From prom to toys, Norwalk’s SkillsUSA shows they are among nation's elite

NORWALK – After a successful showing nationally, the SkillsUSA program at Norwalk High School is gearing up for a several-month long holiday fundraiser.

Several of the students of Norwalk High’s SkillsUSA program recently returned from the 2018 SkillsUSA National Conference in Kentucky.

Advisor Ken Cook says that this was a personal best year for the program’s conference attendance.

“We had students competing in multiple competitions, from ‘Models of Excellence,’ we had restaurant service, pathway showcase with our engineering students,” said Cook. “In total we took seven students, three advisors, which for us was a personal record.”

The Norwalk students shined, earning a win in Models of Excellence – an achievement that put them amongst an elite group of the 24 SkillsUSA chapters nationally.

“The Models of Excellence is a really neat award because it’s the only award that’s community service based,” said Cook. “We mainly received it for a special project that we worked on with the City of Norwalk and the School District.”

That project was the production of a Prom for the district’s moderate to severe disability students.

“They have disabilities from autism all the way down to wheelchair bound,” said Cook. “The high school students don’t typically participate in a Prom. Some of them do, but for the ones that do they’re higher functioning. For the lower functioning ones, especially the autistic ones that have sensory issues, a prom is overwhelming.

“What people don’t realize is a Prom is also very expensive…a lot of times you have a kid that’s handicapped, and on top of that he’s poor. What we wanted to do is create something special for them.”

The prom took place at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex, with SkillsUSA catering the event at no charge.

“It was important for us to support that event,” said Cook.

Now back from Kentucky, and with students currently on summer break, Cook and the rest of the SkillsUSA Norwalk Chapter are starting to put together the pieces for the upcoming year.
One of those pieces involves toys; lots and lots of toys.

Ken, his students, and the rest of the SkillsUSA Norwalk team will be running a several month-long fundraiser that they are calling “Toys For Tacos.”

“Some people don’t have the funds for Christmas,” said 18-year-old SkillsUSA student Angel Meyers, who recently graduated from Norwalk High School and will shortly be attending at Cerritos College.

SkillsUSA Norwalk will be getting a little help from Lowes in the form of $4,000 to “impact the community.”

“Because of them...we’re gonna take that and basically give kids that need or want toys, and we’re gonna do that in exchange for tacos.”

“We’re going to take probably $2-3,000 dollars of that money; we’ve realized that return on investment for food is pretty decent,” added Cook. 

“What we want to do is take our trailer out into the community, partner up with the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, the Norwalk Coordinating Council - some strategic partners that we’ve already established -and what we want to do is cook tacos in their parking lot.  A family comes in, instead of paying the bill, help out another family with some toys. Bring an unwrapped gift, and we’re going to be very generous with our food.

“Our goal is to take $2,500 of cash and turn it into $10,000 worth of toys.”

Cook says that they’re aiming to launch in September.

“Right now, we’re doing the plans…we will probably go till the day of Christmas,” said Cook.

While it may seem like a daunting task, the students of SkillsUSA are hungry and up to the task.

“I’m prepared, I’m well prepared,” said Meyers. “Honestly I just can’t wait to give back to the people that actually need it.”

Norwalk man talks about life on a Navy supercarrier

PEARL HARBOR – A 2009 Norwalk Adult School graduate and Norwalk native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

Thomas Kozlowski

Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas Kozlowski is a hull maintenance technician aboard USS Carl Vinson, currently operating out of San Diego. 

A Navy hull maintenance technician is responsible for welding pipes and fittings around the ship, and fabricating structures. 

Kozlowski applies the lessons learned from Norwalk to working in the Navy. 

“Having the drive to succeed which I learned from my hometown has helped me in the Navy,” said Kozlowski. "I always try to do better." 

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. 

The theme of RIMPAC 2018 is Capable, Adaptive, Partners. The participating nations and forces exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations. 

“I'm most looking forward to being able to tour ships from the different participating nations, and experiencing their culture,” said Kozlowski. 

This is the first time Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are participating in RIMPAC. Additional firsts include New Zealand serving as sea combat commander and Chile serving as combined force maritime component commander. This is the first time a non-founding RIMPAC nation (Chile) will hold a component commander leadership position. 

“I'm most proud of completing the Navy Dive School,” said Kozlowski. "It was the biggest achievement of my Naval career.” 

Twenty-six nations, 46 surface ships, five submarines, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise. This year's exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. 

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Kozlowski and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs. 

“The Navy has shown me that I'm not scared of anything,” said Kozlowski. “Serving in the Navy for me means being a part of a greater cause. I get to pave the way for the future of the Navy."

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
 

Last Rabies Clinic of the year being held this week

The last rabies clinic of the year will take place on Thursday, July 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Norwalk City Hall. 

VetCare will administer individual vaccines, with microchipping and flea products also available on site. 

Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. 

Norwalk residents may also renew their pet licenses and should bring renewal letters with them. 

For more information, please call Dog Licensing at 562-929-5711. 

Norwalk school officials train for the worst

NORWALK –  Local schools and agencies are staying proactive when it comes to campus and workplace incidents involving active shooters or violent intruders that are occurring with alarming frequency across the nation.  

And what they’re learning is the important response strategy of getting out of harm’s way rather than just sheltering in place.

Two dozen representatives from area and out-of-town school districts and government agencies participated in a special certification training session recently hosted by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District. 

The two-day event at the district’s Huerta School campus featured table-top classroom instruction, best methods for training employees, research on active shooters and response scenarios using prop Nerf Blaster guns and replica pistols.

“The goal is awareness and preparation through empowering staff and students with strategies that will protect them wherever they may be,” said Elaine Williams, chief of the NLMUSD School Safety Department. 

“We want to change the victim mindset of staff and prepare them with the tools to react to a violent intruder incident and what to do until law enforcement arrives.”

The June 26-27 session was presented by ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training Institute, an Ohio-based group that conducts instructor training workshops and certification from coast to coast for all types of organizations, which, in addition to school systems and colleges, includes hospitals, churches, businesses and governments.

The approach, according to Eric Spicer, a Pittsburgh area police officer who led the Norwalk session, is to teach pro-active tactics that call for option-based responses.  

“It’s a natural reaction,” he said about the tendency for people to initially be confused or freeze up. “Our mission is to save lives. We’re preparing them to respond better to the situation at hand.”

Spicer said the focus is teaching participants better decision-making in high-stress situations. That means learning and practicing the evacuation procedures and survival maneuvers that state and federal guidelines now call for, not just the stationary “lock-down” strategies of hiding or sheltering in place.

The problem with stationery strategies is that they can create scenarios where those involved in violent events unwittingly become soft targets or “sitting ducks” for the intruders, he said.

Those attending the session included representatives from several local agencies, including the Azusa Unified School District, Fullerton School District, Loyola High School and Hermosa Beach Police Department. Attendees also came from Brawley in Imperial County and Tulare in the Central Valley. One participant came all the way from Atlanta.  In addition to Chief Williams, the NLMUSD was represented by Chris Moton, the district’s director of student and family services.

Garry Creel, the Azusa USD director of child welfare and attendance, agreed that following a lock-down protocol is not enough anymore and believes that the protocols taught by ALICE are a common-sense approach. “It was very important for our district to learn new strategies to ensure our students and staff are safe,” he said.

The ALICE session was the first to be hosted by NLMUSD. Participants in the training are now required to take a follow-up online exam to attain their certification by ALICE. 

The certification will allow the participants to serve as official trainers and implement training sessions for employees and others, including community members, in their jurisdictions or places of employment.

Norwalk set to host Independence Day Pageant on Tuesday

NORWALK -- Thousands of residents are expected at Norwalk's Civic Center lawn on Tuesday for the city's annual Independence Day Pageant festivities. 

The day includes live musical performances by award-winning pop-rock band Liquid Blue, games, crafts and face-painting. The night will be capped with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. 

Residents are also invited to participate in a Locks of Love hair drive from 1-7 p.m. Stylists will be on-site to provide free blunt haircuts to anyone wishing to donate hair, which will be used to make hairpieces for children and adults suffering from hair loss due to medical treatment.

Hair must be minimum 10 inches long to be eligible for donation. Color and permed hair is acceptable but bleached hair is not usable. 

Pageant festivities begin at 6 p.m. For more information, call City Hall at (562) 929-5702.

Excelsior all-class reunion Saturday

NORWALK – The Excelsior Alumni picnic is this Saturday, June 23, at Excelsior High School. 

Gates open at 9 am and the event is from 10 am to 3 pm. Parking is located on Alondra Boulevard in the old student lot. Enter the campus through the gate on the right side of the auditorium. 
Admission is $10 at the gate. Bring your own picnic chairs, drinks, and snacks. They also have food to purchase and Excelsior merchandise at the picnic. 

Tour the admin building, the auditorium and stroll across campus and relive those memories.

Bring your favorite memorabilia. Join the Alumni band. Meet up with all your familiar Pilots and meet some new ones.

Part II of an interview with Bob Archuleta

NORWALK – A continuation of an interview with the California Democratic state Senate District 32 candidate Bob Archuleta. An interview with his opponent, Republican Rita Topalian, is scheduled for later this month.

ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Most elected officials cite Public Safety as their primary concerns. What are your concerns regarding the 900,000 plus population of the 32nd district?
 

“Public safety is going to be right up there at the top of the list…But guess what? One city may have a formula that we can use in another city. That’s important in bringing people together.”
“[In] the city of Pico Rivera, we’re protected by the LA County Sheriff (Department) and their Deputies and I have a great relationship with the LA County Sheriff.”

“Of course the other cities, the city of Downey, Montebello, they have their city police. The city of Whittier has their city police. So I’ve got to deal with them in a different way because of the fact that each city has different procedures, but all under the umbrella of the state of California.”

“One of the things I want to make sure, that God forbid, there is an issue, a shooting, an earthquake, whatever it might be, that all these different entities can talk with one another.”

“[They should have] all the same radio frequencies that they can talk with one another.”

“They’ve got to unite their communications, their procedures.”

ON AN ARMED DEPUTY IN ALL HIGH SCHOOLS
The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department reports a huge shortage of deputies. In Norwalk, we have allocated resources for five additional deputies but have not met those goals. Also in Norwalk, there is one deputy assigned to two high schools, Norwalk and John Glenn. How can we gain the personnel?
 

“In Norwalk, I would like to meet with the Mayor, the City Manager and the Captain, who’s in charge of the Norwalk Station, because I want to ask, how is it that you have one Deputy [for] two high schools?”

“I’d like to start meeting with the school districts and the various police Departments and Sheriff to start training and teaching our Teachers on how to prepare our kids. We need to be proactive.”

Regarding the arming of Norwalk based high school deputies with weapons of war, the AR-15:
“I think most of us, who like myself, I served with the Montebello Police Department, we always had to be ready. Every law enforcement who’s out there must be ready for the tragedy that may face them in the next twenty, ten minutes.”

“The equipment they carry in their automobile is ready to handle any situation. We need to make sure they’ve got all the equipment they need.”

Additionally, Archuleta shared, “What that may be, should remain confidential. We don’t need to have that out in the public, but to assure the public that our sheriff Deputies and police officers are well trained, well informed and ready to take on any emergency.”

HOMELESSNESS
Many would regard the homeless situation in the nation at epidemic levels. What are your views on homelessness and what can the State, county and local entities do to help/assist those in need?
 

“Charity begins at home. If somebody in your family looks like that they need help, I would hope that they would turn to their family first, their church second and then of course comes all the social [service] side of it all, the County of Los Angeles, the State of California. But I think we need to start working within our own.”

“There are some success stories. In Pico Rivera, along our river banks (Pico Rivera is bordered between the San Gabriel on the East and the Rio Hondo River on the west); we’ve had the homeless there on the river banks. We started working with the county and bringing Caltrans over there. We are continuously cleaning up. We have one deputy and his job is to stay near the riverbed and to make sure there isn’t any activity violating the law. He’s there on call all the time.

"We’re doing it with a soft heart. That’s why we call it hearts of compassion.

“Remember, we have three types of homelessness: one is, they’ve just had a hard time. Mathematically. So they can be helped right away with resources. The other one has mental issues and of course there are those who just don’t want to give up their freedom.”

“I would be careful of putting a tag on any of them, but we know of three types.”

“As an elected official of the 32nd State Senate District, I [would] want to go to the state hospital. I want to know what they have, what they’re doing; the land that they have, is there room and why haven’t we addressed that.”

“We want everyone to participate. What may be working in Pico Rivera, may not work in Norwalk or Cerritos.”
“We have some of the brightest elected officials of all these cities.”

ON PERSONNAL ACCESSIBILITY
You pride yourself on “Taking phone calls and returning them.”  With the added responsibilities of the 32nd State Senate District, can you continue that personal policy or will you delegate more responsibilities to your qualified subordinates?
 

“Everyone in the State Senate has a staff, and having a staff able to think like you with the passion which you have and also have the sense of duty that you have; that’s the staff that I’m going to put together.

“Maybe my phone calls will be three minutes long instead of twenty.”

“I believe everyone deserves an answer. If you’ve got time to put the question on the table, then I should have the time to do the research and give you the answer. It may not be the one you like, but it will be the one that you can research, backup and hopefully we can find a solution if we discover there is a problem.”

THE GAS TAX
What are your views on the recent enabled gas tax and what are your plans regarding its future?
 

“The gas tax hurts. When you go to the gas pumps, no doubt. But when you’re driving to the gas pumps did you hit a pot hole? Yes, you did. In most cases, yes you did.  And did you curse out the window? Yes, you did. Did you have to repair your flat tire? Yes, you did.”

“Why does everyone want to be driving on the freeways at 5:00 when we have empty trains? That’s exactly what we’re talking about.”

“We are very unique in California. We like our automobiles. That means more wear and tear on our roads. We have to think 25 years in advance.”

“Every city in the 32nd District is going to be allocated millions of dollars over time to repair their roads and make sure they are safer and better.”

“I don’t like it. You don’t like it, but let’s make sure it accountable. Our infrastructure is very vital to the state of California.”

ON CALIFORNIA’ S BEAUTY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
How important is the protection and equal access to the beauty of California’s natural resources (IE, Coastal drilling for fossil fuels, tapping ground water reserves, higher entry fees to recreational areas)?
 

“Well, you’re speaking about the environment. How do we best protect our environment? I’m going to do everything I can to protect our natural resources because that’s what makes California different. We have the most beautiful countryside, the mountains that any state can brag about.”

FINAL THOUGHTS
“I just want to thank everyone who voted in the June primary. I’d like to personally thank everyone. I thank the good Lord. I honestly do. I went to all the churches…everyone came together…That is the voice of the people and I’m taking that to Sacramento and I’m going to show them that the 32nd District is a united district.”

“I’d like us to be an example to the state of California that we can come together as a united front to protect our environment, our schools, our children, our seniors, honor our veterans and do it all with God’s help.”

Interview conducted by Raul Samaniego.
 

An interview with state Senate candidate Bob Archuleta

NORWALK – Meet Bob Archuleta, Democrat candidate for the regular California State Senate District 32 seat up for grabs in the November 2018 California general election.

This year there are technically four elections; on June 5, the California Primary was held and voters went to the polls in Norwalk, Downey and all the cities represented by the State Senate 32nd District to choose two candidates from two different terms.

This situation came about with the resignation of former state Senator Tony Mendoza, who resigned prior to being scrutinized by the Senate for likely improprieties involving female staff members.

Because this is an election year, no special election was called and the selection process for Mendoza’s remaining term was placed on the June 5 ballot.

This may have caused some confusion, for voters saw almost identical lists of candidates for the two sets of primaries. One for the short term (expiring December 31, 2018), and one set for the regular term which will be for four years starting in January of 2019.

Archuleta’s Republican opponent in the November general election is Whittier attorney Rita Topalian. Topalian agreed to a sit-down interview on Monday, June 25, so the readers and voters can meet her as well.

Vanessa Delgado, mayor of the City of Montebello, was the runner up in the special primary for the remainder of Mendoza’s term and will need to decide if she will indeed run or what other plans she has.

That special election is slated for Tuesday, August 7, and will be solely for the selection of a person to complete the remainder of the vacant term. Delgado’s opponent in that special election will also be Topalian, who had garnered the most votes in the special primary. 

Wednesday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Democrat candidate Bob Archuleta at Diana’s Restaurant in south Norwalk.

The format would be about a dozen open-ended questions concerning some of the issues concerning all of the communities of the 930,000 strong California 32nd state Senate district. 

WHO IS BOB ARCHULETA?
Bob. Archuleta admits to being “70ish” and has lived in the area all his life. Prior to our sit-down, he spoke with a group of diners sharing that he used to sell roses along the streets in his youth for extra cash.

Archuleta served in the 82nd Airborne for three years during the Vietnam era and was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He’s been married to his current wife, Rose, for 15 years (this November), has five children and seven grandchildren. 

Two of his sons graduated from the United States Military Academy and are serving as officers in the US Army as a captain and major.

Archuleta shared that he served the public as a sworn police officer in the Montebello Police Department. He admitted that at the urging of Rep. Grace Napolitano, he entered politics, winning a seat on the Pico Rivera City council back in 2007.

He considers himself the “equal opportunity candidate” in that he doesn’t care of age, heritage, hair color or anything when it comes to serving the people.

Why are you running for the 32nd State Senate District?
In answer to the question of why he was running for state Senate, Archuleta made reference to a lifetime of “service and representation.” Asked for specifics, he spoke of his serving through the “military, community service and serving and representing our veterans.”

He made mention of serving almost a million LA County-based veterans as military commissioner of veterans affairs for 24 years.

He also cited his 10-year history of working in the Montebello Police Department, which gave him the opportunity to “talk with people,” directly on issues regarding law enforcement.

Finally, his service as an elected official on the Pico Rivera City Council was his opportunity to “straighten it out.” That is, he said it “was upside down financially, graffiti, the parks were a mess, the library was falling apart.”

“I am here (running for the state Senate) because of the call to duty. My friends and neighbors said, ‘Bob, you got to take it to the next level.’”

Citing the resignation of Mendoza, he saw an opportunity to bring the leadership that the 32nd Senate District needed.

ON THE LABEL “THE REPUBLICAN DEMOCRAT”
His opponents in the primaries sought to label Archuleta a Republican in sheep’s clothing or the “Republican Democrat.” This was done with scathing campaign literature from a fellow Democrat whose supporters are said to have invested nearly $2 million in a campaign where Archuleta raised a tenth of that. His thoughts:

“Wow! I’ve never heard of such a statement (Republican Democrat). But I can tell you this: I have heard of a very conservative Democrat, a Democrat who can reach across the aisle. I’ve heard of a Democrat who can bring people together, and that’s me. I’m going to unite as many people as I possibly can.”

“You can’t tell me that a problem in Norwalk or Downey or Cerritos or wherever, is only a Democratic or only a Republican problem.”

“I want clean air, clean water, I want better public transportation, I want to be able to send my kids to school in a safe environment.”

HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM YOUR REPUBLICAN OPPONENT?
Archuleta considers his campaign a “political miracle.” “Never in the history of the 32nd district, or any district, where an opponent had almost $2 million thrown in on her side, and my side had only $200,000.”  

According to Archuleta,” this came from housewives, veterans, independents. Everybody was pitching in.”

“I’m going to bring leadership, integrity and a sense of duty that we’ve never seen before.”

ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF CALIFORNIA’S NATIONAL GUARD TO THE SOUTHERN BORDER WITH MEXICO
The current administration has called for the deployment of National Guard troops along the United States border, including a request for California’s National Guard to participate.

“Their job is to take orders from our Commander in Chief,” said Archuleta. “Whatever mission they’re on, they are going to do it right, do it quick with pride and honor.

“Our job is to make sure they are safe, they come home to their families because they are citizens, neighbors, relatives, aunts and uncles, and we need to make sure we honor them every day, regardless of their mission.”

In the next installment, Archuleta answers questions on public safety, homelessness, the gas tax, handicap accessibility, and California’s natural resources.

By Raul Samaniego, contributor

Moffitt Elementary's Josie Hernandez named Teacher of the Year

NORWALK -- Josie Hernandez, an educator with a quarter century of service at the same elementary school, has been selected the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year for the 2018-19 academic year.
   
Hernandez, a kindergarten teacher at Moffitt Elementary School in Norwalk, was recently announced as the district’s top educator by NLMUSD Supt. Dr. Hasmik Danielian during an employees’ recognition ceremony.
 
Hernandez began as a paraeducator at the Moffitt campus in 1993 and four years later, after receiving a teaching credential, she became a full-time teacher for the school, starting as a 2nd-grade bilingual instructor.
 
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for this experience,” said Hernandez, a resident of La Mirada, about her selection.  “I’ll give it my all. I’m proud to represent all the teachers who stand behind me and work just as hard.”
 
Hernandez is now an entrant in the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year contest. A total of 16 winners will be announced in September by County Supt. of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo. All of the county winners will automatically advance, along with other county titlists from around the state, to the California Teachers of the Year competition later in the fall. The top state winner will then advance to the National Teacher of the Year contest that takes place next spring.
 
Last year, Jennifer Hodge, a visual arts teacher at NLMUSD’s Benton Middle School in La Mirada, was named an L.A. County Teacher of the Year. She finished as a finalist in the state TOY contest.    
 
“Josie is another excellent example of the caring and high-quality teaching staff we have in our district,” said Chris Pflanzer, president of the NLMUSD Board of Education. “The community has benefitted so much from her classroom work and professional dedication. Every day she has made the most of a precious opportunity — to make a positive difference in the lives of her students.”

Hernandez, 44, a native of Orange County with four children of her own, is the first born of working class parents who emigrated from Mexico. She is the first in the family to attend and graduate from college. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish linguistics and culture from California State University, Long Beach and a master’s degree in reading intervention from National University.
 
“It’s so special to have Josie be our teacher of the year and represent out district.” said Dr. Danielian. “She is known for her passion in the classroom and has been a wonderful role model for a generation of students.”
 

Norwalk’s Albert Steele nominated for Older American of the Year

NORWALK -- Norwalk resident Albert Steele has been nominated for the Older American of the Year award, sponsored by the L.A. County Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services. 

Albert Steele

Steele and his wife, Luella, have called Norwalk home for more than 45 years and have a long history of volunteering. Albert is a fixture at the Norwalk Senior Center and for more than 10 years has assisted in a variety of capacities, including as a tour guide on senior trips and a concierge desk volunteer, 

Most recently, he has taken on an active role as leader of the senior center’s community garden, where local seniors, many of whom have limited space at home, can grow herbs and vegetables, enjoy physical activity, and connect with others. 

“Mr. Steele is well-regarded for his positive and energetic disposition and for making Senior Center patrons feel welcome,” the city said in a statement. 

In addition, Albert is a volunteer for the Social Services Center’s Angel Tree Project, a beloved annual Norwalk tradition where local children whose families are experiencing difficulties enjoy a festive holiday celebration with Santa Claus and receive gifts of toys and clothing. 

“Mr. Steele embodies community spirit and is committed to supporting programs that benefit the Norwalk community,” the city said. 

Albert represented Norwalk at the 53rd annual Older Americans Recognition Day luncheon on May 17 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 

Albert was nominated for Older American of the Year by the Norwalk Senior Citizens Commission. 
 

Cerritos College graduates its largest class ever

NORWALK – For the third consecutive year, Cerritos College honored its largest graduating class in the campus’ history. 

During its 60th annual commencement ceremony held May 19, nearly 3,500 students received degrees and certificates – an approximate increase of 1,000 graduates from 2,496 in 2016, or 30 percent. 

In 2017, the campus recorded its largest graduating class with 3,312 students, which the Class of 2018 surpassed by approximately 188 students. 

The college also saw a 15 percent increase in awards to students who earned an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) from 2017 to 2018 with 1,041 degrees awarded. The AA-T/AS-T degree guarantees admission for eligible students to transfer to the California State University system. 

To date, nearly 3,000 students have earned the AA-T/AS-T degrees since the College first conferred the Associate Degrees for Transfer in 2012. The College currently has 27 AA-T/AS-T degree programs.

Paralympic hand cyclist and triathlete Oz Sanchez served as the commencement speaker. Oz shared his story of overcoming a near-fatal motorcycle injury and paralysis to become a successful athlete and Paralympian. He inspired the graduates to find a purpose in life and stay focused on their goals. 

Students who graduated will be transitioning to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities, including  University of La Verne, Loyola Marymount University, USC, UC Berkeley, UCLA, among other schools.

Graduate Kristine Crable found her calling at Cerritos College. When she first enrolled in 2005, she was not completely ready to focus on school, so she took time off. 

Kristine returned to the college in 2013 – this time, not only as a student, but also as a peer mentor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Services in the Disabled Student Programs and Services department. 

“The experience brought me joy in having the opportunity to help others. It changed my life. I became more motivated and was able to encourage other students not to give up,” she said. 

Kristine thanks her DHH Specialist Dahlene Holliness for inspiring her to finish her goals. She will pursue a bachelor’s in sociology, and a master’s degree in social work at California State University, Long Beach where she plans to become a counselor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

“With three consecutive years of having more graduates walk the stage, I am very proud of our students for their hard work and perseverance,”  said Dr. Jose Fierro, Cerritos College President/ Superintendent.

“Our students face tremendous obstacles every day, so having another increase in graduation rates is especially hopeful. There is no doubt that the success of our students is a true testament to the commitment and dedication of our faculty and staff. 

“Our faculty take a personal interest in each and every student, making sure they have the right resources and motivation to be successful. 

“We want to see this trend of increased graduation numbers happen every year, so we will continue to work hard to support student success.”

Norwalk Summer Concert Series begins June 13

NORWALK - Norwalk’s Summer Concert Series at the Lawn will return this year, inviting the community to come out and enjoy several evenings of live entertainment.

Residents can bring their families, lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to the Civic Center Lawn, located at 12700 Norwalk Blvd., and be serenaded under the stars by several performing acts of various genres and styles.

The concerts are free, beginning Wednesdays at 7p.m.. Refreshments will be available for purchase at each event.

The city is also looking for intermission acts to perform for the concert series.
Singing acts, dance groups, entertainment acts, and other performances will be considered.  

Extraordinary acts will be picked to perform during intermission for each concert. At the end of the Summer Concert series, one act will be chosen as the “winning” act for the series and will win a prize. For more information on performing, please call 929-5521 for further details.

You can find a list of each scheduled performance below.
 

June 13
Scot Bruce (Elvis Tribute)

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, where he was a radio personality and a drummer, Scot has lived in Los Angeles since 1990. While pursuing music and acting as a career (and having been a musician and big Elvis fan all of his life), he started doing a 1950’s era Elvis show as a way to survive the lean times.

Because of his uncanny resemblance to the young “King” (and his ability to sing, strum a guitar, and swivel his hips), his live show has taken him across the U.S. and all over the world.
 

June 20
The Society Band (Top 40 Hits)

This collection of highly talented musicians will bring a collection of top songs that you know and love.

 
June 27
Mariachi Angeles De Pepe Martinez Jr.

For more than 30 years, Jose "Pepe" Martinez junior has lived on-stage inspired by the gift of music introduced to him as a young boy.

Pepe Jr. has been trained by the best, performed with the best, and now brings his experience , professionalism and leadership to his new group Mariachi Angeles.
 

July 11
Prizmatic (Katy Perry / Pink Tribute)

Photo Courtesy Prizmatic

Prizmatic is a live-band tribute to the music of pop-phenom Katy Perry, delivering all the hits that have made her a global sensation.

The cast of Prizmatic features a group of top-notch musicians who have taken the best of Katy Perry’s chart-topping hits and turned up the energy to 11 to give every show the feel of a live concert spectacle. In addition to their infectious musical groove, Prizmatic delivers a spot-on recreation of Katy Perry’s personality and outrageous over-the-top fashions that have made Katy’s arena events one of the hottest tickets to get.
 

July 18
Knyght Rider (Flash Back 80’s)

Knyght Rider is a kick-ass 80’s (and 90’s) tribute band from Southern California.

Their diverse influences include now classic-favorites such as AC/DC, Aerosmith, the Backstreet Boys, Blink-182, Britney Spears, David Bowie, Eminem, Metallica, Michael Jackson, Twisted Sister, U2, The Who, and 2Pac, just to name a few.
 

July 25
The Hodads (70’s Disco)

The Hodads are southern California’s most versatile theme party band.

Combining high energy music, stylish outfits, celebrity impersonation and audience participation since 1989, the band has appeared in concert with Kool & The Gang, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Brian Setzer, The Smothers Brothers, Jan & Dean, Tony Danza, The Surfaris, Jim Belushi, Steve Vai, Bob Saget, Louie Anderson, Jerry Lewis, Casey Kasem, Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood, Lily Tomlin, and played in the movie, "The Replacement" with Eric Roberts and Ice T.
This concert is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
 

Photo Courtesy L.A.vation

August 1
L.A.vation (U2 Tribute)

Based in Los Angeles, L.A.vation derives its name from the hit song "Elevation", the third single released from U2's 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind.

The band has faithfully crafted an amazingly accurate show, incorporating memorable stage elements from past U2 concerts with "spot-on" musical execution, all the while emphasizing the pride and passion of the four lads from Dublin.
 

August 8
Soto Band (Latin R&B)

SOTO, a Latin American musical powerhouse is a self-contained group, which includes family members and founders Bruce & Artie Soto!

Based out of Norwalk, the brothers started their own dance band and would perform at school talent shows, school dances, fundraisers, weddings, night clubs and eventually made it to concert tours in which they have worked with groups such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Patty La Belle, Dion Warwick, James Brown, Poncho Sanchez, Tito Puente, Teena Marie, Whitney Houston, and Marc Anthony, and can be seen with Ricky Martin on his “One on One” Asia MTV special as his back-up band.

This concert will also coincide with National Night Out, an annual event intended to bring communities across America together to take a stand against crime, drugs and disorder in their neighborhoods.
 

Norma Amezcua chosen to fill vacant school board seat

Facebook photo

NORWALK – By a 6-0 vote, the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District board of education appointed Norwalk resident Norma Amezcua to fill the board seat left vacant by the resignation of Sean Reagan.

Amezcua is scheduled to be sworn in May 29 in the board chambers where she was selected from four finalists including David Randall Fox, Christopher L. Staples and Jorge Tirade.

Amezcua and Tirado were also candidates in last year’s selection process to replace Margarita Rios after she resigned and won a seat on the Norwalk City Council.

Darrell Adams, long time school board member, did take the time to mention that no representation from the Norwalk council were present at the evening’s proceedings.

All candidates seemed genuinely nervous but Amezcua kept her answers specific and on target.

All four candidates were praised for their qualifications and efforts in the selection process in one form or another from all six board members as they cast their votes in the final choice between Amezcua and Staples.

Amezcua currently is the assistant director of early care and education programs for the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF). She is also a member of Norwalk’s Social Service Commission.

She will not have much time for rest as her board seat is up for election in November. Amezcua said she plans on running.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Amezcua earned a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Oaks College in Human Development and a Master of Education Degree in Human Development, Family Studies and Related Services from Cal State Long Beach. 

Raul Samaniego, contributor

Norwalk finalizes waste agreement with Athens

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council finalized a solid waste agreement with Athens Services during a special meeting Tuesday in the council chambers. 

The agreement was ratified 4-1 with Councilman Leonard Shryock continuing his disapproval of the contract with his solo “no” vote.

For a few moments, there was apprehension in the room when Mayor Jennifer Perez paused with the vote 2-1 in favor of accepting the staff recommendation to approve.

Councilman Tony Ayala was not present for the staff report given once again by administrative services manager Adriana Figueroa and the pause in the mayor’s voice seemed to waver on something other than a “yes” vote before Perez stated she wanted to wait for Ayala who was making his way to his seat.

With Ayala in place, the voting continued and both Perez and Ayala affirmed the agreement to make Athens Services Norwalk’s new solid waste hauler.

The agreement with Athens calls for the initial reduction in residential rates from $20.79 to $16.75 and senior rates from $9.79 to $4.19 a month. The rates will remain in place until at least Sept. 1, 2020.

Additional changes include the increase to 52 times a year when residents can call for a bulky item pickup; a Norwalk-based office location for bill payment; and new trash receptacles.

The contract also calls for all-new garbage trucks at the start of service to be powered by natural gas.

Athens Services offered the opportunity for possible employment to any current solid waste vehicle driver displaced by this new agreement.

The new agreement is set to begin Aug. 1.

OPEN STREET EVENT: The council voted 5-0 to approve the concept of an “open street” event to be held at a main thoroughfare in the city.

Tantamount to approving a future street fair in Norwalk, the idea will be funded mostly by a grant from the Metro Transportation agency.

No date was given for the event, but a plan must be in place by June 8, 2018.
 

Raul Samaniego, contributor

For Norwalk’s Miguel Rivera, taking the easy road was never an option

NORWALK – Miguel Rivera could have easily died the night of August 15, 2009, but there was too much life left to live, too much work to be done, and hope to be spread, for him to take the easy route.

Miguel was only 18 years old, just graduated Norwalk High School and just a few days away from beginning his next chapter at UC Santa Barbara when he became a C6 quadriplegic. 

Miguel had everything going for him before that fateful Friday night. He was popular, athletic, and had good grades, but one inebriated decision nearly took that all away in an instant. 

Miguel made the life-altering decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and wound up driving off the 605 freeway. His car flipped and crashed into a ditch separating the north and southbound freeways near the Firestone exit.

Luckily no one else was seriously injured, but Miguel remembers being told by doctors that he would never walk again. 

He could have easily given up hope in the hospital as his new reality started to sink in. The simple tasks of bathing himself, getting in and out bed, going to the restroom were suddenly not easy for him anymore.

Nothing was easy anymore for the former high school quarterback who had it all.

Photo by William Odis Martin

“There were two or three years immediately following the accident that I was in a deep depression. I didn’t want to be seen. I didn’t want to go out. I didn’t want to be alive, really,” explains Miguel.

He was used to being social and active, but his injuries tarnished his spirit and left him immobile and alone.

Miguel credits the love of his family, the team of Paralysis Specialists at A Perfect Step, and the uplifting words of a neighbor, comedian Eric Blake, that inspired him to turn his curse into a blessing by reframing his state of mind.  

“When I started going to my rehab and seeing the community of people with similar injuries all working towards recovery I began to feel empowered. Slowly, I started feeling my confidence and I wasn’t ashamed to be seen,” explains Miguel. “I wanted to as much as I could do, however, I could do it.”

He realized he was going to have to work, just like everybody else. Wake up and grind every day out just like the rest of us. 

He understood his new circumstances and obstacles.

There was no time to feel sorry for himself.  Now he would have to work a little harder, a little different, but with greater purpose.

Miguel began taking his physical therapy more seriously and enrolled in Cerritos College in hopes to pick up where he left off. 

Soon he found himself more determined and driven than ever before. He was given a second chance at life and he didn’t want to waste the precious opportunity of redemption.

“My injury has not only strengthened me as a person, but it’s also given me the second chance to do something positive with my life such as reaching out to adolescents throughout the community and raising awareness on various obstacles one may encounter in life” says Miguel on his website.

With his renewed will to live, he felt anything was possible, Miguel eventually transferred to Cal State Dominguez Hills before graduating with high honors. 

Miguel launched a nonprofit organization called The Dream Big Project, intended to bring hope and unity back into the community of Norwalk and its surrounding cities.

“We want to change the culture. We want to normalize positive growth in the community,” says Miguel.

Photo by William Odis Martin

Last week, Miguel was invited to share his story with the students at John Glenn High School in Norwalk in efforts to bring awareness to the legitimate dangers of drinking and driving, but most importantly, to remind the future to never give up and to always dream big.

The organization has raised thousands of dollars through fundraisers and private donations. Miguel and his organization has given hundreds of school supplies, including backpacks,  to Norwalk’s underserved and underprivileged youth. 

On July 27 the organization will be hosting its first annual scholarship awards ceremony at the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex. 

Visit the Dream Big Project’s website at www.dreambigproject.org to follow Miguel’s steps toward walking again, volunteer for community outreach, and keep in touch with the cause.

By William Odis Martin

Pioneer Boulevard road work nears completion

NORWALK – The long-awaited completion of the Pioneer Boulevard median and resurfacing project nudged closer to completion Wednesday as crews were replacing access hole cover assemblies up and down the east side of Pioneer.

City Engineer Bill Zimmerman, in an on-site interview, said that the, “median [final paving] lane-striping will be done within three weeks.”

The new street signals at Hopland and Ferina Streets is currently backlogged by four months, according to Edison, Zimmerman added.

The electrical work will include the necessary wiring required for the median watering systems as well.

Additionally, the primary “cat tracking” (the outline of lanes prior to painting) has been done and is waiting for the city to approve their layout before painting occurs.

This may be for naught, for portions of the work will undergo further repair due to unforeseen problems with the underlying sub basin (gravel support area) which will have to be repaired so as not to experience buckling in the future, this according to Zimmerman.

Zimmerman is completing the first year of a five-year contract his engineering company has with the city valued at $288,000 per year. His company has a total of 11 employees.

Another project nearing completion is the improvements to Foster Road which includes “side panels, bike path striping, landscaping and safety lighting for the sidewalk area,” stated Zimmerman.

According to Zimmerman, “The total budget for the Pioneer Blvd. project is close to two and a half million dollars ($2.345 million).”

All of the costs have been covered by Measure R and County Metro funds.

By Raul Samaniego, contributor
 

City Council dumps CR&R, picks Athens

NORWALK – The Norwalk city council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to award a new city-wide solid waste disposal contract to Athens Services. 

The motion was introduced by council member Tony Ayala, seconded by Leonard Shryock and then approved by members Ayala, Luigi Vernola, Mayor Jennifer Perez and Vice Mayor Margarita Rios. Shryock cast the lone opposing vote, despite seconding the motion.

During a special council meeting on April 2, CR&R had apparently been awarded the waste contract, “pending final negations,” according to a background report presented at Tuesday’s meeting.

On April 17, CR&R was eliminated from contention for deviating from the original Request for Proposal (RFP), city officials said. During the same meeting, the council approved opening negotiations with Athens Services based on their submitted proposal.

However, just before the scheduled special meeting on April 20, the city council was hand- delivered a letter from CR&R which included revised rates, requesting to be reinstated into the evaluation process.

After hearing comments from the public and from the two opposing trash haulers (CR&R and Athens Services) the council voted 3-1 to have both CR&R and Athens provide their “last and final best” price structures to the city, due by noon on April 23. Both trash companies submitted final bids.

At Tuesday’s special meeting, after a staff report by Norwalk project leader Adriana Figueroa, the floor was opened to comments from the public.

Norwalk longtime resident Ken White addressed the council with his concerns about the new agreement’s 15 percent franchise fee and whether it was a tax on residents.
California Proposition 218 is a California amendment to the state’s constitution regarding voter approval requirements for local government taxes.

Norwalk City Attorney Roxanne Diaz shared her opinion that the franchise fee did not conflict with Prop. 218, stating that, “[it] comes out of the haulers pocket and not the [residents].”Additionally, regarding the amount, 15%, she said, “it wasn’t out of the norm.”

Council member Tony Ayala responded with, “For the last 20 years, we’ve had 0% franchise fees.”

In fact, the current two-company city trash haulers have reported that $221,000 out of $9,214,000 annual revenues had been collected on the report listed, representing a 2.4% franchise fee rate. That revenue is directed into the city’s general fund. 

Speaking to the council, Gary Clifford, executive vice president of Athens Services, claimed their  proposal was overall less expensive, saying, “we are $430,000 cheaper.”

He also made mention that he had made a phone call to Adriana Figueroa and, “I was told by Adriana Figueroa, that we could absolutely not waver from the format.”

Later, Council member Shryock, asked Figueroa, “Did you tell Athens they could not deviate?” To which Figueroa replied, “I can’t recall.”

During the discussions following public input, Shryock called the current trash contract “extremely profitable to the haulers.”

After final comments from the council, Ayala motioned to accept the proposal from Athens Services. Shryock seconded the motion and the council voted 4-1 to adopt the motion, with Shryock dissenting.

Mayor Perez struck the gavel and, after seven years since it was announced that the contract would not be renewed and after a two-year process in the proposal stage, Norwalk has a new solid waste disposal provider, Athens Services.

The quoted plan will lower the current residential rate from $20.79 to $16.75 and the senior rate from $9.79 to $4.19. Commercial rates will increase $41.70 to $197.65 (3-yard bin). All three rates will be frozen for two years after the inception of the plan.

Asked for comments afterwards, Mayor Jennifer Perez reiterated, “I’d rather be at the ballpark.”
“[It was] very tiring,” added Shryock. “I’m glad it’s over. “We’ve got a lot of thing to do, like the Economic Development Plan, public safety, and the homeless situation”

Asked why he voted “no” after seconding the motion, Shryock insisted CR&R’s bid had lower residential and commercial rates” and had provided waste services for Norwalk with no rate increases the past seven years.

Shryock received $1,000 campaign contributions from CR&R and Consolidated – another waste hauler – in 2015 but said those donations did not influence his votes. 

Ayala and Perez each received $2,000 from CR&R in their 2017 election campaigns.

Norwalk City Manager Jesus Gomez said he hoped to finalize the franchise agreement with Athens as early as May 8, the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

By Raul Samaniego, contributor
 

CR&R re-enters waste contract negotiations, to "fight it out" with Athens

NORWALK – In a special meeting Friday, April 20, the Norwalk City Council voted 3-1 to reinstate CR&R Environmental Services as a finalist along with Athens in the search for a new Solid waste hauler. Leonard Shryock was absent.

Based on the numbers currently provided by Athens, the total value of the potential 10-year agreement is currently at $115,000,000 million dollars all to be paid by the residents and businesses of Norwalk.

The meeting was delayed after the council adjourned to meet in a closed session to discuss potential litigation. It was not disclosed if the discussion was related to the topic of the disposal waste proposal process and/or outcome.

After the council returned from their closed session, they heard another staff report by Adriana Figueroa, lead solid waste project leader on the solid waste Request for Proposal (RFP). She announced staff’s recommendations which included:

1. Discuss and review proposed negotiated solid waste rates;
2. Provide feedback and/or direct staff to continue negotiations;
3. Direct staff to finalize the solid waste franchise agreement with Athens Services and schedule the agreement at a subsequent City Council meeting for review and approval.

Prior to the start of the meeting, a letter from CR&R was presented to the council for review stating: “we respectfully request that the city reopen good faith discussions with CR&R so that we may consummate this long-term transaction to the benefit of both parties and the continuing advantage of the citizens of the great city of Norwalk.”

When the council opened up the meeting to comments from the public, Senior Vice President, Dean A. Ruffridge, of CR&R reminded the council, “We beat them (Athens) at all of our rates.”
Council Member Luigi Vernola spoke up stating, “I don’t have a spreadsheet with all your numbers.”

Next to speak was Gary Clifford, Executive Vice President of Athens. 

“Our program is that no one pays more than they are now,” said Clifford. 

Several residents also stepped forward to give their opinions as well.

Resident Laura Santiza asked the council, “Why don’t we let the residents vote on this themselves.”

After the public portion, the council began asking questions of staff and the city manager.
Vernola asked, “Can we get a little report from the city manager…”

With that, he left his chair and approached City Manager Jesus Gomez for a discussion with his microphone off.

Mayor Jennifer Perez reminded everyone, “This has been going on for a very long process.”
Vice Mayor Margarita Rios chimed in, “I’m very curious why the information that came before us today, why that was not presented to the council immediately and soon after the first meeting with our city manager?”

She also added, “CR&R knows our city. I believe they (CR&R) and Athens have negotiated in good faith. I feel I don’t have all the information before me… Call me crazy, but I would be open to negotiating with our firms who currently service our community… Before I make my decision, I have to consider a lot. I just don’t see this transition happening in less than three months. I have my doubts.”

With that statement, Council Member Tony Ayala said, “I think it’s important we follow our own rules.”

“I completely feel that CR&R was given the opportunity,” said Perez.

She reminded the chamber again, “We got a letter [from CR&R] 5 minutes before our meeting!”

“Hold on!” interjected Vernola. “We’re looking for the best deal for the community.”

Vernola then made the motion that, “Both CR&R and Athens [submit] best and final rates by Monday (April 23).”

The motion carried 3-1 with Tony Ayala voting no.

Asked about the decision afterwards Ruffridge said, “They made the right decision.”

Asked if CR&R would continue making campaign contributions to the Norwalk City council members, he added, “No plans to offer future company contributions.”

Both Ayala and Perez list CR&R as campaign contributors on Norwalk public records with $2,000.00 each being received by CR&R.

Asked about her contributors she listed, Perez referred to the public records.

Although a regular council meeting isn’t scheduled until May 1, it is possible a special meeting could be called to discuss the finding from Monday’s noon deadline.

By Raul Samaniego
 

City Council backtracks on trash contract, begins talks with new company

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council on Tuesday voted 4-1 to start negotiations with Athens Disposal on a new solid waste contract, despite choosing CR&R just two weeks ago. 

Athens was one of three finalists for the waste contract, along with CR&R and WRI. At a special meeting April 2, the council unanimously chose CR&R, pending agreement of a final contract.
CR&R is Norwalk’s current trash hauler, along with Consolidated Waste.

On Tuesday, council members changed directions and ordered negotiations with Athens. Councilman Leonard Shryock cast the lone opposing vote. 

In an interview Wednesday, City Manager Jesus Gomez said CR&R asked for a 10-year contract, with an optional five-year extension. 

Gomez said he told representatives of CR&R, “I’m not able to extend the terms farther than the original [request for proposals].” 

In a report to council members, Norwalk administrator Adriana Figueroa said the city had no other alternative than to select another trash hauler. 

“Given that staff received no other alternative rate during the negotiation period for an 8-year term with up to 24 months’ extension, which is consistent with the solid waste RFP, staff suspended its negotiations with CR&R, and therefore seeks City Council direction with regard to selection of a firm to negotiate waste rates,” Figueroa said Tuesday. “In addition CR&R, the other two remaining proposers are Athens and WRI.” 

Councilman Luigi Vernola made the motion to begin negotiations with Athens. 

Councilman Shryock dissented, saying he was “concerned about a [potential] litigious process.” 

The City Council has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at City Hall to discuss the waste contract. The meeting is open to the public.

By Raul Samaniego

Penny brothers return to Norwalk for kids football clinic

NORWALK -- Elijhaa and Rashaad Penny hosted a free football camp at Excelsior High School last Saturday, drawing hundreds of local youth to work on various football drills with the former Norwalk Lancers turned pros.

The 2 Cents Foundation, founded by the Penny family, invited children from the ages of 5 to 11 to meet and practice with the football stars and their closest friends and family. For the second half of the day, the Pennys worked with the 12 to 17-year-olds. 

“Norwalk is home,” said Rashaad in a brief interview. He said they organized the event to give back to the community that his family is so deeply embedded in. 

The two brothers are both expected to play in the NFL next season. Elijhaa is currently on the Arizona Cardinals while his younger brother is projected as a top 5 running back in this year’s draft. 

I believe Rashaad could be the steal of the entire draft as he is projected to be picked up in the second or third round. He is a dynamic kick returner and explosive running back. It's his innate vision and decisiveness that has made him one of the best backs and return specialists in the nation.

Even though Rashaad only carried the workload for one year, his senior season, his impressive stats paired with his combine performance makes him worthy of a first round selection. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and added an impressive broad jump of 120 inches.

He is just shy of 6 feet tall and every ounce of 220 pounds. His frame and fresh legs should equate to a long productive career. But he is still being overlooked by many, but they are going to be in for a surprise once he gets a chance to prove himself.

He kind of reminds me of last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Alvin Kamara who surprised everyone as he scorched the league with the Saints who picked him up in the third round. He will just need to improve his hands if he wants to and start right away.

By William Odis Martin

Photo by Armando Vargas