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

City Council amends regulations concerning illegal fireworks

Norwalk-- City Council unanimously passed an ordinance this week amending the regulations concerning the possession, sale and discharge of illegal fireworks.

The issue of illegal firework violations has proved to be a bit of a conundrum to enforce by local public safety and law enforcement officials, who up until now have had to physically observe the violation while it is in progress. This means that deputies were only able to issue citations when they observed an individual lighting, holding, or in possession of illegal fireworks. 

Often times, individuals would discharge fireworks in the street before leaving the area. Those who would discharge “dangerous” fireworks within large crowds or parties, from back yards, or in between use of “safe and sane” fireworks were also able to slip through the cracks.

However, under the new amendment, property owners/tenants/responsible parties would be held accountable for the discharge of dangerous/illegal fireworks on their respective properties and therefore subject to administrative citations and fines. 

According to the amendment, “responsible parties” include the person who owns, rents, leases or otherwise has possession of the premises, the person in immediate control of the premises, and the person who organizes, supervises, sponsors, conducts, allows, controls, or controls access to the illegal discharge or illegal storage of fireworks. 

City Council also requested to increase fines for fireworks violations.  
 

Penny brothers hosting football camp Saturday at Excelsior Stadium

NORWALK – Rashaad Penny is projected to be taken in this year’s NFL draft sometime in the second or third round. The Norwalk native could be the steal of the draft. Anytime a franchise can manage to snag a running back with his skill sets in the middle rounds, it is a steal. 

Penny took the college football world by storm his senior season leading the Aztecs of San Diego State as their featured back. It was the only season Penny had to carry the workload and ended up finishing in the Top 5 Heisman finalists. He was marinating on the bench until this season when he stole the show. 

Some of the biggest benefits of Penny’s lack of collegiate experience is he always stood out with his dominate performances while on the field and his relatively fresh legs after a four year college career.

This Saturday Penny will return to Norwalk as he will be joining his brother, Elijhaa Penny, who plays for the Arizona Cardinals to co-host the free, one-day football camp at Excelsior Stadium.

Children between the ages of 5 to 11 are invited to join the Penny brothers this Saturday from 9:30-11:30 and then from 11:30-1:30 they will be working with kids aged 12 to 17.

William Odis Martin, contributor

Norwalk city council selects new mayor, but may have violated open meetings law

NORWALK – Bucking tradition, the Norwalk City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to select first term and now sophomore fellow member, Jennifer Perez, as the new mayor of Norwalk, which is home to approximately 110,000 residents.

Vice Mayor Leonard Shryock cast a “No” vote against the nomination but joined the council in unanimously confirming the nomination of Margarita Rios as the new vice mayor.

After Perez took her seat in the center of the five-seat podium area, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, she went on to highlight the direction she hoped to see the City of Norwalk move.

The PowerPoint was prepared with Perez’s goals and likeness, prompting questions whether Tuesday’s mayoral vote was decided before the public meeting, which would violate the state’s open meeting laws.

According to Norwalk city staff member Adriana Figueroa,” We (city staff) normally prepare a generic PowerPoint (for the new mayor’s use). We had a hunch that Jennifer was going to be nominated.”

When asked who shared that hunch, Figueroa said that City Manager Jose Gomez “had shared that he had a hunch that there was a likelihood of Jennifer Perez getting the nomination.”
The PowerPoint had Jenifer Perez’s name on it at least 24 hours prior to her actually being selected as the new mayor, city staff members confirmed.

“I speak with the council members on a regular basis,” Gomez told the Patriot in an interview Wednesday night. “I had a council member say that he was going to nominate her (Jennifer Perez).”

When asked if Luigi Vernola was that source, Gomez only reiterated, “I had a council member say he was going to nominate her.”

Additionally, Gomez confirmed that this statement was made to him in “the early afternoon of Monday (April 2),” prior to the closed session 5 p.m. council meeting regarding a solid waste contract.

When asked if he had knowledge of any discussion between council members of the proposed nomination, the city manager said no.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Perez said that she and Shryock “were going in a different direction.” 

She confirmed that “my peers and I have been having individual conversations” regarding what she described as “being ready for the new year.” 

“I have to be careful not to violate the Brown Act,” Perez added.

According to Assistant City Clerk Marissa Asistin, “In the time in my position with the city of Norwalk [nearly 20 years], I cannot recall a vice mayor not moving up into the position of mayor.”

Norwalk mayor Jennifer Perez on Tuesday. Photo courtesy city of Norwalk

She went on to confirm that she had also checked internal records to affirm that statement.
Shryock’s family did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, where theoretically he would have been voted mayor of Norwalk. Shyrock declined to attend festivities celebrating Perez’s selection as mayor.

Tuesday’s actions confirmed the first all-female mayor/vice mayor team in Norwalk’s history. With Perez’s selection as mayor, it also represents the first father-daughter pair to have held Norwalk’s mayor chair. Perez’s father, Bob Arthur, held the position 25 years ago. 

Resembling a final farewell rather than a transition of power, a video depicting the history and accolades of now former mayor Luigi Vernola was shown with 20 guests offering their congratulations and salutations in a packed council chambers.

In what seemed tantamount to a farewell address, Vernola cited many strides he has seen in the city. He pointed out the hiring of a new city manager and deputy city manager, saying “You have brought [back] trust to the council and city.”

Vernola sounded proud, if not defiant, in his words to his peers on the city council.

“To my colleagues, thank you for your support,” he said. “We’re on a path and we’re not going to be deterred by anything or anyone.”

A who’s who of local political and business representation lined up to present Vernola with certificates of appreciation and tokens of gratitude.

Those offering their congratulations were: US House Representative Linda Sanchez office, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office, Los Angeles Sheriff Department, cities of Santa Fe Springs, Artesia and Downey, Little Lake School District, Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District, Cerritos College, Whittier Union High School District, Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Coordinating Council, Norwalk Lions Club, Soroptimist International, United Parents Club, and the Norwalk Senior Center Bingo Board.

The positions of mayor and vice mayor will be a one-year duration with no new council election slated until 2020.

After things settled down in the council chamber, the council and guests joined each other in a reception held on the lawn next to the city hall.

Shryock declined to attend.

By Raul Samaniego, contributor

Norwalk students walk off campus in support of gun control

NORWALK – Exactly one month after the shooting and killing of 17 students and faculty at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the nationwide walk-out of high school students came to Norwalk on Wednesday.

At John Glenn High School on Shoemaker Avenue, Vice Principal Leonard Shryock said no student would be impeded from participating if they chose, but they must leave through the front doors of the main office, the only unlocked gate/door on the campus.

A microphone was to be set up on the campus and the 10 am snack time was extended to accommodate students wishing to participate in their own way. Anyone could use the microphone in a free speech opportunity to share their feelings.

Shryock, who also serves as Norwalk’s vice mayor, walked over to the Southeast Academy to meet the director, Master Sergeant Marty Schafer, prior to the 10 a.m. national start time.

Sgt. Schafer explained that their students would assemble on the quad area where the leadership and physical fitness instructor, M. Sgt. Steve Allard would address the student body and lead them in a bit of PT (physical training).

In his still-strong drill sergeant-like voice, he shouted, “We’re gonna sound off while those (unintelligible) across the street go down to the Starbucks and get a cup of coffee!”

Students at the Southeast Academy, who follow a disciplined regiment of training and education, jogged twice around the grass field as a response for a call to recognize the 17 casualties of the Florida high school shooting.

As Shryock walked back to the John Glenn campus, a few dozen students were seen also returning, some with coffee or Slurpee cups in their hands.

Shryock said he was glad to see the students returning to the campus. 

John Glenn is familiar with on-campus violence. In 1997, a 21-year-old man shot and killed his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend in front of horrified students at the campus. He then fatally shot himself.

Still, Shryock said he remains opposed to arming teachers in schools.

Currently, one armed deputy splits time between both John Glenn and Norwalk high schools every day.

By Raul Samaniego
 

Commerce councilman to challenge Cristina Garcia in Assembly race

Facebook photo

NORWALK – Ivan Altamirano has announced his intent to run for the 58th Assembly District.

The son of immigrant parents, 44-year-old Altamirano currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Commerce.

Altamirano was appointed to City Council in 2012 to fill a vacant seat. He previously served as a Planning Commissioner.

“I didn’t have any political ties,” said Altamirano. “I filled out the application during one of the council meetings. They interviewed 23 of us and they chose me.”

He says he “hit the ground running.”

“Within three months I created something huge in our city…it’s called the Citadel Express Shuttle,” said Altamirano. “It’s a natural gas bus, and what it does is it travels from the Commerce Casino, to the Citadel, and then it goes to Union Station, L.A. Live, Staples Center, Bonaventure, major hotels and back every day. It became so successful that now we have two busses; one in Downtown and one in LA, and ridership is free.”

He was reelected for the first time in 2013, and once more last year.

Before taking that responsibility, however, Altamirano had a bit of a rough past.

“City of Commerce in the late 80’s and early 90’s, it became gang infested,” said Altamirano. “What happened was all of my friends started to join gangs…so I had no choice, they forced me into the gang and I got into a lot of trouble as a teen.”

Altamirano says that by the time he was 16, he was on probation. By 17, his first baby had been born. He dropped out of high school and ended up in juvenile hall.

“I had to really make a decision,” said Altamirano. “I started to look at the future and I started to see what has been happening with my friends…I said ‘I cannot do this.’”

From there, Altamirano went to Los Angeles Trade Tech, earning a GD and AS degree. He eventually started his own air conditioning and heating business and has since started buying investment homes in the City of Commerce.

“I know what it is to fail forward,” says Altamirano.

He is currently married with three children.

Now looking towards State Assembly, Altamirano says that his initial plan was to run several years down the line out of respect, however current circumstances surrounding the District have expedited his decision.

“Our goal was to run in four years,” said Altamirano. “It was the lack of representation and lack of leadership in our district. We felt compelled to run, to go out there and bring what the Southeast needs.”

He is running as a Democrat.

The 58th District consists of nine cities, including Artesia, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Cerritos, Commerce, Downey, Montebello, Norwalk, and Pico Rivera.

Altamirano says he “understands these cities.”

“I grew up in this area all my life, in the City of Commerce born and raised,” said Altamirano. “I come from a city that works. We come from a city that we have one of the largest railroads…we have big issues here in the City of Commerce that also is through the Southeast, with traffic and local investment. We need people that are going to represent with leadership.”
Altamirano says “he cares.”

“The way I see my constituents is the way I see my kids, my family,” said Altamirano. “When I do something, it’s for everybody; it’s to make it work.”

Everything is fine, Norwalk officials insist at State of the City

NORWALK – Norwalk’s annual State of the City address was presented by new city manager Jesus Gomez, along with a host of others, last Friday, March 2, at the DoubleTree Hotel.

Speaking last, Gomez was preceded by three other presenters: deputy city managers Gary Di Corpo and Kevin Gano, along with Norwalk Sheriff Station Captain James Tatreau.

DiCorpo, doubling this year as master of ceremonies, introduced the first speaker with the opening remarks, president of the Norwalk Community Coordinating Council, Gordon Stefenhagen.

Afterward, Stefenhagen’s remarks were followed by the invocation by Pastor Gerald Mitchell of the Pioneer Baptist Church.

Former Norwalk mayor and Air Force veteran Marcel Rodarte led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance with Danielle Bowie singing her rendition of the National Anthem.

Leading off the formal presentations was Tatreau. He spoke specifically to the declining incidents of violent crimes against the national averages while acknowledging that those numbers may not tell the entire picture.

Speaking of recent situations where a Norwalk youth was apprehended after being overheard threatening violence at a Whittier high school, he noted that after obtaining a search warrant of the person of interest’s residence, there was indeed a cache of weapons and high capacity cartridge clips found in the home.

Violent crime is on the decline in Norwalk, officials said at the State of the City address last week. Photo courtesy City of Norwalk

Tatreau also referenced the recent apprehension of individuals by Norwalk Lieutenant Michael Inge’s anti-gang unit.

According to Tatreau, that particular individual was on the streets because of recently voter-approved laws Prop 47 and 57 as well as Assembly Bill AB 109, calling for the early release of certain “non-violent” prisoners.

This was the case in the recent “shots fired” response which started near Hermosillo Park ending with the apprehension of three individuals in the northern Artesia neighborhood bordering south Norwalk.

According to the Captain, one of the suspects apprehended was a benefactor of the early release programs in the state.

Overall, Tatreau said that homicides were down last year (there were nine homicides in Norwalk in 2017) as well as other crimes when compared to surrounding communities like Bellflower, Cerritos, Whittier, Pico Rivera, and Lakewood.

Up next was new deputy city manager Gano with the goals, “To provide our citizens with a real and perceived sense of safety and security.”

Gano cited recent successes in two specific instances regarding a dilapidated house and an unlawfully parked car on one of Norwalk’s streets.

He also shared that the city was returning to a “team approach,” with city staff as well as encouraging more “community-oriented policing” within the city.

Gano encouraged the enforcement of existing laws to deal with problems within city limits. This “code enforcement” approach was well received by the audience with their applause.

Additional comments were directed to the need to work with all Public Safety oriented agencies including, “probation, District Attorney, courts, and child and family services.”

Citing the goals of “increasing the number of Public Safety Officers, replacing worn equipment, being more visible and engaging and empowering the community,” were his plans for the future safety and well-being of Norwalk residents.

Finally, he reminded the audience of the need to work with “faith-based organizations, food and shelter organizations and schools,” all while focusing on families.

Norwalk city manager Jesus Gomez. Photo courtesy City of Norwalk

With 30 calendar days under his belt at the helm of the City of Norwalk, new city manager Gomez proceeded to review the direction the city has seen in the last 12-month calendar year.

Citing many statistics, he showed that Norwalk was a young age city with a high (65%) owner occupancy within the city. This rate was highest amongst the nine local municipalities named in his presentation.

Education, healthcare and social assistance were the largest area of careers (20.4%) that Norwalk residents chose.

The top employees in the city were Cerritos College, Los Angeles County, Metropolitan State Hospital, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District and the City of Norwalk. Others included Target Stores, Costco, Little Lake School District, Doty Brothers and Coast Plaza Hospital.

Gomez’s economic outlook included analyzing prospective development, creating a strategy to attain it and to implement the plan by “reaching out to stakeholders,” marketing the idea while assisting procurement of financing, and procurement.

After nearly three hours, the outlook of the city was positive and headed in the right direction.

By Raul Samaniego

Florida shooting prompts questions about campus safety

NORWALK - With the Parkland, Fla., high school massacre still fresh in memory, local officials are working to keep students and their families calm.

It has been around two weeks since 17 students and teachers were shot and killed at Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14.

Since the shooting, parents of students at area schools have voiced concerns over the preparedness of students and staff in the event that such a tragedy occurs locally. Those worries were only intensified by several recent threats to Downey and Norwalk campuses.

In response to the concern, Downey Unified School District called parents over the weekend and released a press release, saying in part:

“We know the tragedy that took place in Florida has truly been an emotional event for us all. It has affected us in Downey Unified as well as school districts across the nation. 

“We want to reassure you that with any potential instances, we work in close partnership with local law enforcement to fully research and investigate the circumstances. If there is ever a situation when there is a credible threat, we will notify you immediately. 

“Unfortunately, since the tragic incident in Florida, there have been numerous instances of young people in the US making inappropriate comments, several even in Downey Unified. Please be assured, we do not take any of these instances lightly; we partner with local law enforcement, and thoroughly research and investigate each to establish the validity of every occurrence brought to our attention. 

“Fortunately, none of the instances in our district have been deemed credible.”

Fencing outside Downey High School. Photo by Joan Anderson, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District has also had its share of concerns and issues with threats.

At a press conference Feb. 21, Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell addressed a recently thwarted threat at El Camino High School that led to the arrest of a student.

“Just two days after 17 people were killed in the Florida school shooting, security officer Marino Chavez, who works at El Camino High School…overheard a 17-year-old student say that he was going to shoot up the school sometime in the next three weeks,” said McDonnell.

“Thanks to the outreach efforts of our Norwalk station, Mr. Chavez and our deputies worked together to assess the situation.

“Deputies learned that the 17-year-old had an extensive discipline history at the school. They also learned that a Smith and Wesson semiautomatic weapon was registered to his address.”

McDonnell added that detectives served a searched warrant at the student’s Norwalk home, where they found a cache of ordnance, including two AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, two pistols, 90 high-capacity magazines, and ammunition.

The student was detained for making criminal threats but has not been charged, according to the Whittier Daily News. However, his older brother, 28-year-old U.S. Army veteran Daniel Eriberto Barcenas was charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of an assault weapon.

Barcenas pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Bellflower Superior Court. He faces a sentence of 364 days in county jail if convicted.

Meanwhile, the city of Norwalk said it is accelerating its multi-faceted school safety plan.

“This plan will include strengthening of collaborative efforts by the city’s Public Safety Department, Norwalk Sheriff’s Station, the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, the District’s safety officers and the City of La Mirada,” Norwalk officials said in a statement.

“This partnership will focus on joining school security, school principals and counselors to identify adverse and or aggressive behavior at its earliest stage. The team will work together to focus on the root causes of the behavior and employ a team approach to assist the student and his or her family in redirecting the behavior.”

Cerritos College President Jose Fierro responded to a different threat over the weekend, sending out a safety alert citing a “social media discussion about an unconfirmed report of an unspecified threat to a school in Norwalk.”

A possible threat against Cerritos College over the weekend was deemed not credible. Courtesy photo

“We have learned since then that the Norwalk’s Sherriff’s Department has identified and contacted the source responsible for the social media post and have ruled that the threat is not credible,” Fierro said.

The statement added that there had not been a specific threat against the college. Still, campus police presence was increased throughout the day Monday.

Downey public schools participate in drills each year to prepare for an active shooter, although a DUSD spokesperson said that the district refrains from calling them “active shooter drills” – opting instead for the term “intruder drills” – to not frighten students and “prepare as calmly as possible.”

Emergency lockdown and intruder drills have already occurred at all schools this year, with a second planned for the upcoming semester, said the spokesperson, Ashley Greaney.

DUSD is also using Measure O funds, the school improvement bond passed by voters in November 2014, to “tighten up” campus security, Greaney said.

These moves include fencing and exterior upgrades, camera installations at select locations and, specifically to Stauffer Middle School, the relocation of the administration building to the front of the school so that access to the campus can only be obtained through the main office.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn acted on the recent tragedy by proposing to expand LA County’s School Threat Assessment Response Team (START), a coalition of principals, counselors, school security officers, and parents worried about students who have talked about suicide, exhibited concerning behavior, or made threats. 

After receiving a credible threat, START team members visit the school, evaluate the student, and go to the student’s home.  In most cases, START can recommend counseling. In more serious cases the student might be put on a 72-hour-hold or arrested if a crime has been committed.

On average, the team fields about 15 phone calls per week. Last week, they responded to 63 calls of potential threats. 

“In a county of over 10 million residents, it is clear we need more than 10 people working on this issue,” said Hahn. “We need to invest in this team and give them the resources they need to take every single threat seriously because our children’s lives are at stake.”

Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to examine ways to expand the program. 

Tony Mendoza resigns from California Senate

NORWALK – California State Sen. Tony Mendoza, accused of sexual misconduct by several women and facing expulsion from the Senate, resigned from the legislature Thursday. 

His resignation comes just days after a Senate investigation found that Mendoza “more likely than not” engaged in unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior with female staffers and interns. 

Late Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) introduced legislation to expel Mendoza from the Senate. No member of the California Legislature has been expelled since 1905.

Before the legislature could vote on the resolution, Mendoza resigned. 

“I shall resign my position as Senator with immediate effect as it is clear that Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon will not rest until he has my head on a platter to convince the #MeToo movement of his ‘sincerity’ in supporting the #MeToo cause,” Mendoza wrote in a letter. 

Although he resigned, Mendoza said he may still run to reclaim the seat later this year. 

“I intend to canvas my district to determine my candidacy for the Senate this year,” Mendoza said. 

The two-month investigation into Mendoza’s behavior was conducted by the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP at the request of the Rules Committee of the California State Senate in response to sexual misconduct allegations against Mendoza, who has denied the charges. A senate investigation found that embattled state Sen. Tony Mendoza “more likely than not” engaged in unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior with female staffers and interns. 

Late Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) introduced legislation to expel Mendoza from the senate, the L.A. Times reported. No member of the California Legislature has been expelled since 1905.

The two-month investigation was conducted by the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP at the request of the Rules Committee of the California State Senate in response to sexual misconduct allegations against Mendoza, who has denied the charges. 

In a report revealing its findings, the law firm said it conducted 51 interviews with 47 witnesses. The report is labeled confidential but a copy was received by the Patriot.

“In the course of the investigation, witnesses we interviewed described multiple instances in which Mendoza engaged in a pattern of unwelcome flirtation and sexually suggestive behavior towards several female staff members and other women he interacted with at the Capitol,” the report states. “These incidents ranged from the 2007-2008 legislative session when Mendoza was in the Assembly, to the 2017-2018 session when he was in the Senate. 

“Many current and former staff members, particularly those in his District office, said they had neither witnessed nor heard of any inappropriate behavior by Senator Mendoza. It appears based on these interviews that he behaved appropriately and professionally towards female staff while he was in his District. However, we received reports of Mendoza engaging in inappropriate behavior while in Sacramento or on overnight trips.

“Over the course of the investigation, six women stated they personally experienced unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior by Mendoza. Four of these women were working for Mendoza as staff members, interns, or fellows at the time of his conduct. None of these women alleged that they had a sexual relationship with Mendoza or that he had been physically aggressive or sexually crude towards them. However, the recipients of this unwelcome behavior understood that Mendoza was suggesting sexual contact. 

“Although none of the women reported that Mendoza explicitly threatened them or offered career benefits in exchange for sexual favors, the subordinate employees believed that complaining about his conduct could put their careers at risk.” 

Investigators found it “more likely than not” that in 2007, Mendoza was sexually suggestive with a female staff member, including asking her to share a room with him at an event in Hawaii. The staff member directly asked Mendoza to stop suggesting a sexual relationship and he “subsequently conformed his behavior.”

The investigation found that in 2008, Mendoza “more likely than not” was inappropriate with a 19-year-old intern who was staying in an adjoining room at the Democratic California Convention. Mendoza offered and drank alcoholic drinks with the woman in his hotel suite and asked her questions about her dating life, the report says. 

In 2010, Mendoza invited a female staff member to dinner or drinks and kissed her on the cheek after driving her home. The incident prompted an Assembly Human Resources representative to counsel Mendoza on his behavior. 

Investigators also discovered other incidents of sexually suggestive behavior: 

In 2014, Mendoza “more likely than not” was flirtatious with a Senate Fellow in his office, who was in her early twenties. Mendoza suggested she could rent a spare room in his house; suggested they could reserve just one room for an overnight event; invited her to come to his house at night under the guise of reviewing her resume despite having little intention of hiring her; and suggested they could go out to dinner or a movie. 

In 2015, Mendoza likely invited a different Fellow working in another legislator’s office to visit him at his home. In another incident that same year, Mendoza allegedly suggested to a lobbyist that they go out to dinner and asked what type of men she liked. 

Mendoza has consistently denied acting inappropriately. In a statement Tuesday, he criticized the Senate Rules Committee for shutting him out of the investigation process. 

“This inability to view and understand the accusations in a timely fashion rubs across the grain of fairness, impartiality and ultimately justice,” he said. 

“This government body must rise above and not be swayed by the court of public opinion, but rather, influenced to arrive at a conclusion based on facts and one of the basic tenants of our society, a due process that allows for a complete and thorough investigation procedure that then allows the accused to view and respond to the accusations in a timely manner,” Mendoza added.

“Unless we adhere to the pillar of fairness that serves as a key anchor of our American system of justice, we are condemned to repeating the mistakes of our past when due process was nothing more than a legal luxury reserved only for the well-heeled or mere legal folly.”

Assemblymember denies charges she pressured employees to play spin the bottle

NORWALK – Assemblymember Cristina Garcia is denying new allegations that she presided over a “toxic” office in Sacramento, drinking alcohol during work hours and pressuring staff members to play spin the bottle. 

David John Kernick, who worked for Garcia for five months in 2014, made the allegations last week in a formal complaint to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. 
Kernick claims he was fired after objecting to playing spin the bottle after a political fundraiser. 

In his complaint, Kernick says Garcia and about six other people were sitting on the floor inside a hotel room after a night of heavy drinking. That’s when Garcia pushed for a game of spin the bottle, in which participants spin a bottle on the floor and kiss whoever the bottle points to. 

“It was definitely uncomfortable,” Kernick told Politico. “But I realized it’s different for a man than for a woman...You know it’s inappropriate, but at the same time you may wonder, ‘How many women do you work for that act like that? You think, ‘Maybe she’s just really cool.’”
Kernick said the staff members in attendance ignored Garcia’s prompts and the game never materialized. 

Kernick and three other anonymous staff members went to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon last week, asserting that Garcia’s office was a “toxic” environment with heavy drinking and sexually charged meetings. 

Garcia openly spoke of her sex life, they alleged. The four staffers described being pressured to drink at late-night events and “team-building” events where mimosas were served. 

In a statement, Garcia denied the latest charges, calling them “a concerted effort to discredit my person and record as a legislator.”

“Over the last weeks there have been several claims accusing me of inappropriate conduct in my role as a California State legislator,” Garcia said. “In each case, these accusations are simply not true and are inconsistent with my personal value system and how I seek to conduct myself as an elected official. 

“I look forward to a timely conclusion of the Rules Committee investigation, and I look forward to returning to the legislature to continue my advocacy for the people of my district, for immigrants, and women. 

“I ask my supporters to not be deterred, and know that our fight for human dignity and justice will continue.”

Garcia went on unpaid leave earlier this month after initial allegations that she groped a male staffer and bragged about having sex in her office with other legislators.

On Valentine's Day, hundreds tie the knot in Norwalk

NORWALK –  Hundreds of couples marked Valentine’s Day by “jumping the broom, tying the knot, taking the plunge” or simply getting married at the Los Angeles County Registrar’s office in Norwalk on Wednesday.

According to Media Communication Assistant Chris Reynoso, “We expect to have 290 weddings today.” On a regular day, the office marries about 40 couples.

With the anticipated influx of happy couples, the Registrar’ office made arrangements: a large waiting room for couples, 11 stations for weddings, an ample supply of volunteer judges and commissioners to officiate the ceremonies, and a photo opportunity room for after the ceremony.

According to Reynoso, the cost for the wedding license is $35. Additional costs for public versus private wedding certificates ranged from $85 to $91.

When asked, no costs for a divorce were available.

“We don’t handle divorce cases here. That’s another court,” said Reynoso.

Sitting in the wedding sector were four black-robed commissioners awaiting the opportunity to marry couples. They were sitting on chairs except for Catherine Riley, who had positioned herself on the floor.

All were in cheery moods and were good sports when asked questions.

One of the first couples to enter was Bernard and Stephanie, who in a couple minutes became Mr. and Mrs. Bernard and Stephanie Peterson. They hailed from Long Beach and had brought their young son to join them in their nuptial ceremony.

Asked how he felt after it was official, Bernard responded, “I am floating.” 

Another couple entered the photo room as Michael and Akane Johnson. They had met in the area about a year ago. Johnson is a gunnery sergeant based in the southland with the First Marine Division. He is originally from North Carolina.

While it was a little slow during the lunch hour, it was expected to pick up in the afternoon. After all, who doesn’t want to be married on Valentine’s Day?

By Raul Samaniego
 

'We need to address public safety,' says Norwalk's new city manager

NORWALK -- Norwalk residents and city officials came together on the City Hall lawn for a chance to meet the new city manager on Tuesday.

Jesus M. Gomez officially assumed the position of city manager on Feb. 1, after previous city manager Mike Egan was abruptly fired in September without explanation.

Tuesday’s meet-and-greet event was the first opportunity for many residents, city officials and staff, and region-wide officials to get up close and personal with Gomez.

“We have a lot of expectations in this community,” said Mayor Luigi Vernola, addressing the crowd. “We’ve made a change in our direction, and at the helm we have Jesus Gomez.

“Jesus has done a lot in his short career…he is a very, very knowledgeable young man; economic development, public safety, and a whole host of other things, finance, public works – he understands things. He’s the right man for the right job.”

A veteran greets Norwalk's new city manager, Jesus Gomez. Photo courtesy city of Norwalk

Gomez also addressed the crowd briefly, introducing his family and alluding to future “great opportunities.”

“I want to thank the mayor and city council profoundly for giving me an opportunity to come to the city and help them with their vision,” said Gomez. “Their vision is complex; we have lots of work ahead of us, and I’m very glad to see a lot of the partners here that we will need to accomplish the goals and the objectives that the council has begun to set forward.”

When asked specifically what the “change in direction” and “vision” was, Gomez highlighted public safety, infrastructure and economic development.

Gomez said that these “were in no specific order and equally important,” but when asked what he believed was the greatest needs for the community at the moment, Gomez emphasized public safety.

“I think the first thing is we need to address public safety and help the community feel safer,” said Gomez. “Our first, immediate goal is to be able to do that, to address some of the issues that are happening at the shopping centers, some of the homeless encampments, some of the homeless at [the] parks.

"We’re addressing that; that’s immediate and we’ve already started doing that.”

By Alex Dominguez, staff writer
 

John Paul Drayer will challenge Cristina Garcia for Assembly seat

NORWALK -- John Paul Drayer, a Bellflower resident and former member of the Cerritos College board of trustees, filed papers Monday to challenge embattled Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, who is up for re-election this year. 

Garcia went on an unpaid leave of absence last week after accusations emerged of sexual misconduct. 

"Having effectively no representation in the state assembly 58th District we need new ideas & candidate to turn around the drunken misguided culture of being too close to Sacramento lobbyists," Drayer wrote in an email Sunday.

"Therefore I am seriously thinking about running for this effectively vacant seat. Plus I encourage many others to run in a strong debate about fixing Sacramento to work for working families & small businesses with tax cuts from our large surplus. I will protect the 5th amendment due process rights of men & women equally. No gender should be above another."

Drayer sent a second email Monday confirming he filed to run for the 58th Assembly district seat. 

Elected to the college board in 2012, Drayer was a controversial figure, openly sparring with other board members. He was censured at one point after calling other board members "homophobic Republicans." Drayer is openly gay.

He resigned from the board in 2017 and ran for Bellflower City Council but lost, coming in fourth place with 9.92% of the vote.

By Eric Pierce

Cristina Garcia takes leave after allegations of sexual misconduct

NORWALK – Cristina Garcia, Norwalk’s representative in the California Assembly, has taken an unpaid leave of absence after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged last week. 

Daniel Fierro, who worked for Democratic Assemblyman Ian Calderon, said Garcia stroked his back, squeezed his backside and tried to grab his crotch following a softball game in 2014. 

Garcia has denied the charges. 

According to Politico, Fierro did not report the incident until January, when he reported it to Calderon, who in turn reported it to State Assembly leaders, launching an investigation. 

“Upon reflection of the details alleged, I am certain I did not engage in the behavior I am accused of. However, as I’ve said before, any claims about sexual harassment must be taken seriously, and I believe elected officials should be held to a higher standard of accountability,” Garcia said in a statement. 

“Therefore, I am voluntarily taking an immediate unpaid leave from my position in the State Assembly, including any accompanying committee assignments, so as not to serve as a distraction or in any way influence the process of this investigation.”

Garcia has been a prominent supporter of the #MeToo movement and was even featured on the cover of TIME magazine for her efforts to change California’s definition of rape. 

She also spoke out publicly against state Sen. Tony Mendoza, who is under investigation for sexual harassment. 

With Garcia and Mendoza both on leave, Norwalk currently has zero representation in Sacramento. 

Students get valuable experience at mock interview event

Around 200-plus local high school students got the opportunity to work on their interview skills and etiquette through one-on-one mock interviews with area business representatives, civic leaders, educators and special guests. 

Students received the opportunity through the 3rd Annual Mock Interview day, which was held Feb. 1 at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex. The event was presented by The Norwalk Education Alliance.

Students from Norwalk HS, Santa Fe HS, La Mirada HS, John Glenn HS, El Camino HS and Southeast Academy, along with representatives from the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, City of Norwalk, Cerritos College, Southeast Los Angeles Workforce Development Board and the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District participated.

Bob Arthur, President of the Cerritos Optimist Club and one of the event’s panelists, said that he wants “someone to protect my future.”

“…That means I need to be involved in what the youth are doing today,” said Arthur. “And that they are well prepared to take over the responsibilities from local, state and federal levels, not just in a public setting but also in a corporate America setting.

That’s one of the most viable reasons that we look to the future, protect the history and protect what our future might be.”

Arthur added that students seemed very well prepared to “sit down and interview with standard questions.”

“I’m a very visual type person…I watch the expressions on the students that are before me and whether or not they’re absorbing what the advice is that I’m giving to them, and they seem very interested,” said Arthur. “Those are the things that I look towards, what that body language might be; are you grasping what it is that I’m telling you?”

Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District Superintendent Hasmik Danielian says that the programs that are available to students are preparing them for the 21st century skills.

“To the credit of our schools, honestly, and the community, I think we’re all working together to prepare the kids for the challenges [ahead],” said Danielian.

Several of the students participating said that they felt that the experience gave them an advantage over other students.

“It was actually a really good experience,” said Norwalk High School senior Xochitl Berumen, 17. “I think it’s super helpful and it is a little advantage because it prepares me for what is going to come, especially with pursuing a career and going to college.”

“This process really gives students the opportunity to go on one-on-one with someone who has experience in hiring other people,” said Jacob King, 17, a senior at Santa Fe High School. “The one-on-one experience surpasses what people learn in class or online. You actually get a sense of the real experience…one-on-one is definitely more valuable.”

Volunteers spread out to count Norwalk's homeless

NORWALK – Dozens of volunteers spread out throughout Norwalk last Wednesday, Jan. 24, to count the homeless.

The gathering point for the volunteers was the Norwalk Social Service building on Alondra Blvd. Individuals and teams gathered for an orientation and assignment to different areas of the city.

According to Jonathan Hans of the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count (GLAHC), 8,400 people signed up on their website to volunteer in the once-a-year count throughout Los Angeles County.

“Our solution is only as good as the data gathered,” Hans said regarding why the count was important.

In a media handout, the GLAHC stated, The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count will:

• Inform the state of homelessness in LA
• Bring vital community resources
• Increase engagement bringing together leaders, residents and stakeholders.”

“Over 80 people volunteered online for the Norwalk area,” said Norwalk deployment site coordinator Myrna Garcia.

At the beginning of the orientation, volunteers watched a short training video as they prepared to walk, drive and observe the signs of homelessness in Norwalk.

Photo courtesy city of Norwalk

Counters would be looking for the ABC’s of homelessness or appearance, behavior and condition.

These signs would include cars parked on the street with windows covered or with lights on with people, RV’s with a generator running, tents, makeshift shelters and the overall visual condition of an individual.

No person was to be approached, for this was a count, not an interview event.

Volunteers were welcomed and thanked by Norwalk’s Mayor Luigi Vernola as well as Council Member Tony Ayala.

Regarding the count, Vernola stated, “[The Count] not only helps the homeless, but it helps us to better govern.”

Garcia also addressed the group before they were given their assignments.

According to Garcia, information from the count will be tallied and evaluated and would be available in late Spring or about June for use locally.

Sitting at one of the tables was Patricia Martinez, who has been doing this for many years as both a volunteer and as a member of PATH.

PATH, People Assisting the Homeless, is an organization which works with the homeless population in Norwalk as well as other neighboring communities.

According to the PATH website, “Our programs are to meet people ‘where they are,’ and work with them to achieve long-term stability.”

Currently, the City of Norwalk is awaiting a proposal from Lesar Development Consultants, to offer a possible solution to the homeless situation in the city. Its $49,000 cost was funded by a Los Angeles County grant designed for such studies.

It is not known if they will await the results of this count or use other data from other sources including last years count.

If you are homeless, you may call for assistance at the Gateway Council of Governments Outreach Hotline at 562- 373-5264.

By Raul Samaniego

Norwalk chamber shows off new location

NORWALK – The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce held its first open house of the year in its new location at 14783 Carmenita Road.

When asked about the new location choice, Executive Director Caren Spilsbury said, “Price, visibility and space.”

The previous location was in a residential area and Spilsbury added, “It feels more like an actual business.”

That’s because the new office is located in a business complex on Carmenita Road right next to another complex across the street in Santa Fe Springs.

Those in attendance were networking and catching up with old friends.

Greeting and promoting her organization’s upcoming golf event was Little Lake School Board Member Dora Sandoval.

Sitting and chatting with others was former Norwalk mayor Cheri Kelly.

Also touting an upcoming Chamber golf event, Spilsbury reminded everyone of March 14th’s date for the 5th annual 9-hole “Spring Swing” tournament to be held at Norwalk’s rejuvenated Don Knabe Golf Center.

Prices for individual and team sponsorship start at $50 per person. Proceeds from the event will benefit future Chamber events and business.

Prizes will be awarded for “putting contest, closest to the pin, hole-in-one and more.”
Dinner will be included in the fee with tee-off scheduled for after dinner.

The Don Knabe Golf Center is located at 13717 Shoemaker Ave. For further information, call the Chamber at 562-864-7785.

By Raul Samaniego
 

Whittier High computer academy wins $20,000 grant

WHITTIER – Whittier High School students will boost the success of three local businesses through creative mobile and emerging technology solutions they will devise with a $20,000 grant from the Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) STEM and entrepreneurship program.
 
Whittier High is one of five Los Angeles-area high schools recently accepted into the two-year program, which provides educators a unique experience to create a design-thinking curriculum, partner with local businesses and teach students entrepreneurship and technology skills through real-world challenges.
 
More than 150 social science, technology and English students from Whittier High’s Cardinal Computer Academy (CCA) ­– a three-year California Partnership Academy – will take part in the program, set to begin in February.
 
“Being chosen to participate in the Verizon Innovative Learning program creates tremendous opportunities for CCA students to get the hands-on experience they need to compete for 21st century jobs,” Whittier High teacher and CCA director Kathleen Bailey said. “We are thrilled to be a part of VIL and are ready to get to work in collaboration with our community partners.”
 
The CCA provides students in grades 10 to 12 with rigorous academics and career technical education, a committed team of teachers and active businesses, and post-secondary partnerships. Students develop marketable workplace skills in the technological field and can earn Microsoft Office certifications as they explore careers.
 
As business partners in the Verizon program, the CCA has identified the Whittier Museum, 562 Creative, a graphic design, photography and video communications firm, and SmartPrint, a design firm and 3-D studio, all with varying technology needs.
 
Students will determine the challenges the businesses face, brainstorm ideas, create prototypes of the mobile solutions, conduct user testing, employ feedback and demonstrate their final products at a year-end showcase.
 
SmartPrint is owned and operated by Manny Cuchilla, who graduated from Whittier High in 2001 and serves as one of the Academy’s arts advisers. Cuchilla will work with CCA student groups on two projects – design a print/website/mobile app/3-D modeling template for the Uptown Whittier Directory and create animated virtual reality games for the soon-to-open Whittier Brewing Co.
 
“I love working with the Academy students,” said Cuchilla, a 2007 graduate of the California Institute of the Arts. “To create effective branding designs, it takes a combination of classroom training and intuition. You must have solid STEM skills but also be willing to think outside of the box. That’s what I want to teach.”
 
In October, Bailey joined Whittier High teachers Cal Rinard and Matthew Francev at a three-day training session in Arizona where VIL Fellows were announced. Rinard will teach the entrepreneurship classes and Francev the design-thinking courses.
 
The grant will fund field trips, equipment such as 360-degree cameras and virtual reality goggles, prototyping tools, travel costs to attend conferences, classroom materials and supplies to implement the program, and a student incentive and recognition program. Verizon will provide free tech access for classrooms and immersive training for instructors.
 
On Feb. 24, VIL partner Arizona State University will host an all-day, in-service training seminar for the Los Angeles-area schools that are also participating in the program at Whittier High School.
 
“This is a remarkable opportunity for our Cardinal Computer Academy students, who will not only strengthen their STEM skills through this project, but also help local businesses reach success with the knowledge they are gaining from our dedicated team of CCA teachers,” Principal Timothy Liggett said. “We’re excited to see what ideas our students come up with the positive impacts they will have.”
 

Aaron Pico has arrived in MMA

WHITTIER -- Whittier’s Aaron Pico has taken the MMA world by storm, finishing each of his last two opponents with highlight knockouts in the first rounds.

Last Saturday, Pico buckled Shane Kruchten with a devastating body blow to the liver, dropping the ex-marine just 37 seconds into the bout and forcing the early stoppage by Mike Beltran. 

Pico’s impressive left hook crushed Kruchten and could be heard all the way in the nosebleeds of Forum. 

After the fight, Pico said, “I’m not the one to talk (expletive) and do all that stuff. I think that’s petty. I’m a professional. I’m here to show up. Put anybody in front of me, I fight guys with winning records and that’s what I do.”  He added, “I’m a fighter…. I do my talking with my fists,” said Pico.

His fists spoke loudly and with distinction on Saturday.

The 21-year-old’s punching power has since gone viral, along with his victory celebration that resembles a matador out maneuvering an imaginary bull. 

I love this ! pic.twitter.com/TP7nS5ycYk

— Aaron Pico (@AaronPicoUSA) January 24, 2018

Pico has a long career ahead of him. If he can remain healthy and continue to win fights, his skill coupled with his charisma will allow him to potentially become MMA’s next superstar.

The young pugilist has fast, powerful hands, is well-rounded, and doesn’t shy away from a fight: a perfect recipe for the next great MMA prospect. 

He is a proven wrestler who sharpened his teeth on the St. John Bosco mats before competing on the international level. Pico eventually finished in second place for the US Olympic trials in 2016 for wrestling and has since decided to focus strictly on his MMA career.

Despite his disappointing MMA debut against Zach Freeman as a lightweight, Pico is undefeated since dropping down to the featherweight division and is one of the fighters to look out for in 2018.

Pico’s performance in Bellator 192 was one of the most impressive finishes of the year so far, and a great follow up to his “KO of the Year” nominee against Justin Linn last year. 

Pico has a world class Greco-Roman wrestling background and fists that have wrecked the last two featherweights Bellator has thrown into the cage with him. There is no question he has arrived and will continue to climb the featherweight rankings.

By William Odis Martin