Sheriff's Station holding open house for prospective explorers

NORWALK — The Norwalk Sheriff’s Station is hosting an “Explorer Post” Open House on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 pm. for teens and young adults interested in becoming an explorer.

To qualify, you must be mature, have at least a “C” average in high school, be between 14-20 years of age, and be of good moral character without any serious arrest record. Training for new Deputy Explorers takes place at the Sheriff’s Explorer Academy in Whittier.

The Academy is held every Saturday for 18 weeks and full participation is mandatory.

Legislation would enhance oversight of children detention centers

NORWALK – Legislation that would require additional oversight and mandates of children’s immigration detention facilities located in California was introduced Monday by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, who represents portions of Norwalk in the State Assembly.

At least three facilities exist in California. Nationally, 4,000 children have been taken from their families and the federal government has lost track of an additional 6,000 or more children.

AB 163 is a reintroduction of language amended into AB 1663 (Garcia) in 2018.

“We are only given one childhood,” said Garcia. “California must demand standards of decency for children and families where the Trump Administration has beyond failed. None of us want to fathom the emotional, life-long trauma we know this practice has caused. California must intervene on behalf of children’s rights.”

Recent immigration enforcement policies have highlighted the need for adequate resources in detention facilities for undocumented minors who have been separated from their families, as well those undocumented minors that arrive in the United States unaccompanied, Garcia said.

In light of the incidents where children have died or been abused while under the care ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “it’s apparent our current systems are not designed to safely detain children,” Garcia added.

However, because they are minors, California has unique avenue to ensure these kids get the resources they need through its facility licensing oversight. Current law already provides for the licensure and regulation of the facilities housing undocumented minors, through the California Community Care Facilities Act.

The bill would leverage existing state licensing authority and encourage other states to join California’s efforts to create similar immigration detention facility standards for children.

Data collection standards will be set, mental health counseling will be required and quarterly facility inspections would be scheduled. California would further work to reunite children with their families and identify legal services to assist families with the immigration process.

The legislation would apply to both children who have already been or will be separated and unaccompanied minors.

“All of these children endure multiple traumatic experiences over the course of their journey,” said Garcia. “They are vulnerable, they need to be protected and their legal rights, ensured.

The three known facilities licensed in California include Casa San Diego, Casa Lemon Grove and Casa El Cajon operated by Southwest Key Enterprises.

Norwalk Chick-fil-A opens Thursday

NORWALK — Chick-fil-A will celebrate its grand opening in Norwalk this Thursday at 9 a.m.

The community event will include a presentation of colors, national anthem, comments by local dignitaries, and more.

The grand opening is a major milestone in the Norwalk Fitness Village project. Chick-fil-A is the first business to open its doors at the commercial center, a 37,000 sq. ft. development at the northwest corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Imperial Highway, which broke ground in November 2017.

Norwalk Fitness Village will also include an L.A. Fitness and Panera Bread, as well as a promenade area with outdoor seating and additional retail and restaurant tenants.

Vacant lot may be turned into affordable housing for veterans

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council agreed to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Mercy Housing California on Tuesday, as it looks ahead to potentially developing affordable housing for military veterans.

The city owns a 1.45-acre site on the southwest corner of San Antonio Drive and Foster Road.

The potential project has been discussed by council several times in closed session, however this was the first time the project was brought to a regularly scheduled meeting.

City staff has been engaged in discussions with Mercy Housing California, one of the state’s largest developers for affordable housing for veterans.

Mercy is currently proposing to design and construct 60 apartments with a mix of one, two, and three bedrooms for people whose income range from an Area Median Income (AMI) of 30% to 60%.

The developer is also proposing a 3,000 square foot meeting room, and a 11,300 square foot courtyard/recreation area to be used for classes and events to support on-site services for the veterans and families who become residents.

It was staff’s opinion that entering an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Mercy would provide all parties involved with the assurances and time needed to properly assess and analyze the elements of the project.

With the approval, staff may now negotiate exclusively with Mercy for the next 180 days, with City Manager Jesus Gomez having authority to extend for another six months.

If Mercy successfully meets the requirements of the ENA, then the city and the developer will enter a ground lease allowing the development of the site.

Vice Mayor Margarita Rios said she was “excited about the possibility of this project.”

“I for one don’t think that our country does enough for our veterans,” said Rios. “The possibility of this project I think definitely will fill a need in our community.”

Norwalk chosen as site for new LPGA girls golf chapter

NORWALK — The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation has announced the opening of its LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Southeast L.A. chapter, which opened Dec. 8 at the Don Knabe Golf Course.

The kick-off event marked the start of golf programming at the Norwalk golf course that is focused on introducing girls to golf and keeping them engaged with the sport through a supportive atmosphere.

The Southeast L.A. chapter is one of more than 400 LPGA-USA Girls Golf sites across the country.

The chapter will host monthly programming on the first Friday of every month for girls of all ages and abilities.

“I’m so excited to introduce girls from this community to the game of golf and keep them involved in the sport by providing them with a community that is about more than just playing the game,” said Jennifer Seislove, SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Director of Operations and Development. “This program will allow girls to connect through social and mentoring activities while providing the opportunity to improve their game to whatever extent they have an interest.”

LPGA-USGA Girls Golf is the only national junior golf program that specializes in providing female-friendly environments to teach girls the game of golf and life skills. The program focuses on teaching girls the “Five E’s,” which are: enrich, energize, empower, engage and exercise.

Marilyn Haight - a personal remembrance

NORWALK - A friend of mine has been on the local news recently for a very sad reason. She was the victim of a hit-and-run accident on Pioneer Boulevard the night before Thanksgiving.

Eleven of us had just been to Marilyn’s house one week earlier for a regular monthly get-together. It is hard to accept how quickly life can change.

We heard that Marilyn did not want to travel on Thanksgiving, so her daughter and grandson were coming to Norwalk from Palm Springs.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Marilyn decided to walk four blocks to a local market to get a few last-minute groceries. She could have driven, but she often enjoyed the gentle exercise of a neighborhood stroll. There are traffic lights at the intersection and she crossed the busy street safely the first time. But it was much darker when she headed home and the images in the video from the street camera show car lights and street lights.

The TV reporter said she made it across to the center island and “was possibly confused.” Perhaps this means she wasn’t supposed to proceed. Perhaps the driver was not at fault for hitting her, but driving on without stopping is an egregious crime.

Marilyn died shortly afterwards at the hospital. Her daughter did not find out what happened until she arrived at Marilyn’s house, found the car in the garage with no one at home, and contacted the police.

This is a tragic way to learn about the death of one’s mother, especially since Marilyn was still a spirited and self-reliant person at age 79. As a friend, I console myself with knowing that she was living the way she wanted to.

Marilyn was from South Dakota and she flew back every summer to spend a month with her sister. She was a person who remained involved with friends and neighbors and liked to go on trips arranged for seniors groups. She had a strong sense of community.

Marilyn’s small three-bedroom house where she raised her two daughters was immaculately maintained - regularly repainted and refreshed. The uncluttered, slightly eclectic décor had an elegant look. Hand-crocheted doilies protected the surface of living room end tables while an area rug with an abstract pattern covered the gleaming hardwood floor in front of her couch. Pictures of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren graced chrome shelving and her upright piano. She told me that she used to play hymns at one time.

Up until a few years ago, Marilyn had been an avid gardener and her backyard crops reflected her high standards. I was envious when I saw her romaine lettuce standing upright, at crisp attention, in perfect rows. The look and taste of all her produce could meet standards for Gelson’s.

Marilyn was a modest, salt-of-the-earth person who shied away from the spotlight and did not want any special recognition when she retired after 45 years as a school cafeteria worker. But all who spoke at her memorial service echoed a common theme – Marilyn was generous with her time and effort and she made a difference in the lives of those around her.

I know with certainty that her behind-the-scene actions made a difference in the lives of many students at the school where I taught, and reflected the wisdom behind the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Marilyn’s impact resulted from her daily approach to life – work hard, do your best, and help people when you can.

Hands-on Activities

I met Marilyn in 1997 in La Mirada. Our third-grade team of teachers was committed to hands-on activities as a way of helping students understand and retain cognitive learning skills. Classroom activities included gardening, sewing, music, artwork, and baking.

The month of Thanksgiving was a perfect opportunity for culinary activities. Every year, as part of our historical study of the Pilgrims coming to America, we planned a Thanksgiving feast for the last day before the holiday break.

We made cranberry sauce and apple sauce from scratch using a hot plate in class. Students peeled and cored the apples with a little gizmo, and everyone had to taste a bite of a raw cranberry to become familiar with this plant. This class-prepared food was part of our menu.

Marilyn allowed our three classes to store this food in the cafeteria coolers for a few days before we were ready to eat. This was extra work for her because items had to be rearranged so there was always enough room for the daily supply of milk, juice, and certain lunch food.

We also made pumpkin pies in class as a way for students to apply their math and reading skills in a real-world situation. This ambitious activity required the assistance of parent volunteers – and Marilyn. The cafeteria still had a working stove and she agreed to bake our pies.

A young Marilyn Haught and her husband in the 1950’s.

Family photos used with permission.

It would have been understandable if Marilyn had said no to our wild idea because her official duties required more than just passing out food and collecting money. Substantial paperwork was required for her to keep track of daily deliveries from the central kitchen and note which classes planned field trips so that less food was ordered for those days. Marilyn also kept count of students on special lunch programs and sent along sack lunches for those students when they were on field trips.

Marilyn could have nixed our idea of baking pies at school and her work day would have been much simpler. But she viewed our request as a way to help the teachers and the school.

Pumpkin Pies

The day before baking, we reviewed the recipe thoroughly in class. Working in groups of four, each student volunteered to bring an ingredient – a can of pumpkin filling, sugar, spices, eggs, etc. We teachers provided the premade pie shells. We never had any trouble getting parent volunteers to help with this activity.

We started first thing in the morning after taking roll and turning in homework. Tables were cleared and covered with clean butcher paper. Each table had its own set of measuring cups and spoons. Then the students worked cooperatively to prepare the filling.

It got pretty messy as students measured out the sugar, broke open the eggs, scooped the pumpkin out of the can, and sometimes argued over not getting a full turn at stirring.

When all the pies from a class were ready, parents placed them on cookies sheets, gathered up all the dirty mixing bowls and measuring items, put everything on a wheeled cart, and headed for Marilyn and the cafeteria. The walkways were bumpy and sometimes the soupier filling would slosh out. With 20 students per class, each class always had at least five pies.

Parents used the cafeteria dishwasher and tried to stay out of the way while Marilyn supervised the baking of the pies, even as kids stood in line for snacks at recess and meals for lunch. It was a lot work to make sure the pies were done just right and there was also oven and counter clean-up. Then Marilyn saw that our pies were cooled and stored appropriately.

Thanksgiving Feast

The cafeteria coolers were bursting with our food the night before our Thanksgiving feast. More food was sometimes brought in the next morning, and our students made their own butter from cream. My class cooked sweet potatoes on the hot plate that morning and seasoned them with our butter and salt and pepper. We sent plates of food to the principal and office staff and aides.

For me, this yearly event was awe-inspiring because it had such a powerful effect on the students. It came about only through the cooperation of so many adults – and none of it would have happened without Marilyn.

Baking Bread

At another time of the year Marilyn also helped our students bake small, individual loaves of bread – again made from scratch. An agricultural organization provided the supplies. This time each student kneaded his/her own dough, let it rise during recess, and kneaded it again before we sent the 20 loaves to the cafeteria.

These classroom activities may seem trivial and non-academic to some, but learning how food is prepared is a profound experience for many children in today’s world. My generation learned to do many of these things at home, and we brought this knowledge with us to class. We started our studies from a different place. This is not always possible for today’s working parents.

Our cooperative school activities also promoted class bonding. Some students came from troubled families and occasionally we even had children who were homeless. Preparing food in a cooperative setting contributed to an atmosphere of peace and camaraderie.

These moments in school were a needed gift for some children, and they were made possible by Marilyn’s generous spirit. I treasure these inspiring memories, and I know many parent volunteers feel the same.

Friends and neighbors at Marilyn’s memorial service shared anecdotes with a similar theme – Marilyn made a difference in the world. She paid it forward in the ways she knew how. It was my good fortune to have known her.

NLMUSD wins Golden Bell Award

NORWALK – The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District has been chosen as one of 51 recipients of the state’s leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award for its 2020 Learning Initiative.

The Golden Bell Awards, now in their 39th year, are sponsored by the California School Boards Association to recognize outstanding public school programs for innovation, sustainability and best practices that facilitate positive student outcomes.

Norwalk-La Mirada received its award at a recognition reception and ceremony Nov. 29 at CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show in San Francisco at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis located at 780 Mission Street.

2020 Learning Initiative

Norwalk-La Mirada USD is transforming all classrooms into collaborative 21st-century learning communities through the 2020 Learning Initiative. With the support of the board, the 2020 Learning Initiative provides equity and access for students, while supporting teachers to transform instruction.

“Our vision is simple and forward-looking,” said district Superintendent Hasmik Danielian. “We will be a model for our neighborhood districts to demonstrate how technology and personalized learning strategies accelerate student learning outcomes.”

A 17-member judging panel made up of experts from school districts and county offices of education reviewed the written entries and made the initial recommendations for the awards. On-site validators assessed the programs in action. This year’s awards are presented to school districts and county offices of education helping students achieve through after-school programs, mentoring, instructional interventions, use of data and other innovations.

“The Golden Bell recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence for which all of California’s public schools strive,” said CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “The Golden Bell Awards reflect the depth and breadth of outstanding education offerings in our state, and demonstrate the tenacity, vision and dedication of school leaders across California.” To learn more about the Golden Bell awards, visit the California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell website at https://gb.csba.org/

Reducing Norwalk's homeless population is priority, says Bob Archuleta

DOWNEY — State Senator-Elect Bob Archuleta got an official introduction to local leaders Monday during a meet and greet address held at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, voicing his intent to create cooperation between the cities of the 32nd Senate District.

Archuleta, a Democrat, won the 32nd State Senate seat during this past Nov. 6 election, defeating Republican nominee Rita Topalian. He will be officially sworn in this upcoming Monday, Dec. 3.

Senate District 32 includes 20 cities, including Downey and Norwalk.

At the morning event, Archuleta stood front and center in front of many of the City Council members, City managers, city staff, and some residents that we will soon be working with and presiding over for the next four years.

The soon-to-be senator first addressed that while every city may require different needs and carry different concerns, he planned on working with all of them equally.

“Everyone who is in the district, everyone who we serve and represent has to be treated fairly and equitably,” said Archuleta. “Every city has its own agenda no doubt, but every city has issues that may not affect the other city.”

“We talk about the 32nd Senate District; a million people. The issues are there. Here we are starting the year 2019 and God knows what’s ahead of us, but I know if we work together the 32nd District is going to come together like no other.

Archuleta described the region as the “Fighting 32nd.”

“We’re going to be fighting to serve and represent you,” said Archuleta. “If there’s a dollar on the table, we’re going to divide it up. There’ll be times where one time might get a big chunk of it, there might be times where the other city might get a big chunk and the other city will have to wait. It just depends on the issues and what’s taking place.”

Topics covered ranged from crime, to homelessness and housing, to infrastructure, to senior services and veteran aid. Many of these issues, Archuleta alluded, he planned to tackle using teamwork between the cities of the district.

Archuleta said that the cities would “joint venture.”

“We’re going to be partners,” said Archuleta. “I’m going to pool from you and give to someone else.”

Photo by Alex Dominguez

Archuleta also took time to point out different individual issues affecting many of the cities within the 32nd district, stating that he eventually plans to visit each and every city to identify their needs.

One of the first thing’s he’d like to do is “take care of Norwalk.” Specifically, Archuleta took aim at homelessness and a currently unutilized 30-acre parcel of land.

“You and I may have driven in and out of Norwalk, but do we really know Norwalk,” said Archuleta. “We’re talking about mental health, we’re talking about homelessness. Norwalk has a facility there that I think is underutilized: the hospital that’s there. There was juvenile hall that that was there that’s empty. We want to look at that. Can we build housing? What can we possibly do there?”

“I’ve already contacted Sacramento, and I’ve told them that one of the things that we’re going to do for my district is homelessness, and we’re going to look at Norwalk with that huge 30-acre parcel…I’m so pleased that Norwalk is ready to step up…If I take care of Norwalk, it’ll absorb some of the other cities and we can go ahead and utilize that.”

Late last year, a proposal to turn the aforementioned parcel of land into a temporary homeless shelter during the cold winter months received considerable backlash from Norwalk residents. At the center of the controversy was then Mayor Luigi Vernola, who claimed to oppose the shelter despite writing a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown asking for help to open the shelter.

Whatever the case, the proposal never made it off the ground and was officially pronounced dead by LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn in late November 2017.

Archuleta also said that he would like to see cities work together on budgets.

“Some of you are every fortunate to have a surplus. Some of you are still struggling. Some of you need help,” said Archuleta. “If I have a mathematical genius sitting right there, I’m going to bring him right over here to sit with you and we’re going to go ahead and interact. I’d like to do that to cooperate with one another.”

“I come from one city, but now I have 20. We’re going to take care of everyone. Everyone’s got to be fed, well trained, taken care of, and prepared for the future.”

Archuleta also announced that his headquarters would be located in Norwalk, pending final security checks and approval.

Norwalk tree-lighting and SnowFest is this Saturday

NORWALK – Norwalk will light its Christmas tree this Saturday at its annual SnowFest community festival on the City Hall lawn.

Families can enjoy snow slides, a snow play area, game booths, reindeer races, arts and crafts, face painting, and more.

Local entertainers will perform on stage throughout the event and food will be available for purchase.

While there, residents can visit the “Community Connect” booth from 12-5 p.m. for access to free resources. Meet with utility representatives, including Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, Golden State Water, and Liberty Utilities to learn ways to reduce their energy and water use.

Free gas-saving kits, faucet aerators, and low-flow hose nozzles will be given away so residents should bring their utility bills. In addition, the first 180 households who bring in two old strangs of holiday lights, along with their Edison bill and valid ID, will receive two new strands of LED holiday lights.

Below is the complete schedule of activities:

• 12-5 p.m.: Snow slides, snow play, game booths, reindeer races, face painting, arts and crafts, “Community Connect” and food booths

• 12-6 p.m.: Live stage entertainment

• 2 p.m.: Holiday light hunt prize presentation

• 6 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony and Santa Claus arrival

• 6:15-8 p.m.: Santa Claus visits and live stage entertainment

For questions or more information, call the Recreation Department at (562) 929-5702.

Last weekend to participate in Angel Tree

NORWALK – Norwalk’s Social Services Department is again hosting its annual Angel Tree Project, which provides toys and gifts to local children ages 5-11 whose families are experiencing hardships during the Christmas season.

Angel Tree tags can be picked up at City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Blvd.; Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex, 13000 Clarkdale Ave.; Norwalk Senior Center, 14040 San Antonio Dr.; and the Social Services Center, 11929 Alondra Blvd.

Wrapped gifts must be returned by Monday, Dec. 3. Financial contributions are accepted year-round.

Norwalk will start putting stop signs at blacked out intersections

NORWALK – Intersections may become a little safer during power outages after the City Council on Tuesday reversed a policy that prohibited Public Safety staff from putting up stop signs or providing traffic control at intersections during black outs.

Following the advice of their insurance carrier, the City Council in 2016 adopted policy that directed city employees not to install stop signs or provide traffic control during power outages.

The policy was based on a recommendation from the California Joint Power Insurance Agency that said cities could be held liable if a collision occurred at a blacked out intersection after the city installed stop signs.

Instead, Norwalk expected drivers to follow the California vehicle code, which requires drivers to stop at inoperative signals.

The policy, however, was met with backlash by residents.

“This policy issue is being brought forward for City Council reconsideration in light of the city’s experience in the last year, in which several outages at signalized intersections have resulted in a high volume of community calls for Public Safety to respond and provide traffic control to relieve traffic congestion and improve the flow of traffic,” public safety director Grissel Chavez wrote in a staff report.

“In following the current policy, the Department is not able to respond in the requested manner.”

With Tuesday’s decision, Norwalk can now dispatch public safety officers to intersections that lose power.

There are 84 signalized intersections under Norwalk’s jurisdiction.

GAS STATIONS: The Norwalk City Council on Tuesday extended a temporary ban on new gas stations as the city investigates their proliferation in Norwalk.

The ordinance passed Tuesday prevents new gas stations from opening in the city for one year. It also restricts current Norwalk gas stations from expanding.

Concerned over the number of new gas stations in the city, Norwalk council members established a 45-day prohibition on fuel stations on Dec. 5, 2017. A month later, the council extended the moratorium an additional 10 months and 15 days.

This week’s extension is the final extension permitted by law.

In addition to the number of gas station facilities in Norwalk, city officials expressed concern about environmental factors related to leaking underground storage tanks.

Officials said they’ll use the 1-year prohibition to monitor gas station regulations from other cities and make a comparative analysis.

FEE STUDY: Council members delayed a decision to hire an outside consultant to study and evaluate Norwalk’s set of fees pending more research.

The fee study is generally completed once every 10 years with the purpose of establishing rates and fees that do not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing those services, officials said.

“The results of these studies provide the city with the knowledge and tools to ensure that current cost recovery practices are compliant with local and state laws, and develop cost recovery policies that balance the needs of the General Fund against subsidies to promote growth and development,” city officials wrote in a staff report.

Matrix Consulting Group will conduct the fee study for Norwalk at a cost of $50,000. Matrix has completed financial services for area cities, including Downey and Montebello.

Norwalk’s last fee study occurred in May 2007.

BUS TECHNOLOGY: Norwalk buses will soon be receiving some serious technological upgrades.

On Tuesday, the City Council awarded a $1.29 million contract to upgrade its fleet of buses with intelligence software that will provide automatic vehicle location of buses, computer-aided dispatching, and software that calculates real-time information from data generated by this technology.

The contract was awarded to Avail Technologies Inc., which will now be tasked with developing and implementing the project, tabbed the Norwalk Intelligent Transportation System.

A separate contract worth $199,999 was awarded to EIGER Techsystems to act as a project manager for the technology implementation.

The project is mostly funded by state proposition funding, including $947,338 from Proposition 1B, $70,000 from Proposition A local return funds, and $280,000 from the Federal Transportation Administration.

Holiday light hunt starts Monday

NORWALK – The city of Norwalk is throwing a holiday light hunt next week.

During the week of Nov. 26, residents can search the city for large, illuminated light bulbs that will be hidden throughout Norwalk.

Find a light bulb and return it to the city’s Snowfest event on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. for a special gift from Santa Claus.

The game is limited to Norwalk residents only and there is a limit of one light bulb per family/household. City employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

For questions or more information, call the Department of Recreation and Park Services at (562) 929-5702.

Angel Tree gift tags now available

NORWALK – Residents are invited to participate in Norwalk’s Angel Tree program, which provides a festival holiday celebration for children ages 5-11 whose families are experiencing difficulties.

Children will receive gifts of clothing and toys, participate in crafts, and meet Santa Claus.

Angel Tree tags can be picked up at Norwalk City Hall, the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex, Norwalk Senior Center, and the Social Services Center.

Wrapped gifts must be returned by Dec. 3. Clothing donations and financial contributions are also accepted.

For more information, call the Social Services Center at (562) 929-5544.

Santa Claus arrives Saturday via helicopter

NORWALK – Santa Claus will arrive in Norwalk this Saturday but instead of a sleigh, he’s arriving by helicopter.

Santa is scheduled to arrive at Norwalk Town Square at noon this Saturday, Nov. 24. The shopping center is located at Pioneer Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue.

Former television and radio personality Commander Chuck Street will pilot Santa’s helicopter for the landing, which will take place near the clock tower.

After Santa’s arrival, the community is invited to stay for a real snow play area, train rides, children’s craft activities, face painting, pony rides, a balloon artist, prize drawings, photos with Santa, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.

Festivities will continue until 3 p.m.

Rashaad Penny takes his opportunity and runs with it

By William Odis Martin

NORWALK — Norwalk’s Rashaad Penny had a breakout performance last Sunday in his return home against the Rams, rushing for 108 yards and scoring his first professional touchdown.

The 27th overall pick in this year’s draft has been quiet all season until last week’s standout effort at the Coliseum, which put him in contention for “Rookie of the Week” for Week 10.

Penny rushed for an average of nine yards per carry Sunday. He exploded for a 38-yard gain on a play that looked like it was going to be a loss in the backfield. He has now accumulated 254 yards on 54 carries all season.

It is week 10 and the Seahawks have played nine games now. Out of the first nine games of his career, Penny is averaging just six carries a game. The last game against the Rams in Week 5, Penny didn’t touch the ball once even though he did not appear on the injury report.

It’s hard for any rookie running back to gain the confidence and experience when trapped in a system that rarely runs the ball, but Pete Carroll finally caved and fed Penny the rock against the Rams’ leaky rush defense (ranked 24th in the league).

It was only the second game Penny reached double digits in carries and the first since Week 2. It seemed as though Carrol’s high hopes were fading week by week with his rookie’s production sinking every game, but Penny’s last performance may have proved him right by drafting him so soon into the draft when he was projected as a third rounder.

There were two games this season Penny did not get the ball. It is unacceptable in my opinion, considering that the kid is averaging 8.3 yards a catch and over 4.5 yards a carry.

Penny is exactly who the Seahawks thought they drafted, he just needs the opportunity to make the big plays, like the 38-yard shifty run against the Rams. It is ludicrous to think that he gained more yards in that run alone than he gained in six of his nine career games in the NFL after demolishing San Diego State University’s single season rushing records last season.

I understand the disappointing start may have discouraged the Seahawks to run the ball through the rookie who only managed to scrounge together 43 pathetic yards on 20 carries after three games, but I think he proved that he can breakout for the big gains that made him stand out in college.

Voters select new name for Norwalk-La Mirada school board

NORWALK -- A new face is joining the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District board of education.

A crowded field of six candidates were vying for four open seats on the school board Tuesday.

Jorge Tirado was the new person elected to the board. Re-elected were Ana Valencia, Darryl Adams and Jude Cazares.

Darryl Adams, Ana Valencia, and Jude Cazares, pictured far left, middle left, and far right, were all successfully reelected. Norma Amezcua, pictured middle right, lost her seat. Photo Courtesy Norma Amezcua Facebook.

Norma Amezcua, appointed to the board earlier this year after the resignation of Sean Reagan, finished in fifth place and lost her seat.

Valencia was the top vote-getter, capturing 20.53 percent of all ballots, followed by Cazares (17.78%), Adams (17.37%) and Tirado (15.94%).

“We worked every weekend. We walked many neighborhoods. We hoped that we would win. We hoped that we would have the chance to give children hope. We have been given that chance,” said Cazares.

“My goal is a better future for our children. Let’s work harder...let’s hold dearer our students’ futures so that their triumph is greater than anything else we will ever accomplish. Let’s be better for them. Let’s be the best for them. Let’s be a part of something that is greater than ourselves.”

Adams thanked voters for giving him another term in office.

“I would like to thank the Norwalk-La Mirada communities for electing me to the school board for a 7th term,” he said. “I am both humbled and honored. Thanks for your trust and faith in me.”

Amezcua was gracious in her defeat.

“First and foremost I would like to thank all who helped me through this journey,” she said. “It was an amazing experience, one who many would never even think about going through.

“Unfortunately I did not make it, but rest assure that my passion and dedication for serving our communities will not end.”

Photo Courtesy Bob Archuleta Facebook

SENATE: Bob Archuleta coasted to an easy win in the race for the state Senate’s 32nd seat, which encompasses Norwalk.

Archuleta, a Democrat, beat Republican Rita Topalian with 65.3% of the vote.

A reserve police officer before retirement, Archuleta previously served on the Pico Rivera City Council.

Archuleta won the seat vacated by Tony Mendoza, who resigned after several allegations of sexual misconduct.

“I will serve my district the best I can and make my family, friends, the people living and working in the 32nd District, and promise to make them proud as I serve them as a California State Senator,” Archuleta said.

He will be sworn into office Dec. 8.

Photo Courtesy Linda Sanchez Facebook

HOUSE: Rep. Linda Sanchez (D) had no trouble winning re-election, beating Republican party candidate Ryan Downing by a wide margin.

Sanchez captured 67.27% of all votes cast.

Sanchez will now serve her ninth term in Congress, where she served the past two years as the Vice Chair for the House Democratic Caucus, which is considered the fifth-ranking leadership position among the party’s House members.

Sanchez represents the 38th Congressional District, which includes Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, parts of Whittier, and other local cities.

Sanchez didn’t comment on her re-election, but said Tuesday’s election was about women.

“My vote is my voice. I’m voting today for all the women, especially women of color, who have had to suffer in silence, live in fear, and put up with the BS of inequality,” Sanchez wrote on Facebook Tuesday.

“Today, in the year of the woman, is when we say “ENOUGH.”

ASSEMBLY: Embattled state Assemblymember Cristina Garcia cruised to victory Tuesday over her Republican opponent, despite a massive and expensive campaign to get her out of office.

Earlier this year, Garcia was stripped of her committee posts and ordered to complete sexual harassment and sensitivity training after allegations that she sexually assaulted a former staffer.

Photo Courtesy Cristina Garcia Facebook

An investigation cleared her of the most serious charges, however.

Voters on Tuesday gave Garcia an additional two years in office as she soundly defeated Mike Simpfenderfer, a mortgage banker and victims’ advocate from Bellflower.

Garcia finished with 64.8% of the vote.

“Like many communities across California and our nation, voters went to the polls [Tuesday] and expressed their collective disdain for the politics of hate, division, and the undue influence of special interest groups over our civic government,” Garcia said in a statement published on her website.

“In my district, voters went further by rejecting those who have attempted to blatantly distort and lie about the successes we have achieved in demanding that the needs of our communities no longer be ignored.

“Today, by honoring me with a large electoral victory, voters of the 58th District reminded those same special interests that they are not blind to the underlying motives for their negative attacks. By rejecting the deliberate negative campaign that spent over $2 million in this race, residents of the 58th Assembly District made it clear that outside special interest groups will not decide who best represents their hopes and values.

“Finally, the voters of the 58th Assembly District have also made it clear today that bullying tactics aimed at keeping them, and their elected representatives, quiet on crucial issues such as environmental racism will never be accepted. We won’t be bullied. We are not going back to the margins. We are taking our seats at the table.

“I am proud to be re-elected to represent the residents of southeast Los Angeles County and will continue to be the same vocal advocate for justice and equity. I look forward to returning to Sacramento and fully engaging in the legislative process and bringing a full legislative package that continues to address key issue such as environmental racism and economic opportunities for the communities I represent.”

Norwalk woman surprised with 100th birthday party

NORWALK – One of Norwalk’s matriarchs celebrated her 100th birthday with the traditional cake and sweets with friends along with a Norwalk touch of a full mariachi band and serenade on Oct. 22.

Rose “Rosie” Viega turned 100 on the 23rd of October, but her neighbors decided to throw her a bit of a pre-birthday surprise party, complete with tears, cakes and of course, a Mexican mariachi band to play some familiar tunes including “Happy Birthday” in both the English and Spanish version, “Los Mananitas.”

Her neighbor and friend, Judy Alvarez, along with fellow neighbors Juan Carlos and Janis Poole, thought it would be great if the neighbors could do something special for the lone centenarian of the street.

They conspired and gathered a couple dozen neighbors who walked down the street following a blue clad band of Mexican mariachis.

Rosie was visibly moved as she wiped tears of joy for she loved all things Mexican.

As a matter of fact, Rosie remembered, “I love to visit my neighbors who are all Mexicans.”

“I learned to make tortillas and loved [refried] beans.”

Having lived in the central Norwalk neighborhood located near Los Alisos Middle School, she remembered coming here after living on a farm near El Centro California a few miles from the Mexican border near Mexicali.

Her neighbor of 60 years, Jim Honodel, reminisced fondly of the neighbor he called, “the matriarch of the street.”

He recalled her daily morning walks where she could be counted on like clockwork. It was during one of these walks where Rosie recalled being robbed as she made her regular route.

“That was several years ago,” she commented.

Now, while she tries to get out as much as possible, some of her neighbors escort her whenever they can. She uses a metal walker, but her spunk is still evident when you speak with her.

In an interview before the musicians arrived, Rosie spoke proudly of her husband, Tony, who passed away about 10 years ago, of his service record during World War II and the not one, but two Purple Heart ribbons he received for being wounded in action.

Altogether, there were several generations of Norwalkians present for her 100th birthday, from infant twins of Leili Romero to youngsters like Judy Alvarez at 72.They were joined by neighbor Maria Chapin who was sporting her favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Asked what was the secret of her longevity, Rosie simply replied, “We were homebodies. And of course, working.”

Rosie recently voted for the first time in over 10 years and, well, let’s just keep that secret for now.

Happy birthday, Rosie!

Norwalk rental prices drop, but only by 0.5%

NORWALK — Norwalk rents have declined 0.5% over the past month, but have been relatively flat at 0.2% in comparison to the same time last year, according to statistics released today by Apartment List.

Currently, median rents in Norwalk stand at $1,520 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,960 for a two-bedroom.

Norwalk's year-over-year rent growth lags the state average of 1.3%, as well as the national average of 1.1%.

Norwalk’s average two-bedroom rent is more expensive than several other cities, including Glendale ($1,800) and Santa Ana ($1,860).