Norwalk News, CA Local News

Transgender teen stands up for NLMUSD Wellness Centers

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 18:49:21 +0000

Damien Berry began to understand he was transgender a year ago, and has received support from his friends and the Wellness Center at Norwalk High School (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK - Damien Berry, a 15-year-old sophomore at Norwalk High School (NHS), listens as over a dozen people voice their transphobia and spread misinformation about the Wellbeing Center at John Glenn High School until it is finally his turn to make a public comment. The Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District meeting room is silent as Berry explains that, as a trans person, he feels it is important kids have somewhere to go where they feel safe if they don’t feel they can talk to friends or family.

Members of MassResistance, a group that was labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, have been coming out regularly since June to protest the center with like-minded anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQIA+ advocates. The organization spreads the unfounded claim on social media that Planned Parenthood trained the staff at the center to push abortions and an agenda of “sex mutilation” on students to become transgender.

Erin Berry, Damien’s mother, learned of the group and their activism and spoke out against them during a school board meeting in August. She later told Damien about the group’s messaging, and he decided to get involved. He and his friends went to a meeting in September, where he defended the center and his trans community.

“People were getting a lot of misinformation and they didn’t understand why the Center was there,” Damien said. “I thought it was important to show people [the center] could help kids and it was actually a good thing the center was there.”

The Wellbeing Center provides substance use prevention, mental health support, sexual health education and support to students. It also includes parent education workshops to teach parents how to communicate sensitive topics to their children effectively.

“I don’t like bullies, and I don’t like when people attack something just because they don’t understand everything or agree with everything,” Erin said. “I saw they were posting online that ‘no one is born gay,’ ‘No one is born tans’ and it made me pissed and scared for kids who are.”

In school and growing up, Damien explained something was different between him and his peers. After discovering his love for theater and finding friends he could relate with, he still felt he was missing something.

“I knew I was different in one capacity, but I didn’t know if it was because I liked guys and girls or if it was because I didn’t fully feel comfortable in my body,” Damien said. “I was different from people, but I didn’t know exactly how different until I realized that I was trans.”

Damien began to understand he was transgender in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As his knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ community was very limited, Damien did not know a person could be transgender. He struggled to describe how he felt until he discovered the trans community on social media and people whose stories heavily reflected his own. Damien resonated with their discussions of feeling like they did not belong anywhere, feeling uncomfortable in their bodies, and feeling they were not their gender assigned at birth.

Not ready to accept that he was transgender, Damien experimented with different names and pronouns, trying to find which felt more comfortable to him. He described the process as “picking different ice cream toppings then realizing you don’t need all of them until finally, you find the perfect base.”

He tried using gender-fluid pronouns they/them and the name Alchemy. He found it fitting as alchemy is defined by Merriam-Webster as the medieval chemical process of transformation, where base metals were turned into gold.

Damien received support and acceptance from his mother. However, Erin asked him for patience as she adapted to the new name and frequently changed pronouns, explaining his pronouns would change as he figured out what felt best.

“It didn’t necessarily get me confused, it was just it was a lot to go from something that changed all the time,” Erin said. “It was kind of overwhelming, and I messed up the name a lot, but when he told me he wanted to be called Alchemy and his pronouns, I said, ‘okay’ and accepted it.”

She found that switching from calling him by the name he was born with, his dead name, to Alchemy was easier than switching from calling him Alchemy to Damien.

A year ago, Damien accepted that he was transgender instead of gender fluid. He took on the pronouns he/him and the preferred name Damien, with Alchemy as his middle name.

Erin and Damien agreed that his younger brother Jerimiah was the most accepting, expressing he had forgotten Damien’s dead name because he is used to calling him by his chosen name. Jeremiah began calling him Alch, short for Alchemy, and then Dami for Damien.

However, his father was not as understanding of Damien. Initially coming out to him as gender fluid, Damien said he and his father argued about his gender identity, and it shattered his confidence.

“I told him, ‘I think I’m gender fluid,’ because I wanted to lay it down softly on him. Then he went, ‘Honestly, I don’t think you are,” and I could not talk to him for three days,” Damien said. “I ended up talking to him about it and saying, ‘This is who I think I am. I may not fully know yet, but I know I’m not [deadname]. So, I just wanted to tell you because I trusted you.’”

Damien is also worried about how the rest of his family would react, as they are very conservative. He and Erin are working out the right way to tell them.

At school, his friends do their best to support him and understand what he needs to be comfortable.

Erin and Lydia Wackerman have been friends for years, and subsequently, their children also became friends.

Paul Wackerman is a junior at Norwalk High School, but he and Damien first met in elementary school when they had to attend a PTA meeting with their parents. As their friendship grew, Damien confided in Paul when he was gender-fluid and again when he realized he was transgender.

“Nothing changed for me, they are now he,” Paul said. “He’s still my friend, that’s not going to change anything.”

Lydia explained she has always taught her kids to be open and accepting of others and to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I was a Scoutmaster, and one of the kids came out to me, and I was worried if the boys were going to share a tent with him, but Paul had no problem with it,” Lydia said. “I love the younger generation because it seems to be more accepting.”

The Wackermans were there to accompany Damien when he defended the Wellbeing Center in September.

Damien explained Norwalk High School’s wellness center can help him when he becomes overwhelmed. The on-site counselor he can talk with to manage his anxiety, usually during pep rallies when it is too loud.

“I could remember having a big panic attack, so last year we decided that whenever a pep rally happened, I would just go to the Wellness Center,” Damien explained. “It was way too loud. I could feel everything, and I realized that my brain just shut down. I talked to a school therapist about it, and he said that a major contributor to everything was my anxiety and depression.”

The Wellness Center at NHS focuses more on mental health, while the Wellbeing Center at John Glenn High School offers more services for mental health, education and therapy. Damien is passionate about fighting for it so others like him can access its resources.

After graduating high school, Damien hopes to continue pursuing theater and advocate for the transgender community. He also hoped to connect with more members of the LGBTQIA + community over the summer.

MassResistance has expressed their desire to continue protesting against the Wellbeing Center during Norwalk La Mirada Unified board of education meetings, which they believe is pushing “transgenderism” on students.

Damien hopes to be there to speak against them.

“There is an argument that kids are not born gay, but that would also mean kids are not born straight,” Damien said. “I would also argue that if kids are not born trans, then they are not born cis.”

Margarita Rios elected Norwalk mayor

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:26:14 +0000

NORWALK – Margarita Rios was elected by her city council colleagues Tuesday to serve as Norwalk mayor in 2024. It will be her second stint as mayor.

Tony Ayala was chosen as vice mayor.

Rio was first elected to the Norwalk City Council in 2017, becoming the first Latina to serve on the council since 1992. She served as vice mayor in 2018 and was elevated to mayor in 2019.

Rios has been a Norwalk resident since 1989. Her early education included Edmondson Elementary and Waite Middle Schools. She attended Cerritos College, earning her Associate’s Degree before transferring to California State University, Long Beach. She graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology.

Rios pursued a law enforcement career. During her two decades of law enforcement experience, her assignments included criminal investigations, background investigator, and school resource officer.

During her first tenure as mayor, Norwalk experienced one of the lowest crime rates. She was instrumental in receiving funding for the Holifield Park playground and the Hermosillo Park plan. Rios also initiated a Business Watch program, and increased revenue to the city’s general fund by implementing U.S. Passport services to the public.

Norwalk High School advanced choir to perform at Carnegie Hall

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:19:49 +0000

Norwalk High School choir director Desiree Flores leads her advanced choir students during their winter performance at Excelsior Auditorium Wednesday evening. The chorus is preparing to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City this April. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK — Norwalk High School (NHS) choir director Desiree Flores and her advanced choir students have accepted an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, and are preparing for the trip to New York City this April.

This is the first time the Norwalk High School choir has been invited to perform at the famous theater.

“I'm honored to do this and give [my students] the experience of a lifetime. I’m so proud of them,” Flores said. “There is definitely going to be a lot of practicing and then when we arrive there with the other choir ensembles.”

The choir was invited through the organization National Concerts, along with several other school choirs from across the country. They will each have the opportunity to collaborate with guest conductors, composers and professional instrumentalists during rehearsals at the theater.

The Norwalk High School choir will also premiere an original piece of music during their performance.

Melissa Ramacula, a sophomore at NHS and a soprano in advanced choir, expressed her excitement for the upcoming performance. After having years of experience in choir, she is not too nervous at this time.

“When the day comes closer we're gonna be very much more nervous but right now we're really excited for this opportunity that we have,” Ramacula said. “I've been in choir since elementary school and I feel like this group is more professional than any choir I’ve been a part of.”

Andy Balingit, a soprano in the advanced choir and a junior at NHS, also said she was looking forward to the opportunity, and praised her choir director for being an effective teacher.

“[Flores] gives us the extra support that we need like extra practice time, practice tracks that we can listen to at home,” Balingit said. “She breaks it down for us and makes sure we understand each section and once you put it all together it turns into this musical art.”

The trip is scheduled between April 3 through April 7, with their performance on April 6. Students will be able to explore New York City, take in a Broadway show and visit museums in the city.

However, it will cost $1,500 per student for travel and accommodations. Students are working to raise the money through fundraising, and Flores expressed the school will do their best to help advanced choir members who want to join the trip.

The chorus is also accepting donations, and the choir Director encouraged those who can donate to contact Norwalk High School.

Flores plans to continue building the Norwalk High school choir, helping her students improve and prepare her advanced choir for April.

“I'm trying to build the program and I'm trying to excite [the kids],” Flores said. “I'm picking repertoire that is appealing and exciting while challenging, and still doing what is authentic.”

Leads sought in Norwalk fatal shooting

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:18:19 +0000

Detectives are still looking for the assailant who fatally shot one man and wounded a second man in a Norwalk parking lot earlier this month.

The two were in a car in the 10600 block of Firestone Boulevard when the shooting happened around 6:40 p.m. on Dec. 2., Sheriff’s Lt. Omar Camacho said. Investigators don’t know if the shooter was on foot or in a vehicle.

Frank Perez Jr, 21, of Los Angeles died from a gunshot wound to the torso, according to the medical examiner’s office. Detectives believe he was the passenger.

The driver, who was shot multiple times, ran to the nearby Target, Camacho said.

Deputies saw Perez dead in the vehicle. While there, they were told of a second gunshot victim in the store. They found him on the floor. He was taken to a hospital.

Perez’s family could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to lacrimestoppers.org

Two killed in crash on Santa Ana Freeway

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:59:03 +0000

NORWALK — A man driving a Honda Accord was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of driving under the influence after a two-vehicle crash that killed two passengers on the Santa Ana (5) Freeway and backed up the morning commute for miles.

California Highway Patrol officers responded at 1:35 a.m. to the southbound freeway and the Carmenita Road exit where they found the suspect and the victims, CHP Officer Michael Nasir told City News Service.

The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Fox 11 reported the driver was arrested after he slammed into the back of a semi parked on the freeway shoulder, causing the accident.

The CHP issued a SigAlert that closed all lanes of the southbound freeway for several hours while it investigated the crash.

Man fatally shot, second wounded in Norwalk

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 15:33:09 +0000

A man was shot to death in a parking lot in Norwalk and a second man found with gunshot wounds inside a business was hospitalized Saturday night, Dec. 2, authorities said.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 10600 block of Firestone Boulevard about 6:40 p.m. and found the first victim dead in the parking lot, sheriff’s officials said.

While on scene, deputies found the second victim on the floor inside a nearby business, officials said. He was stable at a hospital.

The location is just west of the 605 Freeway and near a Target store, Chick-fil-A and a miniature golf course.

Further information was not immediately available.

Macy’s Thanksgiving parade honoring band leaders, including those from Southland

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:49:33 +0000

More than 400 high school band directors from across the country — including several from Southern California — will march in the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 23.

The nationally televised parade, which will begin at 5:30 a.m. on the West Coast, will feature a dozen marching bands, along with performances by John Batiste, Brandy, Chicago and Cher, among others, Macy’s announced in a news release.

Among the participants is the Saluting America’s Band Directors entry, which will honor the role of music teachers everywhere and will be under the direction of renowned band director Jon Waters.

Local entry participants hail range from Riverside to the South Bay — including former San Pedro High band director Darnella Davidson.

From left are Kelly Leyva, Lone Hill Middle School, San Dimas; Karin Lopez (Rancho Dominquez Preparatory School, Long Beach), Tim Suits (Dodson Middle School, Rancho Palos Verdes), Darnella Davidson (retired band director who taught at San Pedro High School and other LAUSD campuses) and Amanda Chavez (Jordan High School, Long Beach), all school band leaders from the Southern California area who will be marching with the national Band Directors Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy Karin Lopez)
Band directors in Times Square. More than 400 high school band leaders from across the nation will march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 23. (Photo courtesy Karin Lopez)
Southern California school band leaders following a rehearsal before Thursday’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City where they will march with nearly 400 band leaders in the Band Directors Marching Band. (Photo courtesy Karin Lopez)

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“I have marched in the Rose Parade for the past 20 years as an associate director with the LAUSD All City Band,” she said in a written comment. “When I heard the Directors Band was headed to Macy’s, I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to join in on the experience. This will be my first time in New York and perhaps my only chance to march in this iconic parade.”

Also taking part as the youngest participant will be Allison Dinger of Menifee, a junior music education major at California Baptist University, in Riverside. Dinger aspires to be a band director in a California public high school, according to Angela Park, one of her teachers.

Dinger will play trumpet in the Saluting America’s Band Directors parade entry — and is the only college student in the group.

Other participating band directors from the region include Tim Suits from Dodson Middle School in Rancho Palos Verdes; and Karin Lopez from Rancho Dominguez, in the Carson area.

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, Lopez walked with the group near the parade grounds to get a feel for the route.

“I’ve done the Rose Parade,” she said in a telephone interview — and she’s thrilled to now participate in the iconic Thanksgiving parade.

Lopez said she watches the parade on television every year. And she’s thrilled to be one of the band directors representing the Southland, along with those from the Inland Empire to Carson.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase how music has changed my life,” the Norwalk resident said. “Through the trombone, I’ve been able to perform in China and all over the country.”

Lopez was a student at Bell High School when she signed up for band as a way to avoid a physical education course.

“More people have started to realize the importance of arts and music now” for students, she said. “It gave me a great place to find myself.”

The group was checking out the parade’s massive balloons and giant turkey as they walked the course the day before the event.

“It’s super cold,” Lopez said, but “I’m thrilled to be here.”

CNN contributed to this report.

After struggling in high school, teen discovers passion for writing

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:04:23 +0000

United Sierra Education Center’s administrative team members join David Arias as he receives an Award of Merit from the Board during a meeting on Nov. 14.

WHITTIER – Before Frontier High School senior David Arias could pursue an academic journey of self-realization and dedication, he had to confront his biggest nemesis – procrastination. Failure to follow through on his class assignments at his home school put Arias a full year behind his peers, jeopardizing his chances to graduate.

Transferring to Frontier as a sophomore, Arias found that the school’s smaller class sizes inspired him to work harder and more efficiently, and he earned more credits in his first semester at Frontier than he had in his first three semesters at his home school.

Establishing a positive connection with teachers, Arias found a love for writing and storytelling. In his junior year, Arias submitted an essay to the statewide California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) conference, earning second place in the state. Reading his essay before family, Frontier staff and educators from across California at the conference, Arias received a standing ovation.

The Whittier Union Board of Trustees recognized Arias for his self-discipline and resolve to take back his education with an Award of Merit during its Nov. 14 Board meeting.

“I want to say thank you to all my teachers at Frontier, especially Mrs. Silva and Mr. Menza, who made me realize that I liked English and writing,” Arias said. “I’d also like to thank my family, who have always been there for me, even if they didn’t support my decisions. My family taught me that when life is beating you down, you must get up and keep moving no matter what.”

While writing his CCEA essay, Arias’ storytelling skills emerged. Writing about one specific day that changed his life for the better, Arias’ original draft was seven pages long, well over the two-page limit for essays.

“There was so much of the story I wanted to tell, then I realized that the story never ends, because I’m consistently learning and developing as a character for the better,” Arias said. “Art and writing are creative skills that help me best express myself and what I’m feeling.”

At the end of his junior year, Arias had completely remediated his credits and was eligible to return to his home school for his senior year. Instead, Arias decided to remain at Frontier High. After earning an almost perfect score on his senior project on astronomy in October, Arias is on track to graduate in December, a full semester early.

“We have all been extremely touched and privileged to be a part of David’s turnaround story,” Frontier High Principal Dr. Margie Moriarty said. “David walks much taller now, he is more confident in himself as a student and as an individual. David is a tremendous student, outstanding writer and a campus leader. We wish him all the best in the future.”

Arias is excited about his future and the prospect of attending college. He plans to attend Río Hondo College as a first step towards transferring to a university. In the meantime, Arias wants to find a job to help save money for tuition and buy a car.

"Congratulations to David Arias of Frontier High School for his remarkable determination and commitment to his education,” Board President Jaime López said. “David's resilience and dedication to overcoming challenges are truly commendable. Whittier Union is proud to award him the prestigious Award of Merit, which recognizes students who exemplify excellence and emerge stronger in the face of adversity. We celebrate David's achievements and look forward to his continued success on the path to early graduation."

Parents say man continues to film children outside park, school

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:46:46 +0000

Protestors vandalized the home of Allen Perez on Nov. 2 after he was accused of taking photos of children outside New River Elementary School. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK – The first time Cynthia Valdez, the mother of two daughters at New River Elementary School, called the public safety department to report Allen Perez for allegedly taking photos of her and her children at New River Park was on June 7.

Four months later, he continued to park his green Ford Explorer along the curb as the elementary school was let out.

“I would see him every day after school, but I thought he was a parent,” Valdez said. “The Parks and Recreation staff told me they have been calling Public Safety on him since April, because they noticed him filming the kids.”

Parents of students from New River Elementary School have come forward to explain the pattern of issues with Allen Perez, the man accused of taking photographs of children after school at New River Park.

While community members have called Public Safety and law enforcement to report the situation with Perez multiple times, the officers have been unable to take any action against him.

As Public Safety officers explained to Valdez on June 7, under the first amendment Perez had the right to film while on public property in the park where privacy was not expected.

The following day Valdez called Public Safety again, after she said Perez followed her from her home to New River Park. Public Safety was still unable to act, she said.

As Valdez was putting her daughters in her car for a trip to McDonalds on Saturday, June 10, she looked up her driveway to find Perez sitting in his car outside her home. She brought her children back inside and called the Norwalk Sheriff’s station.

“I stood there and I was like, ‘Why did you follow me home?’” Valdez said. “The sheriff’s came and they told me because he was on the curb, public property, they could not do anything.”

The officers told Valdez he would have to come to your home three times because then she could file a stalking incident report and get a 90 day restraining order.

Valdez said her neighbors had also begun to notice Perez’s suspicious behavior and confronted him on June 12. After that, Valdez filed a stalking incident report and was granted a temporary 90-day restraining order pending further review.

When she filed the order, she learned Perez’s name.

However, the restraining order detailed Perez was to stay 100 yards away from Valdez as he lives 300 yards away from her home.

Perez sought his own restraining order against Valdez alleging she was the one following him but was denied. Valdez’s permanent restraining order against him was also denied.

“They said because he never physically touched me, he never went on my property, the restraining order was denied. He only followed me and never talked to me,” Valdez said.

After the court proceedings and the restraining orders were denied on July 12, Valdez took her daughters to New River Park, and as she was with them, she saw Perez in his car parked on the curb.

“I didn’t come back to the park because I don’t want to deal with him,” Valdez said. “I posted on Facebook that he was filming the kids in the park.”

During the summer, the community held a meeting with Public Safety officers in the park to discuss how to keep kids safe for the upcoming school year. Valdez reports the community members demanded increased patrols in the neighborhood as school ws let out.

Protestors throw eggs at the home of Allen Perez on Nov. 2. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

This article has been updated since it originally published.

However, Public Safety began increasing patrol by New River Elementary School in May, when they continued receiving numerous calls about Perez in the park, according to the department.

Jody Gardner, the principal of New River Elementary School, emailed parents to notify them of the ongoing situation on Oct. 17.

She reiterated that while Parents have asked him to move, law-enforcement has not been able to take action against him. Also, the district is limited in their response because he is on a public street and not interfering with the school operations.

“Recently flyers about this individual were posted in the Park claiming the individual is a sex offender, however database searches have come back with no record of any offense,” Gardner’s email read. “We will continue to monitor this situation with the assistance of [Norwalk Public Safety and the Norwalk Sheriff’s] Departments.”

Mia Villasenor, a mother of two young children, recounted her first interaction with Perez on Oct. 19, when Perez allegedly attempted to follow her home. While her children are not of school age, she is a regular at the community park.

“I was starting to go home and he pulled over and tried to tell me something, but I kept driving. I turned into a residential street to hide from him and I saw him pass by,” Villasenor said. “He a -U turn to try to catch up to me, so I turned in another street and he blocked me.”

That week, the Norwalk City Council approved Public Safety to install security cameras in front of New River Park. However, Perez was not deterred and continued to park in front of the cameras.

Villasenor evaded Perez until the following day, when she returned to the park and waited for Valdez. Villasenor had parked in front of the cameras, but he got out of his car and began filming her car and her children.

She quickly locked herself in the car with her kids, their father and a family friend inside the vehicle until he left.

Villasenor filmed him as he walked around her car, and is also planning to seek a 90-day restraining order.

A protest erupted outside Perez home on Nov. 2, after Fox11 News reported that a 13 year-old girl alleges to have seen Perez in his car “masturbating to kids.” However, a police report was never filed of the incident.

Perez’s home was vandalized, as social justice groups spray painted and threw eggs at the house.

Councilmember Rick Ramierez insists the groups that vandalized the house were not from Norwalk and encouraged the community to use the legal path if they make action against Perez.

“We don’t condone those actions, [parents in Norwalk] had no part in organizing any protests in front of anyone’s home,” Ramierez said. “We are trying to do it the peaceful and the legal way, but parents are frustrated, they’ve tried everything legally.”

The city council released a statement encouraging peaceful and legal action as well.

“The city of Norwalk, its City Council and its staff takes seriously the allegations submitted by members of the public concerning the circumstances and as exploring all available legal options,” the council statement reads. “The city strongly urges members of the public to avoid contact or confrontation with any individual who may pose a threat to their public safety or well being and also seeks the cooperation of everyone to not engage in an effort to take enforcement measures into their own hands.”

The Norwalk Sheriff’s Department released a statement explaining that during the July community meeting, the activities of Perez did not rise to the level of criminal activity. The statement read that patrols were increased in the vicinity, aimed to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We understand that this is very concerning for parents and the community, and we will ensure that any official complaint will be thoroughly investigated,” the sheriff department statement reads. “There are some allegations of potential lewd acts by the adult male in some media reports however the department has not received an official report through the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station or the Norwalk Public Safety Department.”

They urge anyone who has information regarding the incident to contact the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station and file an official report so an investigation can begin.

Norwalk La Mirada unified school district board of education released a similar statement to Gardner, explaining that they are limited in their response as the “individual” has not broken any laws regarding occupying public spaces. The statement read the board is working with the Public Safety and Sheriff’s Departments and will continue to monitor this situation.

Perez did not respond to calls for comments.

Valdez and Villasenor said they have not seen Perez return to the park since Nov. 2.

Norwalk moves toward solar energy

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:24:32 +0000

Norwalk City Council reviews a plan to install solar panel at city facilities during their meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council has unanimously voted to approve the Sustainability Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure Improvement Project and initiate the installation of solar panel arrays at several municipal facilities during their Tuesday meeting.

“For many years, the city council has supported energy efficiency upgrades to buildings and infrastructure,” said city manager Jesus M. Gomez. “This is also related to our goal number for sustainability recently added to our strategic plan.”

Gomez explained the projected energy savings over 30 years are estimated at $35,361,800. The project would cost approximately $18.2 million, which includes the design-build contract for sports field lighting and the initiation of solar panel implementation at six city facilities.

The city will cover $6.2 million through different sources to finance the solar panel array portion, estimated at $12 million. Approximately $1.8 million has already been allocated in the fiscal year 2024 budget for park lighting and improvements, with an additional $4.2 million to be requested later. This additional funding is expected to come from Proposition C and capital reserves.

The city plans to seek tax-exempt municipal lease financing for the solar panels at six locations. Syserco Energy Solutions has assisted the city in applying to Southern California Edison for rebates, securing a significant $4 million to be used against the first debt service payment.

This rebate includes $3 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and $1 million from the energy community bonus.

Scott Mines, the general manager from Syserco Energy Solutions, assured the council of the solar panels’ reliability.

“The materials that are specified here on the solar modules have a 30-year performance warranty that’s associated with them,” Mines explained. “The things that we’re installing here are their equipment, that is tier one modules, which are companies that have been thoroughly tested and UL listed.”

Norwalk Mayor Ana Valencia noted the urgency of Norwalk’s move towards solar energy. “Working towards reducing our carbon footprint is part of our sustainability plan. That’s really what we’re trying to do and even play a little bit of catch up when it comes to sustainability efforts.”

Former real estate office could be replaced with car wash

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:25:58 +0000

NORWALK — A former real estate office could be redeveloped into a Quick Quack express car wash facility but city officials are recommending the project be denied.

The planning commission will consider the project Wednesday, which calls for the demolition of the currently vacant building at 11642 Firestone Blvd., next to Northgate grocery store.

Ten car washes currently operate in Norwalk, including four within a two-mile radius.

In a report to the planning commission, city officials recommended the project be denied.

“Based upon public feedback from the project’s community meeting, car washes are abundant and ubiquitous throughout the city and undesirable for the City’s image,” planning technician Ilianna Padilla wrote, adding that the development falls within the Heart of Norwalk Vision Plan, which calls for a transit-oriented residential district in that area.

Quick Quack operates about 200 car washes nationwide. The Norwalk location would be equipped with 11 parking spaces with vacuums and 13 standard parking spaces.

Quick Quack’s proposed hours of operation are 7 am to 9 daily. The car wash would employ 18-20 people, according to the city report.

Raising Cane's to replace vacant CVS pharmacy

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:33:30 +0000

NORWALK — A former CVS pharmacy at Studebaker Road and Imperial Highway will be replaced by Raising Cane’s, pending approval by the planning commission Wednesday.

According to plans submitted to the city, Raising Cane’s wants to demolish the vacant CVS building and replace it with a 3,705 sq. ft. drive-through restaurant.

The restaurant will be surrounded by more than 19,000 sq. ft. of landscaping. Raising Cane’s will provide 41 parking spaces, although city code requires only 15.

The restaurant will have two drive-through lanes capable of accommodating up to 23 vehicles.

“The proposed project will enhance the surrounding area by revitalizing a vacant site and providing a local-serving commercial use compatible with the neighborhood,” community development director John Ramirez wrote in report to the planning commission.

Man photographing kids near school raises anxieties

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:45:33 +0000

Surveillance cameras were installed at new New River park after multiple reports of a man taking photographs of children leaving New River Elementary School. (PHOTO BY VINCENT MEDINA)

NORWALK – Reports of a man taking photographs of students leaving New River Elementary School in Norwalk is creating safety concerns among parents, students and city officials.

The man has been observed in his car after school hours with a blanket, laptop and cell phone taking pictures of children in the park, according to Fox11. A student from New River Elementary School alleges to have seen the man “masturbating to kids.”

New River Elementary has covered the school fence with a tarp, although this has not stopped the man from continuing to wait in the area after school.

Norwalk City Council member Rick Ramirez authorized the installation of surveillance cameras around the children’s recreation center at the park in response to the growing number of reports. He expressed his concerns for the parent and student safety, while urging against the community “taking the law into their own hands.”

The man accused denies the allegations and insists he has the right to be there. He is aware members of the community are uncomfortable with him at the park, but expressed he plans to continue parking outside New River Elementary School.

Parents have reported the man to law enforcement and public safety. However the man has not broken any laws, as it is legal to film in public places where privacy is not expected.

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District superintendent Dr. John Lopez said the district is aware of the situation and communicated the situation to the community.

Man shot and killed in Norwalk driveway

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:44:39 +0000

A man found shot in a Norwalk driveway later died at a hospital early Sunday morning, Oct. 29.

The man had been talking to 10 to 15 men in the driveway of a home on the 13900 block of Maidstone Avenue when a gunshot was heard, sheriff’s Lt. Daniel Vizcarra said.

Everyone ran but the victim, he said.

Deputies went to the neighborhood on a call of a gunshot victim around 12:40 a.m. and found the victim shot in the torso, Vizcarra said.

There was a Halloween party held at the house, the lieutenant said, but he didn’t know if the party was still ongoing when the shooting broke out.

The medical examiner’s office had not yet publicly identified the victim. Preliminary information suggests the man was a resident of the home, Vizcarra said.

Detectives asked anyone with information about the shooting to call them at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or at lacrimestoppers.org.

Growing resources at Cerritos College lead to high ranking in colleges for Hispanic students

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 06:01:40 +0000

Cerritos College has been ranked among the top schools to serve Hispanic students in the United States, in part due to its growing resources on campus.

The Norwalk college ranked 19th among the nation’s top 100 schools with the number of associated degrees awarded to Hispanic students – moving up 9 spots from last year – in the Hispanic Outlook on Education’s “Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics” issue published on Oct. 16.

Hispanic Outlook on Education is a national monthly magazine that provides education news, innovations, networking, resources, and the latest trends impacting Hispanic students from kindergarten through graduate school, according to its website.

The magazine creates the ranking based on the Department of Education’s database of completed higher education surveys from all 50 states, according to its website. Other than sorting them in order of the most Hispanic participation and degrees granted, schools are also differentiated between 4-year and 2-year schools in terms of enrollment and achievement of bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degrees among the Hispanic population.

“Our efforts to address the needs of underserved students are bearing fruit,” Superintendent-President Jose Fierro said in a statement. “We will continue our measure to help Latinx students transform hardship into academic and professional success.”

Cerritos College is also ranked eighth among the top 100 colleges and universities for the highest Hispanic enrollment.

The college has a nearly 70% Latino student population and a record for increasing success rates among Latinx students, according to a press release -especially first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds through innovative programs.

Cerritos College’s Student Equity Plan aims to close achievement gaps for Latinx students and other disproportionately impacted groups by supporting them through enrollment, retention, degree completion, transfer, and certificate attainment, according to spokesperson Aya Aoki.

Those supportive efforts include the Puente Program, a one-year cohort model that guarantees students access to transfer-lever courses. These courses help students become familiar with the transfer process.

Puente Program professors’ approach to teaching courses from a Latinx perspective, including historical and contemporary issues. Students who participate in the program have shown higher success rates than the general student population.

In 2020-21, Puente students had a 73% success rate compared to 68% among the general student population, according to Aoki.

“I, like many others, had to face similar but unique obstacles. When I graduated high school I knew that I would be facing new experiences and challenges,” Daira Ordonez, a first-generation student at Cerritos and part of the Puente 2021-22 cohort, said in a statement.

Ordonez was the only one in her friend group to continue her education and was the first in her family to receive higher education. In an effort to not miss any opportunities, Ordonez discovered Puente.

“I never knew how much I would gain from this experience. It still blows my mind how a single program could alter my perspective on life, my self-concept, and those around me (past, present and future),” Ordonez said.

Through the program, Ordonez said she received supportive counseling and a community. It also sparked a new passion, aside from a dream career in the medical field, to advocate for students similar to her situation.

“Puente offered me support that I didn’t even know existed, let alone needed,” Ordonez said. “To be culturally understood was something I had never experienced, but that helped me so much recently.”

Norwalk state of the city reviews development over the past year

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:51:34 +0000

Mayor Ana Valencia speaks at Norwalk’s State of the City event. (CITY OF NORWALK PHOTO)

NORWALK – Mayor Ana Valencia and Norwalk officials from the Chamber of Commerce and the city Sheriff’s Station reviewed the economic progress, safety improvements and development of Norwalk over the past year during the State of the City address on Oct. 20.

Chamber of Commerce

Caren Spilsbury, executive director of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, began by celebrating the chamber’s 100-year anniversary, then responded to state economic concerns and plans for business development in the community.

The executive director clarified the city is not in a recession as economists predicted last year. However, she explained the ongoing challenges with inflation continue to impact the city and create a trickle down effect on the economy.

“[Inflation] is down to about 3.7% through this last September compared to 9.1% a year and a half ago, but it still creates increased pricing for our residents and our consumers,” Spilsbury said. “Legislative decisions in Sacramento have taken away local control. Making decisions for our business owners that are not good for business also has a major effect on the economy.”

Spilsbury referred to AB 1228, which promises fast food workers a minimum wage of $20 an hour starting April 2024. While employees would earn more money it would become difficult for small businesses to compete and lose employees, she explained.

Norwalk has seen an increase in city business licenses. As of Jan. 2023 the city has 2,240 business licenses, an increase from the 2,163 business licenses in Jan. 2021, according to data from the Chamber of Commerce.

Sheriff’s Station

Richard Conti, captain of the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station, was promoted to overseeing the station during the summer in August. He expressed the station’s plan to collaborate with the public safety department.

Conti explained the efforts of the Norwalk Enforcement Team (NET), focused on crime suppression and community engagement. With an additional NET team, more officers would be available to handle calls from the community.

“A group of deputies we hand picked from our station are on this team,” Conti said. “We are going to give them training to adequately handle calls and that’s kept our crime down.”

The sheriff captain also elaborated on Public Safety Quadrants, where public safety officers are assigned to one of four quadrants in the city. Under the program, public safety would establish a personalized liaison between the community and the array of services at the sheriff’s department and the city.

“It’s all geared to find solutions to your problems,” Conti said. “These officers pledge to maintain open lines of communication again and this commitment fosters trust and strength between the community and the sheriff’s department.”

City Development

Mayor Valencia drew attention to significant projects, such as the Transit Village and the Norwalk Entertainment Center. The veteran housing project, neighborhood revitalization programs, and partnerships with major brands like Tesla were also highlighted.

Mayor Valencia unveiled projects including the transformation of the former California Youth Authority’s Correctional Center into theNorwalk Transit Village and the Norwalk Entertainment District, dubbed “The Walk.” These projects aim to attract businesses to the city by offering a mix of residential units, commercial spaces, and community gathering spots.

Cal High students learn leadership skills at great heights

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:21:00 +0000

WHITTIER – California High School’s Academic Mentors embarked on a thrilling adventure at the Orange County Ropes Course, where they were pushed out of their comfort zones and taught valuable lessons in teamwork, courage and risk-taking.

The Orange County Ropes Course is an elaborate network of above-ground obstacles, climbing structures and a final zipline that are each designed to test a person’s physical and mental abilities. The California High Academic Mentors faced the rope course on Oct. 5, building a strong mentality of overcoming obstacles that they will now bring to their mentoring sessions in the classroom.

"It was difficult to find the courage to go down the zipline at first, but the instructor helped me to relax and gave me the confidence to go for it,” senior Academic Mentor Justine Alvarez said. “It ended up being fun, and I learned that you shouldn't be afraid to take some risks in life!”

As the Academic Mentors navigated the ropes course, they discovered the importance of effective communication and encouragement. Whether it was crossing a wobbly bridge or making the exhilarating descent down the zipline, they were taught that success often relied on their ability to support and uplift one another.

“Our Academic Mentors play an integral leadership role in the school,” Principal Bill Schloss said. “They dedicate much of their time to helping all students achieve academic and personal success, as well as helping support them socially and emotionally.”

The Academic Mentors also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of patience and looking just one step ahead at a time, as well as the benefit of pushing past comfort zones and developing a growth mindset.

“In the classroom, our mentors are often tasked with approaching reluctant learners, and it can be difficult to get started engaging as a role model,” California High School Intervention Specialist and math teacher Melissa Esquerra said. “Our goal in coordinating this field trip was to help our Academic Mentors gain more confidence and realize the potential of positive words in their work.”

The California High School Academic Mentors are a group of juniors and seniors who help support teachers by working in small groups or one-on-one with mentees in classes that are designed to provide extra support to at-promise students.

"Congratulations to California High School's Academic Mentors for taking on the Orange County Ropes Course, exemplifying the values of teamwork, courage and pushing boundaries,” Board President Jaime López said. “Whittier Union is proud to provide many growth opportunities across the District that nurture our students as they continue 'To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.'”

Toilets at LA Metro train and bus stations are very rare, but four are being tested at busy stops

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:11:18 +0000

They’ve heard the complaint for years directly from riders, on surveys and from their own board of directors: Why doesn’t LA Metro provide public restrooms at its train stations and bus depots?

That call for rider relief was heard in Washington D.C., where a maker of portable bathrooms is based. Throne Labs made a proposal to Metro that evolved into a six-month pilot that started testing three portable, self-contained bathroom units last week at Metro’s busiest train stations: Westlake/MacArthur Park on the B (Red)/D (Purple) Lines; Willowbrook/Rosa Parks on the A (Blue)/C (Green) Lines; and the Norwalk station on the C Line.

Metro also added a fourth Throne unit, a non-public bathroom for bus drivers and train operators at the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink passenger rail station.

This is an example of a portable bathroom by Throne Labs. Users need to scan a QR code to open the door. Similar ones are being tested on LA Metro’s system. (image courtesy of Throne Labs)
A portable Throne Labs potty (blue and white) has been placed at the Sylmar Metrolink Station where buses end their routes. It is for bus and train operators only. (image courtesy of Throne Labs).
These portable bathrooms by Throne Labs includes one ADA ready and one as a step-up variety. Similar ones are being tested on LA Metro’s system. (image courtesy of Throne Labs)
A self-contained public bathroom (blue and white structure on left) with a toilet, sink with running water and a baby changing table was installed at the LA Metro Westlake/MacArthur Park Station in downtown LA. This is part of a pilot program that began Oct. 11, 2023, to add bathrooms to train stations. (photo courtesy of Throne Labs)

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The Throne bathrooms have been used 1,200 times in about one week, and Metro has received no complaints, and no reports of vandalism or misuse, said Stephen Tu, Metro’s deputy executive officer of station experience on Oct. 18.

“This appears to be a very promising start,” Tu said. The key may be that the Throne system only allows access via a cell phone to unlock the door. And there’s a 10-minute time limit on using the facility.

Before the Throne pilot, public bathrooms and LA Metro train and bus stations rarely co-existed. With few exceptions, bathrooms are non-existent at Metro train stations, bus depots and bus stops.

Of the 140 rail and bus transit centers that Metro serves on its 115 miles of rail lines, only three stations had restrooms before the new ones were installed. The three are located at Union Station in DTLA, Harbor Gateway in the South Bay, and the El Monte Bus Station in the San Gabriel Valley, explained Tu. At the North Hollywood Metro station and at Pershing Square, the city of Los Angeles has provided nearby restrooms, Tu said.

People walk past a public restroom on Lankershim Boulevard provided by the city of LA at the North Hollywood Metro Station on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. There are no facilities when you enter the subway station. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Holding it in

Riders often give Metro an earful about having to “hold it in” while waiting for a train or bus to arrive, or during and after a long bus or train ride. There are no restrooms on board the trains or buses.

“I need bathrooms because I am waiting for the bus for 45 minutes. It is an emergency!” said Martha Villa, a Pasadena resident awaiting the arrival of the Metro 467 bus to get to work. Villa sat on a bench at the multi-level, Metro-owned, Sierra Madre Villa bus/train depot in East Pasadena on the morning of Oct. 19.

“My coffee is in my bag,” she said, pulling out a silver thermos from her satchel. “But I don’t drink it.”

While Villa had learned not to fill up her bladder while taking Metro, others waiting for a bus pointed to the locked restrooms at the eastern end of the depot. They are reserved for bus and train operators only. One bus driver used his key to enter the employee-only facility, and later was asked if those restrooms should be open to the public. “No comment,” he said.

The new Throne bathroom in Sylmar is at the end of the line for many bus drivers and has been used a lot by drivers already, Tu said. Often bus drivers run to relieve themselves during layovers — to gas stations, Starbucks or wherever they can access a toilet.

A ‘nice bathroom’ for all?

Throne began setting up its bathrooms in cities during the pandemic in 2020. It’s other transit-oriented location is at a Washington D.C. transit terminal, for use by bus drivers.

The mission of the start-up is to provide transit employees and riders with “a nice bathroom.” Founder and CEO Fletcher Wilson talked to bus operators and rideshare drivers about finding bathrooms on their routes. One rideshare driver pointed to a rolled up necktie in his glove compartment and said, “Whenever I drop a passenger at a hotel I throw on the tie, walk into the lobby, and boom, a really nice bathroom is all mine.”

The shortage of public restrooms in the United States is acute. According to the Public Restroom Index, the U.S. has eight per 100,000 people. That is tied with Botswana.

Flushing out misuse

Two big reasons why transit agencies don’t provide restrooms are cost and misuse, said Jessica Heinzelman, co-founder and chief operating officer of Throne. Many agencies could not keep out those who used a restroom to change, do drugs, or other illicit activity.

Tu said the portable restrooms at the El Monte Bus Depot have caused Metro problems. They have been shut down at times or had their hours curtailed. And when they are open, Metro posts a guard to ensure accountability, Tu said.

“There is illicit activity going on inside,” Tu said. “That vulnerability has led to clogged toilets and people discarding items like clothing that jam up the facility and prevent actual Metro customers from using the facility.”

Throne gets around the cost of hooking pipes to water and sewer lines by making its bathrooms self-contained. They have their own water and sewer tanks. And power comes from solar panels, Heinzelman explained.

Each bathroom has a toilet, a urinal, a running water sink to wash hands and a baby changing station, Heinzelman said, describing them as “a huge step up from a porta potty.” They have ventilation systems, bright lighting and are self-cleaning but they need to be serviced like other portable bathrooms, Tu said.

21 sensors for accountability

The biggest prevention against their misuse is that each bathroom is locked and can only be opened by using a cell phone.

A phone can scan the bathroom’s QR code and that unlocks the door. Without a smart phone, a text message can be sent to the number on the bathroom and the caller gets a text back with a code that can be put in to unlock the door. Throne also has an app to use to unlock the door and to find the locations of other Throne bathrooms, Heinzelman explained.

The Throne bathrooms have no cameras. But they are equipped with 21 internet sensors that give information to Throne on length of time in use, and whether there’s a clogged drain, or some kind of damage or vandalism.

“We can collect information but no visual images. If there is a major incident of vandalism we can shut it down remotely,” she said. Also, the door pops open after 10 minutes.

“So far, we’ve had great feedback. The goal is to have them at more Metro stations,” Heinzelman said.

The pilot is not costing Metro a penny. A report will be sent to the board in April, Tu said. “We expect to learn a lot during this six-month pilot,” he said.

Chicano culture celebrated in award-winning documentary

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:45:12 +0000

WHITTIER – History will be made when the California Museum screens “The Great American Lowrider Tradition,” an award-winning car culture documentary created and produced by Pioneer High School maintenance custodian Martin Torrez, as part of the museum’s Fall programming celebrating the rich history, artistry and impact of low rider culture.

The film will be screened on Saturday, Oct. 21, followed by a Q&A with Torrez and documentary subjects Oscar Ruelas, co-founder of Duke’s So. Cal, believed to be the world’s longest-running low rider club, and Little Willie G., lead singer for the legendary Chicano band, Thee Midniters.

The screening will be the first time a movie exploring American car culture will be presented at the museum and represents a major advancement in telling the first-hand stories of lowrider enthusiasts who endured decades-long racial discrimination for pursuing their passions and celebrating their Chicano heritage.

“Having this documentary screened at the state capital is a dream come true. For me, it’s like winning an Academy Award,” Torrez said. “Lowriders have an epic history and its culture is celebrated all over the world. But in California, we still have laws banning the cars and discrediting our traditions. We are working to repeal the laws, and screening at the California Museum is a huge step forward.”

The documentary has already created a substantial buzz, winning the Breaking Barriers Award at the Portland Film Festival in 2021, where it made its debut, and the Audience Favorite Award at the Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) Film Festival in 2022, where it set a festival record by selling out its first screening at L.A. Live in 13 hours. Two subsequent screenings also sold out in record time.

Torrez came to Pioneer High School in July 2022, just prior to the screening at the DTLA Film Festival. No one in the District had any idea that Torrez was a self-taught filmmaker, let alone an award-winning documentary producer, until he appeared on an NBC4 morning news segment promoting the film wearing his Pioneer Titan sweatershirt.

“I appreciate the tremendous support from the Board of Trustees and District for the film. But I tell them, despite the film’s success, I’m not going anywhere,” Torrez said. “I love my job and I’m a proud member of the Whittier Union community. I want to be able to give back to our kids. Part of that is empowering them with their own history and the positive impact that it’s had on our culture.”

“The Great American Lowrider Tradition” tells the story of lowriders as a uniquely American culture and art form, in the words and images of those who created and continue to maintain the lifestyle. Meticulously researched, the documentary works to restore credit to lowrider pioneers, push back on negative media connotations, and call for legislative action to repeal anti-cruising laws.

The documentary is a labor of love for Torrez, who researched, wrote, filmed, edited and narrated the film on his own, even composing some of the music on the soundtrack. Torrez is driven by the opportunity to tell the story of car culture aficionados, which include his 9-year-old son.

“We are so proud of Martin Torrez, who has turned his passion for Southern California car culture into a compelling historical document,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “Martin’s determination to reclaim the narrative on behalf of the lowrider community has made him a role model and inspiration to the community and his colleagues.”

For more information about the film, visit lowriderdocumentary.org.

605 All Star Band prepares for 2025 Rose Parade

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:32:19 +0000

John Glenn High School band director Frank Hinojoz leads a rehearsal. (PHOTO BY ALEX DOMINGUEZ)

NORWALK – The high school bands of Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District will join with those of ABC Unified to represent the schools residing along the 605 Freeway at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Consisting of over 400 students from Mayfair Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Gahr, John Glenn, La Mirada and Norwalk high schools, the ensemble – now known as the 605 All Star Band – was the concept of Mayfair High School’s band director Tom Phillips, who recently told the Press-Telegram that it had been a dream of his to march in the annual parade before his impending retirement in 2025.

“Tom Phillips, the band director at Mayfair High School is the one who contacted us all,” said Frank Hinojoz, band director at John Glenn. “He has the same dream as most of us have, and that’s to take our band to the Rose Parade.”

There was just one problem: size.

“It’s all about size, to be perfectly honest,” said Hinojoz. “It’s quality, but it’s also about size. The pandemic affected us all really bad, and so we knew he couldn’t get in by himself, and he knew he needed some help.

“He contacted us, the other seven high schools from Norwalk La Mirada Unified and the ABC District, and of course the Bellflower District that he’s a part of, and said ‘Hey, can we make this happen?’ And so, that was it. We all got on board, started rehearsing and everything else, and here’s where we’re at today, we got in.”

Due to the scope of its coverage, Hinojoz said that marching in the Rose Parade is “the biggest thing for band out there.” He marched it himself in 1989 as part of the Tournament of Roses Honor Band during the 100th celebration.

“I remember the excitement about it all, the work that you had to put in to do it because it’s five miles long, almost six, which is really intense,” said Hinojoz. “It’s like one of those things, like I said, especially after you’ve done it, you’re like, ‘I want to do this with my band.’”

Rehearsals are primarily done separately, including both musical practice and physical conditioning. All schools did come together to record their audition.

Robert Stearns, director at La Mirada, spoke on the collaboration between each director, saying it’s “been fun, but a lot of work.”

Members of the La Mirada High School band during a rehearsal. (PHOTO BY ALEX DOMINGUEZ)

“Coming together is really nice just because on any given day at a school, I’m the only band director here so I don’t have seven other people to confer with who are on the same thought process as me,” said Stearns. “So, it’s really nice to work with the others. We’ve divided up roles, and ever since we got in we’ve had regular meetings now just to talk through the details, because it’s a lot of students that we’re going to be dealing with so we want to make sure we have all our details right before we actually start announcing everything and coming up with rehearsal plans and stuff like that.”

Overall, students seem eager for the opportunity.

“They are excited,” said Stearns. “I don’t know if it’s actually hit them yet, as ‘this is real’ because it’s so far away…We talk about it little by little, and they’ll kind of look up and go ‘Oh, this is really happening,’ so they’re excited about it.”

City Council approves updated economic development plan

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:30:51 +0000

Ken Hira, president of Kosmont Companies, explains to the city council how the Economic Development Opportunities Plan focuses on economic nodes during their meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council approved the update to the Economic Development Opportunities Plan (EDOP) and explained the goals for the plan during their meeting on Tuesday.

The plan aims to revitalize and redefine the city’s economic landscape. It serves as a strategic framework to evaluate Norwalk’s existing demographic landscape and retail market conditions, according to City Manager Jesus M. Gomez.

The EDOP was initially adopted in October 2018, but in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has collaborated with Kosmont Companies to receive economic insights and adapt its economic strategies.

Ken Hira, president of Kosmont Companies, explained how the EDOP pinpoints “Economic Nodes,” strategic areas encompassing existing and proposed development projects, corridors, and specific sites with potential for growth.

“The plan analyzed the city’s strengths and weaknesses and identified key economic nodes which have evolved over time,” Hira said. “One thing that was started back in 2018 was the updating of the projects within those nodes, the pursuit of economic development tools to help those areas prosper.”

By focusing on these 10 nodes, the city aims to generate economic activity by drawing businesses and residents into synergistic spaces where commerce, culture and community converge.

These areas include Norwalk Transit Village (former California Youth Authority), Historic Front Street, Five Points, the Entertainment District and the former Food 4 Less.

Hira explained that most nodes are already in development, as the council approved projects and encouraged staff to move forward with their economic development efforts during the pandemic.

“Projects like the Transit Village take a long time to come to fruition, but when you have public and private entities working together and collaborating, there’s progress,” Hira said. “If you look at the 10 economic nodes, every node has made progress and has an active project in each one.”

The EDOP update aligns with the City Council’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2025.

Vice Mayor Margarita Rios expressed her gratitude for the community engagement with the EDOP, and city staff for ensuring residents had every opportunity to engage with the plan.

“I always appreciate when our staff keeps an open mind and they’re willing to listen and they expect our input, and we are happy to give it,” Rios said. “I think that it’s been very exciting to see that we’re at this point five years later, where we started with just dialogue and talking about our vision for the city.”

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, outreach meetings were conducted between May and September to ensure the EDOP meets the community’s aspirations.

Councilwoman Jennifer Perez acknowledged criticism from the community that the council needs to be more proactive in developing the city.

“There’s a lot of people that say we haven’t been focused on economic development and we’re not moving in the right direction,” Perez said. “Adopting this plan and seeing where we have come from when we started this plan in 2018, is proof that we are moving forward.”

The Norwalk City Council unanimously approved the updated Economic Development Opportunities Plan.

School board ratifies agreement to boost academics at El Camino

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:08:18 +0000

The NLMUSD school board determine their next course of action during their board of education meeting. (PHOTO BY VINCENT MEDINA)

NORWALK – The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District board of education voted unanimously to ratify a contract with the National College Resource Foundation (NCRF) during their meeting on Monday.

Under this contract, the NCRF will aim to enhance the academic performance of El Camino High School students by providing them with advising and emotional support.

Students will also be given after-school tutoring, assistance to improve their math scores and support to help them on their path to college.

School board member Narcis Brasov expressed concerns over the agreement, questioning whether the contract utilized outside businesses or a district responsibility.

“The contract itself seems like a high school counselor’s job plus tutoring,” Brasov said. “I’m concerned that we’re outsourcing a quintessential district responsibility and public responsibility to a private company.”

The district has agreed to compensate the NCRF with $117,920 for its services between Sep. 2023 and July 2024.

Jessica Medrano, assistant superintendent of educational services secondary, explained the district made a plan of how to use the temporary Comprehensive Support and Improvement funding based on the needs of the school. The goal was to improve student’s academic scores with financing over a short period of time.

“This was a solution the site worked to find that provides a variety of resources, not just math, tutoring, not just language arts, tutoring, but also college career counseling,” Medrano said. “It’s able to help them meet that goal of improving the graduation rate, which was the need initially for the CSI funds and why the school is labeled as CSI.”

A school qualifies for CSI funding if the average three-year graduation rate is below 68%, according to the California Department of Education. The schools must have graduation data for the past three years to be eligible for support in this category.

Mark Hunter, assistant director/principal of El Camino High School, shared that the school qualified for CSI funding during the 2020-2021 academic year when the graduation rate dropped to approximately 45%. He noted this was the year when students were distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The graduation rate improved during the 2021-2022 year and increased to 68%. During the 2022 - 2023 academic year, the graduation rate increased to 80%.

“Now the average graduation rate of those three years is 64%,” Hunter said. “So we will meet the three year average requirement of 68%.”

A school can only receive CSI funding for three years, so this academic year would be the final year El Camino High School receives these funds.

After these clarifications, Brasov motioned to pass the contract, which was unanimously supported by the board of education.

The NCRF will service students four days a week between Monday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for 40 hours weekly. There will be at least three staff members including a site coordinator.

Nurse, PIH Health settle remaining claim in religious discrimination suit

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:07:29 +0000

WHITTIER – A former nurse has settled the one claim left in her lawsuit against PIH Health Whittier Hospital in which she alleged she suffered discrimination and was wrongfully terminated because of her religious objections to being tested for the coronavirus.

Lilia Acevedo-Cosio's Norwalk Superior Court lawsuit also alleged retaliation and failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation. In August, Judge Lee W. Tsao dismissed most of her claims and said that even assuming Acevedo-Cosio had shown a basic discrimination case, the hospital had demonstrated that its actions were legitimate and non-discriminatory.

The 44-year-old Whittier woman also was denied a court declaration that her engagement in protected activity involving religious freedom was a significant reason she suffered retaliation.

Tsao said Acevedo-Cosio could take to trial her claim for failure to inspect personnel and payroll records because the hospital did not provide the records she sought within the prescribed time limits, but the attorneys in the case told the judge during a hearing on Friday that the cause of action was resolved. No terms were divulged.

In their court papers, PIH attorneys said the hospital staff "worked tirelessly to accommodate Acevedo-Cosio's inexcusable refusal to simply test for COVID during the height of the pandemic," forcing the hospital to accept her resignation.

But in a sworn declaration, the plaintiff said otherwise.

"My religious beliefs led me to oppose this sort of invasive testing, so I asked for a religious accommodation from the testing and included an attestation from my religious leader...," Acevedo-Cosio said.

Acevedo-Cosio said she was actually terminated on Nov. 15, 2021, and did not quit.

Norwalk reallocates funds to create residential improvement program

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:43:33 +0000

Council member Margarita Rios asks the city community development director for clarification on the new Residential Rehabilitation Program during the city council meeting on Tuesday. (PHOTO BY VINCENT MEDINA)

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council voted unanimously to amend the 2023 - 24 fiscal year budget and reallocate funds towards city infrastructure and a new Residential Rehabilitation Program during their meeting Tuesday evening.

John Ramirez, the community development director, proposed the unallocated $615,267 funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) be redirected toward the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to make repairs to the street, sidewalk, curb, gutter and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access ramps.

The general funds were initially intended for CIP, so Ramirez proposed the $600,000 be reallocated toward a new Residential Rehabilitation Program.

“While this is technically a simple funds swap, given it’s a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, the procedures can be intricate,” Ramirez explained.

The proposed amendments aim to expedite spending to prevent funds from lapsing and being returned to the federal government.

The new Residential Rehabilitation Program will cover home improvement costs including accessibility upgrades, roof insulation, water heaters, windows and air conditioners for qualifying city residents 60 years old or older or non-ambulatory people.

Applicants would qualify for improvement grants once every five years.

As the new program is still in development, exact minimum and maximum grant amounts have yet to be determined. However, Ramirez estimates the grants will be approximately $5,000 - $30,000.

“Once we implement the program, and we start to do cost estimates with different contractors, we’ll be able to formulate a tighter budget for each of the provided services,” the community development director said.

Ramirez explained the program is separate from the One-Ways Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program.

Councilman Rick Ramirez expressed his concerns about the program’s accessibility due to the program’s income requirements, which might deter residents from making home improvements.

“In today’s economy, people are just trying to survive paycheck to paycheck,” the councilmember said. “With these guidelines, many might not even consider renovating their homes.”

Councilmembers Jennifer Perez and Margarita Rios empathized with Ramirez but acknowledged the city has no control over state and federal income requirements.

Rios encouraged staff to find a new way to help families make home improvements where the income threshold is not an issue.

“If we have homeowners that could be a young family that don’t qualify because of the income threshold, but they’re, they’re eager to make some improvements to their home, let’s see if there is something else we can potentially offer,” Rios said.

Ramirez acknowledged the concerns and promised to review the income limits.

“John, thank you for having open dialogue with us to really look at how we can customize this program for our city and our residents,” Perez said. “There’s a lot of things that you’ve added that we have talked about and I’m very excited to see them there.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the amendment and reallocate the funds and expressed more information on the Residential Rehabilitation Project would be available before it goes into effect.

NLMUSD robotics program emphasizes student engineering passion

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:42:13 +0000

NLMUSD board of education members reached over their dias and attendees moved to get a better view of Marc Reyes program the four-legged robot during the meeting on Sep. 25. (PHOTO BY VINCENT MEDINA)

NORWALK – John Glenn High School senior Marc Reyes, 18, walked into the Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District board of education meeting behind the four-legged robot “MORT,” demonstrating what his AP Computer Science class has taught him.

The school board members reached over their dias and attendees jumped from their seats to get a better view of the robotics demonstration during the meeting on Sep. 25. Reyes made the robot dog roll over, stand on its hind legs and march across the room.

Student board member Janelle Calderon, a senior and the ASB president at John Glenn High School highlighted the school’s computer science pathway and emphasized the program’s focus on four essential programs, including JavaScript, Python, Java, and C++.

“One of the wireless ways to connect to the robot dog is actually hacking into one of the four computers within the robot,” Reyes said as he demonstrated the robot. “This piece of equipment can be programmed from someone who has beginner level experience to researchers level experience using block coding to C++ that takes thousands of lines of code.”

Reyes immigrated from the Philippines just a year ago and took a keen interest in engineering from a young age. His passion led him to join the school’s robotics club, where he has been able to apply his skills in hardware and software.

On top of his five AP courses and two college-level courses, the high school senior is president of the John Glenn High School Robotics Club, which has nine members. They are preparing for an upcoming Vex regional competition, where they will showcase robots designed to solve specific challenges.

His AP Computer Science teacher, Sergio Franco, also weighed in on the significance of the robotics program. He explained the robot has significant potential, however the goal is to improve the student’s experience.

“My goal as a teacher is for this piece of equipment to build student’s skills, to get them through to college and career ready,” Franco said. “They asked what it could do and some of the ideas that we have is to use that as motivation tool for younger students.”

Shaye Fairchild, an NLMUSD teacher on special assignment, praised Reyes’ and the robotics team’s achievements, noting the rarity of students programming such advanced technology.

“This is such new technology. It didn’t come with any instructions, they figured it all out as students,” Fairchild said.

As a senior, Reyes has begun looking into universities after he graduates to continue his education in engineering and computer sciences, with his top choice being the California Institute of Technology.

“Anyone can program this robot given the opportunity, the time and the push Mr. Franco did in his class, and helped take my skills from a beginner level to an AP level,” Reyes said. “I was given the opportunity to take what I learned from circuits to actually apply it to software.”

“I see this as a passion. I see this as something I want to further foster and develop as a skill.”

Rich Archbold: All-star band, comprising 605 Freeway high schools, to march in 2025 Rose Parade

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:40:44 +0000

Tom Philips, the longtime band director at Lakewood’s Mayfair High School, has had a dream to march in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day before he retires in 2025.

But he needed help.

So last year, he invited the band directors from neighboring high schools — Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Gahr, John Glenn, La Mirada and Norwalk — to partner with Mayfair to create a super band to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on Jan. 1, 2025.

“All the directors jumped on board,” Philips said, “and together, we made an audition video on a rainy Dec. 4, 2022, at Ron Yary Stadium in Bellflower.”

After an agonizing wait to find out if the band was accepted, the answer recently — and finally — came, from Ed Morales, Tournament of Roses Parade president: “Yes!” His video announcing the acceptance decision was played at each school last month. Shouts of joy could be heard on each campus.

The 605 All Star Band consists of 407 students, with 360 in the marching band and 47 in the color guard. It will be one of the largest bands, if not the largest, to ever march in the Rose Parade.

The band’s name is a reference to the schools’ neighboring the 605 Freeway.

“This is great, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Leonardo Ruiz, a ninth-grader who plays the trombone with the Mayfair Monsoons.

“It left me speechless,” gushed Kadyn Esguerra, an 11th-grader in Mayfair’s color guard. “I never thought I would ever participate in an event like this!”

Derek Bedell, Mayfair’s football coach, congratulated the schools.

“As a kid who grew up in Pasadena, whose dad was a member of the Tournament of Roses and whose grandfather was president of the Tournament of Roses, this hits home for me,” he said. “It will be awesome.”

Philips, who has been at Mayfair since 2000, said the 605 All Star “Super” Band — the members use “super” when talking about the band, though it’s not part of the official name — was chosen out of hundreds of entries to march down Colorado Boulevard in 2025.

“Officials estimate that we will perform for over 700,000 people on the 5 1/2 mile parade route, he said, “and we will be seen by 45 million people worldwide.”

In past parades, Philips said, high schools have combined from the same city or the same school district. But, he said, this will be the first time that schools from three separate school districts have performed. The districts are Bellflower Unified, ABC Unified and Norwalk-LaMirada Unified.

“All of our bands are major award winners and the pride of each community,” Philips said. “Our goal is to promote music within our districts and cities, build our programs and give our kids an opportunity to perform on the world stage Jan. 1, 2025. This event is life changing for our schools and students.”

Julie Denmion, assistant principal at Mayfair Middle and High School, congratulated Philips and fellow band directors.

“You are superstars,” she said. “You certainly have earned such an honor. Well done.”

Besides Mayfair’s Philips, the other band directors participating in the 605 All Star Band are Omar Vidana, Bellflower High; Frank Hinojoz, John Glenn High; Robert Stearns, La Mirada High; Ramiro Castaneda, Norwalk High; Darren Loney, Gahr High; Bobby Westphal, Cerritos High; and Juan Perez, Artesia High.

Philips, who started playing the trumpet in the sixth-grade at DD Johnston School in Norwalk because it “brings joy to my life,” said he had wanted to be a music teacher and band director since his freshman year at La Quinta High School in Westminster. He has been a music teacher at Norwalk High and Nogales High in La Puente before he moved to Mayfair in 2000. He said he has been to the Rose Parade in person once and has watched it on television almost every year.

“Our 605 All Star Band is one massive, super band,” he said. “We can’t wait to entertain on the world stage in the grandest parade ever.”

The project, with so many students and high schools, is daunting, Phillips said.

“But we cannot wait to start working with the students next fall,” he added.

And, the band director said, he plans to give every 605 community the chance to celebrate the students.

“We will march in every city before the big day,” Philips said, “so everyone can enjoy these students.”

La Mirada football rallies to beat Dominguez, making it an extra special day for coach

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:56:07 +0000

NORWALK — The La Mirada football team was prepared to be without head coach Lucas Mealy for its Gateway League opener Thursday against Dominguez.

Mealy started the day at the hospital, expecting the birth of his second child.

At 5:15 p.m., Mealy witnessed the birth of his son, Landon Mathew Mealy. The coach then got into his car, changed clothes, and arrived at Norwalk High School about 25 minutes before the 7 p.m. kickoff.

By the end of the night, Matadores running back/defensive back Martin Aguilera made an already special night for Mealy twice as memorable.

Aguilera ran for a 65-yard touchdown and returned a fumble 75 yards for the winning score as part of a 21-point fourth-quarter rally to ignite La Mirada past Dominguez 21-14.

“I got to hold my son, took care of some of the paperwork and then I headed on over here,” Mealy said.

“(Aguilera) is a stud,” Mealy added. “He’s a senior, he works his tail off day in and day out. That young man bleeds blue and gold and he gives it his all.”

La Mirada’s Jordan Lauago tries to run past Dominguez’s Timmy Tuiagamoa in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Frank Torres tries to stop Dominguez receiver Timmy Tuiagamoa in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Kaleb Mccutcheon scores for the Dons as they take a 7-0 lead over La Mirada in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Mikaele Fitu ahkui passes to a teammate as the Dons take on La Mirada in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Jadis Aulaumea looks to stop La Mirada’s Santino Garcia in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Martin Aguilera looks to get past Dominguez’s Jules Bray Jr. in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Martin Aguilera tries to break free from Dominguez’s Jayden Urbina and Peaire Alexander in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
The La Mirada football team takes the field as they get ready to take on Dominguez in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Peaire Alexander stops La Mirada’s Martin Aguilera in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Shakeal Peters tries to stop La Mirada’s Max Rankin in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Santino Garcia looks to make a play as they take on Dominguez in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Max Rankins catch slips out as Dominguez’s Shakeal Peters is ready to stop him in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Gregory Leon almost intercepts a pass to Dominguez’s Skydann Bobo-Gunther in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Kalin Williams gains some yards as the Dons take on La Mirada in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
La Mirada’s Sean Gomez grabs the facemask of Dominguez’s Ezekiel Belote in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Dominguez’s Timmy Tuiagamoa tries to get past La Mirada’s defense in Norwalk, CA, on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
trying to secure more funding to give the center a permanent structure on its campus, which is in Norwalk, as well as expand services, hands-on student training, and access to education to better serve our community, students, and student-parents.

For 50 years, the center has provided childcare services for children 2 to 4 years old and focuses on child-centered social education. It offers children the opportunity to learn through daily experiences with parents, teachers, peers, events and objects in the world, according to its website.

There is also an outdoor classroom demonstration site, with learning features based on the California landscape.

The center also benefits students who want to work in the educational field. Every semester, 60 students serve the children for laboratory fieldwork, according to a press release.
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco presented a check of secured state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Nia Nelson and Rebecca Macias, who attend Cerritos College’s Child Development Center, presented Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco with gifts they had crafted, including a painting of her dog. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Debra Ward, director of the Child Development Center at Cerritos College, thanked Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco for securing state funds to support the construction of the college’s center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Superintendent-President Jose Fierro thanked Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco for securing state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco presented a check of secured state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Nia Nelson, who attends the Cerritos College’s Child Development Center, presented Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco with a painting of her dog. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco presented a check of secured state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco presented a check of secured state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco presented a check of secured state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco presented a check of secured state funds to support the construction of Cerritos College’s Child Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Christina Merino, Whittier Daily News/SCNG)
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“We’re going to continue to invest in our program, we want to expand our program and make sure that we have more access not only for our employees and students but for our community,” said Superintendent-President Jose Fierro at the event on Tuesday.

“For those of you who are familiar with the program, you know that there’s a very long waitlist because of the quality of the program and the services we provide,” Fierro said. “We want to make sure that we can expand services to create more opportunities for members of our community and with the help of Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco we are that much closer to meeting that goal.”

During the event, officials highlighted the importance of the center’s work.

“This center has been a valuable resource to students, college employees and the wider community, nurturing the growth and development of our youngest learners while offering support to families and individuals alike,” Pacheco said at the event.

In attendance at the event were the Cerritos College Board of Trustees, Cerritos College Foundation members, and mayors and council members from surrounding cities that the college serves. As well as Child Development Center teachers and staff, parents, and their children.

Inadequate access to affordable and quality childcare is one of the barriers to education that is cited most often by student-parents. Providing childcare has been linked to student success and faster completion times, according to a report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

“The Cerritos College Child Development Center is not merely a place where children are cared for, it is a place where dreams are nurtured and future generations are prepared to thrive,” said Pacheco, a Cerritos College alumna.

In gratitude for the assemblymember’s support, Nia Nelson and Rebecca Macias – children who attend Cerritos College’s Child Development Center – presented Pacheco with gifts they had crafted, including a painting of her dog.

“We think children have the right to places and spaces to learn and grow,” said Debra Ward, director of the Child Development Center.

“This gift will support us to realize a new building constructed with children in mind where children can grow, develop, have fun and learn about the world around them,” Ward said. “On behalf of the children, the parents, the students, our teachers and the child development faculty, we thank you very much.”

The Child Development Center has been housed in temporary modular buildings for several years, since the campus’s last renovation in 2015. Officials say that the funds provided by Pacheco will help get closer to that goal.

Cerritos College serves students within the college’s district in southeastern Los Angeles County, which includes Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs, and South Gate.

Recognizing the importance of investing in early childhood education is necessary, Pacheco said, and that the investment is a vital step to the future of the community.

“As we look forward, let’s continue to support and champion the vital work of this center and in doing so we invest in the bright future of our children and all the educators who will guide them,” she said.
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John Glenn Championship cross country team from 1960s reunites

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:29:27 +0000

Members of the 1964-66 John Glenn CIF Championship Cross Country team, joined by former coach Brian Springer and current coach Andy De La Torre

NORWALK - Conversation and laughter permeated across and around the long table. For most of those dining in the DoubleTree’s Sonoma Grill private room on Saturday, it was a reunion a long time in the making.

It’s been over 55 years since the 1964-1966 Cross Country teams at John Glenn High School capped a successful multi-year title run, including two CIF Championship wins and a second-place finish.

“Some of us haven’t seen each other for 50 years,” said John Ishii, a team member.

The team – joined by former coach Brian Springer and current John Glenn coach Andy De La Torre - came together over the weekend to reminisce about their triumphs.

Springer attributed the team’s success to “an experience of family,” adding that the team “had something we were proud of.”

“John Glenn was a shock to me teaching, a total shock. The fact that kids didn’t care about school, getting better than a C grade was, no, you don’t do that,” said Springer. “But among the kids, the few [on the team], we didn’t have a ton, we developed a family relationship where they knew that they had friends. We were like family, we were together. It was something I never experienced again in my life.”

It’s a sentiment shared by many on the team.

“I remember one time, thinking back to when we ran in 1967, ’68, there was a lot of camaraderie, a lot of things that happened spontaneously,” said team member Al Davis. “One in particular a time when it was raining, and between the classroom buildings, it was designed so that the water could drain away from the buildings. It just so happened the water would collect there, and it was perfect for a makeshift slip-and-slide, and so it was too wet for us to run, and of course with all that pent up energy we started just kind of a spontaneous thing of running as fast as we could and then leaning back to slide. We were sliding, and without realizing it we were disrupting the classrooms and all the kids were all standing up looking out the windows.”

He continued:

“It was because of the camaraderie and the cohesiveness of the team, I think that was highlighted by the idea that we had such tremendous success in that we were CIF champions, it made for a real closeness. When you’re working hard towards a common goal, I think things just happen in a different way. When there’s a lot of failure, there’s a lot of sadness, but when there’s success it’s like a flower opening up: it blossoms, and people begin to find themselves, and it’s easier to work together as a group.”

Of course, team members also heap a ton of credit to their coaching, first under John Tansley and followed by Springer.

“What got everybody together was Coach Tansley, he was the original coach for us. And then right after that was Brian Springer,” said team member Andy Mosqueda. “It does depend on the coach. It’s the coach that glues everybody together.”

“Both of them, they were coaches that were able to inspire the kids, and for us to be able to know that they really cared about us,” added Ishii. “That’s the key: for us to know that they really did care about us.”

Tansley passed away in 2021 at the age of 85.

Seeing many of his former pupils again for the first time since leaving John Glenn left Springer emotional.

“From a teaching standpoint, there can be nothing to make you prouder than to see the kids that you had in class be a success, and they are. They’re successes,” said Springer.

Nursing home workers at 4 LA-area facilities ready to strike over staffing levels

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:03:45 +0000

Employees at four Southern California nursing homes who claim they’re chronically understaffed have authorized their bargaining team to call a strike if conditions don’t improve.

The 325 workers, represented by SEIU Local 2015, work at Vernon Healthcare Center in Los Angeles, Norwalk Skilled Nursing and Wellness Centre, Montrose Springs Skilled Nursing and Wellness Center and Gardenview Skilled Nursing and Healthcare Centre in Claremont.

The facilities are owned by Brius Healthcare and operated by Rockport Healthcare Services. Neither company could be reached for comment Tuesday.

The workers are demanding an end to skyrocketing turnover and are calling for safer staffing levels to ensure adequate resident care.

They’re also seeking higher wages and improved benefits. Certified nursing assistants at the nursing homes average $19 hourly, the union said, while non-nursing personnel earn minimum wage or slightly more.

They’re seeking a 5% cost-of-living raise over the life of their three-year contract, with additional pay increases based on seniority. They also want healthcare coverage that’s more affordable. Only 10% of the union members participate in the current plan because it’s so costly, union officials said.

“This strike vote sends a strong message that we urgently need to invest in our frontline caregivers and those they care for,” SEIU President Arnulfo De La Cruz said recently when employees picketed some of the nursing homes.

De La Cruz said the caregivers have served and protected residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond but are caring for more residents than they can safely handle.

“They often work double shifts, sometimes exceeding 16 hours,” he said. “At times they are denied sick days.”

Brius and Rockport operate 77 nursing homes statewide. SEIU Local 2015 represents about 4,000 workers at 28 of the facilities, including 16 in Los Angeles County. Some of the LA County labor contracts expired last year, while others ran out as recently as February.

Workers at the four nursing homes poised for a potential strike picketed their facilities in July, along with other Brius/Rockport nursing homes in Inglewood and Maywood.

Danielle Williams, a certified nursing assistant at the Centinela Skilled Nursing & Wellness Centre West in Inglewood, has experienced the staffing shortage firsthand.

“Certain patients are a fall risk, but they’ll try to get up,” the 36-year-old Los Angeles resident said. “If their assigned nurse is with someone else and they’re walking around, there might not be a nurse on the floor who can keep an eye on them.”

Workers say the pattern of understaffing has gone on for years, fueling a string of government sanctions and exposing Brius to a series of lawsuits, including several actions filed by the California attorney general.

An August 2021 civil lawsuit filed in Shasta County’s Superior Court of California alleges Brius owner Shlomo Rechnitz and several other individuals and entities were responsible for the pandemic-related deaths of some 24 elderly and dependent residents at Windsor Redding Care Center.

The complaint claims several employees at the facility were forced to report to work, despite having symptoms of COVID-19. A large outbreak followed, causing more than 60 patients to contact the virus with about 24 dying, the lawsuit said.

Nursing Home Law Center, a Chicago-based organization that provides legal services to nursing home patients and their families, said Brius-owned properties have established a reputation of being “one of the worst chains of skilled nursing facilities in the country,” based on the number of health deficiencies found through federal inspections.

“The company is legendary for being secretive about nearly everything related to its organization,” the center said. “The chain has been barred by California from obtaining new licenses to operate nursing facilities due to its troubled compliance history.”

‘That’s The Most Painful Image:’ Mother, Daughter Killed In Norwalk Crash

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:23:27 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — After witnessing a fatal multi-vehicle crash in Norwalk, Enrique Zuniga, struggles to get the image of a dying girl out of his head.

“That’s the most painful image I have in my head is them trying to revive her and she wouldn’t react,” said Zuniga who lived yards away from the intersection where the crash happened.

(credit: CBS)

The crash happened right in front of him, just yards away from his home. Zuniga sprinted across the street to help — it was then he realized he knew two of the victims.

“I didn’t know it was my brother’s girlfriend until the airbag got lifted up and I see Shannon’s face yelling and screaming and my heart rushed,” said Zuniga. “I got the chills, butterflies. And my first thought is I know Ashley’s always with her.”

(credit: Nathan Holguin | RMG News)

Shannon Alvarez, 50, and her daughter Ashley Alvarez, 13, later died after their Chevrolet Camaro was struck by a Dodge Charger allegedly speeding past a red light. The collision occurred Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on the corner of Foster and Studebaker Roads. Zuniga said that his neighborhood constantly complains about speeding and crashes at the intersection but said they have to see anything change.

“Usually people that do these types of tragic things have remorse,” said Zuniga. “There was no remorse. There was no remorse! And that angers me even more.”

Investigators believe alcohol and drugs played a factor in the deadly crash, however, they are waiting for the suspect’s toxicology report to return. In the meantime, the driver, 26-year-old Brittany Lopez, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving without a license.

“If you know one of your friends is drinking and driving, tell them not to drive,” said Zuniga. “Take the keys away! You drive, give them a lift. There are ways to prevent this. We all got to remember that.”

Alvarez and her daughter were transported to a hospital where they later died. Another victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene before being released. Lopez suffered minor injuries, was treated at the scene and then was placed into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“Everyone is hurting,” said Zuniga. “We miss them it’s just tragic.”

3 People Transported To Hospital After Multi-Vehicle Crash In Norwalk

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 19:57:02 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – A four car traffic collision occurred Sunday in Norwalk near the intersection of Foster and Studebaker Roads, according to officials at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Norwalk station.

The LA County Fire Department responded to calls about the crash at approximately 10:39 a.m.

Authorities with the fire department said that three patients were transported to trauma centers, though their conditions were unknown.

Police were asking the public to avoid the area if possible.

Police Identify Alleged Gunman In Sunset Beach Shooting

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 01:14:57 +0000

SUNSET BEACH (CBSLA) — Huntington Beach police identified the alleged gunman in the shooting of a 66-year-old bicyclist in the quiet neighborhood of Sunset Beach.

The suspect, Manuel D. Silva, 40, was placed in custody for attempted murder after he allegedly wounded a man biking down the greenbelt near Sunset Beach with his wife. Police shot and apprehended Silva shortly after he opened fire on the couple.

Silva and the victim were transported to the hospital after the shooting. Silva was in critical condition when he arrived. They have yet to release a photo of the suspect but have said that he is a Norwalk resident.

The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to fully recover.

Police have not determined a motive behind the shooting but concluded that the suspect and victim did not know each other.

A day later, residents near the greenbelt are still shaken by the shooting.

“I saw him laying on the street with the gun in his hand pointing it,” said Sunset Beach resident Sam Kugler.

Silva went down just steps away from her front door. Silva has encountered the suspect before, claiming that he is one of the men that gathers at the nearby public restroom right off the beach.

“He screams and yells,” said Kugler. “You keep your distance from him.”

3 Teens Arrested In Armed Robbery Spree Across LA County

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:30:45 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Three teen boys have been taken into custody in connection with a slew of armed robberies at gas stations and convenience stores that occurred earlier this week across Los Angeles County.

The robberies occurred in Norwalk, Bellflower, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Downey and the city of Industry, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

The robberies occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, the sheriff’s department said.

On Tuesday, sheriff’s detectives were able to identify the robbery suspects’ car and license plate. That same day, a deputy in Bellflower spotted the vehicle, which was carrying the three suspects, and pulled it over.

The three teens were positively identified as the armed robbers by several witnesses and victims, the sheriff’s department said.

In the car, deputies also found $1,000 in cash and evidence from the robberies, the sheriff’s department said. However, a handgun that was used in the robberies remains missing.

Police Trying To Identify Vandalism Suspect In Norwalk

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 21:43:23 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Norwalk station on Saturday was attempting to identify a person suspected of vandalism.

According to a tweet by the sheriff’s department, the male suspect was vandalizing vehicles in the 15500 block of Studebaker Road, in Norwalk.

“This suspect keyed the door of the victim’s vehicle & then used a skateboard to break the side mirror. The suspect fled on a bicycle then vandalized another vehicle in a nearby parking lot, ” the department said in the tweet.

Officials are encouraging anyone who might recognize the suspect to contact the Norwalk Detective Bureau at 562-863-8711

This suspect keyed the door of the victim’s vehicle & then used a skateboard to break the side mirror. The suspect fled on a bicycle then vandalized another vehicle in a nearby parking lot. If you recognize him, contact Norwalk Detective Bureau at 562-863-8711 #LASD #NORWALK pic.twitter.com/AENGEWLEQL

— LASD Norwalk Station (@NorwalkLASD) December 11, 2021

LA Deputy Found Not Guilty Of Manslaughter In Fatal Norwalk Shooting Of Francisco Garcia

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 22:54:02 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A jury Friday afternoon found a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy not guilty of voluntary manslaughter for the fatal, on-duty shooting of man at a Norwalk gas station nearly six years ago.

FILE — L.A. County Sheriff’s deputy Luke Liu is arraigned in L.A. County Superior Court on Dec. 11, 2018, on voluntary manslaughter charges in the shooting death of a driver in Norwalk on Feb. 24, 2016. (CBSLA)

After deliberating since Thursday afternoon, the L.A. County Superior Court jury acquitted Luke Liu in the February 2016 fatal shooting of Francisco Garcia.

Liu, now 42, was charged in December 2018 with the Feb. 24, 2016, shooting of Garcia outside a 7-Eleven at 10962 Alondra Blvd., marking the first prosecution of its type in the county in nearly two decades at the time.

Garcia, 26, had stopped at a gas pump, with the deputy who had been checking vehicle license plates subsequently pulling up behind the white 1993 Acura Integra that had been reported as stolen.

The 26-year-old man tried to drive away at what authorities have said was about 5 mph, was struck by four of the seven shots Liu fired — including two to the lower back and one each to the shoulder area and knee — and crashed into a sign at the station.

After the shooting, Liu pulled the man from the vehicle and performed CPR on him before paramedics arrived. Garcia died at a hospital.

The prosecutor called the shooting “unreasonable,” “unnecessary” and “illegal,” telling jurors that Garcia drove away so slowly that the deputy was able to jog along and “fire over and over again” and that Garcia had no place to go but into rush-hour traffic that was blocking the driveway.

The deputy’s lawyer told jurors that his client wasn’t deliberately acting with disregard for human life but was “protecting his own” and was “acting to stop a threat.”

Liu believed the man might have been reaching for a weapon and felt the vehicle making contact with him or striking him before the shots were fired, Schwartz said in his closing argument.

The defense attorney told jurors that the prosecution has the burden of proving the shooting wasn’t done in “lawful self-defense.”

Sheriff’s officials said shortly after the shooting that the deputy was in fear for his life. They said then that the deputy suffered minor injuries when he was struck by the vehicle.

A doctor who examined Liu after he was taken to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center saw no bruising or injuries of any kind, Baker told jurors as the trial got underway Nov. 3.

Liu, a more-than-10-year veteran who was assigned to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station, was placed on administrative leave in December 2018. His current status with the department was not immediately available.

L.A. County agreed in 2018 to pay Garcia’s family $1.75 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit.

Authorities Seek Help Finding Missing Person, Ajah Deanne Yancey, In Norwalk

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:54:41 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is seeking public help in finding missing woman Ajah Deanne Yancey.

Yancey, 33-years old, suffers from bipolar disorder and was last seen around 6:25AM in the 13200 block of Bloomfield Avenue, near the I-5 Freeway.

She is African American, stands 5-feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 270 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie with brown pants.

Anyone with information on Yancey’s whereabouts was asked to contact the LASD Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.

One Killed In 105 Freeway Collision In Norwalk Area

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 22:40:32 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – One person was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash on the Century (105) Freeway in the Norwalk area.

The crash was reported at 1:48 p.m. on the eastbound 105 at the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The person’s name was not immediately released pending notification of next of kin.

The four right lanes of the eastbound 105 Freeway, as well as the freeway’s eastbound Bellflower Boulevard on-ramp, were closed for an unknown duration as authorities investigated the collision.

Deputies Shoot At Van In Norwalk Careening Towards Them

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:51:01 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – A large law enforcement presence is in Norwalk after a deputy-involved shooting.

The shooting happened around 8:45 p.m Sunday in the 12000 block of Foster Road in Norwalk. Witness video shows deputies shooting at a white van as it speeds by patrol cars.

According to deputies, it appeared as if the van was purposely driving towards them, and they fired their weapons in defense.

Roughly nine deputies then follow the van into a residential area in the video. It is unclear if there were any injuries.

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A post shared by Carlos Gonzalez Jr. (@carlos_kickback_)

Details about the driver were not immediately available. What led up to the driver careening towards the deputies has not yet been released.

(This is a developing story. Check back for updates.)

Authorities Attempt To Identify Suspect In Deadly Norwalk Hit-And-Run

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 03:49:58 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — Authorities were asking for the public’s help on Monday in identifying the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run.

The incident happened Sunday around 8 a.m. in Norwalk near the intersection of Pioneer Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard.

The suspect pulled out of a parking lot in a white van and, without stopping to render aid, left the scene.

Pictured is the suspect’s vehicle in a hit-and-run in Norwalk on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, that left one person dead. (Source: LASD)

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the suspect returned to the scene but failed to alert deputies that they were the driver.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact Detective Ballesteros at 562-863-8711 or APBalles@lasd.org.

High-Speed Pursuit With Stolen Car Ends With Crash In Paramount

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 17:16:46 +0000

PARAMOUNT (CBSLA) – A pursuit that began in the Inland Empire came to an end in a residential neighborhood in the Los Angeles County city of Paramount Friday morning when the suspect slammed into a fence.

July 23, 2021. (CBSLA)

The chase began sometime before 9:30 a.m. when Barstow police officers attempted to pull over a Mercedes sedan for speeding and discovered that it had been reported stolen.

California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit, which wound its way west across San Bernardino County and into L.A. County.

The suspect made his way onto surface streets in Santa Fe Springs and then Norwalk.

Just after 9:50 a.m., he appeared to clip another vehicle and then traveled a few more blocks before slamming into a fence at El Camino Avenue and Mark Keppel Street.

Aerial footage from Sky9 showed him exiting the car with his hands up and surrendering.

The suspect was not immediately identified. The exact circumstances that prompted the chase were not confirmed.

Conservative Talk Radio Host Larry Elder Announces Candidacy For Governor

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 01:14:34 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder announced his candidacy for California governor on Tuesday in Norwalk.

Elder said he is entering the recall race because of what he says is California’s out-of-control homelessness crisis, the spike in crime rates and looming water and power supply shortages.

The Los Angeles native was at the county Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office in Norwalk to file his candidacy papers.

“Gavin Newsom should be nervous,” Elder said. “I’m going to take his job. He’s got to go down. Crime, homelessness, the outrageous cost of living, gas tax, the way he shut down the government while ignoring the very mandates that he put down, at the French Laundry with the lobbyist that drafted the mandate.”

Elder joins other Republican candidates such as businessman John Cox, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, reality star Caitlyn Jenner, former Rep. Doug Ose and Assemblyman Kevin Kiley.

The recall election is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Pursuit Suspect Fatally Shot By Deputy In Norwalk

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:11:22 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — Authorities say a suspect in a police pursuit has been fatally shot in Norwalk.

(credit: CBS)

The shooting was reported at about 10 a.m. Wednesday in the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Piuma Avenue, following a police pursuit.

The end of the pursuit and the shooting near the 605 Freeway, so a Sigalert has been issued for at least eight hours for the southbound freeway’s Alondra Blvd. offramp.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured and authorities have not released information about why the suspect was being pursued, or what led up to the shooting.

Suspect Captured In Norwalk After Wild Pursuit, Standoff

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:56:09 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – A suspect was arrested in Norwalk following a pursuit and standoff early Monday morning that made its way into Orange County.

June 14, 2021. (CBSLA)

The chase began around 2:20 a.m. when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to pull over the suspect for reckless driving in Norwalk.

The suspect refused to stop and a chase ensued. It wound its way south into Orange County, with the suspect traversing the 5 and 91 freeways. California Highway Patrol officers were called in as well.

The suspect eventually made his way back up to Norwalk, where he stopped in the area of Devlin Avenue and Lindale Street.

The suspect refused to surrender, prompting CHP officers to draw their guns. He was eventually taken into custody sometime before 4 a.m.

His name and the charges he faces were not confirmed. It’s unclear if the car was stolen.

Time Is Up For Lucky Lottery Winner To Claim $26M Prize

Fri, 14 May 2021 05:40:51 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — Time has officially run out for the winner of a $26 million lottery ticket to come forward and claim their prize.

The drawing in question happened six months ago, but Thursday was the last day the prize can be claimed. If it’s not, the money will go to public schools. (CBSLA)

Earlier on Thursday, Martin Lopez checked about a dozen lottery tickets at an ARCO AM/PM in Norwalk, hoping he was the winner of a $26 million Super Lotto Plus jackpot.

But the workers at the gas station said they already know the identity of the woman who bought the winning ticket and have seen her on security video given to California Lottery officials.

The workers said that woman recently came back to the store and said she accidentally lost the ticket in her laundry.

“Oh my God,” Lopez said. “I don’t think I have words for that. I know that I’d be very upset.”

Bobby Henley, a gas station regular, said he randomly ran into a woman at the gas station who said her coworker was the one who purchased it and told him what happened.

“Her clothes were washed and when she pulled it out, it was all crumpled up into little pieces and she said she frantically tried to put it back together, but she couldn’t,” Henley said she told him.

The drawing in question happened six months ago, but Thursday was the last day the prize can be claimed. If it’s not, the money will go to public schools.

“This is the store I always play in and somebody lost the ticket for that much money,” Donny Brown, another lottery player, said. “I think that’s the best place for it to go, back to the schools.”

As for Lopez, he ended up with a replay ticket and $16 on a second ticket.

“I feel good, because it wasn’t a total loss,” he said.

Lottery officials said retail store surveillance cameras could not be used to verify the winner. The winner must either present the ticket or a photographs of the front and back of the ticket to claim the prize.

As for the store, it has already received its $130,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. A potential winner can file a claim for an investigation.

Thursday Last Day To Claim $26 Million SuperLotto Ticket Sold In Norwalk

Wed, 12 May 2021 16:00:24 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — SuperLotto players better check their old tickets – the winner of a $26 million jackpot has until Thursday to claim their prize.

The California Lottery says a winning SuperLotto Plus ticket worth $26 million was sold at the ARCO AM/PM at 10602 E. Imperial Highway in Norwalk on Nov. 14, 2020.

Winning lottery ticket holders have 180 days to claim a prize, so the deadline for this $26 million ticket is Thursday. Lottery officials say that winners should sign their tickets immediately and store it in a secure place before turning it in.

The pandemic shut down several California Lottery offices, but district offices have reopened for secure claim drop-off and appointments must be scheduled in advance online. Prizes can also be claimed by mail. Current pandemic guidelines are available on the California Lottery website.

If the jackpot goes unclaimed, the funds will go toward California schools.

Family Of 61-Year-Old Woman Killed By A Falling Tree At Daughter’s Wedding Settles With Company Hired By City Of Whittier

Wed, 05 May 2021 23:14:32 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – The family of 61-year-old Margarita Mojarro’s, who was killed by a falling 80-foot tree at her daughter’s 2016 wedding in Whittier, have settled with the tree care company hired by the city. Mojarro’s family had also previously reached a tentative $28 million settlement with the city.

According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in April 2017, the tree that toppled over during the Dec. 2016 wedding was overwatered and allowed to grow on an unsafe 20% grade. The tree was a Blue Gum eucalyptus that had become “acutely diseased,” according to the lawsuit. “Before plaintiffs knew what was happening, the massive, multi-thousand-pound tree was upon them and they could not escape its path of destruction.”

A half-dozen people were treated at a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, but the bride’s 3-year-old niece was hospitalized and in critical condition from traumatic brain injury, as a result of the incident.

The terms of the settlement with West Coast Arborists LLP, the company contracted by the city, were not made public. A cross-complaint against the West Coast Arborists by the City of Whittier is also pending.

In earlier court proceedings, lawyers for the City of Whittier stated that the accident was “a tragic stroke of nature,” but that there was no basis for determining the city was at fault or liable under California law.

The family’s attorney, however, said the city knew about the dangerous condition of the tree, located in a popular spot for photos, and that it had the means and authority to protect visitors to the park.

Norwalk Man Released From Hospital After 8-Month-Long Battle With COVID

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 19:36:37 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A 32-year-old Los Angeles County man who survived an eight-month-long battle with COVID-19 was finally released from a San Diego area hospital Tuesday.

Eduardo Moreno is discharged from a San Diego area hospital following an 8-month-long battle with the coronavirus. March 23, 2021. (KFMB-TV)

Eduardo Moreno of Norwalk was discharged from Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla Tuesday to much fanfare from hospital workers, who lined up to cheer him on as he was wheeled out.

According to CBS affiliate KFMB-TV, Moreno was admitted to the hospital on July 13. He contracted COVID-19 while visiting his parents and daughter in Baja California.

Dr. Scott McCaul told reporters that Moreno suffered advanced respiratory failure, pneumonia and lung damage. He was also put on life support for several months.

“He had these moments of near loss and the requirements for surgeries,” McCaul said.

He spent two months in physical therapy, KFMB-TV reported.

“I thank God and I thank the doctors and the nurses in the ICU, all of them are so great, they did a great job with him,” his mother, Cecilia Amador, said. “He even told me, ‘Mom, you know what? I believe I don’t want to go home.’ And I said, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘I’m used to all of them, they’re my family.'”

Stretch Of 5 Freeway In Norwalk Area To Close During Construction

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 03:06:30 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – Full overnight closures for construction on the Santa Ana (5) Freeway will take place in the Norwalk area Thursday evening, Friday morning, and next week.

North and southbound lane closures, which began February 21 between the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway and Norwalk Boulevard, will take place Thursday and Friday between 11 p.m. or midnight and 5 a.m., according to Caltrans.

One side of the freeway will also be closed overnight between Monday and next Thursday.

Road work “to grind, stripe and shift traffic lanes” will take place during the shutdowns, according to Caltrans.

Closures on Thursday and Friday initially included only northbound lanes, but Caltrans announced on Thursday the southbound lanes would also be closed overnight.

The remaining shutdowns are as follows:

– Thursday and Friday: Northbound Interstate 5 will be closed between Norwalk Boulevard and Interstate 605 from 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m. Southbound Interstate 5 will be closed between Interstate 605 and Norwalk Boulevard from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; I-605 connectors to southbound I-5 will be closed at 10 p.m.

– Monday through next Thursday: Northbound Interstate 5 will be closed between Norwalk Boulevard and Interstate 605 from 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m

Drivers could find an alternate route on the southbound Santa Ana Freeway to the Long Beach (710) Freeway, then east on Artesia Boulevard, and back onto the Santa Ana Freeway. Those traveling north would reverse the order.

Drivers going southbound on the Santa Ana Freeway could also exit at the San Gabriel River Freeway, then take Imperial Highway east back to the Santa Ana Freeway.

Those traveling north could exit at Norwalk Boulevard, turn left onto Imperial Highway, then take the San Gabriel River Freeway to the Santa Ana Freeway.

LASD Deputies Shoot Man After Pursuit Ends In Norwalk

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 04:43:07 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) — Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies Friday shot and injured a man in Norwalk following a pursuit.

The shooting occurred at about 6:10 p.m. near Gard Avenue and Mapledale Street, close to Rosecrans Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

According to deputies, the man was being pursued for allegedly driving under the influence when he pulled over and got out of the vehicle. Deputies said he then began running and a foot chase ensued.

It was during the foot chase that at least one deputy shot him, though it was not immediately clear what led up to the shooting.

The man was taken to the hospital, though his condition was not immediately known.

There were no deputies injured in the shooting which remains under investigation.