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COMMUNITYNEWS45,000 homes every Friday • January 22, 2010 • Volume 20, No. 45

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COMMUNITYNEWSCOMMUNITYNEWSCOMMUNITYL o s C e r r i t o s

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For information, to contribute, or to advertise call 562.407.3873.

Protecting local funds from state raidsCerritos Council endorses ballot initative.

By Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council unanimously approved a resolu-tion in support of a ballot initia-tive that will prevent the State from raiding local government transportation and public transit funds.

In a report to the council, Assistant City Manager Kathy Matsumoto said over the years California voters have over-whelmingly passed separate ballot measurers to keep local funding sources essential for lo-cal services and prevent the State from raiding local government transit and transportation funds. “Despite this, the State recently passed a budget that borrows and takes approximately $5 billion in city, county, transit, redevelop-ment and special district funds this year. For Cerritos, these costs are estimated to be $14.1 million in redevelopment funds over the next two fiscal years. “

The Resolution is in support of the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Pro-tection Act of 2010, a ballot mea-sure sponsored by the League of California Cities. If approved by the voters, it will prevent the State from borrowing, raiding or otherwise redirect local govern-ment, transportation and public funds, including:

• Adding new constitu-tional restriction that prohibits the State from taking tax increment funds collected within a redevel-

Cerritos High School Cheerleaders participate in London parade

See FUNDS CON'T ON 7

Carmenita and South - Storm winds knocked down a tree that fell on a car in Cerritos. The vehicle was headed southbound on Carmenita Road and was struck just north of South St. at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday. The tree was blown down from the center median and into traffic. The driver appeared to be out of the vehicle and uninjured. The vehicle appears to have sustained most front-end damage, with the bulk of the tree lying across the open engine hood. A Cerritos Sheriff was pulling up to the scene at the time of the photo.

By Jerry Bernstein

Editor’s Note: The following is an interview with Cerritos High School Junior and Varsity Cheer-leader Marin Chattong prior to her trip to Great Britain as a member of the United States Cheerleading Team that participated in the New Years London Parade. She and four other Cerritos Cheerleaders were among those selected from throughout the United States to go to London and represent the United States in the Parade. She also kept a journal of her trip to London.

Marin Chattong is a typical high school student. She likes Volley Ball and “I can only be on one varsity team,” she explained. I chose cheerleading. However, I am on the junior varsity vol-leyball team, which is my favor-ite sport.” She said she has been playing volleyball since she was in the third grade.

“I really love where I am,” she exclaimed. I love volleyball and love being a cheerleader. I’ve been on the cheerleading varsity team three years.

This is the first time I’ve been

Four hundred high schools girls from throughout the United States were selected to represent the country in the annual New Year Lon-don Parade. Five were from Cerritos High School. Approximate 70 students were chosen from the Western United States. Twenty of them, including the five Cerritos girls, got together and had their picture including the five Cerritos girls, got together and had their picture including the five Cerritos girls, got together and had their picturtaken with the London Bridge in the background.

chosen to the go London. I’m re-ally excited.

Marin was selected to try out for the cheerleading trip while doing routines. Judges were go-ing around selecting candidates. Once chosen cheerleaders were given a routine to do. You do have time to practice and put your own interpretation on it, and then perform it in front of judges, she said. They then select who will be on the team. She said five girls from Cerritos were chosen to be on the 400-member team and par-ticipate in the New Year Parade in London. She described it as being similar to our Rose Bowl Parade and was televised.

Marin said they were given three uniforms a red jacket, a blue and white jacket that comes with skirt and a long sleeve jacket. I’ve never been in snow before, she said, except for a visit to Big Bear. She thought it might snow while she was in London. Cerri-tos has 11 cheerleaders who per-form at school sport events. “I’ve been to three National Events, she said.

Asked what she would like to

See CHEER CON'T ON 11

Storms inflict property damage in Cerritos

Rain storm causes tree to fall onto townhouse - Workmen saw limbs off a 30-year old eucalyptus tree that fell onto a Sundance townhouse facing Bloomfield Avenue just north of 166th Street Tuesday, Jan. 19. A workman said the heavy rains that soaked the earth combined with strong winds was too much for the tree, No one as hurt and it looked like damage was limited only to that section of the roof although a final determination wouldn’t be made until the tree is removed and a closer examination can be made.

[See EXCHANGE Page 10]

[See ABC Page 5]

Maynard Law Elected ABC Board PresidentBy Jerry Bernstein

The ABC School Board elected Maynard Law Board President for the year 2010-11 at its Dec. 7 meeting. He succeeds Celia Spitzer. Serving with him are Armin Reyes, Vice President, and Olympia Chen, Board Clerk. Super-intendent Dr. Gary Smutz was named Board Secretary

Outgoing President Celia Spitzer was congratulated for her past year’s service and was presented Certificates of Appre-ciation from civic leaders representing the communities ABC serves along with a gavel in a shadow box.

Upon thanking the School Board for its vote of confidence in electing him Board President, Law said ABC is about

ABC Observes 10th Anniversary of Sister School Exchange ProgramBy Jerry Bernstein

One of the least known programs in the ABC Unified School District is its Sister School Program. Every summer ABC students fly to Japan to participate in a summer school program, and Japa-

nese students fly to the United States to participate in a week of school in Amer-ica.

The program was initiated during a May7-9 2001 visit by Asano Hiromitsu, Superintendent of Education in the Japa-

By Jerry Bernstein

Editor’s Note: In light of what is occurring throughout the State in lo-cal government operations, the City of Cerritos invited 24 newspaper and television reporters to a two-hour tour of the city that allowed them to have an in-depth look and understanding of the vast services the city offers to its

The evening was alive with witches, devils, knights and a chef as the Artesia Historical Society (AHS) hosted their annual fundraiser, Oct. 30th at the Albert O. Little Community Center in Artesia. About 100 guests arrived dressed in a wide array of costumes, many challeng-ing their friends and neighbors to deter-mine their identities.

Special guests included Artesia May-or Tony Lima, Mayor Pro Tem Victor Manalo, Council Members John P. Lyon and Michele L. Diaz, City Manager Ma-ria Dadian, City Attorney Kevin Ennis and Commissioners Karen Spears, Clay-ton Young, and Miguel Canales.

Representing Supervisor Don Knabe, 4th District, Los Angeles County was Field Deputy Erin Stibul of his Bell-flower Field Office. Also present was Joe Woyjeck, representing the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Associa-tion and Chief Jerry Heinzel County of Los Angeles Fire Station #30. Repre-senting the Woman’s Club of Artesia-

Cerritos Hosts Tour of City for News Media

La Palma Council transition politics as usualBy Larry Caballero

It was politics as usual at the Dec. 7 mayoral transition meeting. Coun-cilmember Ralph Rodriguez had waited five years to serve as La Palma’s Mayor

Pro-Tem, and he was finally chosen by a 4-1 vote to become the Mayor for next year. Residents who attended the meet-ing were surprised that Councilmember Henry Charoen, who was chosen Mayor-Pro-Tem the first year he was elected, cast the lone no vote. When it was time to choose the Mayor Pro-Tem this time,

Former Mayor Larry Herman (l) receives a plaque for his many years of public service by outgoing Mayor Steve Shanahan.

Getting the media tour off to a good start are (l-r) Cerritos City Manager Art Gal-lucci, Director of Community Development Torrey Contreras, City Councilmem-ber Carol Chen, City & Theater Marketing Manager Annie Hylton, and Budget Manager Geri De Masi.

residents, workforce and businesses. Guided by city staff, the reporters vis-ited the city's the Sheriff Station, Public Library, Performing Arts Center, and Senior Center,

Cerritos is 8.9 square miles with an assessed valuation of more than $7 billion, a population of 51,488, 14,618 single single-family homes and 1,367

Harvest Moon Halloween Celebrated bythe Artesia Historical Society

Captain Joe Woyjeck and Artesia City Council Member John P. Lyon surprised guests with their first view of the restored 1942 Ford Fire Engine, which is perma-nently on loan to AHS by the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association for display in the recently restored “Old Station #30 Fire Museum” on Corby Avenue and 187th Street in Artesia.

[See CERRITOS Page 8] [See LA PALMA Page 14]

[See ARTESIA Page 6]

Japanese girls enjoy a lighter moment during their visit to the U.S.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS!

By Larry Caballero

Steve Hwangbo, a local busi-ness owner, has lived in La Palma for 18 years with his wife Nancy who teaches for the ABC School District. Their three boys at-tend the lo-cal public schools, and Hwangbo is active in the Kiwanis Club, the Steve Lu-ther Elemen-tary School parent coun-cil, and a for-mer member of the City’s Beautification and Activities Committee.

Hwangbo has been the Oxford Acad-emy Founda-tion Presi-dent for the last five years, and last year helped the school raise $68,000. His goal is $100,000 this year. He is looking forward to La Palma Days Silver Jubilee

Nov. 14, and is hoping that all residents would participate.

“In the past, many of our Asian residents have not gotten very involved in our public com-munity events. They just don’t

come out and many believe they don’t demand much from our City. I wanted to make an effort to reach out to them.”

So Hwangbo paid out of his

own pocket for an entry in the La Palma Days Parade consisting of more than 20 Korean musicians who will perform traditional Sa Mool No Ri music, which means “playing with four musical instru-

ments.” The danc-

ers strike small and large gongs and beat different shaped drums. The four per-cussion instru-ments evoke deep emotions in the Korean c o m m u n i t y and have been described as “a wonderful and powerful blend of har-monious and natural music when played together.”

The small-er gongs sound like a roll of thun-der, the hourglass drums simulate rain showers, and the big gongs make heavy and low sounds that

See PAGEANT on Page 7

Sign Up to Receive FREE LOCAL COUPONS Sent to Your Email! www.YourCityCoupons.net

See MUSIC on Page 5

City Prepares For La Palma Days Silver JubileeBy Larry Caballero

As La Palma gets ready to celebrate its Nov. 14 La Palma Days Silver

Jubilee, City Council members at their October meeting recog-nized volunteers who were in-strumental in the planning and implementation of the City’s La Palma Days celebration 25 years ago. The event started as Interna-tional Days in 1985 to celebrate La Palma’s 30th Anniversary of incorporation and has become the community’s premiere event.

“This Silver Jubilee celebra-

tion honors those residents who created the event. No other La Palma event better exemplifies our small town atmosphere than La Palma Days,” said Mayor Mark Waldman.

The City honored long-time residents and activists Alta Duke, Joan Lutz and Keith Nelson as this year’s Community Grand Marshals in the La Palma Parade. Park and Recreation Director Jan Hobson, Chair of the La Palma Days Coordinating Committee, said that “this year’s Grand Mar-shals have proven their dedication and citizen involvement many times through the years, and we want to thank them tonight.”

The La Palma Parade celebra-tion has been recognized and hon-ored by the Orange County Board of Supervisors for the seventh consecutive year as the County’s official Veterans Day Parade. This year’s Parade features the 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton that consists of 50 Marine musicians; representa-tives from the City’s Sister City, Hanam, South Korea; over 30 middle school and high school bands that will compete for top honors; as well as many partici-pants including Boy Scouts and

• Hand delivered monthly to 5,000 La Palma homes; direct mailed to over 1,000 La Palma businesses and Chamber of Commerce members • www.lapalmanews.net •

L a P a l m a

COMMUNITYNEWSL a P a l m a

COMMUNITYNEWS Volume 1, Issue 1 • November 11, 2009

Yo u r C i t yC o u p o n sLocal coupons sent to your email.

By Larry Caballero

Family, friends and local dig-nitaries arrived at the Kennedy High School’s Performing Arts Center to enjoy an evening of entertainment and suspense Nov. 8 as they waited to hear the an-nouncement of who the 2009-2010 Miss La Palma and her Royal Court would be.

Judging consisted of inter-view, talent, speech, and evening gown competitions. Contestants were asked to answer the ques-tion: Where will you be and what will you be doing in the next 25 years. The program also included a dance exhibition and a farewell appearance by 2008-2009 Miss La Palma Tina Estrada before the awards presentation and an-nouncement of the 2009-2010 Miss La Palma Royal Court.

“Throughout the year it has been my honor to represent the City of La Palma,” said Estrada. “From the moment I was crowned to now, I have had an unforgetta-ble experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Master of Ceremonies actor, singer, playwright and director Michael Buss announced the win-ners in the various categories be-fore the new Miss La Palma and her court were named. Miss La Palma Star was Sheraiah Paige Lucena who raised the most rev-enue for the Pageant by selling tickets and ads for the program. Emily Ann Kulassia won the Interview Award, and Chelsey

La Palma IntercommunityHospital

We are a full service,general acute care

hospital and have been a part of the

community since 1972.

• 24-Hour Emergency Services• Behavioral Medicine • Maternity Services• Comprehensive Wound Care • Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

| ,

Judges Choose 2009-2010 Miss La Palma and Royal Court

Miss La Palma with her Royal Court (l-r) Mylene Montoya, Chelsey Wegener, Miss La Palma Judy Yoo, Emily Ann Kulassia and Danielle Jones. Photo by Anthony Kim.

Resident Brings Traditional Korean Music to La Palma Days Parade

Samulnori Performers in traditional Korean costumes in local Parade.

Miss La Palma 2009-2010 Judy Yoo.

See JUBILEE on Page 7

1 2 3 4 5

TICKET COUPON

Redeem this coupon for

TWO FREE

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with the purchase of an ALL DAY WRISTBAND

at the La Palma Central Park O� ces

BEFORE 5:00 P.M. ON NOVEMBER 13, 2009

25TH ANNUAL LA PALMA DAYS

THE “OFFICIAL VETERAN’S DAY PARADE OF ORANGE COUNTY”On Saturday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m., the La Palma Days Parade and prestigious Band Review will feature over 200 units including junior and senior high school bands, JROTC units, veterans, military entries, celebrities, dignitaries, elected o� cials, local schools, clubs and organizations, businesses, the Orange County Fire Authority, and others — all parading proudly down Walker Street, from Houston to La Palma Avenue! � is year our Grand Marshal is none other than Mickey Mouse. Our Community Grand Marshals are Alta Duke, Joan Lutz, and Keith Nelson, all who are long-time volunteers and original La Palma Days commi� ee members whose li� le idea 25 years ago has become a cherished La Palma community event. Once again, on the 25th Anniversary of La Palma Days, the City of La Palma is proud to have the La Palma Days Parade be designated as the “O� cial Veteran’s Day Parade of Orange County” by proclamation from the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

1ST MARINE DIVISION BAND� e 1st Marine Division Band, based at Camp Pendleton, California, consists of 50 Marine musicians. While the primary mission of the 1st Marine Division Band is to provide musical support for military parades and ceremonies, they remain versatile to accommodate other needs. � e 1st Marine Division Band was organized during World War II in the Paci� c � eater of Operations in the early 1940’s. Since then, 1st Marine Division Bandsmen have drawn their ri� es in support of several operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom I and II.

BAND REVIEW JUDGING� irty California school bands, representing over 4,000 students from Cypress, Cerritos, Anaheim, and our own John F. Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment Band will compete in one of the most highly respected Band Reviews in the area. � e Band Review begins at 9:30 a.m. until 12 noon on Walker Street, with SCSBOA judging taking place immediately south of Bransford Street.

ACTIVITIESA variety of NEW activities for preschool to adults will be featured at La Palma Days! Everyone will have fun while supporting local organizations at the same time. Local nonpro� t groups will be sponsoring each activity in return for a portion of the activities’ proceeds. Activities will include a giant Fiber Glass Slide, giant obstacle courses, Ropes Course, Pony Rides, Pe� ing Zoo, King of the Mountain (the Blob), Midway Games and more!Presale Activity Tickets are on sale now through November 13th at 5:00 p.m. Presale tickets may be purchased at the La Palma Recreation & Community Services o� ces. Buy your tickets early and take advantage of the savings. We’re sorry, but presale tickets will not be sold a� er 5:00 p.m. on November 13th.

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION & CULTURAL AWARENESS PROJECTS� e Cultural & Historical Commi� ee is pleased to present exhibits and displays of La Palma’s history, culture and diversity through books and artifacts:• Free temporary Henna tatt oos representing the East Asian tradition• Magnets with important City of La Palma phone numbers will be distributed• “La Palma,” a published book in

the Arcadia “Images of America” book series, capturing La Palma’s history will be available for sale by the La Palma Chamber of Commerce. � e authors will also be on hand to sign copies of their book.

MILITARY HISTORY� e Corps of Topographical Engineers, US Army of the West, will depict life as a soldier in Early California and display unique military and medical artifacts from the 19th Century. A replica cannon will � re at 12:30 and 12:45 p.m.

VENDORS� e La Palma Days Community Festival will feature over 40 vendors. Enjoy a wide variety of tasty cuisine by sampling foods from around the world. At the same time, you will be supporting your local nonpro� t organizations as they work toward their goal of providing ongoing services to our community. Take some additional time to browse and shop through the community and vendor booths, featuring products, services, as well as arts and cra� s. To celebrate La Palma Days 25th Anniversary, commemorative merchandise will be available for sale.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

TICKET TICKET

GAMES & RIDES

Pavilion Stage11:00 a.m. 80’s Rewind (Tribute to the 80’s)12:15 p.m. La Palma Recreation Jazz, Tap, & Ballet Dancers & Linda Buell’s

Dance Workshop1:00 p.m. Mariachi Divas (Mariachi Performers)2:00 p.m. � e Side E� ects (Doo Wop a Cappella)3:00–3:35 p.m. Country Kickers (Line Dancers)3:45–4:15 p.m. Hanam, Korea Sister City Performance 4:30–5:00 p.m. Sarasona (2009 La Palma/Cypress Ba� le of the Bands Winner)

Midway (Gazebo)12:00–5:00 p.m. Pickles � e Clown (Balloon Animals)11:00–6:00 p.m. Air Brush Ta� oos

La Palma Days will feature diverse entertainment and things to do for the entire family! � e Pavilion Stage will showcase rich cultural entertainment featuring local and international talent. In addition to games in the Midway, there will also be free balloon animals and airbrush ta� oos uniquely created for each child.

7-11, Fat Cats, Big Mouth, Shu� e Alley,

Skee Roll, Tic Tac Toe

Skidaddle Electronic Kiddie Ride, Fire Truck Slide, Hoppy Meal, Pe� ing Zoo, Pirate Play Center, Polynesian Crawl � ru, Pony Rides,

Swings, Tool Time Play Center

Blob (King of the Mountain), Fiber Glass Slide, Figure 8 Obstacle Course, Jurassic Adventure (Play Center),

� under Force

Climb N’ DangleRope-A-Phobia

NOVEMBER 14, 2009

Day of Event Ticket Prices• 1 Ticket for $1• 6 Tickets for $5• 13 Tickets for $10• 28 Tickets for $20• All Day Wristbands $22

Presale Ticket Prices(Now Until November 13th)• All Day Wristbands $18 and up to

3 additional per household for $15• 6 Tickets for $5• 13 Tickets for $10• 28 Tickets for $20

Midway Games & Ticket Prices• All games are 1 ticket• Wrist bands are not accepted for

Midway Games

Ticket Prices

*Schedule subject to change

• La Palma’s Only Community Newspaper • Delivered to 4,500 La Palma homes every month • www.lapalmanews.net • December 2010 • Vol. 1, Issue 12

L a P a l m a

COMMUNITYNEWSL a P a l m a

COMMUNITYNEWS By Edna Ethington

Approximately 285 H.O.P.E. mem-bers, friends, business associates, com-munity members and parishioners of St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress gathered at Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel on November 13, 2010, for the 21st Annual Benefit Dinner Dance and Fundraiser for H.O.P.E. from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The acronym, H.O.P.E., stands for the words "Helping Other People Every day."

This non-profit group is in charge of the federally recognized food bank that distributes food to registered needy fami-lies in the cities of Cypress, La Palma, and portions of Buena Park and Anaheim. Food is distributed by H.O.P.E. on the first and third Saturdays of each month on the grounds of St. Irenaeus Church. Working together with St. Irenaeus Church, H.O.P.E. assists needy families with funds to provide food, temporary lodging and other emergency needs.

Co-Chairmen of the event were Ruth Burns and Bob Sgobba who planned

[See DINNER Page 7] [See COUNCIL Page 7]

Parochial Vicar Fr. Venancio Amidar, standing second from the left, joined members of the St. Irenaeus Filipino Catholic Federation at the H.O.P.E. Dinner Dance Fundrrais-er of November 13, 2010. Pictured sitting in the front from left are Carmen Singh, Dr. Fe Mendoza, Josie Ninofranco, Lita Flores, Jojo Flordelis and Gina Borillo. Standing from left to right are Joe Singh, Fr. Amidar, Cora Arevalo, Gus Mendoza, Jun Ninof-ranco, Mary Ann Estores, Ramella Ledesma, and Edgar Arevalo.

La Palma H.O.P.E. Dinner Dance Fundraiser a rocking success

By Larry Caballero

Since 1986, La Palma has been the city that hosts the official Orange County Veteran's Day Parade that has featured 32 of Southern California's finest school pag-eantry programs. These bands performed again Nov. 13, on the 26th Anniversary of La Palma Days, in front of more than 10,000 spectators

who heard more than 4,000 teenag-

Emotions run high over tragic death in La Palma

Sydney Ramirez

By Larry Caballero

More than 100 residents showed up to the Nov. 16 La Palma Council meeting to share their emotions and concerns after the tragic death of 16-year-old Sydney

Ramirez who was recently struck by a car in a crosswalk at Crescent and Watson Street as she was going to school.

For more than two hours

resident after resident walked tearfully to the podium to address their outrage at the cities of La Palma and Cypress for not addressing the traffic safety issues at the intersection sooner so that her life would not have been lost.

Residents said they had complained to both cities for years and yet the problem still exists. “We can’t just walk away and do nothing,” said one resident. “Kids are

Cerritos Council approves Wal-Mart expansionBy Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council approved the construction of an addition to the Wal-Mart store in the Towne Center at its Nov. 22 meeting.

Approval of the 25,208 sq. ft. addi-tion, which will be an in-house grocery store, was by a 3-1 vote, with Mayor Jo-seph Cho voting no.

Voting in favor of the expansion was Councilmembers Carol Chen, Bruce Bar-rows, and Jim Edwards. Mayor pro tem Laura Lee was out of the country.

The Mayor said there was a lot of writ-ten material involved concerning the ex-pansion, and he wanted more time to study it. He was also concerned about Wal-Mart becoming a “Super Store” with the addi-tion of the grocery store and its impact on the other local supermarkets. He moved to continue the issue to the council’s next meeting. However, the majority felt their questions had been answered by members of Wal-Mart staff, although Councilmem-ber Chen said if the Towne Center was expanded in the future, she had concerns about the availability of parking.

La Palma Days ParadeLa Palma celebrates in style

Looking forward to a fun-filled day of activities at La Palma Days Parade were (l-r) La Palma Beauty Melinda Gamboa, Princesses Asha Starks and Jessica Atwood, and Beauty Idda Colcol.

ers participate in an official Band Review adjudicated by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.

Additional participants included 20 Southern California JROTC programs demonstrating their skills in a competition of color guards, armed drill teams, un-armed drill teams and marching units.

City officials, school representatives, local youth programs and organizations

[See WAL-MART Page 7] [See EMOTIONS Page 7] [See LA PALMA Page 7]

La Palma Council transition politics as usualBy Larry Caballero

It was politics as usual at the Dec. 7 mayoral transition meeting. Coun-cilmember Ralph Rodriguez had waited

five years to serve as La Palma’s Mayor Pro-Tem, and he was finally chosen by

Former Mayor Larry Herman (l) receives a plaque for his many years of public ser-vice by outgoing Mayor Steve Shanahan.

• Norwalk’s and Pico Rivera's Only Community Newspaper • Vol. 4 No 30 •November 26, 2010

N o r w a l k

COMMUNITYNEWSN o r w a l k a n d P i c o R i v e r a

COMMUNITYNEWS

Wi N A B R A N D N E W A P P L E i Pa d ! G o t o w w w. yo u r c i t yco u p o n s. n e t

[See EXPANSION Page 11]

45,000 homes every Friday • January 22, 2010 • Volume 20, No. 45

L o s C e r r i t o s

COMMUNITYNEWSCOMMUNITYNEWSCOMMUNITYL o s C e r r i t o s

COMMUNITYNEWSHealthy Living-The Newspaper for Active Seniors-Publishing February 19.

More InsideCerritos Center PreviewsPage 5Community CalendarPage 10SportsSportsPage 12Classified/Prof. DirectoryPage 14

Publishing February 19.Publishing February 19.Publishing February 19.Publishing February 19.Publishing February 19.

For information, to contribute, or to advertise call 562.407.3873.

Protecting local funds from state raidsCerritos Council endorses ballot initative.

By Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council unanimously approved a resolu-tion in support of a ballot initia-tive that will prevent the State from raiding local government transportation and public transit funds.

In a report to the council, Assistant City Manager Kathy Matsumoto said over the years California voters have over-whelmingly passed separate ballot measurers to keep local funding sources essential for lo-cal services and prevent the State from raiding local government transit and transportation funds. “Despite this, the State recently passed a budget that borrows and takes approximately $5 billion in city, county, transit, redevelop-ment and special district funds this year. For Cerritos, these costs are estimated to be $14.1 million in redevelopment funds over the next two fiscal years. “

The Resolution is in support of the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Pro-tection Act of 2010, a ballot mea-sure sponsored by the League of California Cities. If approved by the voters, it will prevent the State from borrowing, raiding or otherwise redirect local govern-ment, transportation and public funds, including:

• Adding new constitu-tional restriction that prohibits the State from taking tax increment funds collected within a redevel-

Cerritos High School Cheerleaders participate in London parade

See FUNDS CON'T ON 7

Carmenita and South - Storm winds knocked down a tree that fell on a car in Cerritos. The vehicle was headed southbound on Carmenita Road and was struck just north of South St. at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday. The tree was blown down from the center median and into traffic. The driver appeared to be out of the vehicle and uninjured. The vehicle appears to have sustained most front-end damage, with the bulk of the tree lying across the open engine hood. A Cerritos Sheriff was pulling up to the scene at the time of the photo.

By Jerry Bernstein

Editor’s Note: The following is an interview with Cerritos High School Junior and Varsity Cheer-leader Marin Chattong prior to her trip to Great Britain as a member of the United States Cheerleading Team that participated in the New Years London Parade. She and four other Cerritos Cheerleaders were among those selected from throughout the United States to go to London and represent the United States in the Parade. She also kept a journal of her trip to London.

Marin Chattong is a typical high school student. She likes Volley Ball and “I can only be on one varsity team,” she explained. I chose cheerleading. However, I am on the junior varsity vol-leyball team, which is my favor-ite sport.” She said she has been playing volleyball since she was in the third grade.

“I really love where I am,” she exclaimed. I love volleyball and love being a cheerleader. I’ve been on the cheerleading varsity team three years.

This is the first time I’ve been

Four hundred high schools girls from throughout the United States were selected to represent the country in the annual New Year Lon-don Parade. Five were from Cerritos High School. Approximate 70 students were chosen from the Western United States. Twenty of them, including the five Cerritos girls, got together and had their picture including the five Cerritos girls, got together and had their picture including the five Cerritos girls, got together and had their picturtaken with the London Bridge in the background.

chosen to the go London. I’m re-ally excited.

Marin was selected to try out for the cheerleading trip while doing routines. Judges were go-ing around selecting candidates. Once chosen cheerleaders were given a routine to do. You do have time to practice and put your own interpretation on it, and then perform it in front of judges, she said. They then select who will be on the team. She said five girls from Cerritos were chosen to be on the 400-member team and par-ticipate in the New Year Parade in London. She described it as being similar to our Rose Bowl Parade and was televised.

Marin said they were given three uniforms a red jacket, a blue and white jacket that comes with skirt and a long sleeve jacket. I’ve never been in snow before, she said, except for a visit to Big Bear. She thought it might snow while she was in London. Cerri-tos has 11 cheerleaders who per-form at school sport events. “I’ve been to three National Events, she said.

Asked what she would like to

See CHEER CON'T ON 11

Storms inflict property damage in Cerritos

Rain storm causes tree to fall onto townhouse - Workmen saw limbs off a 30-year old eucalyptus tree that fell onto a Sundance townhouse facing Bloomfield Avenue just north of 166th Street Tuesday, Jan. 19. A workman said the heavy rains that soaked the earth combined with strong winds was too much for the tree, No one as hurt and it looked like damage was limited only to that section of the roof although a final determination wouldn’t be made until the tree is removed and a closer examination can be made.

[See MARINES Page 8]

[See LA PALMA Page 11]

By Larry Caballero

More than 100 residents showed up to the Nov. 16 La Palma Council meeting to share their emotions and concerns after

the tragic death of 16-year-old Sydney Ramirez who was recently struck by a car in a crosswalk at Crescent and Watson Street as she was go-ing to school.

For more than two hours resident after resident walked tearfully to the podium to address their outrage at the cities of La Palma and Cypress for not addressing the traffic safety issues at the intersection sooner so that her life would not have been lost.

Residents said they had complained to both cities for years and yet the problem still exists. “We can’t just walk away and do nothing,” said one resident. “Kids are walking at risk everyday they go to and

Approximately 180 volunteers packed into Cerritos Park East to help fill care pack-ages for the Marines of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion deployed in Afghani-stan. Content ranged from toothpaste to baby wipes to homemade cookies.

Emotions run high over tragic death in La Palma

Artesia-Cerritos volunteers join together tosend care packages to Marines in Afghanistan

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION SOUTHEAST DIVISION FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Norwalk defeats Arcadia in playoffs

Norwalk senior wide receiver Donovan Gumbs hauls in a 26-yard touchdown recep-tion from senior Adrian Diaz late in the third quarter for the go-ahead score in the Lancers 35-27 victory last Friday night at Arcadia in a CIF-SS Southeast Division first round playoff game. Story on page 12. Photo by Armando J. Vargas Sr.

Sydney Ramirez

By Jerry Bernstein

Members of The Friends of Cerritos 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Adoption Committee, a non-profit organization, asked for community volunteers to come to Cerritos Park East recreation build-ing Nov. 17 and help the group pack care packages for the 900 Marines of the Battalion currently deployed in Afghani-stan. Approximately 180 volunteers showed up, including 53 students for lo-cal schools.

Awaiting them was members of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Adoption Committee who quickly explained what they had to do. The clock said it was 7:10 p.m. The big recreation room was lined with tables covered with items to be sent the marines. Under the tables were large bags filled with similar items to replace what was above them.

Volunteers were assigned to hand out the items to fellow volunteers. Eighteen items filled the individual bags, which were then closed on the top and put into waiting cartons, which were then taken

Cerritos Council approves Wal-Mart expansionBy Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council approved the construction of an addition to the Wal-Mart store in the Towne Center at its Nov. 22 meeting.

Approval of the 25,208 sq. ft. addi-tion, which will be an in-house grocery store, was by a 3-1 vote, with Mayor Jo-seph Cho voting no.

Voting in favor of the expansion was Councilmembers Carol Chen, Bruce Bar-rows, and Jim Edwards. Mayor pro tem Laura Lee was out of the country.

The Mayor said there was a lot of written material involved concerning the expansion, and he wanted more time to study it. He was also concerned about Wal-Mart becoming a “Super Store” with the addition of the grocery store and its impact on the other local super-

By Helen M. Brown

The Norwalk Community Coordinat-ing Council (NCCC) met in the Sproul Room of the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex (NASC) for their annual Salute to Service event this past Oct 27. This

NCCC hosts Salute to Service nightspecial evening recognizes and honors the many non-profit charitable Clubs and Organizations operating within the City of Norwalk. This year there were twenty organizations represented.

The NCCC was formed in 1936 and has been an integral part of the com-

[See NCCC Page 14]

Cerritos Council approves WaterAerobics agreement with ABCCITY EXPLORES POSSIBILITY OF TAKING OVER PROGRAM.

By Jerry Bernstein

The Cerritos City Council gave its ap-proval to an agreement with ABC School District that will keep the District’s Wa-ter Aerobics Classes going through June 2011 at its Nov. 21 meeting. Seniors tak-ing the class had been notified by the District the classes would end in Janu-ary. Approximately 315 showed up at the School Board’s Nov. 3 meeting to protest the closing of the program.

An estimated 561 seniors participate in the nine aerobic classes each week at Cerritos Park East swimming pool. The weekly classes are one hour in length and consist of three 10 week sessions begin-ning in September and ending in June.

The classes are held under the auspic-es of the District’s Adult Education Pro-gram. Participants are charged $25 per class session . Cerritos Recreation Ser-

[See WATER Page 14]