Cerritos College Faculty Rally for Higher Wages

Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 Vol. 10 No. 4 12040 Foster Road, Norwalk, CA 90650

Sheriff’s deputy fatally shoots stolen car Cerritos College faculty rally for higher wages: suspect NORWALK – A sheriff’s deputy shot and killed man in Norwalk ‘You have the money’ Wednesday after the suspect colleges that Cerritos is often compared to. allegedly struck the deputy with a Friday 77˚ stolen car. Lyndsey Lefebvre, vice president of part-time faculty and member of the Weekend Authorities say a sheriff’s negotiating team, said that negotiations are expected to go back and forth, at a deputy was on patrol when he however what has been offered is “kind of sad.” Glance ran the registration of an Acura “We were trying to do a three-year salary deal; the last two, three years Saturday 6874˚⁰ Integra parked near a gas pump at they offered 2 ½ percent, but anything we wanted to negotiate beyond our Friday the 7-Eleven located at Alondra contract, so for example if we wanted to pay for office hours, we would have Boulevard and Studebaker Road. The to pay for it out of our salary increase,” said Lefebvre. This also included registration check revealed the Acura paying department chairs, according to Lefebvre. Sunday 79˚ ⁰ had been stolen out of Whittier. Lefebvre went on to explain that currently staff is only paid for eight Saturday 70 The deputy approached the hours of office time over the entire semester period, which is 18 weeks during vehicle and saw that it was occupied a normal semester. by one male driver,” sheriff’s officials After the rally, the group addressed the Trustee Board directly during said. “The deputy heard the driver their meeting. Several people spoke. THINGS TO DO start the vehicle as he attempted to make contact with him. At some Sandra Weese, Organizing Director for the California Federation of point, the vehicle accelerated, struck Teachers, described it as “shameful” that the Faculty Union had gone 13 years the deputy, at which time, a deputy without a contract. involved shooting occurred.” “You have the money,” said Weese. “There’s a clear case about what’s After the shooting, the deputy going on here. Work load is getting bigger, class sizes are getting bigger. In By Alex Dominguez aggregate, they’re losing money, you guys are making more money in terms performed CPR on the suspect until Contributor paramedics arrived. The suspect, of administration. It’s despicable, it’s not fair, and you should fix it.” described as a male Hispanic, died at Joanne Waddell, president of the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, said a local hospital. NORWALK – Inclement weather was not enough to deter several Cerritos that collective bargaining agreements are a right. College faculty and students from rallying last Wednesday evening in protest Healthy Downey 5K The deputy was transported to of what they believe to be unfair wages and working conditions. “The fact that the Cerritos faculty has been denied that right has caused Saturday - Apollo Park, 7:30 a.m. a hospital where he was treated and me to be here tonight to stand with my Cerritos sisters and brothers in their A 5K run/walk with proceeds benefiting released. Clad in matching read shirts that adorned the phrase “the power of a thank fight for their right to a collective bargaining agreement,” said Waddell. you” across their backs, a moderate sized group of individuals comprising the TLC Family Resource Center. Same- The shooting occurred at the “... In the face of such backward budgeting, Cerritos faculty remain loyal day registration $40 adults, $30 kids of full and part time staff and a handful of their students assembled in the employees, and continue to professionally develop to stay current in their same location where a man was college’s administrative quad prior to Cerritos’s Board of Trustee’s meeting. killed just one day prior. fields. In return they’re told to take money from one pocket, put it in the Solomon Namala, co-chair of the Cerritos College Economics other pocket, and call it a raise. That’s not a raise.” In that incident, authorities say Department and Cerritos College Faculty Federation (CCFF) President said In response to the recent negotiations, the Cerritos College Community the victim was approached by people that negotiations are not going well. inside the 7-Eleven and a verbal District also released a statement, saying “The District and the Board of altercation took place. “One of the main reasons is we’ve been a union for 13 years and we don’t Trustees highly value the contributions of our full-time and part-time faculty have a complete contract yet,” said Namala. “We’re the only community toward the success of our students…The District offered its other employee The victim was reportedly chased college in the state without a complete contract.” groups a 10% raise over the course of three years, which they accepted. The outside the convenience store where District extended a 10% increase to the Faculty Union for full-time faculty he was shot and killed. Currently, the Faculty Union is fighting for paid and expanded office hours for both part-time and full-time staff, fair compensation for other and 16% to part-time faculty over three years, which is far and above other Authorities said the shooting activities such as serving as department chair, and reduced class sizes. colleges in the region. The Union has asked the District for more than 30% Classic Car Show was gang-related. The suspects were in salary increases. Saturday - Whittier Area Community In a statement prior to the rally, the CCFF stated that “the District sits on described as several Hispanic men in “The District remains fiscally prudent to ensure that all students are Church - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. their late teens to early 20’s. a $50,000,000 dollar reserve. This is tax payer money that should be invested in students and should be spent toward their success.” served with the best possible resources. The District is hopeful that the Classic cars and hot rods, food trucks, Faculty Union will return to the negotiating table to reach a fair resolution vendors, and more. According to information provided by the CCFF, the District’s reserve that does not jeopardize the financial health of the institution.” Lawmaker wants funds are over eight times the state mandate; more than the nine community to make advanced vehicles more affordable WHITTIER – Assemblymember Elementary students display patriotism at Flag Day ceremony Ian Calderon (D–Whittier) Parents, civic leaders, state representatives and administrators stood as the introduced Assembly Bill 1710 Southeast Academy High School Color Guard presented the flag and Moffitt last week which implements a fifth-grader Janely Avalos led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. comprehensive program to promote technologically advanced light-duty The John Glenn High School band performed the National Anthem and Boxing vehicle deployment in disadvantaged “God Bless America” before giving way to the main event – stories and song Saturday - Honda Center, 4 p.m. communities. performances presented by Moffitt students, from kindergarten through fifth Leo Santa Cruz headlines a live card of grade, led by music teacher Desiree Quiles. Showtime fights. $27 AB 1710 requires the Air Resources Board, the California The second-graders wore Uncle Sam hats and beards while singing “You’re A Energy Commission and Caltrans Grand Old Flag”; the fifth-graders wore red and white bow ties while performing to develop and implement a “Battle Hymn of the Republic”; the third-graders wore red, white and blue top comprehensive program to promote hats and translated into sign language during “This Land Is Your Land”; the advanced technology light-duty fourth-graders wore red, white and blue beads while singing “Boogie Woogie vehicle deployment in the state Bugle Boy”; the first-graders wore feathered caps and sang “Yankee Doodle to meet the goal established by Dandy,” and many kindergarteners wore Dodger blue for their rendition of “Take Governor Jerry Brown and the Me Out To The Ballgame.” legislature of 1.5 million zero- “It is an honor to be selected to host the Flag Day celebration,” Moffitt emission vehicles in California by Elementary principal Maureen Bixby said. “We have a special bond with the Stan Lee the year 2025. NORWALK – Moffitt Elementary School was awash in a sea of red, white and Lions Club and the City of Norwalk, who support our community and are always Sunday - Frank & Son Collectibles in AB 1710 requires that the blue on Feb 19 as students proudly waved the Stars and Stripes and performed looking for ways to benefit our students and their families.” City of Industry, 9 a.m. program include support for low- patriotic songs in commemoration of Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School It was a homecoming for Norwalk Lions Club president Marcus Gomez, who The comic book legend will be signing income deployment in disadvantages District’s annual Flag Day celebration. is a Moffitt Elementary School alum. Gomez spoke to the assembly about the autographs and taking pictures. $100 communities, as well as long-term The Flag Day festivities, sponsored by the Norwalk Lions Club, are a charitable work performed by the Lions Club and, along with Anthony Garcia market signals, sustainable funding District tradition, serving to increase awareness and educate students about the and Dora Sandoval of the Lions Club, assured the students that the small flags mechanisms, and a portfolio importance of patriotism. they received at the beginning of the day are just as valuable as the flag that flies FROM OUR Facebook of approaches to promoting “It is so wonderful to see such enthusiasm and creativity from the students over the White House. technologically advanced light-duty on such a special day,” NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. Among the special guests at Flag Day were NLMUSD Board president Cerritos College faculty vehicle deployment. “We are tremendously grateful to the Norwalk Lions Club for sponsoring this Karen Morrison, Board member Chris Pflanzer, Little Lakes City School District rally for contracts “While the state has done a event every year and for providing the community with much-needed support Superintendent Phillip Perez, John Glenn High School principal Greg Puccia, good job of creating incentives to and services.” and a representative from the office of State Assembly member Ian C. Calderon. Ken Cook: $50 million promote clean vehicle adoption in sounds like it’s a lot of California, we must expand these money, but really, it’s not. incentives to our disadvantaged Cerritos Community College is simply mirroring what communities and ensure that happens on every campus, rebate programs are within reach Shared Stories: Moving to Downey throughout California. I was for low income households,” said a part-time faculty member business, Dura Steel Products. The owner graciously offered to loan my parents Calderon. “Increasing access to Charlene Farnsworth’s parents liked what they saw when they brought Charlene to there from 2006- 2011, so I the funds to purchase the lot on Dolan Avenue and begin construction. Dad was a clean transportation will bring visit a school friend whose family had moved from Los Angeles to south Downey in understand the concerns of talented draftsman, but both Mom and Dad designed the layout of our new house. those who are protesting. much needed environmental 1950. They purchased the lot across the street with seven fruit trees, and Charlene Dad, brother Jim, and I all pulled slippery weeds week after week. It was a The best protest is moving benefits to these communities,joined her friend at Alameda Elementary. Shared Stories is a weekly column very dirty, endless job. Several adult family members worked late into the night on on to somewhere that will including reduced air pollutants and featuring articles by participants in a writing class at the Norwalk Senior Center. meet your needs, and make various indoor projects. One uncle was a skilled finishing carpenter and another greenhouse gas emissions.” Bonnie Mansell is the instructor for this free class offered through the Cerritos you happy College Adult Education Program. Curated by Carol Kearns uncle was an expert in linoleum installation. With such talent readily available, Technologically advanced many custom features could be integrated into the design. Construction of our light-duty vehicles are currently Josh Forsythe: Public By Charlene Farnsworth new house was well under way! sector shouldn’t have more expensive than equivalent When I was nine years old, our family often visited my best friend, Dee The abundant fruit we picked from seven orange trees on the property was unions. conventional models. Despite a Anne, in Downey, Calif. She and her guardians had moved from our cramped delicious. We also enjoyed the tasty apricots and peaches. We would plant a federal tax credit and California’s neighborhood in Los Angeles to a more spacious rural area. All that could be sizeable garden full of fresh carrots, beets, tomatoes, squash and cantaloupe after state vehicle incentive, the higher heard was the occasional mooing of a cow and the cackling of hens from a nearby we moved in. Reach us on Facebook at: initial zero emission vehicle (ZEV) Facebook.com/NorwalkPatriot chicken ranch. I, of course, was looking forward to being able to see Dee Anne every day, but costs remain a barrier for many There were numerous orange trees and many undeveloped lots on her street, was not looking forward to saying goodbye to my special fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. California consumers. Dolan Avenue. The smell of orange blossoms and clear, fresh air were enchanting. Metzger. I can still see her kind, sweet face today. The state has taken leadership I so wished that my parents would have a new house built for us on the empty lot In June 1951, we moved into our lovely new home in Downey. Transitioning to develop programs to assist the right across the street from Dee Anne and her guardians’ home. to a new school was easy, and I was soon equally fond of my gentle sixth-grade deployment of plug-in electric To hear only the sounds of nature in a country-like setting instead of the noisy teacher, Mrs. Tennant, at Alameda Elementary School. Tweet of the Week vehicles (PEVs) and fuel cell electric hustle and bustle of Los Angeles appealed to me. Of course, the noise we best Working the cooperative sandy soil, Mom planted a fragrant rose garden, @BentonPrincipal: Limo vehicles (FCEVs) in disadvantaged friends would create with our giggles and laughter was a different matter. and I helped plant and maintain our beautiful annual and perennial flower beds. Ride to In-N-Out. #Step-It-Up communities. I hadn’t even thought about hearing the nerve-wracking sounds of power Woofs could soon be heard from a furry addition, our sleek-coated, red-brown little dog Fritzie. In time, the meows from various short- and long-haired cats #Fundraiser #nlmusd However, any long term plan construction tools and land movement equipment filling the air for days on end. added to the chorus. designed by the state needs to Also, the aroma that wafted from beyond the chain-link fence that separated the I am living in this same house today where many happy memories were Follow us! address both new and used cars sales back of the lot from the chicken yard was often quite unpleasant. created and many happy celebrations took place over the years. @DowneyPatriot in these communities, Calderon said. At this time, Dad worked as a shop superintendent for a family-owned 02 Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 The Norwalk Patriot

Paging Dr. Frischer...

By Dr. Alan Frischer

Throughout my childhood, an claimed benefits range from youth appear to cause significant side aloe plant grew in my backyard. and beauty to digestion and health. effects, but taking aloe vera I distinctly But what benefits are supported orally may actually be dangerous. remember the by scientific studies? There isConsuming whole leaf extract has large, thick, good evidence for its use to treat resulted in carcinogenic activity in pointed green genital herpes, psoriasis, dandruff rats (but not in humans). Abdominal leaves and the and constipation. (Until 2002, its cramps and diarrhea have been clear substance components were used in over-the- reported. Oral use of aloe vera can that oozed out. counter laxatives. The FDA required decrease the absorption of many If I had a cut that aloe be removed due to lack of medications. It may lower blood or abrasion, I safety data.) glucose levels, which can actually was told to rub be effective for diabetics, but the liquid onto my wound. Was this Unfortunately, there is no would require that other diabetic good advice? strong evidence supporting the medication be carefully adjusted in use of aloe vera for other medical Aloe vera has been commonly order to maintain a critical delicate conditions. Areas lacking in balance. used for medicinal purposes scientific support include cancer throughout the ages. Ancient prevention, use with chemotherapy Aloe vera (like so many ancient Egyptian writings mention the or its side effects, canker sores, natural herbs) does not possess potent nourishing juice of the aloe vera treatment of the common cold, medicinal powers simply because of plant. The list of historical figures dental conditions including gum its longevity. And, unlike the times of who used aloe vera for various disease and reduction of plaque, skin ancient Egypt, modern times often reasons purportedly includes ulcers, high cholesterol, antioxidant offer more effective products. While Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and and antibacterial properties, science and controlled studies clearly Christopher Columbus. improvement of skin elasticity and have their limitations, they do give The aloe vera plant is also known wrinkle reduction, aid in digestion, us valuable guidance. Always discuss as burn plant, lily of the desert, and and improved circulation. any herbal or supplemental products elephant’s gall. Aloe gel is found you are taking with your health care Evidence has actually been provider, in order to be aware of any in the inner part of the leaf, and found against the use of aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, amino interactions or side effects – and be for treatment of diaper rash, heart aware that some popular herbs and acids and antioxidants. Aloe latex is disease, liver disease, pressure yellow, and comes from just under supplements may simply offer little ulcers, and most notably, wound benefit. the plant’s skin. Some aloe products healing. Although some early studies are made from the whole crushed supported its topical use to heal Dr. Alan Frischer is former chief of leaf, and contain both gel and latex. burns and abrasions, later studies staff and former chief of medicine at Aloe vera has a significant showed that the gel actually could Downey Regional Medical Center. presence in the cosmetic, inhibit the healing of some wounds. Write to him in care of this newspaper at 8301 E. Florence Ave., Suite 100, pharmaceutical and food industries, And what about side effects? Downey, CA 90240. with an estimated annual market Using aloe vera topically doesn’t value of $13 billion worldwide. It’s Study: 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep More than a third of American changes such as going to bed at ranged from 56 percent in Hawaii to adults are not getting enough sleep the same time each night; rising at 72 percent in South Dakota. on a regular basis, according to a the same time each morning; and •A lower proportion of adults new study in the Centers for Disease turning off or removing televisions, reported getting at least seven hours Control and Prevention’s (CDC) computers, mobile devices from the of sleep per day in states clustered Morbidity and Mortality Weekly bedroom, can help people get the in the southeastern region of the Report. healthy sleep they need.” United States and the Appalachian This is the first study to document CDC researchers reviewed Mountains. Previous studies have estimates of self-reported healthy data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk shown that these regions also have sleep duration (7 or more hours per Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the highest prevalence of obesity and day) for all 50 states and the District a state-based, random-digit– other chronic conditions. of Columbia. dialed telephone survey conducted •People who reported they were The American Academy of Sleep collaboratively by state health unable to work or were unemployed Medicine and the Sleep Research departments and CDC. had lower healthy sleep duration (51 Society recommend that adults aged Key Findings: percent and 60 percent, respectively) 18–60 years sleep at least 7 hours each •Healthy sleep duration was than did employed respondents (65 night to promote optimal health and lower among Native Hawaiians/ percent). The prevalence of healthy well-being. Sleeping less than seven Pacific Islanders (54 percent),sleep duration was highest among hours per day is associated with an non-Hispanic blacks (54 percent), people with a college degree or increased risk of developing chronic multiracial non-Hispanics (54 higher (72 percent). conditions such as obesity, diabetes, percent) and American Indians/ •The percentage reporting a high blood pressure, heart disease, Alaska Natives (60 percent) healthy sleep duration was higher stroke, and frequent mental distress. compared with non-Hispanic whites among people who were married (67 “As a nation we are not getting (67 percent), Hispanics (66 percent), percent) compared with those who enough sleep,” said Wayne Giles, and Asians (63 percent). were never married (62 percent) or M.D., director of CDC’s Division •The prevalence of healthy sleep divorced, widowed, or separated (56 of Population Health. “Lifestyle duration varied among states and percent). Vaginal ring may protect against HIV A ring that continuously releases infection at 15 sites in Malawi, South reduced the risk of HIV infection an experimental antiretroviral drug Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The by 56 percent in women older than in the vagina safely provided a women were assigned at random to 21 years, but provided no protection modest level of protection against receive either the dapivirine ring or for women ages 18 to 21 years. More HIV infection in women, a large a placebo ring. No one knew who research is needed to determine clinical trial in four sub-Saharan received which ring until the end of whether behavior, biology or a African countries has found. the trial. combination of factors contributed The ring reduced the risk of All study participants received a to the lack of significant protection HIV infection by 27 percent in the package of HIV prevention services for younger women. study population overall and by 61 at each study visit, including Finally, the investigators found percent among women ages 25 years HIV risk-reduction counseling, that the rate of adverse medical and older, who used the ring most partner HIV testing, treatment of events was similar among women consistently. sexually transmitted infections in who received the dapivirine ring These results were announced participants and their partners, and compared to those who received the Monday at the Conference on free condoms. placebo ring, as was the frequency of Retroviruses and Opportunistic The investigators found that the antiretroviral resistance in women Infections (CROI) in Boston and dapivirine ring reduced the risk of who acquired HIV. simultaneously published online acquiring HIV by 27 percent among An ongoing large multinational in the New England Journal of all women enrolled in the trial. But clinical trial called The Ring Study Medicine (link is external). when the scientists excluded data also tested the dapivirine ring for Women accounted for more from two sites where it was apparent safety and efficacy in women. than half of the 25.8 million people early on that many women were Similar to ASPIRE, The Ring living with HIV in sub-Saharan not returning for study visits or Study investigators found an overall Africa in 2014. Finding effective using the ring consistently, the ring effectiveness of 31 percent, with a HIV prevention tools for adolescent reduced the risk of HIV infection by slightly greater reduction in risk of girls and young women in particular 37 percent. HIV infection among women older is critical, as one in four new HIV Furthermore, the investigators than 21 years. The results of The infections in sub-Saharan Africa found that the dapivirine ring Ring Study also were announced occur in this group. reduced the risk of HIV infection today at CROI. The ASPIRE study, also known by 61 percent in women ages 25 and NIAID plans to consult with as MTN-020, aimed to determine older, but provided no statistically a panel of outside experts to whether the experimental significant protection in women determine next steps for research antiretroviral drug dapivirine younger than 25 years. These on the dapivirine ring, which could safely and effectively prevent younger women appeared to use the International Partnership for HIV infection when continuously the ring less consistently than other Microbicides (IPM) developed and released in the vagina from a silicone participants, based on the amount of provided for both studies as their ring replaced once every 4 weeks. dapivirine measured in volunteers’ regulatory sponsor. blood during study visits. The study, which began in 2012, enrolled more than 2,600 HIV- To explore this age-related effect uninfected women ages 18 to 45 further, investigators performed years who were at high risk for HIV analyses that were not originally planned and found that the ring The Norwalk Patriot 03 Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 In South Gate, future tech developers showcase their ideas SOUTH GATE – Would you go for an app that sends an alert when you’ve “No one wants to build or create something and not be able to sell it,” she something that you do individually like tennis. It’s more like basketball, and left home without turning off the kitchen light, and asks whether you want says. “My message to them is, if you’re going to spend the time and energy sometimes like football and hockey with all the fights that might happen.” to turn it off remotely? to think of something awesome or revolutionary, you have to be the best No drama at this particular hackathon – but there was plenty of work to How about one that lets you find a reliable, background-checked, salesperson of that product. You never know where your public speaking be shared, according to 15-year old Sara Du. “The process was hard but the neighborhood baby sitter at the last minute? Or better yet, an app that skills might take you or guide you to an even higher career.” end product is good,” she says. Du was the creator of “Aqua App.” determines how much water you should drink daily depending on how much When the workshop ended, another group of students – the developers energy you’ve burned? of what they called, the “Green Home” energy conservation app – met with “It harnesses the health app on your iPhone and sends you regular notifications and emails to remind you to hydrate based on personal physical None of these apps exists yet, but all of them got a big boost toward Ken Nnaoji, one of the half-dozen mentors from the Sabio organization, to data such as age, weight and height – even taking into account how much becoming reality by claiming prizes at the recent WeHack / Southeast Cities polish their presentation. walking you’ve done.” Hackathon, organized by the Southern California Latino Policy Center and “Try to begin by telling a story,” he told them, as they huddled in a Sabio and hosted in South Gate, a working-class Latino community not corner of their meeting room. “Something that can pull the audience into Du also admits, “I didn’t think I could’ve created this app in a day. usually associated with hi-tech innovation. understanding the significance of what you’re creating and how it’s going to Otherwise I think I would’ve been doing this for a month, probably. Other students might not be encouraged because it seems really hard to do. But I met “These communities are sometimes left out,” says South Gate Mayor make a positive impact on your community. You guys have really great ideas. a lot of people who could help me, so [this] was a good learning experience.” Jorge Morales. “They’re the last ones to get in on the environmental push and You’re innovators. Just go out there and knock it out of the park like I know the last ones in on technology. So to have the (hackathon) here is incredible you can!” “There was much more going on this weekend than coding and for us.” On the final night of the event, 15-year-old Megan Dotson hooked the programming,” said Victor Abalos, Executive Director of the Southern California Latino Policy Center. “We’re hoping events like this help the Hackathons are events where computer programmers, software and crowd and got the judges’ attention with the story of her ongoing frustration residents of the Southeast Cities not only recognize how important tech can hardware developers and others gather to compete and create software with her younger brother. “Every time he goes into a room he turns on the be to solving day-to-day problems, but also how careers in tech offer amazing projects in a matter of days, usually over the course of a weekend. lights, and I’m constantly turning them off after he leaves.” Her team’s Green Home app landed the second place, $500 cash prize. opportunities for young people from this area.” The “wehack: Southeast Cities Civic Hackathon” drew more than one hundred participants from Irvine, the San Fernando Valley and even as far “The concept of team sport is really critical,” Sabio’s Rojas says. “It isn’t as Riverside. They converged on the South Gate campus of East LA College over the weekend to compete for more than $7,000 in prizes with goal of creating apps and software that would benefit the residents of communities such as South Gate. Sabio, a developer community offering 6-12 week full-time coding bootcamps in Los Angeles and Orange County, steered the initiative to stage the hackathon in South Gate. Co-founders, Gregorio Rojas and his wife, Liliana Aide Monge say it was critical to come to the southeast, where there is very little awareness about the opportunities in the field of writing code for computers. “We’re really happy with some of the high schools that came out,” Monge says. “We commend the teachers that made that effort.” Many of the high school students, novices known as “developing developers,” came from the Foshay Learning Center School’s Tech Academy. Among them, 16-year old Esmeralda Nava and Danny “Hyun Bum” Cho, 17, who didn’t know each other until they met at the start of the event Friday night. Two nights later they walked away with the top prize for students with their Easy Sitter app, which helps track down reliable baby sitters on short notice. They also developed an instant rapport of familiarity to the point where they sometimes finished each other’s sentences. “We didn’t know each other before this weekend,” Danny says. “And now,” Esmeralda continues, “we have this passion together and it’s a lot of fun. You also meet a lot of mentors and you get connections and can start networking and I really like that.” They also learned an important skill overlooked and seldom considered by novices: the ability to pitch their idea. Ed-tech entrepreneur Quiana Patterson offered an early morning workshop on hitting the high notes of a perfect pitch, and the importance of being a skilled public speaker.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 7 a.m. - Pancake and posole breakfast - Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex • MONDAYS 1st, 6:00 p.m. - Public Safety meetings - Council Chambers TUESDAYS 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Farmers Market - Excelsior High School 1st & 3rd 6:00 p.m. - Toastmasters Meetings - Registrar Recorder/County Clerks Office 2nd & 4th, - Toastmasters Meetings - Norwalk Library 1st & 3rd, 6:00 p.m. - City Council - Council Chambers 3rd, 5:45 p.m. - Housing Authority - Council Chambers WEDNESDAYS 10:30 a.m. - Woman’s Club - Masonic Lodge 12:00 p.m. - Rotary - Doubletree Hotel 1st, 12:30 p.m. - Soroptimist International - Soroptimist Village 1st & 3rd, 7:00 p.m. - Lions Club - Bruce’s Restaurant 2nd & 4th, 1:30 p.m. - Alondra Senior Citizens - Social Services Center 2nd & 4th, 7:30 p.m. - Planning Commission - Council Chambers 4th, 11:30 a.m. - Coordinating Council - Arts & Sports Complex THURSDAYS 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts Troop 924 - Norwalk United Methodist Church 2nd, 7:30 p.m. - Golden Trowel -Norwalk Masonic Lodge 3rd, 8:00 p.m. - American Legion Post No. 359 - 11986 Front St. SATURDAYS On This Day... 2nd, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast - First Christian Church of Norwalk Feb. 26, 1993: A bomb exploded in the garage of New York’s World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others. Have an event you want listed? E-mail [email protected] 2012: Trayon Martin, 17, was shot to death in Sanford, Fla., during an altercation with neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who said he’d acted in self-defense.

Birthdays: Pianist Fats Domino (88), singer Michael Bolton (63), singer Erykah Badu (45), football hall of famer Marshall Faulk (43), singer Corrine Bailey Rae (37) and Brazilian soccer star Pepe (33).

You can contact puzzle editor Stan- ley Newman at his e-mail address: [email protected]. Or write him at P.O. Box 69, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you’d like a reply. The Norwalk Patriot Opinion 05 Friday, Feb. 26, 2016

Make your Making sense of Cerritos College’s labor issue voice heard By Raul Samaniego “You’re never off the record,” as my salutations and we sat for the first room. surprise (Again) the statement said: Contributor Journalism Instructor Professor phase of the meeting. It was that darn “30%” statement. “Combined (full-time and part- City representatives Rich Cameron once told me. Mayor Leonard Shryock During the open segment, I needed clarity. time), CCFF requested more than Phone: (562) 929-5305 Members of the Cerritos College Dr Fierro was saying “ten some of those higher level Union I’ve never been in a union. As 41.04% in its initial negotiation E-mail: [email protected] faculty crowded into the College percent this, sixteen percent that.” folks took the mic and gave what I a matter of fact, most corporations request to the District…” Trustee chamber to voice opinions I should have paid closer attention. recognized as very emotional to say I worked for preached against the This not only caught my Vice Mayor Mike Mendez on the current contract negotiations After leaving the ceremony, I the least, addresses to the Board, practice citing the evil pitfalls of attention, but of course my initial Phone: (562) 929-5305 stalled in discussions Wednesday ventured over to the national coffee President and all in attendance. such a monster. reaction was those blank teachers! E-mail: [email protected] February 17, 2015. shop to write my stories. I had a At the break, Dr. Namala and I Being in Sales and Management, However, being that I received Councilman Marcel Rodarte Call them what you want; commentary piece on the City sat for a time and we reviewed the I was blessed; Salaried with bonuses, a “C” in my last Algebra class, I did Phone: (562) 929-5305 Associations, Employee groups, Council study session and the New material handed out at the door trips and company cars. Life was not want to start with the X’s and Y’s E-mail: [email protected] bargaining teams…Unions. Year’s event to finish. by the President’s Staff. We spoke, good…before the “Great Recession.” of the proposals. I listened and he presented the I like unions; it’s the union When the editor asked if I Councilman Luigi Vernola material which supported his side of Thinking I was “One of the My humble opinion; Yes, I owe leaders I, eh, well have reservations wanted to do a commentary piece guys,” I even showed up at company my sense of inquiry, deduction Phone: (562) 929-5305 on the labor dispute, I agreed and the labor situation. E-mail: [email protected] with. picnics hoping to play softball not skills, enhanced interviewing said I’d go down after I checked What got me out in the rain, It was my time dealing with the knowing that the “Suits” did not go techniques, gumption, scheduling something at Hermosillo Park. after nearly fully recovering from Councilwoman Cheri Kelley leadership of the San Diego Labor to those things. habits, understanding of the human that bout with bronchitis the Phone: (562) 929-5305 Council back in my San Diego days. I wanted to see if anything had psyche, compassion, “keeping an previous six weeks was the simple My grey khaki clad co-workers E-mail: [email protected] Membership included mostly AFL- been done with the playground open mind”, and even volleyball phrase in a press release provided to were in a union and one of my CIO affiliated unions. equipment I had seen and written friends explained that even though skills… to teachers. about a couple weeks prior. me by Aya Abelon, Media Relations C ongressional They were foul-mouthed, hard Coordinator. all company employees were invited, That is four years worth at representative drinking, and marine like strutting, Yikes! They had been secured the “Suits” never came to those Cerritos and a lifetime of continual “The District and the Board Linda Sanchez ball busting men in charge. with three shiny bolts and washers.. events. education throughout the thirty of Trustees highly value the years since I left Cerritos the first Phone: (562) 860-5050 Good thing I had the “Stop the presses!” I had been a suit for 25 years. Mail: 12440 E. Imperial Hwy., contributions of our full-time and time. opportunity to meet individual That’s a great journalism cliché, part-time faculty toward the success So, what’s the problem with Suite 140 I asked Dr Namala what needs Norwalk, CA 90650 union leaders which included but that’s essentially what I asked for. of our students. Negotiations the negotiations at Cerritos I asked women in their ranks. TheyI had to rewrite the “February Study are sometimes difficult; but it is myself? to happen today. represented all types of workers and Session” story for the equipment unfortunate that the Faculty Union The first thing, I needed an “We need to sit down again and employees in education, police and State representatives at Hermosillo Park was indeed has rejected the District’s contract explanation of the “30%” statement keep the dialogue going.” Sen. Tony Mendoza fire fighters, bus drivers, electrical repaired. offer. The District offered its other from the Administration side. Dr. Fierro, President Liu, all Phone: (323) 890-2790 workers and more. employee groups a 10% raise over Mail: 400 N. Montebello Blvd., On to Cerritos College! Winter I thank Dr. Namala for his Trustees and those involved in the They were adamant whether the course of three years, which they Suite 100, Montebello, CA 90640 showed up again with a late explanation of their side’s proposals negotiations, let’s stop the bickering, male or female in their views, but accepted. The District extended a afternoon shower. and his attempt to explain the roll up those well ironed shirt sleeves presented themselves in a different 10% increase to the Faculty Union Assemblyman Ian Calderon With my orange poncho from Administration side. and get back to the bargaining table. manner compared to the leadership for full-time faculty and 16% to Phone: (562) 692-5858 head to just below my knees, I must You don’t have to “Play ball” Mail: 13181 Crossroads Parkway at the head of the Labor Council. part-time faculty over three years, In a one on one phone interview, have looked like the “Great pumpkin which is far above other colleges in he was very responsive to my with them either, but as I learned North, St. 160, City of Industry, When I was asked by an on wheels,” as I rode to the campus the region. The Union has asked the questions about the current issue, in my Micro Economics class (San 91746 Associate of the Labor Council what in the rain. District for more than 30% in salary the definitions and what needed Diego City College), both sides need I thought the role of the leadership Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia I made my way through the increases” to be done to move this process be at that overlapping area where the was? Phone: (562) 402-4893 happy median exists and a potential campus arriving at the entrance to Truth be told, I had no problem forward. Mail: 8255 Firestone Blvd., “Why, they are there to solution can be achieved. the Trustee Chamber where fifty riding this one out watching a re- A week later, I received a one Suite 203 represent the interests of the or more people clad in red T-shirts run of the “Big Bang Theory,” in the page response to my inquiry from Downey, CA 90241 union membership,” was my naïve were clamoring around with signs, comfort of my warm and dry living the Administration side and to my response. realizing to myself, “This is the place.” U.S. representatives Looking at me directly in the Sen. Barbara Boxer eyes, he coldly responded, “Their Walking up to one woman Phone: (213) 894-5000 job is to keep their job.” holding a hand written sign with Mail: 312 N. Spring St. Suite 1748 He went on to explain that every the words, “No Justice, No Peace,” Los Angeles, CA 90012 union leader has to be elected by the I asked her if she were “advocating membership every so often and that Violence?” Sen. Dianne Feinstein Phone: (310) 914-7300 if they had to return to the assembly Responding to my question, she Mail: 11111 Santa Monica Blvd. line or back to driving a bus, they simply said, “By whatever means.” wouldn’t like it. Suite 915, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Again, I asked, “So, you are Keeping their job as a union advocating violence?” local leader came about by not “If that’s what it takes,” was her Board of Education rocking the boat. That is, don’t do final response. President Jesse Urquidi anything that would irk the voting E-mail: [email protected] membership at the next election. Inside the meeting room, I was greeted by a member of the Vice President Karen Morrison Most of the union leaders at College President’s staff who led me E-mail: [email protected] the local level were more reachable to Dr. Namala where I offered my and sociable. I had many meetings Board Member Darryl Adams with those leaders after I got past E-mail: [email protected] my initial introduction to higher organized labor. Board Member Chris Pflanzer CLASSIFIEDS E-mail: [email protected] Here in Norwalk, specifically Cerritos College, there is Dr. Board Member Ana Valencia Solomon Namala, the faculty Miscellaneous E-mail: [email protected] representative for the Cerritos College Faculty Federation (CCFF). NEW & USED Board Member Sean Reagan RETAIL BUSINESS & E-mail: [email protected] I met Dr. Solomon Namala a few years ago when I was taking courses COMMERCIAL ITEMS Board Member Margarita Rios at Cerritos to keep active during that FOR SALE E-mail: [email protected] darned “Great Recession.” Glass show case, CD scratch After returning from San Diego, removing machine, beautiful I sought out Dr. Namala regarding cerritos college trustees key display unit, employee his Macro Economics class. Board Member Marisa Perez time clock, electric air Phone: (323) 359-6839 After an in depth conversation, compressor, large frig for soda E-mail: [email protected] we decided that his section at this cans, carpet steam cleaner. level wasn’t the course for me. The All in good working condition Board Member Carmen Avalos year was 2012. Phone: (562) 773-3686 $150 each. E-mail: [email protected] Meeting Dr. Namala at last Call (562) 412-4913 week’s Cerritos College Board of (614) 465-7763 Board Member Dr. Sandra Salazar Trustees meeting, I was impressed Phone: (323) 632-9564 that he remembered our meeting E-mail: [email protected] in his lower level office in the older Services Social Science building (That’s what LIFE INSURANCE Board Member Bob Arthur it was called when I attended classes Phone: (562) 863-2864 the first time back in 1980’s). Term or whole life insurance E-mail: [email protected] policies, retirement planning, Earlier in the day, all faces Board Member John Paul Drayer seemed so full of smiles and & college savings plans Phone: (562) 331-5028 happiness on the campus. available. E-mail: [email protected] Everyone at the Year of the Call or email Julie Monkey New year’s celebration was (562) 822-7678 Board Member Dr. Shin Liu just so festive. Phone: (562) 213-3107 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Leaving the ceremony after about an hour of meeting people, ARMAS PATCHING Board Member Zurich Lewis interviewing and taking pictures, I submitted about a dozen photos & RESTUCCO with a recap of the event. Exterior & interior plaster, While at the gala event, I ran patching, matching all stucco Write To Us into Cerritos College President textures. Very clean & ECO The Norwalk Patriot accepts and Dr. Jose Fierro, asking him as I do blasting dust free. 25 years encourages letters to the editor. everyone, “What’s News?” exp. No patch too small. Free Letters must include a full name, That’s my friendly way of asking estimates. Ask for Ray Armas address and telephone number, although only the author’s name what is news worthy in your world. Lic# 882779 and hometown will be published. Most often, people will add (562) 923-8227 Letters may be edited for length, some small tidbit. Dr Fierro started style and/or content. volunteering information regarding the current employee contract PLANS, PERMITS Letters can be mailed to The negotiations. CONSTRUCTION Norwalk Patriot, 12040 Foster Rd., Norwalk Whoa, whoa, whoa! After all, I Project Design, CA 90650 or via e-mail at was there to cover the Chinese New New Construction, [email protected]. year’s celebration. Remodeling & Additions When am I going to learn, Lic. #936419 Call Jeff (562) 869-1421 06 Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 The Norwalk Patriot

What’s new at the Norwalk Senior Center NORWALK – Seniors are invited to enjoy a candlelight dinner St. Patrick’s Day dinner March 8. The menu includes corned beef and cabbage, red potato salad, garlic bread, dessert, beverage and coffee. The dinner is dine-in only. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. with dinner service from 5:45-6 p.m. Tickets are $6 if purchased before March 5 ($7.50 after). Tickets will not be sold at the door.

•The senior center is sponsoring an excursion to San Diego on March 24. College celebrates Chinese New Year The first stop is Seaport Village, where visitors can stroll through 80 NORWALK – The 2016 Lunar cultures,” Dr. Liu added. playing her “Two-string” Chinese one-of-a-kind shops and eateries. A New Year Celebration or Year of the The day was filled withviolin. voucher good for one of eight Village Monkey was held Wednesday at the traditional colorful lion dancers, Sporting a new beard and restaurants will be provided. Student Center on the campus of demonstrations of martial arts, Erhu welcoming the crowd was Cerritos Cerritos College. (pronounced ir-hu) musicians and President Jose Fierro. The next stop is Old Town, “I want to share our (Chinese) additional assortment of dances known for its historic sites and By having the event on a school unique stores. culture,” said a smiling Cerritos complete with feats of beautiful day, rather on a weekend, it was College Board President Dr. Shin Liu renditions of Asian dances. hoped that more students would Tickets are $20 for Norwalk regarding the day’s program. Food and drink was provided attend. residents. Registration begins March It had been at least four years also. The turnout showed that the 1. since the last celebration. Dr. Liu not only can lead the planning was correct. Buses leave from the City Hall “It is celebrated by Chinese, Board of Trustees, but she joined –Raul Samaniego parking lot at 9 a.m. and return by 6 Japanese, Korean and all Asian the Erhu players on stage to join in p.m.

•The senior center is also making ATTORNEY ■ ABOGADA an excursion to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival on April 23. The festival features live Eva Juárez -Attorney performances, shops, live history performers, mansion tours, and food Malhotra & Malhotra vendors. Tickets are $15 (lunch not provided). Tickets go on sale March ■ Wills, Trusts, Probates 14. (Testamentos, Fideicomisos, Demandas Sucesorias) Buses depart from City Hall at 8:30 a.m. and return by 4 p.m. Call the senior center at (562) 929-5580 ■ Divorce, Custody, Support for more information. (Divorcios, Convivencia, Pensión alimenticia) Time is running out Call for a FREE Consultation! for State of the City Your problems have solutions. tickets NORWALK – City Manager Mike (Todos sus problemas tienen solución) Hablo Español Egan will deliver Norwalk’s State of the City address next Friday, March 4, at 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree (562) 806-9400 (800) 811-8881 Hotel. Egan, joined by the City Council, 7847 E Florence Ave. Suite 111, Downey, CA 90240 will bring guests up to speed on Norwalk’s progress on its Vision2020 Strategic Plan and how it has helped Norwalk grow in technology, efficiency and service. Tickets are $45, which includes lunch. Deadline for sales is Feb. 29. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Doors open at 11 a.m. for a silent Grill & Cantina auction. AuAutthentichentic FFreshresh MMadeade MMexicanexican FFoodood For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to nccconline.us. The State of the City is a HAPPY HOUR fundraiser for the Norwalk Mon. - Fri. 3 -8 Coomunity Coordinating Council. Sat. & Sun. 3 -8 (Bar Only) N P S Pancake, posole Breakfast & Lunch breakfast Saturday NORWALK – Norwalk Lions Bu et MARIACHI Club will hold its annual pancake Now Available! Friday & Saturday and posole breakfast this Saturday 7:30 - 12 from 7 a.m. to noon at the Norwalk Monday - Thursday Sunday 4 - 9 Arts and Sports Complex. Buy One Entree, Get the Second of $ Tel. 562.622.9100 Tickets are $5. Attendees are Equal or Lesser Price for 3.99 11010 Paramount Blvd. asked to bring their old or unused Expires 3-27-16 eyeglasses for donation. (Not valid with any other o er.) Downey, CA 90241

Learn how to receive a U.S. passport DOWNEY – The Barbara J. Riley Center will host a free workshopApril 9 on how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport. The workshop will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. All passport applicants must personally appear and bring with them a completed but unsigned application. Forms are available at state.travel.gov. Applicants should also bring a 2x2 color photograph of themself, proof of identity (such as a driver’s license), proof of citizenship, and appropriate fees.