Norwalk considers $151 million budget for FY 2019/20

NORWALK - Norwalk’s 2019/20 fiscal year budget talks are officially underway after City Council spent just over an hour taking their first look at the upcoming budget on Tuesday.

Overall, the proposed budget comes out to $151,587,172, split up between $53,736,154 and $97,851,018 in General Fund and Restricted funds, respectively.

According to staff, the proposed plan reflected the council’s priorities of public safety, economic development, infrastructure and fiscal sustainability, while maintaining the same level of service.

There were also minimal changes to staffing levels city-wide, reflected in the addition of two full-time positions added related to organizational changes in social services, and the addition of a net 10,932 part-time hours added mostly under Social Services.

Initial department requests resulted in a budgetary shortfall of $4.8 million, including $1.3 million in additional personnel requests.

There were also several revenue assumptions staff accounted for in their report, including 15 percent in trash hauler franchise fees, an estimated 4 percent growth in property taxes, 1 percent growth in in a levelling off sales tax rate, and declining utility user tax.

Staff was able to balance proposed preliminary budget, including an operating surplus of $26 thousand, use of $2.1 million in general funding, and a general fund balance $637 thousand over the fund balance policy.

It is the council’s goal to adopt the budget by June 18, with meetings currently scheduled for May 28, June 18, with a meeting on June 25 if needed.

Norwalk students host an impressive circus

NORWALK – You know a circus can take on many forms.

Growing up, I used to read a comic strip called Family Circus. The creator compared his cartoon family to a circus. I understood the metaphor because it reminded me a lot of my immediate family. My family was definitely crazy. But I love crazy. Growing up it was never boring and when we all worked together, things got done.

I’m well aware of the importance of the family unit working together, especially when you’re trying to put on any kind of production. I paid attention when my own Grandma Gracie shared her stories of joining the Sells/Floto circus, raising and training black bears back in the early 1900s.

She stressed to me how important working together was when putting on a show; one of the most crucial components. Without it? Chaos.

This past weekend, Norwalk High School students put on a circus on their school grounds and it was a circus my Grandmother Gracie would have loved, seeing her great-great granddaughter Tiana performing in and seeing all the students working together.

The night began with the circus leader announcing The Greatest Show on Earth, followed by upbeat music from the school band. They were superb. We were immediately drawn in.

Bright lights welcomed in a huge array of future models who gracefully walked the catwalk as if they had had years of experience; modeling wonderful, new fashions created by students from the sewing class. Some awesome work.

There was great anticipation as the audience looked up to see lions, tigers and bears appear. Of course, there were no real animals there that night, but there were huge papier-mâché animal heads worn and displayed down the catwalk by artists who had created them. Very dynamic.

There were different groups of musicians and singers exhibiting their talent. It was so entertaining. And I shall not forget the behind-the-scene students who cleared the stage for the performers. Great work. Great camaraderie. My view of a family circus. Probably the only thing missing? Cotton candy, but not necessary.

After the show we were invited into their beautiful library to see even more creative work from students in the Art department. There were future Picassos and Rembrandts throughout the library displaying such unbelievable drawings and paintings. Some incredible work.

My family was quite amazed that night. We couldn’t stop talking about it; about this circus that was held at Norwalk High School, for one night.

That night not only reminded me how important working together as a family is, but also as a nation. I learned a great lesson at school that night.

These Norwalk High students are very talented and very involved. They should be very proud. They are ready to meet the real world out there…the real family circus of life.

Cerritos College’s new Health & Wellness Complex officially opens

NORWALK – Cerritos College celebrated the grand opening of its new Health & Wellness Complex on April 8.

The 76,000-square-foot facility is the campus’ first green-certified building through the bond construction program that meets sustainability requirements outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council. As a leader in sustainability, the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution in 2014 declaring design and development of facilities to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified for new buildings in excess of $5 million.

The Health & Wellness Complex centralizes essential functions to the Health, Physical Education, Dance and Athletics department, including fitness labs, cardio workout and training rooms, multi-purpose studios, and offices.

The complex will also house the Student Health Center, making it a more accessible, efficient facility where students can receive quality health care services. The project is located immediately south of Falcon Gymnasium, along the western edge of the campus’ athletic precinct.

The Health & Wellness Complex consists of six new buildings: Athletic Team Room, Dance, Fitness, Conference Center, Health Services, and Physical Education.

The Athletic Team Room Building and Health Services Building are currently under construction and will be completed in 2020.

Community support for the Cerritos College scholarship endowment and the College’s academic programs continues to grow. Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro announced the college received over the last year $2.3 million in planned gifts in support of academic programs and scholarships.

Donors include emeritus professors, retired staff, faculty, alumni, and friends of the College. The Cerritos College Foundation acknowledged the corporate sponsors of the grand opening: Tilden Coil Constructors, Kaiser Permanente, HMC Architects, Converse Consultants, and Parker & Covert LLP.

“We are grateful to our donors for their generous financial gifts, support, and commitment to advancing academic excellence and student success,” said Fierro.

“The new Health & Wellness Complex represents our promise to the community to bring more state-of-the-art facilities to campus that will increase student access to higher education and training. The new Complex also gives Cerritos College more momentum toward the Board’s vision to bring sustainable facilities and resources to the College that will improve the learning environment for our students and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Rio Hondo College alumna dedicates career to education

WHITTIER – Angelica De La Rosa recalls how her struggles with education – a lack of motivation and the poor grades that resulted – changed overnight with the birth of her first son.

“The motivation wasn’t there, the goals weren’t set,” she said. “I come from a family of seven and going through school, it was difficult for me to do the things I wanted to do. I wanted something better for my children and I knew it was going to be up to me to make that possible. I decided education was going to be my path.”

Rio Hondo College graduate Angelica De La Rosa and her family.

De La Rosa, who had enrolled in Rio Hondo College after high school only to be declared academically ineligible due to poor grades, returned with a plan.

Working part time and caring for her son, she jumped into a full schedule of classes. She retook the courses she had failed and did so well she was able to transfer to California State University, Los Angeles.

At Cal State L.A., she blazed a path through the curriculum, studying with a full schedule straight through summers to get her Bachelor of Arts in child development and multi-subject teaching credential in eight quarters. She graduated on Dec. 12, 1998 and was working as a substitute teacher when Whittier City School District started its spring semester on Jan. 5, 1999.

“I was the first in my family to get a degree and I was the youngest,” De La Rosa said. “My family was so proud.”

De La Rosa soon found a full-time post at the district, teaching English and history for six years and then math. She shifted to high school instruction, taking another round of college classes to obtain a single-subject credential.

Along the way, she also picked up Master of Arts in education and, shortly after, became a National Board Certified Teacher in math – one of the nation’s toughest standards for teachers.

De La Rosa went on to earn an administrative credential in 2011 and moved into high school administration. She returned to middle school this fall, serving as an assistant principal at East Whittier City School District while completing a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.

In February, she defended her dissertation on Future Ready Schools.

“When I left the room, they called me Dr. De La Rosa and that was amazing,” she said.

She credits her parents for teaching her to work hard for her goals and her husband, Anthony, for supporting her as she tackled each new challenge.

“My parents had little to no formal education, but they taught us about hard work. It was so much more than that, yet simple. They didn’t make excuses or complain. They did what they needed to do to make sure our family progressed,” De La Rosa said.

She has also served to inspire her children. Her eldest son is studying for his master’s degree in public administration. Her second son is taking Rio Hondo College courses during high school and will graduate as a college sophomore. Her two daughters, ages 12 and 8, are still deciding their paths.

De La Rosa’s path also served as an inspiration for her older sister, who went to Rio Hondo College to earn a degree in nursing, followed by a bachelor and master’s degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Rio Hondo College President Teresa Dreyfuss said De La Rosa exemplifies the College’s mission.

“Rio Hondo College’s goal is to provide not only access to higher education, but the support necessary for community members to realize their dreams,” Dreyfuss said.

Board of Trustees President Gary Mendez said De La Rosa’s message should spark excitement among current and future students for their own potential.

“She stands as an inspiration to all of us,” Mendez said.

De La Rosa said she wanted to recognize the entire Rio Hondo College community for launching her journey.

“Thank you all for the work that you do for our students and our community,” she said. “Your slogan could not be more accurate, ‘Start Rio ... Go anywhere!’”

Margarita Rios named Mayor for 2019-20

NORWALK - Councilmembers Margarita Rios and Luigi Vernola will serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor of Norwalk for the 2019-20 term.

Rios has spent the 2018-29 serving as Vice Mayor. While it is not always guaranteed that the Vice Mayor takes the Mayor position the following year, Rios was enthusiastically and unanimously voted to be the next head of the council after a nomination from outgoing Mayor Jennifer Perez.

Rios led off her vision statement by honing in on a continued emphasis on public safety.

“At the top of my priorities is public safety,” said Rios. “I have a vision that the wonderful families, all the people that live, work, play and visit Norwalk, enjoy one of the safest communities. It is possible, and I am hopeful that the best days are ahead of us.”

“In my profession as a law enforcement official, I firsthand understand the value and necessity of establishing close relationships with our sheriff’s department, as well as our public safety officers. When we work together, we make the biggest impact. For this reason, I want to continue and expand programs that take services directly to the community, such as our community forums and coffee with a cop.”

Rios said she also wishes to emphasize partnerships between schools, businesses, and public safety resources.

“Together we will strengthen the programs for youth prevention and prevention, and our business watch program is only going to get better,” said Rios.

The mayor also stated that the council will continue the momentum on a comprehensive infrastructure plan, including upgrading walkways to ADA requirements, enhancing streets, and improving parks.

Rios also touched on grant funding.

“We recently received news that the City of Norwalk was awarded $336,000 to clean up the San Gabriel Riverbed, Robert White Park, and Norwalk Park,” said Rios. “This grant funding will help the city augment the number of hours our team dedicates to these areas.”

In the area of community development, Rios said that the city “now has a blueprint that will guide our actions when drawing businesses into our great city.”

“With the economic development plan, we will work with developers to bring stores, restaurants, and other businesses that fill a need within our community. My vision for community development includes community driven efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Rios closed by saying that “We are working together as a team for the betterment of our community.”

“The power of community…enables each of us to reach our success,” said Rios. “I look forward to working with our city staff, commissions, businesses, residents, and stakeholders, and all of Norwalk for a thriving year.”

It may come as a surprise to some that Vernola will serve as Vice Mayor for the following year and not Ayala, considering Vernola served as mayor in the 2017-2018 term and is up for reelection next year.

Ayala - who came in as one of the council’s fresh faces with Perez and Rios in 2017 – is the only member of the ’17 council electees to not serve in either of the mayoral positions thus far. Yet, it was he who made the nomination for Vernola at Tuesday’s meeting.

When asked why he nominated Vernola instead of pursuing the position himself, Ayala chalked it up to a difference in strengths and backgrounds.

“I think with the things that we’re doing right now, that is so heavily economic development, Luigi being a businessman and whatnot, I think he would have had stronger skills than I do in that area,” said Ayala. “My area is mostly the government side, and he’s more private sector development side. I think he had the stronger skills, and I’m fine with that…I’m willing to take one for the team if it’s the best thing for the city.”

Tuesday’s meeting also served as a chance for the community to thank Councilmember Perez for her service leading the community as mayor over the past year.

Perez was obviously emotional, however kept a strong chin and ear-to-ear smile through most if not all of the proceedings.

She thanked the community for the opportunity to serve as mayor, but said “We are not done.”

“Serving my community as mayor has been an absolute honor and privilege, and I am eternally grateful for your commitment and support not only to me, to my family in this time, but to our city,” said Perez. “This is just the beginning. The momentum is strong, and we are continuing to move forward.”

Teen girls connect with mentors at Soroptimist workshop

NORWALK — On consecutive Wednesday nights in March, 10 girls from the City of Norwalk Parks & Recreation’s volunteer Teen Alliance Program took part in Soroptimist Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls workshops, which aim to help girls grow to be strong, successful and happy adults.

Soroptimist International of Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs facilitated the evening sessions for secondary school-age girls, where they learned about career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, and overcoming obstacles to success.

The Dream It, Be It event took place at the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex.

“We don’t expect that all girls will know what they want to do for the rest of their lives and we also know that plans change. The skills developed through the Dream it, Be It sessions can be applied to any goals the girls identify throughout their education and careers,” said Soroptimist mentor Laurel Lanham, Governor of Desert Coast Region. “The girls had the opportunity to speak with working women and connect with mentors.”

In addition to learning important life skills, the girls received writing journals and Dream It, Be It bracelets for participating.

Dream It, Be It joins with the long-running Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women to create the “Soroptimist Dream Programs,” which provide sustainable, measurable change for women and girls, and ensure they have access to the education and training needed to reach their full potential and live their dreams. The Live Your Dream Awards assist women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and job prospects.

Norwalk Soroptimist gives $6K to help women with education

NORWALK — Soroptimist International of Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs recently presented $6,000 in cash grants to help five women improve their economic situation.

The awards ceremony was held March 23 at the Norwalk Doubletree Hotel.

First place recipient Ashley Ross, 29, will use the cash award to complete her certification as a psychiatric technician at Cypress College, where she is majoring in nursing.

The Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Soroptimists chose Ross because of her “optimistic attitude, her diligence in overcoming obstacles and the excellent recommendations she received.”

Ross, who has a two-year-old daughter, will now advance to the Soroptimist Desert Coast Region level, where recipients receive additional financial awards.

The remaining three Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women were presented to Melissa Hamby, Desiree Montoya, and Shaunise Price.

Ms. Hamby, 28, is studying psychology at Cypress College, while raising her 9 year old daughter.

Ms. Montoya, 28, will complete her teaching credential at CSU Fullerton in 2020. She has a three-year-old son.

Ms. Price, 33, is raising a son and daughter while attending Cerritos College with the goal of becoming a preschool director.

The Live Your Dream Award provides women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. The award can be used for tuition, books, childcare, carfare or any other education-related expense.

Soroptimist International of Norwalk also presented a $1,000 award to Deborah Ixchel Perez, a female veteran student at Cerritos College. Perez served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years as a musician and Substance Abuse Control Officer . Her goal is to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and work as a Physical Therapist for Veterans Affairs.

The Live Your Dream Award provides over $2 million in cash grants to head-of-household women in need each year. Since the program’s inception in 1972, more than $30 million has helped tens of thousands of women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.

A study conducted by The Fels Institute of Government, a research and consulting organization based at the University of Pennsylvania, confirmed the efficacy and impact of this program. It improves the recipients’ quality of life; builds their confidence; strengthens their self-determination and makes them want to, in turn, help others. Helping women in this way has the demonstrated effect of leading to stronger communities, nations and the world.

Founded in 1953, the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs members join with almost 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also powers LiveYourDream.org—an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.

For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit www.soroptimist.org.

Job fair set for this Thursday

NORWALK — More than 40 employers are scheduled to participate in a job fair this Thursday, April 4, at Cerritos College.

The job fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to the public.

Attendees can explore current job opportunities, apply for positions on site, and network with employers from several industries including healthcare, sales, retail, and government.

The fair will take place in the college library and the Falcon Square sidewalk. Parking is available in Lot 10 for $2.

Morrison Elementary named a top school for under-served kids

NORWALK – Norwalk’s Morrison Elementary was listed in a recent ranking as one of L.A. County’s top schools for low-income and disadvantaged students.

The school was one of 279 campuses recognized by Innovate Public Schools in its first annual report of “Top Los Angeles Public Schools for Underserved Students.”

Morrison was also recognized by L.A. County for its efforts to engage students in civic learning.

Innovate Public Schools compiled its list of top schools in collaboration with the University of Southern California Sol Price Center for Social Innovation and Rossier School of Education Center for Education Policy, Equity and Governance.

Morrison Elementary made the list based on its strong results in English and/or math proficiency for low-income African American and Latino students in 2017-18.

The official report will be released publicly at the end of April, followed by a celebratory event where Morrison will be honored on May 4.

Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit organization working to make sure that all students — especially low-income students and students of color — receive a world-class public education that prepares them for success in college, careers and beyond.

“Across Los Angeles County, there are many schools that provide the type of education that gives students great life choices and pushes them to achieve their full potential,” Innovate Public Schools said in a press release.

“Unfortunately, those schools are too few and far between for low-income families. Which is all the more reason to showcase schools like Morrison that are truly making a different.

“Morrison Elementary is getting closer to the goal of providing a quality education for all kids.”

In addition to the Innovate Public School distinction, Morrison Elementary was selected among 28 schools in L.A. County and 92 statewide for the 2019 Civic Learning Award of Merit winners for their efforts to engage students in civic learning.

Schools receiving the award engage students through unique classes, clubs and programs. The awards are designed to celebrate successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and to identify models that can be replicated.

Need help doing your taxes? Cerritos College can help

NORWALK — The Cerritos College Accounting Department and Accounting Club are offering free income tax assistance this Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS), the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax help to people with an income of $55,000 or less who need assistance in preparing their tax returns.

IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

Individuals should bring all tax documents received for the year 2018. View the flyer for more information.

The event will take place inside Room 116 of the Business Education Building at Cerritos College.

Artists, filmmakers sought for Santa Fe Springs festival

SANTA FE SPRINGS – Artists, filmmakers and vendors are being sought to participate in Santa Fe Springs Art Fest, a two-day festival taking place May 2-3.

The festival kicks off Thursday, May 2, with the Collector’s Night reception where more than 500 works of art will be on display at the historic Clarke Estate.

Artists are invited to submit their applications for art on canvas, sculptures, ornate clay figures, still-life oil paintings, remarkable mixed media compositions, photography, and film.

Film entries will be reviewed with the winner of the best overall film receiving the Magnum Opus Film Award.

Artist and film entry applications are due no later than March 31. Vendor applications are due by March 30. Applications are online at ArtCrawlFest.com.

Janice Hahn names Whittier students her Women of the Year

WHITTIER — Supervisor Janice Hahn on Tuesday named Graves Middle School students Alison Colacchio, Mone’t Carter, and Andrea Prillwitz the Fourth District’s Women of the Year at the annual awards and scholarship Luncheon hosted by the LA County Commission for Women.

In April 2018, a classmate of the three girls, Oliver, was hit by a car while using the crosswalk on Meyer Road at Fidel Avenue near Amelia Mayberry County Park.

Outraged by their classmate’s injury and eager to prevent a similar tragedy from taking place, the three seventh graders jumped into action and began advocating forcefully for much-needed safety upgrades to the popular crosswalk.

As Oliver recovered from critical injuries sustained during the collision, the three students spearheaded a letter-writing campaign and even testified at a Board of Supervisors weekly meeting at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Downtown LA where they urged the Board to make the necessary improvements.

After hearing their concerns and personally meeting with the students, Hahn allocated the necessary funds and instructed the LA County Department of Public Works to make the improvements to the crosswalk as soon as possible.

In January, Hahn thanked the students for their advocacy during the unveiling of the newly lighted crosswalk. Today, she honored them for their leadership and follow-through.

“I am so impressed by these young women. They saw what happened to their classmate, recognized the problem, and decided to do something about it,” said Supervisor Hahn. “It is never too early to recognize your power and your ability to make a difference in your community.”

The Women of the Year Luncheon is an annual event hosted by the LA County Commission for Women. Every year, each Supervisor names an outstanding woman or women in their district. Last year, Supervisor Hahn honored Juana Melara, a hotel housekeeper who became a nationwide advocate against sexual assault and was featured in Time Magazine.

Man gets 4 years in prison after toddler shoots mom

NORWALK – A Norwalk man pleaded no contest Wednesday after a 4-year-old boy grabbed the man’s shotgun and then shot the child’s mother.

Brandon Gilbert Ambriz, 24, pleaded to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was immediately sentenced to five years in prison.

Ambriz left the shotgun in a Honda in which children were regularly driven, prosecutors said. On Jan. 23, the 4-year-old shot his mother while she was in the driver’s seat and the boy was in the backseat.

Three other children in the vehicle were not injured.

The shooting occurred outside Ramona Preschool in Norwalk.

The mother was shot in the upper torso but survived. The children were placed in the custody of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

Remains of Vietnam War veteran identified as those of Norwalk man

NORWALK — Military officials have positively identified the remains of a Vietnam War veteran as those of Norwalk native Raul Antonio Guerra.

Guerra was a U.S. Navy journalist who died in a plane crash over Vietnam in 1967. He had been listed as a POW/MIA.

U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez announced the news of Guerra’s positive identification as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

“America will never forget those who fought and died for our country,” Sanchez said in a statement. “Every generation is committed to the mission of recovering missing service members who are killed in battle and returning them home to their loved ones. I am honored to say we have fulfilled one part of that mission.”

Since 2017, Sanchez has worked with U.S. Marine Ruben Valencia to identify and return Guerra’s remains for a proper burial. Valencia was a friend of Guerra’s.

“Through many starts and stops, Mr. Valencia never lost hope and he never gave up,” Sanchez said. “He showed unwavering commitment to his childhood friend.

“I look forward to joining Mr. Valencia and others who have worked so hard on this effort to welcome Raul Guerra home and lay him to rest.”