choir. Fellowship and complimentary dessert fol- $13 and includes a buffet lunch. low the concerts. RSVP by calling Sonja at (562) 862-4347 or Jean at (562) 861-1114. DOWNEY – Potential college students and their parents are invited to Performances will be given tomorrow at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. “FAFSA Night” at Downey High School on Jan. 14 to learn about free fed- For more information, call (562) 861-6752. eral student aid. Financial aid experts from Cerritos College will be on hand to answer Holiday jam session Tuesday questions and guide students through the application process. Kids programs at Downey parks Students who attend FAFSA Night do not need to attend Cerritos DOWNEY – The Downey Folk Music Jammers, profiled recently on DOWNEY – The City of Downey Community Services Department College. Time Warner Cable, will play and sing music from Christmas and other will offer a free program for children Dec. 21-31 at local parks. Students are advised not to use www.fafsa.com because the site December holidays when they meet Tuesday at the Barbara J. Riley Activities will include lunch with recreation leaders (children must charges unnecessary fees, according to a school flier. Community and Senior Center. bring their own lunches), group games and crafts. The meeting is free and begins at 6 p.m. inside Downey High School’s The round-robin style jam is open to acoustic instrument players and The program will be offered at Apollo, Dennis the Menace, Rio San new auditorium. RSVP by calling (562) 869-7301, ext. 5545, or go online singers of all levels. Visitors are also welcome to observe and listen. Gabriel, Furman, Golden and Brookshire parks. The program will operate to www.downey.dusd.net. For more information, call Bea or Jim Romano at (562) 861-7049. 12-5 p.m., except for Brookshire Park where operating hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hospice needs volunteers There is no program on Christmas Day and parks will close early at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. DOWNEY – A Downey hospice is in need of volunteers to spend time The program is for children ages 6-11. There is no charge but registra- with residents in the final stages of their lives. tion is required. For more information, call (562) 904-7238. Volunteers can also relieve tired caregivers for short periods of time or help with errands and shopping. Training will be held at Companion Hospice Care in Downey on Feb. The Downey Patriot 27, March 6, March 13 and March 20. has advertising opportunities Volunteers will receive 16 hours of orientation and training. Afterwards, volunteers will be given assignments close to home. for any budget. For more information, call Deanna Miles at (562) 944-2711. Call (562) 904-3668 Assisteens, the teenage auxiliary of Assistance League of Downey, recently went caroling at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Asssisteens have been visiting patients and spreading good cheer at Rancho for more than 25 years, and this group “clearly enjoyed carrying on this annual Christmas tradition.” Pot: Proponents say dispensaries fill medical need.

Continued from page 1 for legitimate problems,” said pensary remain open. grant his dispensary a provisional Councilman Roger Brossmer. “But “I have over 100 hardship let- license so his nearly 1500 patients people are taking advantage – mar- ters here,” said Adams. “I’m not a could continue receiving medical expressed. ijuana is a very big problem.” medical doctor, but I’ve seen marijuana and other drugs while “I don’t deny that it can be used Herbal Solutions, a Downey patients with multiple sclerosis, the city forms its policy. dispensary located on 8830 cancer and I realize there is a true However, Councilman Mario Imperial Highway, triggered the need for this. One day it will be Guerra agreed with Brossmer, original moratorium after being realized.” understanding the need for medici- denied a business license by the Since fracturing her leg last nal marijuana, but worried about city. The dispensary appealed the year, Janine Garcia now uses med- the potential problems a dispensary decision, but their public hearing ical marijuana to cope with the could cause. was suspended indefinitely after severe pain. “We care about cancer patients the moratorium was enacted. The 24-year-old Downey resi- – every citizen in Downey, but I Before the Council voted to dent frequented Herbal Solutions can’t get around the abuse prob- extend the moratorium, Mark before its closure and now must lem,” said Guerra. “Unless I can be Adams, the operator of Herbal travel outside the city to pick up the guaranteed of different things, I Solutions, read many letters written her medication. will continue to be against this in by patients requesting that the dis- “I work 12-hour shifts,” said the city of Downey.” Garcia over the phone. “So if I start Both Brossmer and Guerra at 10 a.m., I don’t get off until 10 asked that the city make its deci- p.m. I either drive to Santa Fe sion sooner than later, instead of Springs or Paramount – I’m not waiting until the end of next year to from those areas and don’t like to adopt a policy on the issue. drive in those areas at night.” Adams, who runs dispensaries Garcia said she understood in Long Beach and Los Angeles, people’s safety concerns, but main- hopes the city will come back tains that many residents who need quickly with an ordinance. the drug are greatly inconve- “We want regulation,” said nienced when they must travel Adams. “But education is impor- elsewhere to get it. tant – they don’t have all the facts.” Adams proposed that the city Letters to the Editor: Jennings has to go Dear Editor: Problem with laziness I feel it is my duty to draw attention to a serious scandal in the making Dear Editor: in regards to Kevin Jennings, the man President Obama has appointed as Warren High School has a trash problem. Everywhere I walk I can find “Safe Schools Czar.” at least two pieces of trash lying around. Big or small, it’s still trash and This man created the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network doesn’t give a good look to Warren’s campus. (GLSEN) organization which seeks to indoctrinate children as young as 6 The main reason there is so much trash is because kids are too lazy to into accepting and even experimenting with the homosexual lifestyle. walk to a trash can and throw it away so they simply dump or toss the trash GLSEN has published a “recommended reading list” for our children that on the ground. There are a lot of trash cans in various places around cam- encourages them to engage in all kinds of disgusting sexual behavior. pus, so that proves it’s just the students being lazy. If you think I am being overly sensitive and just “behind the times” in It’s a disgusting problem everyone could easily avoid by simply throw- regards to what is currently acceptable for our children to be reading, then ing away their trash. If every student would clean up after themselves I encourage you to check out the GLSEN website and read passages from Warren would look much cleaner. their book list for yourself. The stuff I have read in these books, through — Nicholas Barrios, tears of shock, cannot be printed in a local newspaper. Downey This organization is promoting child pornography, and I, as a parent of a small child, am outraged! I will be investigating whether or not teachers in the Downey school district are using any of these books in their class- Unsafe streets room. If they are, I am certain they won’t for long because the outrage Dear Editor: from other parents just like me will be too overwhelming. I would like to bring to your attention my concern for the speeders in For those of you who are parents of school-aged children, pay atten- our community. Most the time they go over the speed limit and get away tion to what your kids are “learning.” If you don’t, you will regret it – after with it. it’s too late. I have witnessed them speeding mostly on residential streets and — Alaina Niemann, school zones. They run red lights, stop signs, tailgate other cars, cut peo- Downey ple off, cause accidents and deaths. They’re the reason why insurance goes up. Legal extortion My suggestions are as follows: Dear Editor: •Put more police officers on the streets and freeways. Coffee choices David Letterman had a male co-worker arrested for extortion. He was •Higher fines for speeders and possible suspension or loss of license arrested when he tried to cash or deposit a $2 million check. for repeat offenders. Dear Editor: Now Tiger Woods’ mistress hires a lawyer to extort between $1 mil- •More speed bumps on residential streets and school zones. In response to “Venti Latte, Hold the Attitude,” (Letters to the Editor, lion and $3 million for her silence of being his mistress of two years. •Cameras on streets. 12/4/09), first, tell her welcome to Downey. I guess by hiring a lawyer you can make extortion legal. •Manufacture cars to go a safer speed. Second, Summer York, an ex-Starbucks employee, is suing Starbucks — Mike Sandoval, I do appreciate the time you spent reading my letter. I hope that my in a $5 million class action lawsuit. It seems they have failed to pay for Downey concern for our community is taken into consideration. overtime and minimum wages. This really explains her bad service at — Bridgette Hayes, Starbucks – it seems because the higher-up bosses are stiffing them on Downey their pay. Third, tell her she’s right. Since she pays $5 for her lattes, she should Waiting for green get exactly what she paid for. It’s called “customer service.” The golden Dear Editor: Police patrol rule in business says “The customer is always right.” Her $5 cup of coffee I am concerned that the traffic lights in the morning, at around 7:30 Dear Editor: pays for the barista’s wages per hour. They make what — $8, $9 or $10 a.m., take too long to turn green. I know there are a lot of cars these days, Police in Downey do their job in protecting the city. One thing that per hour, plus a cut of the tips, too? but it is still not fair for people that go in late to work or school because of concerns me, however, is that too many officers arrive at one location of Fourth, tell her she should hit up these other coffee joints in Downey: the lights. police activity. •Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge Factory inside Stonewood Center, next to When I am on my way to school, there is always a traffic jam because The weekend of Halloween I got pulled over along with my father, Orange Julius. of the lights taking too long. Also, there is not a day I do not hear cars cousin and friend. They sat us down because they were looking for a group •The Coffee Bean on the corner of Firestone Boulevard and Patton honking and people fighting their way through traffic. of four who were wearing masks and jumpsuits and carrying a machete Road, next to the Sprint store. I’ve actually been to this place a few times What I want is to just make sure the lights do not take that long to and an axe. We all had the masks but only of us was wearing a jumpsuit. and they are pretty fast, decent and cool on the service. change green. After this change less adults, teenagers and children will be While we were sitting on the curb lots of police officers came to where •Xela Café (a Guatemalan coffee shop) on the corner of Paramount late to their school or work. we were. I understand that this is back-up but we were completely harm- Boulevard and Cole Street, near Shakey’s Pizza. — Maysie Loyola, less. They didn’t know that at the time but they searched us and we were •Tropicana Bakery, next to Chase Bank on Florence Avenue and Downey clean. Paramount Boulevard. They serve coffee here, too. I agree that they have to protect themselves but the officers that arrived •The Habana Café Cuban bakery on the corner of Firestone and Old after we were searched only went there to talk to the ones that were River School Road. Strict on skaters already there. They were discussing things that had nothing to do with the •McDonald’s. From what I’ve heard, their coffee is actually pretty Dear Editor: situation we were in. good and dirt cheap. A large regular coffee there is like $1.60. I know they I am a skater from Downey and I am informing you about the strict- I think police officers should stay patrolling if they are not needed at a serve different types of coffee there. ness shown toward skaters by police. location. — Michael Hanker, Any little thing that us skaters do is a crime now. I have received two — Enrique Ramirez, Downey tickets in the past year for skating; one was for riding my board across the Downey street and the other was for skating without a helmet. Both of these tickets were well over $100. Police will look for things wrong with us. They think that we are full King Taco Value of downtown housing of drugs and up to no good. We should be treated like roller bladders Dear Editor: Dear Editor: because they don’t go through the constant stops and searches from the We need a lot more Mexican restaurants here in Downey. One sugges- I am writing in response to Lawrence Christon’s letter titled “Hunger cops. They kick us out of everywhere we go: the mall, stores and even at tion is a King Taco. We do have Mexican restaurants in Downey, but noth- for Arts Scene” (Letters to the Editor, 12/11/09) school they will take our boards away, even if we are just holding them. ing compared to King Taco. I have never met one person that tried their It seems to me that he makes several valuable points regarding the arts Don’t police have better things to do besides constantly checking food and said it wasn’t good. scene or lack of any real entertainment value in the downtown area. skaters and issuing tickets? There are crimes all over the place: people get- The items they serve include tacos, burritos, sopes, rotisserie chicken, How the Downey City Council can justify turning the old Avenue ting robbed, shootings, accidents and emergencies. nachos, tamales, quesadillas and much more. Hungry yet? I bet you are. Theatre into low-cost housing really baffles the mind. How do you justify What I am trying to say is: police, can you ease up a bit on us skaters? More and more Mexicans are beginning to migrate into Downey so turning a seemingly commercial area into a housing district? We are not full of money to pay for tickets and most of us are not bad peo- this means that sales would be phenomenal. But this food isn’t just for It would seem to me that if the Council was serious about improving ple. We just want to have fun. Mexicans. Everyone can enjoy this food and they already do in other the downtown area and improving Downey as a whole, then it would be — Joseph W. Rodriguez, cities. looking at ways of bringing businesses into the downtown area that would Downey — Freddie Roberts, better reflect Downey’s support for the arts while improving foot traffic in Downey the area. An independent theater showing foreign films would be a great place Teen pregnancy to start in my opinion. How about a downtown area that competes with the Dear Editor: Place for teens likes of Old Town Pasadena? I am currently a student at Warren High School, and as an adolescent, Restaurants with alfresco dining, street vendors and music on week- Dear Editor: I am learning about sex and contraceptives more and more. I am noticing ends would surely bring in more foot traffic. I believe this would be more Teenagers in Downey enjoy going out on Friday or Saturday nights, the increasing numbers of teen pregnancies in our schools. beneficial to the community as a whole than low-income housing in the but when it comes to over-protected children, they are stuck at home In my past four years at Warren, I’ve noticed that every year the age of middle of downtown Downey. because Downey has no places for teens to hang out. pregnant girls keeps lowering and lowering. There are many factors to this It really boggles the mind every time I read another article about the Downey should open a fun and safe place for teenagers to hang out problem, such as: lack of parental guidance, lack of education and lack of city’s proposed use of land in the downtown area. I really wonder how this close to their homes. If you think about it, the only place to go are the responsibilities as an individual. adds any value to Downey as a whole and how it is going to help improve movies and that can get boring, especially when there are no good movies We should open the doors of our school to more open communication the quality of life for Downey residents, not to mention what it is going to or when you have no money. about sex and contraceptives. Today’s adolescents tend to believe every- do to property values. — Cynthia Rodriguez, thing is simple when they don’t know the consequences or responsibilities The Downey City Council is at a very crucial “fork in the proverbial Downey of being sexually active. road” at this time. They have the opportunity to either improve our great I believe it is our duty as residents of this city to inform our youth of city or change it in a way that many residents will regret. Letters to the editor may be submitted by writing to The Downey Patriot, the possibilities of pregnancy. We should open up about giving out con- I truly hope our new mayor and all council members will consider this doms and teach the consequences of pregnancy and STDs. 8301 E. Florence Ave., Suite 100, Downey, CA 90240 or by e-mail to decision very carefully before any decision is made. [email protected]. Letters may be edited for style and/or con- — Lyanne Lares, — Moises Alonso, Downey tent. Letters must include a full name and address for verification. Downey Downey’s bad crowd Dear Editor: In need of sidewalks Throughout the years, Downey has been getting closer to being a ghet- to. I am not saying it is as bad as other cities, but it seems like it is start- Dear Editor: ing to. There should be more sidewalks in Downey because without side- When I first moved to Downey about 10 years ago, it didn’t seem so walks we have a greater chance of getting hit by a car or getting in trou- bad. The streets were clean and everybody would be friendly to each other. ble with the law for walking in the street. It would also be nice to have Now I see people littering and tagging on streets and local shops. I also see sidewalks so we could go for walks and walk our dogs. people running red lights and not stopping for pedestrians. Living without sidewalks has become a safety hazard for the children I am a senior at Warren High School and about two years ago I was in our neighborhood. We have an increasing number of children walking walking down the street going to my house. A car pulled up where I was home due to parents working late hours. We need to ensure that these chil- walking and five people with switchblades stole all of my things. That was dren have one less risk of getting hurt when walking home. my turning point about how nice Downey was and is now. As a community we should fundraise to help this cause and provide not There are a lot of people from other cities that move into Downey and only a safer Downey but a more appealing community. If we all come just start destroying the city because they are gang-related or want to be together and work hard I’m sure we could accomplish our goal of creating like one. Maybe it is just getting overcrowded with a lot of bad-influenced a safer community for our children and future generations in the great people that don’t really care about Downey. place of Downey we call home. I think there should be more police officers in the residential streets as — Arturo Hernandez, well as the main streets. Downey — Ariel Cebreros, Downey SPEED BUMP DAVE COVERLY

On This Day...

Dec. 18, 1865: The Constitution’s 13th Amendment goes into effect, ending slavery in the United States. 1892: Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" makes its premiere in Russia. 1944: The Supreme Court upholds the wartime relocation of Japanese Americans. 1997: Comedian Chris Farley dies after an overdose of morphine and cocaine. He was 33. Birthdays: Director Steven Spielberg (63), movie critic Leonard Maltin (59), actor Ray Liotta (54), actor Brad Pitt (46), rapper DMX (39), actress Katie Holmes (31) and singer Christina Aguilera (29). Students undergo first ever Sorry, Team Edward: Challenger Center space mission ‘New Moon’ is bad By Deborah Won, Intern By Joanna Quintana, Intern Bestowed with a truly exciting act independently to complete the book—Edward is never too far opportunity, 21 honors Biology challenge. away, lest people should lose inter- students from Warren were given The students completed their est when the famous vampire van- the chance to be the absolute first goal at the end of the challenge as ishes. That might infuriate the to test out the new Challenger they efficiently landed on the many parts of the business world Center Space Mission Simulator on moon, and a round of applause who have not missed their opportu- Dec. 9. erupted from both students and the nity to make a huge profit off a The Challenger Center Space facilitators. After the end of the generation eager to be lost in the Mission Simulator, a part of the program, the students merged romance of a relationship with an Challenger Learning Center at the again into one body, and discussed attractive vampire, as well as a two-month old Columbia what they had thought about their werewolf. Therefore, don’t forget Memorial Space Center in experience and what they had to buy your Twilight t-shirt. Downey, will not be open for regu- learned. Positive feedback and var- The one flaw that lies blatant to lar missions until January. ious remarks about teamwork and anyone with eyes is the lack of However, Jeff Orlinsky, a science communication emerged during ability for one specific, and terribly teacher at Warren, had certain con- the discussion. significant, actress to act. Kristen nections with those in the space “This place is awesome,” said Stewart, who plays Bella, seems to center, and grasped the opportunity freshman Matt Pacheco. “The sim- have an incredibly difficult time to be the “trainer of the trainers.” ulator was really interesting.” Twilight Saga’s ‘New Moon’ doing her job in New Moon, Thus, the group of Warren students “I was excited to do this pro- must have gained its fame from though her acting deficiencies were acted as a test run for those at the gram, and I was looking forward to being a “fad” rather than being a much more apparent in The Space Center that were training to it,” said sophomore Elida great movie as actors and actresses Twilight Saga’s first move, run the program. Zaragoza. “It was cool to be able to with little acting talent attempted to Twilight. As described in “I think this is a great opportu- look through the cameras and make up for the movie’s flaws with Stephanie Meyer’s novels, the nity for our students to get another watch people in the spacecrafts.” their appearances. character of Bella is indeed sup- aspect of the city,” said Orlinsky. Many students had similar The start of New Moon is posed to be awkward. However, “It allows us to be a part of some- reactions to that of Pacheco and meant for all the Team Edward fans Kristen Stewart succeeds in mak- thing new here at Downey.” Zaragoza. However, some students as Edward Cullen, played by ing the entire Twilight movie awk- The Challenger Center Space realized the program was more dif- Robert Pattinson, struts onto a ward, adding a whole new level of Mission Simulator is yet another ficult than they had anticipated. plain of grass, quite dazzling in all discomfort in every scene that she method in which the Columbia “It was harder than I thought,” his glitter and sparkles, to meet his appears in. Someone must have Memorial Space Center fulfills space,” said student Emilia Halasz. dents learned how to work together said freshman Vanessa Chacom. “It most beloved, and aging, Bella. He given her acting lessons after her their mission and purpose. This mission simulator basically as one cohesive unit to solve vari- was confusing at first, but at the continues to strut, maintaining con- first performance in Twilight “We are trying to help the youth transforms students into “astro- ous life-threatening emergencies end with some help of the facilita- sistency, from nicely positioned because the scenes in New Moon make decisions for careers in tech- nauts”, as they undergo similar sit- and hardships in order to accom- tors, things got easier.” and advertised vehicles to right out were not as horrible, to the relief of nology and engineering, and con- uations that an authentic astronaut plish their goal, and successfully Overall, the first-ever of Bella’s life, bringing intense the audience members actually tinue through college,” said Jon in space would face. Facilitated by land on the moon to establish a per- Challenger mission was a success, sadness to both Bella and his fans. there to watch the movie. Betthauser, the executive director approximately 10 trainees, who manent moon base. as both the students and the space Luckily for the audience, Bella Tickets continued to sell out in of the space center. “There are so went through the stimulator them- The operation was executed as center trainees benefited through does not discriminate when it movie theaters as people, non-read- many interesting careers in aero- selves during their own training, authentically as possible, as the this experience. In addition, sever- comes to attractive monsters. ers and diligent fans, loyally wore space, but you have to imagine the run-through of the space mis- spacecraft astronauts even had al students were interested in vol- Jacob Black’s appearance, played their nice little buttons and shirts going to space before you actually sion simulator went smoothly and their own space suits to put on unteering at the space center, as by Taylor Lautner, created quite a claiming “Team Edward” or “Team do so, or start working on it in real- efficiently. before entering their space craft. Betthauser notified the students of wave of hormonal reactions, as Jacob”. Perhaps everyone is so ity.” The students were at first split Television screens also displayed the newly available volunteering seen from the noted gasps echoing swept away by the appearances of The students also recognized it into different teams, such as from time to time the results of opportunities. throughout the movie theater when the characters in New Moon that it as a thrilling experience, and antic- Navigation, Data, and their work, as images of the earth “Student volunteers are an Jacob slips off his shirt to wipe enabled them to overlook the fact ipated the occasion with high Communication, with different and the moon captured the stu- essential part of operating this sci- blood spilling from Bella’s head. that the movie was not good at all. expectations, expectations that specific jobs for each group. These dents’ attentions. Every student ence center, particularly in the Team Jacob—go ahead and smile. But, of course, everyone had to were not unappeased by the end of teams were further separated into was either on a computer, machine, robotics lab,” said Betthauser, as he However, Jacob did not get as absolutely adore New Moon. the trip. two, where one group went into the or intercom, and was responsible encourages those students who are much “playing time” in New Moon Didn’t you hear? It’s the new, cool “I’m very excited for this trip Missions Control Room, while the for certain tasks. In addition, the interested in volunteering. as one would expect from the “thing”. because I’m excited to work with other went into the space craft. students received little help in their professionals and learn about Even within these groups, the stu- tasks, as they were encouraged to PIQE program a success Downey counselors reach out at Warren High to freshmen early on By Deborah Won, Intern By Gabriela Coya, Intern Eager parents swarmed the Downey families were represented student success and balance, from Warren library to attend the Parent and recognized for completing the topics that include but are not lim- In an attempt to connect with out what they did and did not “We’re looking at helping older Institute for Quality Education 9-week process. ited to the high school system, the the students more efficiently, the know. Their scores improved dra- grade levels with stuff like college graduation on Wednesday, Dec. 12, “We’ve never had such a strong importance of grades, financial aid, counselors at Downey have devel- matically after the meetings and preparation.” with the satisfaction of knowing turnout of parents at any school we etc. After the completion of the oped a new program to inform stu- more students began recognizing “Long term as a department, we that their completion of this 9- have presented this program at,” program, a graduation ceremony dents early on while they are fresh- their counselors. want to attain some sort of recogni- week PIQE course meant condi- said Martha Adams, the executive takes place, where the parents man about resources available for “They remembered our faces tion with RAMP (Recognized tional acceptance to any Cal State director of PIQE. receive the invaluable certificate advice. and now know how many credits it ASCA Model Program) through University for all their children. The greatest motive that attract- that includes the names of all their This past October, counselors takes to graduate and are coming the ASCA (American School During the graduation ceremo- ed parents to the PIQE program children whom now may receive Terri Curiel, Adair Lima, and up [to our offices],” said Lima. Counseling Association),” said ny, every name of the parent grad- was the incentive of obtaining con- conditional acceptance to all Cal Joanne Loyarte came up with a “Before, they didn’t know the right Loyarte. uates was read, and each received a ditional acceptance to any school State Universities. No matter how four-year plan to help this year’s people to approach for help on So far, the RAMP certification certificate of graduation signed by in the CSU system for their chil- many children, or what the age of freshmen familiarize with their campus.” through ASCA has only been given Chancellor Charles B. Reed of the dren, especially when the only the child is, as long as the name is counselors. The counselors reached With the increase in students to only one school in California, Cal State University System. In requirement was to attend a total of on the certificate, conditional out to the students by visiting and visiting their offices, the coun- but the counselors are intent on addition, both Principal John nine meetings. To add to the list of admission into the university is talking to health classes, which are selors are also now able to keep getting it. Harris and Assistant Principal Don benefits, PIQE also provides free granted. Conditional acceptance, in mostly composed of freshmen. track of the amount of times and “These are long term goals,” Rounds of Warren attended the cer- child care on the day of the meet- this case, means that the student There, they informed the students the reasons students visit with a said Lima. “This way of thinking emony and congratulated each ing. PIQE, a nine-session crash will be given priority acceptance that counselors are available at any computer system called Zangle. turned upside down our normal graduate for their completion. course for any and all parents, into the Cal State University of his time for guidance with bullying, “Our new computer system way of thinking.” “I am expecting 200 plus par- focuses on teaching parents the key or her choice, as long as the student time management and study skills, Zangle provides us data and let’s us With their innovative program, ents at the meeting,” said Rounds to understanding student success, meets the standard requirements to and graduating. see how many freshman we see the counselors just want to reassure when asked before the first intro- hoping to establish a school to par- be eligible to enter the CSU, such “As a department, we were and how often from here on the students at Downey High duction session what his atten- ent to student relationship in order as the A-G requirements, GPA, and having the same conferences over onward,” said Curiel. School can ask for any type help dance prediction was. to best facilitate the student’s learn- likewise. and over again,” said Loyarte. “We As part of their long time goals, from their counselors just about Surpassing all expectations, ing progression. The current success of the pro- needed to reach them more effi- the counselors hope not only reach any day of the week. approximately 400 parents attend- “PIQE is a spotlight on things gram has encouraged Warren to ciently because some of the infor- out to freshmen—but also other “We have an open-door policy ed the first of nine meetings back in to consider for students’ success, continue on with the PIQE system mation was lacking among the grade levels—and attain state where students can come in any Sept. 24. However, the biggest sur- for the high school experience,” in order to make this phenomenal freshmen.” recognition. time,” said Curiel. “We work really prise emerged in the 2009 PIQE said Rounds. “And absolutely, I opportunity more available for par- When they first visited the “We’re trying to come up with well in our department.” graduation, where a total of 399 encourage this program.” ents who are interested, and there is health classes, the counselors gave lessons that are appropriate for Within the nine sessions, PIQE a high possibility that the window students a diagnostic test to figure each grade level,” said Curiel. DVD RELEASES FOR covers the essential key points to to join will be reopened next fall. December 22

(500) Days of Summer All About Steve District 9 Extract American Pie Presents: The Book of Love Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Ghost Machine Kyle XY: Season 3 The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season 3 Taxi: The Final Season Source: www.comingsoon.net

Friday, December 18, 2009 Student Life The Downey Patriot 7 Sports

Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 The Downey Patriot 8 Sluggish start dooms Warren (4-3) still improving

 Bears are impressive in Downey comeback recent tournament. Romero scored the most points of with 23-6 points by game’s end. the evening with 12 while Devin The Bears continue to improve Garner followed closely behind on both offense and defense. BY SCOTT COBOS, with nine. Garner also scored the Paying close attention to the shot BY JOSEPH APODACA, STAFF WRITER most points off the rebound with clock and moving the ball down SPORTS INTERN six followed by Moises Benitez the court effectively has put the with four. The Bears stayed ahead Bears ahead in their game as they CHINO – Even a furious last- DOWNEY – The Warren boys’ of Firebaugh consistently through- move on into their San Gabriel quarter rally wasn’t enough for basketball team continues to out the game, putting themselves Valley League conference games Downey’s boys basketball team as improve as their season progresses, ahead in the score by at least 10 following the holiday break. they let one slip against Don Lugo taking home three out of five victo- points at the end of every quarter. So far this season, junior Cejay 61-58 last Friday on the road. ries in last week’s Blue Pride Benitez went on to score the Anderson has scored the most A 24-point fourth quarter was a Classics tournament. most points in the Sierra Vista points out of any other player, little too late for the Vikings who The Bears won 66-31 against game last week, scoring 14 in total. bringing his total to 44 points. didn’t start off too hot in a game Firebaugh High from Lynwood, Cejay Anderson and Javan Polk Senior Moises Benitez follows that they probably should have 61-50 against Sierra Vista High followed Benitez closely with 11 closely behind Anderson with 41 won. Whether it was the rain, the from Baldwin Park, and 51-42 points each while Garner rounded points for the season while senior long drive to Chino, or fatigue, the against South High from Torrance. out the top with six points. Benitez Eddie Romero rounds out the top well ran dry when it came to scor- They lost two games in the tourna- scored the most points off the three with 22 points for the season. ing points in the first two quarters ment, one to North High from rebound with six by the game’s Romero has also scored the of the game. Riverside at 49-58 and another to end. Sierra Vista posed a challenge most points off of a rebound with In the first quarter, Downey Narbonne High from Harbor City for the Bears, who were down in 17 for the season while Tremaine scored only eight points, and in at 35-38. The Bears are now 4-3 for the first and third quarter but were Gibson follows with 14 points off their second quarter they scored their overall season effort. up big in the second quarter and rebounds for the season. only 11. Downey struggled offen- In the Firebaugh game, Eddie even bigger in the fourth, closing sively and also were unable to keep Don Lugo in check. The Conquistadores averaged just over 15 points per quarter, with their biggest quarter being in the second where they scored 18. Downey tops Whittier teams At the half, Downey scored just one more point than their opposi- with 17 points, five assists, and 13 steals. On her heels was teammate tion did in the entire second quarter BY ALYSSA WYNNE, steals. Brie Hatter and Krystal Andrea Acosta who also helped to and were down 31-19. SPORTS INTERN Walker brought seven points each lead the lady Vikes with 12 points. Their third quarter saw the to the team. Demetria Love came Love had a vicious game with 10 Vikings finally start to figure down hard on La Serna with her points and 17 rebounds. Marifian things out offensively and they tied DOWNEY – Last week, nine rebounds, as did Hatter with added 10 points and 8 assists and Don Lugo scoring 15 points a Downey High’s varsity girls’ bas- six rebounds. Amanda Mazon added 9 points to piece. ketball team defeated La Serna Thursday’s game against Cal their lead. Things finally started to come High School on Tuesday, 46-32 High was successful due to a well- After these games Downey’s together offensively in the final and California High School on balanced team effort said head season record 3-3 and played their quarter of the game, but it was lit- Friday, 67-40. coach Nathan Harris. The team next game against Arcadia High tle too late as the Vikings had dug On Tuesday, in their first away definitely had a home court com- school on Tuesday, but results were themselves a hole that was too game of the preseason, the Vikings fort, which helped aid their suc- unavailable at press time. deep to climb out of, even with a were able to trump La Serna. Katie cess. Debra Lovell scored 12 24-point rush. Marifian played an amazing game points and had four assists and five The game puts the Vikings at 3- 3 for the season and it won’t get much easier for them as they had to travel Monday and Tuesday to Santa Margarita and Ayala. Downey’s next home game will be Vikings off to strong start next Tuesday versus Lakewood. Norwalk Calvillo. es have drilled the idea of “offside” Defense was the name of the BY ALYSSA WYNNE, Downey goalkeeper, Lorena into the minds of their players con- game as Downey’s boys’ basket- SPORTS INTERN Ruiz continues to live up to the sidering the ladies only had one ball team defeated Norwalk 45-39. legacy set before her after making marked against them and Downey’s defense really DOWNEY – Last Tuesday seven saves. The defense played Lakewood had five. Offside is a clamped down on Norwalk allow- afternoon, the Downey girls’ soc- well after being able to keep the rule, which limits how an opposing ing them to shoot only 28 percent cer team had its second match of ball away from their side of the player may be when involved in from the field all game. The zone PHOTOS BY CARLOS ONTIVEROS their preseason against Lakewood playfield after 11 shots on the goal. play. This rule was created so that defense from Downey forced High School and won 2-1. The offense was stronger in this one team cannot gain an advantage Norwalk into taking many mid to Downey forward Dami Adefeso (11) drives against a Norwalk defend- The first goal was scored in the game as well, and it shows in the by waiting for the ball near the long range jump shots, types that er in a Dec. 10 game versus Norwalk. The Vikings won, 45-39. first half of the game by forward number of attempted shots other team’s goal. the Lancers were not able to knock Stephanie Juanillo. Juanillo was Downey made against Lakewood, Downey had a game against down all night. Vikings who after the game were ity of the points for their team were assisted in this goal by fellow for- five. Though Downey committed California High on Tuesday and El The Lancers became 3-point one game over .500. still only held to 38 percent shoot- ward Brandi Neilan. Briana six fouls and it’s opponent only Rancho High on Thursday but shot happy towards the end of the Norwalk’s two top scorers ing combined and only made one Bobadilla made the second goal in four, these small slips did not ben- results were unavailable at press game, but all in all, the desperation Anthony Holliday and Manuel 3-point shot. the second half of the game after efit the other team. time. was not enough to catch the Castaneda while scoring the major- being assisted by Vannessa Obviously, the Downey coach-

The Downey AYSO boys 12U Manchester United team became regional champions last Saturday. Pictured above are Alexandro Castillo, Kevin Chavez, Andres Esparza, Daniel Gaytan, Oscar Raymundo, Daniel Romero, Luis Ruiz, Ethan Torres, Peter Torres, Phillip Caro and Coach Felipe Caro. Sports

Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 The Downey Patriot 9 Downey’s shining moment

The game itself took place on a BY BILL O’NEILL cool, eerie night, with fog so thick spectators couldn’t see across the field. The official paid attendance Through the years, Downey’s was 41,383; but with all of the high schools have produced many printed tickets sold and thousands SCOTT COBOS star athletes and some memorable of people still lined up at the turn- teams. But the great, shining stiles fifteen minutes after the moment in the city’s sports history game was due to start, officials took place on Dec. 14, 1956, when Tiger threw open the gates and wel- undefeated football teams repre- comed them in. Unofficially, the senting Downey and Anaheim met crowd probably totaled upward of in a CIF championship game in the 60,000; and thousands more might Woods Los Angeles Coliseum that is still have shown up, had the night been talked about, 53 years later. less foggy. The buildup to that game drew The two star running backs still sells national attention and was like lived up to their press clippings: nothing Southern California has he fallout of the Tiger Flynn scored on a 62-yard run in seen, before or since. It was front Woods scandal will prob- the first quarter, and Meadows page news, drawing more notice ably not end until a few answered with a 68-yard dash two and stirring more attention and more sponsors drop Tiger minutes later. The teams battled on T debate than the area’s college or all together. Earlier this week, even terms, up and down the professional teams. Each team fea- Accenture had announced that they Coliseum turf, with the game end- tured a running back (Randy would cut ties with the No. 1 golfer ing, quite fittingly, in a 13-13 tie. Meadows, of Downey; and Mickey in the world because he no longer Fifty-three years later, the game Flynn, of Anaheim) with stagger- fit the model they want as a The Downey Ballers were named champions of the Southern California Municipal Athletic is still remembered by many as ing statistics and personal charisma spokesperson for the company. Federation (SCMAF) Southern Section Fourth Grade Division for football. Top row, left to right: “The Greatest High School to match. Meadows averaged 15 Proctor and Gamble, owners of Kevin Meza, Jahveon Medearis, Abdul Butt, Christopher Steele and Steven George. Bottom row: Football Game Ever Played”— yards each time he touched the ball Gillette has announced that it will Coach Lovel Johnson, William Lucas, Julian Heredia, Johnny Beeks, Joshua Orellana, Alec and, to followers of Viking athlet- during the regular season and the scale back the involvement of ics over the years, as Downey’s Durane and Coach Thomas Lucas. Not pictured is Manny Ramos. playoffs, while Flynn, a quirky run- Tiger in their television and print Great, Shining Moment. ner who could change directions in ads and Tag Heuer, the Swiss Bill O’Neill graduated from the blink of an eye, was virtually watch maker released a statement Downey High School in 1952. unstoppable. on Monday saying that it will take the next few weeks to assess its relationship with the golfer. But who hasn’t pulled their sponsorship status from Woods? Nike. And trust me, this was the Not perfect, but very close smartest business move that Nike could do with the situation. against Millikan. six-on-five strategies working in The girls’ new found success Nike chairman Phil Knight said BY JOSEPH APODACA, “We beat Millikan 13-12 in the favor of the Vikings every time. has no doubt impressed many of on Monday that his company and SPORTS INTERN last five seconds of the game,” said Nevarez continues to shine as the their competitive rival teams. its relationship with Tiger remains senior Dominique Diaz. newest sprinter, winning sprints Coaches from Cerritos High unchanged and that they are com- DOWNEY – The Downey var- The girls stayed neck-and-neck consecutively throughout the start School were seen at the Millikan mitted to him. Knight continued to sity girls’ water polo team contin- with the Millikan Rams throughout of every period. game filming the Downey squad. say that the scandal around Woods ues to impress in their new season the entire pursuit, tying up the “Everyone is just really playing The girls enter into the San Gabriel is “part of the game” when it comes as they took home four victories score multiple times throughout the well and contributing a lot to the Valley conference games after the to endorsement deals with athletes. last week against Lakewood, game. The Rams would put them- game,” said Diaz. holiday break. He also went on to say that Millikan, Santa Fe, and San selves ahead of the Vikings at before signing Woods to the Marino. The girls are now 8-1 for times, but seniors Diaz and Brenda endorsement deal that a back- their overall season record, which Rosero continuously made plays ground check was run on the golfer includes non-San Gabriel Valley for the goal and brought up their and that he came out clean. Knight League games and tournaments. score. said that background checks can’t In their game against “Last year Millikan beat us 16- always be completely correct and Lakewood, the girls dominated 4 and Warren just recently lost to that “there’s always a risk.” over the Knights on the offense, Millikan so it was a huge win for But through the risk, through winning 14-4. The Vikings contin- us,” said Diaz. the turmoil that still lays ahead of ued to press hard on their offensive Returning players Diaz, Woods, Nike will stand by their strategies against the Santa Fe Rosero, Sarah Aguayo, Felicia man and in the end will come out Chiefs, bringing their final score to Aguirre, and Jessica Badalamenti on top. Why? Well, there are many 8-1 by the end of the fourth period. continue to be impressed by their reasons. The girls also defeated the San newest member Meghan Nevarez, Woods’ image has been com- Marino Titans, however, the score who was the only new starter for all pletely tarnished and now he is for the game was unavailable at four games. considered a womanizer. There press time. The team was The girls continue to prove probably isn’t a female on this undoubtedly excited to continue themselves in the water, showing a earth that would buy Nike equip- their season’s winning streak, strong offense in every single game ment but from a marketing point of especially in their close game and a well planned defense, with view, this isn’t important. What saved Woods from losing his biggest endorsement deal has nothing to do with what he does off the course. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It has everything to do shots better. If you use his driver, down 55 percent (as high as 88 per- with what he does on the course. you will hit the ball farther. If you cent). When looking at Woods’ use his clothing, you will feel more But because of Nike’s ability to involvement with Nike and looking comfortable. market him as a golfer rather than at his advertisements, one will They are not selling Woods off someone off the course, they’ll still notice if watching closely that the the course. They’re not selling his have one of the most marketable products he’s endorsing has noth- formerly clean record, nor are they golfers in the world. ing to do with lifestyle. It has more selling you the loyal family man Let’s face it. America is a for- to do with performance equipment that he was once known to be. To giving country and his image, that he uses on the course. Nike, what Woods does in his per- while it may not be completely Whether it be his blade irons, sonal life doesn’t matter. repaired, will rebound. Yes, Woods golf balls, or shirts, it all pertains to Performance on the course is what won’t be playing golf for a while equipment that he uses while he’s counts to this brand. which might hurt the PGA but he’ll playing. Arguments can be said that be back. And guess what? When he Nike’s advertisements are endorsing Woods is a bad move comes back, he will still be the No. geared to selling you a specific because they’ll lose on sales with 1 golfer in the world. And Nike Tiger Woods: the No. 1 golfer in things that are attached to him. knows that. USA Today the world. Their advertisements are has Woods’ popularity trying to say if you use their equip- ment you will play as well as the best golfer on earth. If you use his golf balls, you will control your Christon: Lifetime of travel grants unique insights. Christmas play at local church Continued from page 1 a number of the other “great Theater is the social center for the ning scheme that provides for con- At any rate, although he has DOWNEY – A 45-member cities,” among them Paris, young, when its product is studio venient mass transit and plenty of teamed up with the Avenue Arts choir will lend its voice to a Its 150 color photographs include London, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, generic and bludgeoning to the opportunity for people to walk Foundation in “advocating for and Christmas play this weekend at images of before-they-were-stars Sydney, Beijing and Moscow. spirit? How is it that people of all where they need to go.” promoting the visual and perform- First Baptist Church of Downey. Joe Pantoliano, Ed Harris, It is from the insights gained ages, ethnicities and interests will There it is, his magic word: ing arts to meet the cultural needs “One Special Christmas” fol- Elizabeth McGovern, Dennis over this lifetime of reporting and routinely say of downtown walk. of Downey [and neighboring] res- lows the frantic Christmas Eve Franz and Tom Hulce. Christon is travel that Christon offers a few Downey that it’s boring?” So, “What can we do to revital- idents,” Christon says he won’t toe escapades of a contemporary fami- ly that finally slows down long currently at work on a second observations about Downey. For He continues: “[A] mythic ize Downey?” he asks. “I keep the line blindly but retain his inde- enough to find Christmas in a place novel. (You can sample his writing instance, Christon asked this ques- observer from Mars will see in coming back to the arts and their pendent stance in some matters. they had forgotten to look: a on a variety of subjects under his tion of downtown Downey in a Downey retrograde traffic conges- variant, entertainment. The AAF is a group that includes manger. name in the internet). recent Letter to the Editor: “Why tion, no vibrant center, no cultural Avenue Theatre, though apparent- Harold Tseklenis, Kathy Perez, The choir will participate in a In the course of his reportorial is it that downtown is so pokey, scene, no night life, no buzz.” ly doomed, remains an option to George Redfox, Jared Head, and traditional Christmas Eve candle- work, and on his own, Christon desultory, moribund and gray, “What distinguishes the [great anchor downtown with indie David Llamas. light service, focusing on the has traveled widely around the cramped and empty at the same places I’ve seen] is culture,” he films, festivals, lectures, music At this stage, Christon says, Biblical account of Jesus’ birth. world. He has visited and stayed in time? Why is it that the Krikorian goes on, “and a municipal plan- and readings. There’s the Downey considering the difficulty of fund- The play is free and begins at 7 Theatre next to the Embassy ing, “All we can do is raise the Suites and a number of open p.m., Dec. 18-20. Doors will open level of awareness that such a at 6:30 p.m. spaces and sites for outdoor con- thing is possible, that there is a certs of every sort. There are other First Baptist Church of huge potential for the realization Downey is at 8348 3rd St. indoor venues that could be trans- of a vibrant downtown, that at formed into night spots, comedy least we’ll try to lay down the clubs, underground spaces and foundation for our vision.” jazz and music spots—all located For better or for worse, seem- Music of in the vicinity of Firestone ingly with no axe to grind, well- Boulevard and 4th Street and informed and thoughtful, opinion- Andrew Lloyd Dolan Avenue and Paramount ated, and articulate, Christon has Boulevard. And maybe, God for- joined the call for an ‘arts zone’ in Webber bid, we could put in a bookstore. Downey. From all indications, his COSTA MESA – Musical Which means people could get out is no uncertain trumpet. excerpts from the greatest works of their cars and walk from one by Andrew Lloyd Webber will be place to another, revivifying the featured at the Orange County street scene.” Performing Arts Center for a one- week engagement beginning Feb. 16. A full on-stage symphony orchestra and a cast of Broadway headliners will recreate works by Webber, considered the world’s “greatest living musical theater composer.” The program will feature num- bers from such musicals as “Cats,” “Evita,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Whistle Down the Wind,” “Starlight Express,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and more. Tickets to see “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” start at $20 and are available online at www.ocpag.org or by calling (714) 556-2787. Counsel’s Corner: When facing New Titles at the Downey City Library foreclosure, bankruptcy may help Fiction • “Daughters of the Stone” by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa. A lyrical debut novel about a family of Afro- By Steve Lopez, Puerto Rican women, detailing their physical and spiritual journey from the Old World to the New. and keep your home. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is what you Law Offices of Steve Lopez • “A Quilter’s Holiday” by Jennifer Chiaverini. For the Elm Creek Quilters, the day after Thanksgiving Chapter 13 may also help you wish to do, you may not be eligible. eliminate the payments on your Under the Bankruptcy Abuse marks the start of the quilting season, a time to stitch special gifts for loved ones. f you are facing foreclosure and second or third mortgages. That’s Prevention and Consumer • “Rainwater” by Sandra Brown. During a time of drought and economic depression in 1934, Ella cannot work out a loan modifi- because if your first mortgage is Protection Act of 2005, you are not Barron runs her boardinghouse in Texas while caring for her son, Solly. cation with the lender, bank- I secured by the entire value of your eligible if your average gross • “The Signal” by Ron Carlson. A rancher and his wife face a conflict over his actions to save the fam- ruptcy may home (which is possible if the income for the six-month period ily land. What was planned as a final trip together causes them to see their marriage in a new light. help. home has dropped in value), you preceding the bankruptcy filing • “Under the Mistletoe” by Linda Howard and Stephanie Bond. Love stories with a holiday theme from If you may no longer have any equity exceeds the state median income two popular contemporary writers. get behind with which to secure the later mort- for the same size household. Nor on your Non-Fiction gages. That allows the Chapter 13 are you eligible if your current mortgage • “The Brown Fat Revolution: Trigger Your Body’s Good Fat to Lose Weight and Be Healthier” court to “strip off” the second and income provides enough excess payments, a by James R. Lyons. A physician explains how certain types of fat can help you maintain a more healthy third mortgages and re-categorize over your living expenses to fund a lender may body. them as unsecured debt which, reasonable Chapter 13 repayment take steps to under Chapter 13, takes last priori- plan. • “E is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids about Morals, Values, and What Matters Most” by Ian James foreclose. ty and often does not have to be You must also consider that Corlett. Advice for parents on how to instill a sense of morality and fair play in children. That is, paid back if at all. both bankruptcy and foreclosure • “Shoptimism: Why the American Consumer Will Keep on Buying No Matter What” by Lee enforce the terms of the loan by If you do not want to keep your will damage your credit score. Eisenberg. A provocative and entertaining look at America’s love affair with shopping, a pursuit that, selling the house at a public auc- home but need more time to find a However, sometimes bankruptcy is even in hard times, remains a kind of national pastime. tion and taking payment of your new place to live and need to get the preferable option when trying • “Stones into Schools: Promoting Books, not Bombs in Afghanistan and Pakistan” by Greg loan out of the auction without rid of all your debt, Chapter 7 to rebuild credit. And here’s why: a Mortenson. The author of “Three Cups of Tea” recounts his ongoing efforts to build schools while estab- having to go to court. bankruptcy is for you.. In that case, foreclosure will damage your cred- lishing communication with Islamic clerics, militia commanders and tribal leaders. The foreclosure process typi- filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy it score for many years, will not get • “Thank Heaven: a memoir” by Leslie Caron. The celebrated star of Gigi traces her childhood in cally starts after you fall behind on will at least stall the sale and give rid of your other debt, and is partic- your payments for at least three to occupied France, her personal struggles and successful film career. you two or three more months to ularly harmful when you begin four months. That gives you time work things out with your lender. It house shopping again. Visit www.downeylibrary.org and click on “New and Notable Books” to browse more titles to try some alternate measures, will also help you save up some In contrast, discharging your such as loan forbearance, a short money during the process and can- debts in bankruptcy will harm your sale, or a deed in lieu of foreclo- cel debt secured by your home. credit score, but can help you sure. But if you’ve already tried During a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, rebuild your score quicker than that and failed with these measures, Genealogy and you can live in your home for free of a foreclosure. This is because now is a good time to consider during at least some of the months bankruptcy will leave you solvent bankruptcy as a possibility for the courts while your bankruptcy is pending and debt free and therefore able to avoiding or stalling foreclosure. WHITTIER – The Whittier and perhaps several more after start rebuilding good credit sooner. Here are some ways that filing for Area Genealogical Society your case is closed. You can then So what’s the point to all this? bankruptcy can help you. (WAGS) will meet Jan. 16 at the use that money to help secure new Preserve the little cash you do When you file either a Chapter Whittier Masonic Lodge. shelter. Chapter 7 bankruptcy will have. Filing for a Chapter 7 bank- 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the Professional genealogical lec- also cancel all the debt that is ruptcy (if you don’t qualify for court automatically issues an order turer Anita Cheek Milner will be secured by your home, including Chapter 13) will provide a tempo- known as the “automatic stay.” The guest speaker. Her topic will be the mortgage, as well as any sec- rary delay from the foreclosure and automatic stay directs your credi- “Probate and Divorce Records.” ond mortgages and home equity allow you to preserve the cash to tors to cease their collection activi- Milner will provide a general loans. find alternative housing. ties immediately. If your home is outline of our court system and dis- With all this debt being can- The long term advantage is that scheduled for a foreclosure sale, cuss the relevance or probate and celled, you may be wondering why this may be the best way to start the sale will be legally postponed divorce records to genealogical the foreclosure on your home over by allowing you to get rid off while the bankruptcy is pending— research. won’t be cancelled too. This is so all your debts such as credit cards, typically for three to four months. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. because when you bought your utility bills, medical bills, etc and However, there are exceptions to Visitors are welcome. For more home you probably signed two allow for you to start rebuilding this general rule. information, call Joyce Biby at documents: a promissory note to your credit score. One is that the lender can hire an (562) 296-6372. repay the mortgage loan and a The purpose of this column is to pro- attorney to go to bankruptcy court security agreement called a Deed vide general information on the law, and obtain the bankruptcy court’s of Trust that could be recorded as a which is subject to change. It is not permission to proceed with the sale lien to enforce performance on the legal advice. Consult a lawyer if you by filing a “motion to lift the stay.“ have a specific legal problem. promissory note. This means that the lender is ask- Chapter 7 bankruptcy gets rid ing the court to exclude the home of your personal liability under the from the automatic stay order. promissory note, but it doesn’t Musical Therefore, you may not get the full remove the lien. That’s the way three to four months. But even Chapter 7 works. It gets rid of debt fundraiser then, the bankruptcy will typically but not liens. You’ll still probably postpone the sale by at least two have to give up the house under the at church months, or even more if the lender lien since that’s what provided col- is slow in pursuing the motion to NORWALK – The musical lateral for the loan. Therefore, this lift the automatic stay. trio, The Time Machine, will per- is why you would not be able to If you want to keep your home form inside the recreation hall at keep your home when you file for but cannot afford to pay for it, St. Francis Episcopal Church in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you pay Norwalk this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Not everyone can or should file off the “arrearage” (late, unpaid A buffet lunch will be available for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You payments) over the length of a during intermission. could lose property you want to repayment plan you propose—five The event is a fundraiser and a keep. Chapter 7 might cause you to years in some cases. But you’ll donation of $10 is suggested. The lose property you don’t want to need enough income to at least church is at 12700 Paddison Ave. give up. In addition, even if meet your current mortgage pay- in Norwalk. ment at the same time you’re pay- ing off the arrearage. Assuming you make all the required pay- ments up to the end of the repay- ment plan, you’ll avoid foreclosure Police Activities League Youth Education and Job Training Crime Prevention Program to $100,000 to Southern Local projects land federal funding expand crime prevention training California Rehabilitation Services and leadership development pro- (SCRS) in Downey for a Computer grams for youth ages 9-18 and their Resource and Rehabilitation Room  SCRS, Downey-based “The Omnibus Appropriations Housing and Urban Development, includes federal funding for vital parents in the communities of to assist disabled clients; Boyle Heights; $150,000 to the East L.A. disability group, for FY 2010 makes targeted invest- Treasury, as well as foreign assis- health care efforts to address dia- ments in areas that will rebuild our tance programs and the District of betes, high blood pressure and car- $375,000 for the Court Classic Theater for the School- approved for $100K. economy,” said Roybal-Allard. Columbia. diovascular disease in our commu- Appointed Special Advocate Based Literacy Program “The legislation funds infrastruc- The legislation passed the U.S. nities. It provides funding for (CASA) Program for Infants and “Language in Play.” DOWNEY – Rep. Lucille ture, health, and education initia- House of Representatives on Dec. needed road, infrastructure and Toddlers to recruit, train and super- $500,000 for the Chrysalis Ex- Roybal-Allard (D-34) announced tives to immediately create jobs 10 by a vote of 221 to 202. The emergency services’ improve- vise court appointed special advo- Offender and Homeless Job last week final House passage of a while making long-term invest- measure awaits expected passage ments. In addition, the legislation cates to address the needs of Training Initiative for a training spending measure that includes ments in our local workforce and in the U.S. Senate before being funds critical workforce training infants and toddlers in the Los program to help ex-offenders re- millions of dollars in federal funds communities. This spending meas- sent to the President. programs that provide job seekers Angeles foster care system; enter the workforce; for major programs and projects ure strengthens our economy, cre- The measure also includes with the skills needed to secure $500,000 for the City of Los $300,000 to Homeboy that she championed throughout ating an estimated 1.5 million jobs funding for a wide-variety of proj- employment in today’s tough job Angeles’ Community Law Industries for a Solar Panel the year for her district and the by investing $41.8 billion in high- ects in communities throughout the market as well as after-school edu- Enforcement and Recovery Training Program for former gang community at large. way infrastructure.” 34th Congressional District. cational programs to keep at-risk (CLEAR) Program to decrease members; A member of the The Fiscal Year 2010 Omnibus “I am pleased my colleagues on youth on the right track.” gang-related crime in the Boyle $200,000 to the City of Bell for Appropriations Committee, the Appropriations measure (HR 3288) the Appropriations Committee and Among the projects that Heights community of Los the At-Risk-Youth Technology congresswoman was appointed by includes appropriations for the in Congress supported my efforts received funding under the meas- Angeles; Intervention Program; House leadership to serve on the Departments of Commerce, during this very challenging budg- ure: $200,000 for the U.S. Soccer $250,000 to the Filipino- conference committee tasked with Justice, State, Labor, Health and et year to fund these critical local Crime Reduction and At-Risk Foundation’s Champions of American Service Group in negotiating the final Omnibus Human Services, Education, projects in the 34th District,” Youth Change: Youth Soccer Gang Historic Filipinotown for case spending agreement. Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Roybal-Allard said. “This measure $250,000 for the Hollenbeck Prevention Initiative to fund a pilot management and job training for program in the Pico Union neigh- homeless adults. borhood of the 34th Congressional Transportation/Infrastructure District that uses soccer as a tool $9.6 million for the final feder- for keeping at-risk children and al payment for construction of the DUSD: teenagers from joining gangs. Edward R. Roybal Metro Gold Last meeting until the New Year. Health Line Eastside Extension, which $800,000 for the Phoenix opened in November; Continued from page 1 and Civic Center work performed regarding high school counselors; Shannon Moore on behalf of Bryce House Strengthening Family and $500,000 for the City of by classified personnel, Adult and the proposed revisions to MAR Landon Moore, a minor, in compli- Mental Health Services for Bellflower to provide bus shelters School as well as $30,000 worth of School and Food Service, through 4141, Administrative, ance with Government Code Underserved Youth in Los Angeles to protect riders from the elements culinary arts equipment at Warren November 2009; B warrants; the Psychologist, Program Specialist Section 911-15 and 945; County to expand substance abuse and to promote the use of public High—both from the Mary R. renewal, award or change order of salary schedule A, effective Feb. 1, •Received the 2009-10 First recovery management services; transportation; Stauffer Foundation; and substan- certain bids; the transfer of one 2010 (the revisions reflect a 5-step Period Interim Financial Report as $500,000 to White Memorial $300,000 for the Trail tial donations from Michael fund from the Unrestricted to the salary structure which rewards cer- of Oct. 31, 2009, and approved the Medical Center in Boyle Heights Development Project in the City of Berdelis of Prudential 24 Hour Restricted General Fund; routine tificated personnel with most cred- positive certification that DUSD for the Diabetes and Chronic Huntington Park to construct a 3/4- Real Estate as well as the Downey Personnel items until board subse- its and seniority and provides those can meet its financial obligations Disease Prevention Project; mile walking/running trail around Rotary Club; quent action; the establishment of a with less with 2 percent salary for the remainder of the 2009-10 $250,000 to Lupus L.A. for the the perimeter of Salt Lake Park ; •Ratified/approved the follow- limited-term position, for Gallatin increase gradations); fiscal year (even as it draws down Lupus Cooperative of Los Angeles $500,000 for Garfield Avenue ing: the payment of convention and Elementary; the changes in posi- •Accepted as complete the elec- on its reserves); and Demonstration Project; Improvements in the City of conference attendance expenses; tions providing support services for trical, fencing, backhoe services, •Endorsed the actions taken by $400,000 to Good Samaritan Commerce; the general agreements with vari- students with special needs; the plaster, acoustical ceiling, paving, the Superintendent on all student Hospital in Downtown Los $500,000 for Atlantic ous agencies; the payments for spe- Memorandum of Understanding concrete, as well as the bid pack- cases, considered in closed session. Angeles to upgrade and renovate Boulevard South improvements in cial education placements; the pur- between the DEA and DUSD ages for the WHS modernization The next regular public meet- its Peripheral Vascular Disease the City of Maywood; chase orders by the Purchasing regarding the PAR (Peer Assistance program; ing of the board will be at 5 p.m. on Lab; $487,000 for Positive Train Department; the issuance of pay- Review) Panel stipends for the •Acknowledged the receipt and Jan. 19 at the Gallegos $250,000 to Childrens Hospital Control technology capable of pre- roll orders for hourly, overtime, 2009-10 school year, as well as that denial of a claim submitted by Administration Center. Los Angeles (CHLA) for Camp venting train-to-train collisions for CHLA, a pipeline health careers the Metrolink commuter rail serv- program; ice; $500,000 on behalf of the $50 million for the develop- Congressional Hispanic Caucus for ment of technologies to prevent the National Association of train-to-train collisions, over-speed Hispanic Nurses’ mentorship pro- derailments, and other unautho- gram. rized movements by a train. B’s Dance Place in Downey partnered with the Downey Police Department to host a toy drive for needy families. On Dec. 9, Officer Jose Gomez picked up the toys and, with the help of B’s dancers, loaded his police cruiser to capacity. “It was a nice sight to see the toy drive boxes inside of the dance studio slowly David Llamas, owner of Mambo Grill and a member of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, was recently but surely fill up as the days went by,” a representative from B’s Dance Place said. “This is proof that when honored by the Downey Police Officers’ Association for his support of the police department. From left to a community comes together we can all make a difference.” The toy drive will become an annual event at right: Officer Tim Lau, Officer Justin Prentis, Llamas, Officer Jason Klevos and Sgt. Chris Kurtz. the dance studio.

Musical to premiere at Santa will visit Del Taco Downey Theatre DOWNEY – Santa Claus will be at Del Taco, 8028 Firestone Blvd., tomorrow from 1 to 5 p.m. for free photos with children. DOWNEY – “Bring It On,” a new production by Cheryle Productions There will be free treats and giveaways, including the grand prize of a and Musical Theatre, will premiere Jan. 16 at the Downey Theatre. 5-ft. stocking. “Bring It On” tells the story of a plumber who suddenly falls ill and is The community is invited. unable to speak for himself. His wife, Regina, is confronted unexpectedly with the woes and foes of her children’s illegitimate children, his loyal Christian friends and a decision to be happy “expressed in a hidden sur- prise.” Tickets to the show are $10 and available by calling (310) 502-4574.

GARAGE SALE ANIMALS/PETS FOR RENT FOR RENT SERVICES

GREAT YARD SALE GORGEOUS ENGLISH QUIET DOWNEY APT. 1 & 2 BED, 1 BATH APTS HANDY TECH Yard Sale this Saturday, the BULLDOGS 2 bed, 2 bath $1,250 mo., New carpet, tile, A/C, stove, If it’s broken, I’ll fix it. 19th of December. Lots of for sale These pure breed, elec. stv., A/C, ceiling fan, ldry facilities, pool, near (562) 774-5976 cool electronics, video game wrinkle, puppies are already new carpet & paint, pool, Stonewood. No Sec. 8. No consoles, furniture and other de-wormed with all up to date covered prkng. pets, No smoking. high-end items will be for shots. very healthy and stocky (562) 776-8494 (714) 318-3762 HONEST HANDYMAN sale. Come on down to 12286 puppies. These wrinkled cut- (714) 309-3901 Painting, plumbing, electri- Samline Ave. Sale will start ties are very playful, great cal, carpentry. at 9am. with kids and great with other MOVE IN NOW, Call Jim (562) 869-0741 pets. for additional informa- GET A FREE TREE N. DOWNEY FOR LEASE tion call Carlos at: 714-602- AND CHRISTMAS 2 bed, starting @ $1,350 & 0389 Visit us online at DINNER! up. Pool, secured bldg. ARMAS PATCHING 5,000 SQ. FT. WARE- www.bulldogmania.net BELLFLOWER (562) 869-4313 mgr. & RESTUCCO HOUSE OR STORAGE Prices: $1,400 to $1,600. 2 bed, carport, coin lndry. - Exterior & interior plaster New roolup door, central $995. House, carport, lndry. patching, matching all stucco Downey location. 45¢ sq. ft. FOR RENT hkps. - $865. House, dble. gar., FREE RENT textures. Very clean. 25 years (562) 869-0555 A/C - $1,295. House, 2 bed, 2 1st month FREE RENT with exp. No patch too small. Free DOWNEY APT. bath, gar. - $1,795 a 1 year lease on approved estimates. Ask for Ray Armas 2 bed, 1 bath $1,100 mo. (562) 867-4710 credit. FREE CREDIT Lic# 882779 1 bed, 1 bath $900 mo. CHECK!! 2 bed. Available (562) 923-8227 (562) 881-5635 DOWNEY now! Starting @ $1,200.00 & 1 bed, A/C, gated - $895 up. Large floor plans, (562) 803-1467 garages, air-cond., verticals, NEED A PAINTER dishwasher & stove, Interior & exterior, ref. NORWALK sparkling pool & BBQ area. Call Rick (562) 225-0540 1 bed, A/C, gated - $895. 7117 Stewart & Gray Rd., (562) 863-6599 Downey www.mgbservices.net (562) 928-9808 ACTION PAINTING & SERVICES CONSTRUCTION Painting, remodel, interior & RENTAL PROPERTY exterior. Lic. 456722. Call FULL SERVICE HOUSE FOR RENT Steve Kennedy 3 bed, 2 bath, dble gar., $1,875 PLUMBING (562) 928-7680 mo. + $1,000 sec. dep. Licensed, bonded & insured, (562) 441-6509 7121 Dinwiddie, Dwy 24/7, senior discount (310) 433-6513 McKinnon & Sons (310) 944-1851 Plumbing of Downey MIKE (562) 904-3616 THE ELECTRICIAN FREE NO OBLIGATION DOWNEY HOME FOR ESTIMATE. Lic. #829705 RENT COMPUTER (562) 861-4266 Large Downey home, 4 bed 2 CONSULTING bath, walk to Sees Candies, Senior tutoring, upgrade, Florence and Paramount area, repairs, system set up, virus SUPERB PAINTING $2450. removal, troubleshooting. Exterior, interior, senior dis- (562) 754-3797 (562) 714-9876 counts, references, depend- able & reliable. Free esti- mates. Lic. #634063. Wayne. CONDO FOR RENT ROSCHE’S (562) 863-5478 2 bed, 2 bath, new paint, car- POOLS AND SPAS pet, refrig., W/D, Central A/C Residential & Commercial. & heating, pool, spa & gym. Service, Repair & Remodel. FUN MANICURE $1,650 mo. + dep. Free Estimates. Rates as low By Myrna, Pedicures too! 7304 Quill Dr, Dwy unit 178 as $65 a month Ladies & Gents. Call now (562) 804-7889 (562) 413-6154 (562) 489-3050 CSULB leads in undergrad applications

LONG BEACH – Cal State CSULB President F. King ber is nearly 2,000 more than last CSULB cut its enrollment this Long Beach (CSULB) has Alexander. year’s 45,734 first-time freshman year by about 2,300 students and received a record number of appli- “While these numbers point to total. The campus also received is targeting a reduction of 3,044 cations from potential undergradu- excellence in quality and recogni- the largest number of transfer stu- FTE (full-time equivalent) stu- ate students for the fall 2010 tion of our campus’ reputation,” he dent applications with 21,973 dents for the 2010-11 academic semester, according to CSULB added, “what’s unfortunate for received, a whopping 48.6 percent year. President F. King Alexander, who most of these applicants is that due increase over last year’s 14,785. “Cal State Long Beach consis- reported a preliminary count of to continuing reductions to In fact, over the last two years, tently ranks among the top univer- more than 69,000 freshman and CSULB’s budget, only 5,500 will transfer student applications have sities in the nation in the number transfer student applications actually enroll as students in the risen a staggering 84.9 percent of applications it receives from received. fall.” (11,883 for fall 2008 to 21,973 for undergraduates students, especial- While the CSU Chancellor’s On Monday, the last day to fall 2010), primarily due to the ly those students who are going to Students from Downey Adult School’s Dental Assisting and Pharmacy Office reported receiving more submit applications, the CSU sys- campus closing admissions to be first-time freshmen,” Technicians programs received their diplomas in a graduation cere- than 609,000 undergraduate appli- tem received more than 73,000 transfer students during its spring mony last week. Alexander pointed out. cations system-wide, shattering all applications alone (compared to semester the last two years. “In an environment where out- previous records, Cal State Long 33,000 on the last day of the filing The high demand for enroll- comes are often difficult to meas- Beach received more applications period a year ago). Of those last ment at CSULB and other sister ure, it is reassuring to know that Students earn from potential first-time freshman submitted applications, more than campuses comes at a time when our university continues to be and transfer students than any of 8,000 were for enrollment at the CSU system is expected to among the most desirable institu- the other 22 campuses in the sys- CSULB. reduce its enrollment by some tions in the country for high vocational diplomas tem. CSULB led the CSU system in 40,000 students over two years as school seniors.” The application period for first-time freshman applications a result of the $564 million budget DOWNEY – Downey Adult School held its fall graduation ceremony undergraduate students interested with 47,683 received. That num- cut from the state of California. on Dec. 8 for its Dental Assisting Vocational program and Pharmacy in attending any CSU campus next Technician Vocational program graduates. fall ended on Monday (Nov. 30), Nancy Garcia was named valedictorian for the dental assistant gradu- and the number of electronic ating class while Zumara Esquer was salutatorian. applications submitted for enroll- For the pharmacy technician program, Dora Latino was named vale- ment at CSULB was 69,656, an dictorian while both Rodjana Polachart and Marife Talosig were salutato- increase of more than 9,000 appli- rians. cations over the previous year’s The ceremony was attended by family, friends and members of the 60,519. With the inclusion of community, and included a slideshow of the graduates’ work in achieving international student applications, their diplomas. CSULB received more than “Downey Adult School congratulates all graduates of the Dental 71,000 applications in all, break- Assisting and Pharmacy Technician programs, and wishes everyone suc- ing the 70,000 mark for the first cess in their chosen paths and endeavors,” the school said in a statement. time in its history. “With the entire California State University system receiving more applications for next year Auto building nears completion than ever before, it speaks well of NORWALK – Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe presented the quality of education and stu- a check for $100,000 to Cerritos College last month to support a new auto- dent life that Cal State Long Beach motive building scheduled for completion in February. leads every other system campus The new $6 million building will house the Southland Cerritos Center in terms of students applying for for Transportation Technologies. freshman status as well as those “This is a visionary kind of project,” Knabe said. “This will play a applying as transfer students,” said large roll in filling the ever-changing, highly-skilled employment needs of the auto industry. I’m glad to be part of this great project.” Tesla Motors, through the City of Downey, donated 100 Tesla Roadster remote-controlled cars toys to local charities this week. The toys arrived at City Hall on Wednesday and will be distributed to the TLC Family Resource Center, PTA HELPS, Angel Tree, the Downey Police Officers’ Association and the Downey Firemen’s Association. “We are extremely thankful and appreciate Tesla’s generosity,” Mayor Anne Bayer said in a statement. “Our local needy children will have one more reason to smile about this holiday sea- son.”

Stonewood Center hosted representatives from three local schools last week in a competition for a $500 gift card to benefit their school. The representatives, Bonnie Cuttress of East Middle School, Yolanda Corniar of Unsworth Elementary and Pete Ramos of St. Matthias High School, competed for the card by unwrap- ping 50 gifts as fast as they could to find the $500 card hidden in one of the boxes. After about five min- utes, Ramos discovered the card. The other schools received $50 gift cards as consolation prizes.

Jim Branchick, executive nurse with Kaiser Permanente, traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive an award from the Leapfrog Group. Kaiser named top ‘urban’ hospital

DOWNEY – The new Kaiser they also use their resources wise- Other urban hospitals to make Permanente Downey Medical ly, providing excellent and efficient the list include the Mayo Clinic in Center has been named one of the outcomes for patients,” said Leah Phoenix, Ariz., UC Davis Medical top urban hospitals in the nation, Binder, CEO of the Leapfrog Center in Sacramento, University according to a survey released last Group, which conducted the sur- Medical Center in Princeton, N.J., week. vey. and Northwestern Memorial “This year’s class of top hospi- The new Downey medical cen- Hospital in Chicago. tals not only hits the mark in areas ter opened in September after mov- More than 1,200 hospitals were such as mediation error prevention ing here from Bellflower. It was ranked in the survey. and preventing ICU deaths, but named a top “urban hospital.”