Articles
DOWNEY – Charles Samuel Eldridge was laid to rest at Rose Hills with military honors on Sept. 12.
Eldridge had lived in Downey since 1951 along with his wife Beatriz where they raised two children.
A veteran, Eldridge was an active member of American Legion Post 270 for 39 years. He was also a volunteer at the Long Beach V.A. Hospital for more than 20 years.
Aldridge is survived by his daughter Aileen, his son David and his two grandchildren Brian and Melissa.
Dear Editor:
You never realize how lucky you are until you share experiences with another person who has it different from you.
I was fortunate enough to have a moment of reflection where I realized how proud and lucky I am to live in such a great, forward-thinking state where everyone wants equality and opportunity for everyone. Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. through a scholarship that was awarded to me from the CHCI.
The people and the topics of discussion were both amazing and inspiring. Both ranging from individuals such as Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, motivational speakers JR Martinez and Julissa Arce and discussions covering Diversity in Media and Entertainment, Increasing College Degrees and Certificate Attainment, Artificial Intelligence, and Diabetes in the Hispanic Community.
My two favorite panels in particular were the Diversity in Media and Entertainment where we got to hear many VP’s of large organizations, including actor Danny Trejo speak about how they bring about a more diverse entertainment community; the other was the Diabetes in the Hispanic Community, where through the Q & A portion I was able to share my recent experiences in Cuba and a glimpse of their health care that they provide.
I learned so much from the panels and guest speakers, but what I was not expecting was to truly appreciate the things and people that I take for granted back home, particularly our publically elected officials. During the moments of down time, I took this opportunity to network and meet other people attending the Conference.
There were two particular individuals from different states that I got to know really well. We became very comfortable talking about ideologies, and one of them asked about protesting in California, specifically, “if it happens all the time.” I laughed, and replied, “I wouldn’t say all the time, but enough to where it’s not an uncommon occurrence.”
I was then asked a follow up question to that by the second individual, which stopped to make me think. “How does the community feel when they see these protestors?” I stopped to think for a few moments, as I was not expecting that question, but just making sure I was getting the right words for the obvious answer, I replied, “Generally, we are supportive of the people protesting because they’re doing it for a noble and worthy cause, for equality, or to call out an injustice. So when we hear or see protestors, we know they’re doing it to fight to make California a better place for everyone, and when you look at it that way, why wouldn’t you support them? Some of our elected officials can even be seen walking with protestors because they believe in the cause and support their diverse communities that they represent.”
I saw a look of awe and admiration for what I had just said. After a few moments of silence, one of the individuals replied, “I wish it was like that where I am from.” At that moment, I realized how lucky I was to live in California, where we protect those who need protection, or fight for the equal rights of those who lack the same opportunities that others have.
To quote President John F. Kennedy, “Freedom has many difficulties, and democracy is not perfect”, but knowing that I live in a state where not only the community rallies together to support one another and for what is right, but my elected officials do the same, makes me proud to live in this great state.
I want to thank the community I live in for supporting all people of California and for striving towards equality, but I want to give specific shout outs to Assemblymember Cristina Garcia and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard because I know and see that they truly have their constituents and the people of California’s best interest at heart. Thank you to you both for all that you do and all that you continue to fight for, and for making me proud to say, “I’m a Californian.”
Art Montoya
Downey
Arguably the “Fight of the Year” ended in a controversial draw last Saturday as Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin seemed to dominate the majority of the championship fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by landing nearly 50 more punches.
Judge Adalaide Byrd’s questionable scorecard was extremely lopsided in Canelo Alvarez’s favor, scoring the bout 118-100, though Canelo only decisively won four rounds on my card. Judge Dave Moretti scored the fight 115-113, while Don Tello scored it 114 a piece.
HBO’s Harold Lederman said after the results were announced, “118-110 for Canelo? No that did not happen. That is fiction, unfortunately.” Lederman scored the fight eight rounds to four in Triple G’s favor.
Golovkin controlled the center of the ring throughout the fight. Triple G worked the jabs and relentlessly pressed the fight. Golovkin nearly landed twice as many jabs as Canelo 108-55.
Canelo was successful in landing some impressive power counterpunches but none seemed to faze the champ. Canelo landed great body shots while Triple G seemed to respect the counter punching prowess of the Mexican because he practically avoided any attempt at attacking the body. Golovkin only landed eight punches to the body the whole fight.
Canelo looked weaker than Golovkin since he moved up two weight classes to face the best natural middleweight fighter in the world, but Triple G looked slow. Golovkin was most effective when he managed to cut the ring off and corner Alvarez on the ropes.
Besides the lopsided scorecard that screams corruption, boxing fans cannot be upset by what they saw in the ring last Saturday night in Las Vegas. It was a great fight overall but proves that if you leave it up to the judges, anything can happen.
I scored it 115-113, and I have no idea what Adalaide Byrd was watching during the fight but it wasn’t the same fight millions tuned into from around the world. I would like to see a toxicology report or have her take a lie detector examination that she judged this bout fairly to her best of her ability.
ESPN boxing commentator Teddy Atlas called out the entire sport of boxing following the night in an justifiable yet borderline irate rant saying, “The environment and landscape of the sport is set up for corruption.”
Atlas points out that this faulty result is not an isolated incident. He blames the fact that promoters are allowed to hand select judges. The frustration overflows from him because this is a tale that he knows too well from dedicating his life to the sport for over the last 50 years.
Byrd has judged 115 title fights prior to the Triple G vs Canelo match, which makes one think what other fights did she tarnish with questionable scorecards.
On the undercard local talent, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. defeated Rafael Rivera in a 12 round Featherweight fight with a unanimous decision. Diaz remained undefeated, improving to 25 victories with 13 coming by knockout. Diaz officially fights out of South El Monte but resides in Downey.
RAMS: The Rams’ ineffective front seven got dominated at the line of scrimmage last Sunday, allowing three Washington Redskins running backs to each rush for nearly 70 yards a piece in the 27-20 loss at home.
Although the (1-1) Rams were able to make some crucial adjustments at the half to slow down the three-headed rushing attack of the Skins, it was too little too late.
Even with the highly anticipated return of star defensive lineman Aaron Donald, the LA defense looked outmatched in the trenches.
Pro bowl running back, Todd Gurley, carried the Rams offense with his two touchdowns and managed to keep the game relatively close.
Gurley rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown, and caught three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.
In one of the most impressive highlights of his young career, Gurley hurdled a Skins defender en route to the end zone to complete the dazzling 18-yard receiving touchdown in the 3rd Quarter, reducing the Rams’ deficit to just a field goal.
In the 4th, kicker Greg Zuerlein booted an equalizing 40-yard field goal with a little more than 7 minutes remaining. Plenty of time for Kirk Cousins and company to mount a methodical drive down the field that resulted in a 11 yard touchdown toss to Ryan Grant for his only reception of the game.
Unfortunately, most of the emerging headlines this week were focused around the attendance of the Coliseum-- or lack thereof. Of course, anyone familiar with LA sports knows that for the most part, the city is plagued with fair-weather fandom.
It will take a couple consecutive playoff runs before the seats begin to fill and team loyalty manifests. What do you expect from a city that was neglected by the league for generations.
The Rams will have a short week to prepare for a winless 49ers team that is still looking for an identity under new coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brian Hoyer. The lackluster 49ers will also be looking for its first touchdown of the post-Kaepernick era.
CHARGERS: The Chargers remain winless, falling to 0-2 on the season, after losing to the (1-0) Miami Dolphins last Sunday at the StubHub Center, 19-17.
Philip Rivers has looked as sharp as ever in his 14th season, completing 53-of-72 passes on the year for a completion percentage of 73.6%.
Rivers found Gates in the endzone for the 112th time in their hall-of-fame careers, placing Gates in first alltime above Huntington Beach legend Tony Gonzalez for most TDs by a TE.
Chargers running back, Melvin Gordon had another forgettable performance, though he was able to find pay dirt. On his nine carries, Gordon amounted a pitiful 13 yards in the game. He finished averaging less than a yard and a half per carry.
The Chargers are now ranked 31st out of the league’s 32 teams in rushing yards per game.
Gordon has just 67 yards rushing this season on 27 attempts. He has been more effective catching passes out of the backfield. The Chargers 2015 first round pick has caught 12 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown through the first two games of the season.
Chargers wide receiver, Keenan Allen proved to be Rivers’ most dependable playmaker. Allen finished the game with 100 yards, hauling in 9-of-10 passes.
This Sunday will be another uphill climb for the Bolts as the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs come to town. The Chiefs have one of the most balanced teams in the league, led by head coach Andy Reid, and are ranked second in ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Chiefs’ rookie Kareem Hunt has been ravishing running and catching the football so far this season. The Chiefs’ running back has already garnered 229 yards on 30 carries through two games, averaging 7.6 yards a carry.
Hunt has rushed for three touchdowns and added two more receiving. The 5’11, 3rd round pick out of Toledo is the Cinderella story of the season so far and is in contention for Rookie of the Year honors.
To put it all into perspective, Hunt has accumulated 355 total yards and five touchdowns this year. That means that Hunt has single-handedly scored as many touchdowns as the entire Chargers team. Hunt has found the endzone as many times as 49ers, Dolphins, Giants, Seahawks, Panthers, and Bengals organizations have combined! He has scored more touchdowns than 17-of-the-32 teams in the league.
Photo taken from GlennFest website
DOWNEY - GlennFest, a weeklong film festival that has been hosted in Downey since 2012, will take place from October 1 through October 7 this year, showcasing several films at the Epic Lounge and Downey Civic Theatre.
All Screenings are free.
2 p.m.
Epic Lounge
Small, midsize and large Mexican maize producers want to stay free to work the land and cultivate their seeds in a modern world that both needs and despises them.
4:30 p.m.
Epic Lounge
Jean-Marie Lustiger, a Polish Jew, maintained his cultural identity after converting to Roman Catholicism and joining the priesthood.
4:30 p.m.
Epic Lounge
October 2
6:30 p.m.
Epic Lounge
Underground drag racers try to organize Cuba's first official car race since shortly after the revolution ended in 1959.
7 p.m.
Epic Lounge
Q & A hosted by Kate Rees Davies
6:30 Epic Lounge
Power-hungry tax collector Don Salluste de Bazan (Louis De Funès) is banished from the Spanish Court and decides to use his valet, Blaze (Yves Montand), to take his revenge. In disguise, Blaze fills Don Salluste's vacant position and plans to have an affair with the queen (Karin Schubert), which the vengeful ex-collector will then reveal to the king (Alberto de Mendoza). Instead, Blaze and the queen fall in love, and the valet uses his newfound power to help end mistreatment of the poor.
6:30 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
A 13-year-old student fights for the right to self-identify in school.
8 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
Two college friends who slowly realize they mean more to each other than either had initially realized.
9 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
Cuban musicians showcase the musical diversity of the country.
10 a.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
When the evil ruler of the underworld steals the sun from Sohone, a small lunar faun and a girl made of wax help Sohone get the sun back to restore order to the universe.
Kids & young adults with special needs screening
2 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
An adaptation of the bestselling book, The Fantastic Family Hotel tells the story of Kos, a thirteen-year-old boy, who is going through the most bizarre period in his life. His mother died a few years ago and his dad is having a heart attack. While Kos’ father is in the hospital, it looks like the hotel he is running will be a big mess. But Kos and his three sisters do not intend to let that happen. After the siblings find out that father is deep in financial problems, the hotel is threatened with closure. The children however come up with a solution: someone has to win the local beauty pageant, with a hefty cash prize attached.
4 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
This celebratory documentary takes viewers inside the studios and recording sessions of Hollywood’s most influential composers to give a privileged look inside the musical challenges and creative secrecy of a truly international music genre: the film score.
6:30 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
A linguist arrives in a small jungle settlement hoping to record a conversation between two elderly men, the last two remaining speakers of the Zikril language. Unfortunately for him, the men are feuding and haven't spoken to each other in 50 years.
8:30 p.m.
Downey Civic Theatre
A drug that alters perceptions during trauma and stress, is being advertised as a cure for socio-political tensions. Several couples volunteer for human trials but end up with more than they bargained for.
Photo by Pam Lane, DowneyDailyPhotos.com
DOWNEY – Downey’s sales tax rate will increase to 10% on Oct. 1, the third tax increase in Downey this year.
According to the California State Board of Equalization, Downey’s sales tax rate stood at 8.75% as recently as March 31.
It increased to 9.25% on April 1 to reflect voters’ November 2016 approval of Measure S, a half-cent sales tax to fund public safety and infrastructure improvements in Downey.
Measure M, a half-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles County voters in November 2016, pushed Downey’s tax rate to 9.75% on July 1.
The latest tax increase occurring Oct. 1 can be attributed to Measure H, a .25 percent tax to raise money for homeless services in L.A. County.
The maximum allowable tax rate in California is 10.25%.
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank all the Downey Police Department, Fire Department and Graffiti personnel
for all they do for this city.
The city has grown and so has the crime, and they are out there every day protecting not knowing what they will come up against. I would like them to know they are in our thoughts and prayers daily, as well as their families.
Thank you and God bless.
Betty Zander
Downey
Dear Editor:
I've recently decided to help 40 Days For Life put the Family Planning Associates on Firestone Boulevard out of business.
From Sept. 27 through Nov. 5, the pro-life community will take part in 40 days of prayer and vigil each day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. I hope that some of you will join me in volunteering hours in prayer, on public property, just outside of this evil organization located at 8635 Firestone Blvd.
40 Days for Life has proudly saved a minimum of 13,305 lives and converted 154 abortion workers to quit their jobs. Since 2007 this wonderful organization has shut down 86 abortion clinics. Let's make Family Planning Associates in Downey the 87th.
Downey's conservative history cannot possibly allow baby-killing factories to operate here any longer. This factory happens to be located less than a quarter mile from Downey High School, where my daughter attends.
Signing up for vigil hours is very simple: go to 40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/downey/.
Carl Vesper
Downey
The Downey High School football team defeated San Pedro at Downey last Friday night, 56-42, improving to 3-1 on the season.
With the loss, the Pirates fell to 3-1.
Last Friday night’s game saw 14 total touchdowns scored and 98 points put on the scoreboard. The game certainly had a Madden 18 video game feel to it with all the scoring. Downey defeated San Pedro last season at San Pedro, 27-21.
San Pedro scored the first touchdown and Downey trailed 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Vikings came alive in the second quarter and scored three touchdowns. The Pirates scored one more touchdown and Downey took a 28-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.
San Pedro outscored Downey 14-7 in the third quarter and the score was tied at 35 as the third quarter came to an end. The Vikings put the game away in the fourth quarter as they scored three more touchdowns to San Pedro’s one. Downey came away with the hard-fought, 56-42 win.
Downey has scored 133 points over the last three weeks, an average of just over 44 points per game. Viking quarterback Kijjon Foots and running back Baraq Ross have played well in leading the Viking offense. The Downey offense now appears to be clicking on all cylinders after being shut out by the Trinity League’s Santa Margarita in week one.
Downey will host a 1-3 Santa Fe team Friday night. The Chiefs defeated South Torrance 42-0 last Friday night to get their first win of the season.
Coach Williams, his staff and players will conclude their preseason schedule at the end of the Santa Fe game. The Vikings will observe their bye week next week and will open league play when they host Paramount at Downey on October 6.
The Vikings will travel to cross-town rival Warren for their annual city showdown on October 27.
■ The Warren High School football team defeated Lakewood at Lakewood last Friday night, 20-12. With the win, the Bears improved to 3-1 on the season.
With the loss, the Lancers fell to 0-4. Lakewood defeated Warren last season at Warren, 28-22.
The Bears will host a 2-2 St. Paul team later tonight. St. Paul defeated St. Anthony of Long Beach 34-6 last Friday night to even their record. The Swordsmen defeated the Bears 47-37 last season in an offensive contest. Warren is looking for a different result this season.
In the Warren/Lakewood game, the score was tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter. Warren scored a touchdown in the second quarter and led 13-6 going into the locker room at halftime. Lakewood scored six points in the third quarter but Warren still led 13-12.
The score remained 13-12 as the fourth quarter began. The Bears added a touchdown and extra point in the fourth quarter and came away with the hard-fought, 20-12 win.
Warren has scored 152 points over the last four weeks, an average of 38 points per game. Bear quarterback Chris Venegas has been outstanding thus far as have his receivers Robbie Colenzo and Desmond Carnes. The Bears’ offense appears to be clicking on all cylinders.
The Bears’ defense has given up 79 points per game, an average of just under 20 points per game. Warren’s defense also appears to be tightening up and playing well.
Coach Lara, his staff and players will conclude their preseason schedule at the end of the St. Paul game later tonight. The Bears will observe their bye week next week and will open league play when they host Lynwood at Warren on October 6.
The Bears will host cross-town rival Downey for their annual city showdown on Oct. 27.
■ The St. John Bosco football team defeated Dorsey at Mission Viejo High School last Friday night, 69-14. With the win, the Braves improved to 3-1 while Dorsey fell to 0-3.
St. John Bosco travels to Washington, D.C. to play St. John’s this week. The St. John’s Cadets are currently 2-1 and ranked 46th nationally.
The game against St. John’s will mark the end of the preseason for the Braves. St. John Bosco will have their bye week next week in order to get injured players healthy and to prepare for the start of league play.
St. John Bosco will begin Trinity League play when they travel to Orange Coast College to play Orange Lutheran on October 6. The highly anticipated game against nationally top ranked Mater Dei will be the following week, October 13.
In the St. John Bosco/Dorsey game the Braves scored early and often. The Braves led 35-0 at the end of the first quarter after scoring five unanswered touchdowns. St. John Bosco continued their offensive assault with three more unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter and led 56-0 heading into the locker room at halftime.
The Braves rested their starters in the second half. St. John Bosco scored six more points in the third quarter and led 62-0 at the end of three quarters of play. Dorsey finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter and outscored the Braves 14-7. It was too little too late for the Dons as St. John Bosco won easily 69-14.
Coach Negro, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of league play. St. John Bosco will begin another run at a league, C.I.F., state and national titles. The Braves are currently ranked fourth nationally and second in California.
■The SPXMA football team currently has an overall record of 1-3 and will begin Academy League play when they host Crean Lutheran of Irvine on Friday. The Warriors compete in C.I.F. Division 13 and in the Academy League.
The Academy League consists of four schools. Those four schools are SPXMA, Crean Lutheran, Orange Vista and St. Margaret’s. As of week four, St. Margaret’s is 3-1, Crean Lutheran is 2-2, Orange Vista is 1-3 and as previously stated, SPXMA is 1-3.
The Warriors were defeated by the Webb Schools of Claremont at home 44-7 in week one, were defeated by Montclair at Montclair 56-6 in week two and defeated Panorama at home 26-18 in week three to earn their first win of the season. The Warriors were defeated by Cantwell-Sacred Heart 32-31 last week in a heartbreaker.
The Warriors will play St. Margaret’s of San Jan Capistrano next week at home, will play Firebaugh at Firebaugh in week seven, will play Silver Valley of Yermo in week eight before they have their bye week in week nine. SPXMA will use their bye week to get injured players back on the field and to rest up for the conclusion of their season.
The Warriors will host Orange Vista of Perris in week ten and will conclude their regular season against Bosco Tech of Rosemead at Bosco Tech in week eleven.
Coach Butler, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of Academy League play and competing for a playoff spot.
Photo by Eric Pierce
DOWNEY – The Planning Commission on Wednesday will consider a developer’s request to demolish a 19,000-sq.-ft. home in Downey's Orange Estates neighborhood and build two homes on the lot.
Located at 7741 3rd St., the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom property was built in 1940 and features a 2,246-sq.ft. single-family home and garage.
According to property records, the property was sold April 29, 2016, to 3-E Enterprises Inc. for $654,000.
The company is proposing to subdivide the property into two lots, demolishing the house and replacing it with two single-family homes on separate lots measuring 8,972 square feet each.
The proposal complies with Downey’s housing development standards, which require lot areas of at least 5,000 square feet.
Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
DOWNEY -- Funeral services will be held Monday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. for Leonard Feiereisen, who was born July 17, 1916, and died Sept. 9.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Whittier will host services, with burial to follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
LONG BEACH -- There's no place like home -- at least according to playwright Sam-Art Williams, whose inventive and lyrically expressive "Home" opens Oct. 20 at International City Theatre and runs through Nov. 5.
Donathan Walters plays prodigal son Cephus Miles, an orphan who leaves his family's farm in North Carolina to seek refuge and prosperity in the north.
Leilani Smith and Angela Thomas portray more than 25 characters over the course of Cephus' epic journey from adolescence to adulthood, as he struggles to stay true to himself amid a rapidly changing and turbulent America.
Spanning the 1950s through the Vietnam War and Civil Rights era, hurdles, and setbacks continuously obstruct Cephus' road to happiness. But he perseveres and always manages to remain upbeat.
Williams, who was born in the small town of Burgaw, NC (population 1,700), was living on 47th Street in New York and the holidays were approaching when a longing for home inspired this play.
“The Vietnam War was raging at that particular time, so I wanted to do a positive play about a country character who was yearning for his home, as I was doing at Christmas,” Williams said in an interview. “I drew on my experience growing up in the country — plowing mules, cropping tobacco, bootleggers, going to church. The rest was my imagination. I wanted to do something that could be performed on the streets — I love street theater. And I wanted my character to have a conscience.”
"Home" runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., Oct. 20 through Nov. 5. Two preview performances take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18 and Thursday, Oct. 19, both at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $47 on Thursdays and Fridays, and $49 on Saturdays and Sundays, except for Oct. 20 (opening night) for which tickets are $55 and include a post-show reception at Utopia Restaurant. Low-priced tickets to previews are $35.
International City Theatre has formed a community partnership with the African American community in Long Beach to raise funds for college scholarships and to bring students to the production. A Community Partnership Package, which includes a pre-performance Gala dinner as well as the post-show reception with the actors on opening night, is $125; tables of 10 are available for $1,200.
International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. For reservations and information, call 562-436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org.
Dear Editor:
I'd like to address illegal immigration with series of proposals.
The first thing to point out, though, is that there is a difference between illegal immigration and illegal immigrants. Congress' last major attempt to "fix" illegal immigration under President Reagan focused mainly on illegal immigrants. And despite Reagan's promise that the law wasn't just another amnesty, that's exactly what it turned out to be: an amnesty that encouraged more illegal immigration.
If the goal is really to reduce illegal immigration (that is the goal, correct?) then yet another amnesty - even "an amnesty to end all amnesties", or an amnesty with a border wall, or an amnesty with more enforcement - isn't the solution. Permanent policy changes need to be instituted which reduce the drivers of illegal immigration.
Here are my suggestions
1) End "birthright citizenship". Yes, this is a Constitutional Amendment, and amending the Constitution is a major step. but we've amended the Constitution to prohibit alcohol (18th Amendment) and then amended it again to repeal the prohibition (21st Amendment). If we can dither on whether alcohol should be legal or not, surely, we can amend our Constitution for something this important. Birthright citizenship is an unintended consequence of making former slaves citizens, and no longer serves its original purpose. Instead, what it does is create the phenomena of "birth tourism" and "anchor babies"; and once children are born as American citizens the cry then becomes to "not split up families". So, lets not split up families- let's mandate that children born in the USA are born with their parents' citizenship.
2) Make English the official language of the United States. Another Constitutional amendment! A very smart friend of mine once said, "There are no nations, only language groups". His point was that people identify themselves primarily by the language that they speak, not lines on a map.
After all, he said, look at Poland: Sometimes it was a very large nation, sometimes it disappeared from the map for decades at a time. And yet, it always reappeared, because there was a large group of people who spoke a common language and identified themselves and each other as "Polish".
A common language is also a practical requirement. This doesn't mean that other languages are prohibited, simply that government and business aren't required to provide services in other languages (except as required by treaty).
3) Withdraw from "free trade" agreements. NAFTA is widely recognized as having driven Mexican corn farmers out of business, leading many to seek work in the border maquiladoras or here in the USA. This was a purposeful result of NAFTA, which sought to allocate certain kinds of production to each nation which, in the view of the negotiators, was "most efficient" (eg. corn to the USA, cheap labor to Mexico). This arrangement of interlocking, interdependent, international production (like the old Soviet Union) may be more "efficient" but it is incredibly fragile to natural, political, and economic shocks. My own view is that, for security, durability, and financial reasons, each nation should be as self-sufficient as possible. "Free trade" agreements also exploit people because they're negotiated and enforced in secret conferences and tribunals, outside of democratic input. The entities which wind up benefiting the most from "free trade" agreements are the transnationals who play one labor force against another. We should end our participation in anything other than the WTO.
4) It must be recognized that part of the reason for poverty in Central and South America is the USA's constant interference in domestic governments of other nations, in favor of banks, transnational corporations, and the elite. Land reform and social justice movements were often thwarted by the USA; military juntas were often supplied with weapons, intel, and training from USA AID and other organizations. The United States should adopt a policy of non-intervention in foreign governments. Democratic processes in other nations should be allowed to function without intervention so that each nation can seek its own path.
5) Chinese immigrants have told me how wealthy Chinese exploit one kind of visa by sponsoring their parents and then setting them up on benefits. Technical professionals tell me how H-1B visas suppress American wages. But we have something like 60 different non-citizenship visas, and about as many citizenship-path visas. Those roughly 120 different sets of requirements are impossible to enforce. We need to simplify our system, attach fewer benefits (such as Medicare) to our non-citizenship visas, and find a way to be able to identify and deport those who overstay their visas.
6) Also, there should be a standard procedure for citizenship. When I listen to those who have gone through the process, I have to say that there doesn't seem to be any set procedure; the requirements seem to be quixotic and changeable, a person is told one thing by one person and another thing by another person. This is almost as bad as our tax and Social Security laws.
Once those policies changes are in place, we can address immigrants.
I would suggest that any law-abiding immigrant who's been living here long-term (say, 20 years) be given the opportunity for citizenship. The requirements for citizenship should be strictly enforced ... especially the requirement to learn English. (By the way, if one is required to learn English to be a citizen, why does California provide voting materials in so many languages? Apparently, we don't take the English-language requirement very seriously.) People who are here in the USA simply to earn money, but whose allegiances and identity are elsewhere ... do we really need them here? For those who've been here for less time, or who don’t want to become citizens .... provide a two-year visa to give people a chance to transition back to their native country. In the meantime, the government should continue to enforce our immigration laws, and deport those who are here illegally, starting with those who’ve broken our laws (aside from immigration laws).
There is much here for people at either end of the political spectrum to hate, but there is much here for people to agree with. I hope this will start a more productive conversation, focused on real policy changes and not on irrelevant ideas, on how to fairly and lawfully address our immigration issues.
Joan Niertit
Downey
Two Whittier High School students stop to talk to William C. Gordon, a 1955 grad who returned to his alma mater to tell his story of perseverance and the importance of giving back to the community on Sept. 8.
WHITTIER – William C. Gordon may have graduated from Whittier High School more than 60 years ago, but the philanthropist, attorney and author has never forgotten the school that provided him refuge as a teen nor his commitment to upholding what it means to be a Cardinal with CLASS.
Gordon, a 1955 graduate, returned on Sept. 8 to his alma mater and the library where he set out his future path, to provide more than 800 students the inspiration to overcome obstacles, succeed and give back to the community – just as he did.
“My roots are deep in the community, and this library changed my life,” Gordon said.
Over the course of the morning, Gordon shared his tale of growing up in a single-parent home, being a shoe shiner in downtown Los Angeles as a child, speaking more “Spanglish” than English and finding refuge in the Whittier High library to avoid neighborhood gang members.
“When I was 14 years old, I was in this library when I realized that I needed to make a change – I decided that if I wanted to do well in life, I had to do well in school, and I began to study,” he said.
Gordon’s audience: Students in Guided Study support and special education classes, English learners or those who simply need motivation.
Whittier High School students formally thanked alumnus William C. Gordon for donating more than $230,000 in books, technology upgrades and campus murals during their Back to School assembly on Sept. 8.
Gordon described how he worked to become an exceptional student in college prep courses and participated in extracurricular activities, becoming a senator and Associated Student Body president during his senior year. He was also awarded the Cardinal Key, Whittier High’s most prized graduation award for students who embody citizenship, leadership, achievement, self-respect and service to the community (CLASS).
In recent years, the Whittier High alumnus has donated dozens of books and more than $230,000 to the school to fund technology upgrades, campus murals and renovate the library with new furniture, paint and an Alumni Hall of Fame showcase. The facility was dedicated the William C. Gordon Library in 2015.
“His story is empowering because a lot of people didn’t believe in him and I feel like he speaks to a lot of us who feel that way,” Whittier High School junior Jeanette Peña said. “Willie Gordon is such an inspiration and contributor to the community. He stayed true to his roots and continues to give back to Whittier High School. He is the definition of Cardinal CLASS.”
After graduating high school, Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Berkeley. He joined the Army and later obtained a law degree from UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, becoming a civil litigator and community activist for Latinos with work-related injuries.
At age 60, Gordon began writing mystery novels; he has since published seven books.
Over the past several years, Gordon has held joint educational events and fundraisers for Whittier High School and Whittier College; donated a cart with 40 iPads to his alma mater, Los Nietos Middle School; and donated funds to enhance the learning center in Santa Fe Springs. In 2009, he was inducted into Whittier High’s Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
During the visit, Gordon participated in Whittier High’s Back to School assembly, where he was given a standing ovation and formally thanked for his generous donations.
“We are fortunate to have Mr. Gordon as an inspirational figure for our students,” Whittier High School Principal Timothy Liggett said. “His story is one of many trials and successes and he demonstrates the importance in valuing one’s education. We are so grateful for everything he has done and continues to do for Whittier High School and the community.”
Dear Editor:
Approximately four weeks ago, Blue Ocean Environmental Services began cleanup of debris left behind by the now-vacated homeless encampments in the San Gabriel Riverbed. That provided immediate safety relief for regular users of the park and those that hike or bike the riverbed trail.
Additionally, this past Saturday approximately 100 students and staff (Downey and Warren) volunteered their morning to continue cleanup in the riverbed. I’m very thankful for their services but know that safety precautions need to be heeded for the safety of students (vest, proper attire, gloves, bags, training).
While commended for their cleanup efforts, the riverbed is still in need of removal of other debris especially on or along the trail path. Hopefully, other community volunteer groups can contact the City of Downey or the Los Angeles County Public Works office to coordinate a work party to continue removal of much unsightly debris along the pathway.
My concern now is the dense amount of brush that now has dried out between Florence and Firestone. I believe it poses a great fire danger and this will require professional
services to cut and clear.
Hopefully, this can also be coordinated and accomplished before the rainy season begins.
Jim Weidner
Downey
Artist Ricardo Soltero is making custom art pieces for Downey's Dia de los Muertos festival on Oct. 29.
DOWNEY – The 5th annual Downey Dia de Los Muertos Art Festival, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 29, in and around the Downey Theatre, is again presenting “Urban Art Alley,” a favorite with the 20,000 expected attendees who savor the abundant art, dance, film, music, food, shopping, and crafts, most of it themed to Day of the Dead.
Festival attendance and parking are free; hours are 11 am -8 pm.
This year, “Urban Art Alley” features two works by Martin Sanchez, who has exhibited at the Festival for the past four years; his whimsical, oversized sculptures are event highlights. On display will be a 22’ high “Skeleton on a Bicycle” which has been exhibited at the Riverside Art Museum, and a new work he’s crafting for the Downey event.
Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Sanchez has integrated Southern California culture into his work, creating art out of the castaways of urban life, repurposing items that range from bottle caps to rusted bicycle wheels to seashells. Despite the rough raw materials, Sanchez’s work is light and charming.
New to Urban Art Alley this year is the “Parade of Catrinas.” Catrinas are familiar icons of Day of the Dead: lady skeletons in fancy dresses and elaborate hats. Designed by Ricardo Soltero, the “Parade” of larger than life, 10’ tall, one-of-a-kind catrinas dazzle with colorful dresses and wild hats.
Soltero, a native of Nayarit, Mexico, began his artistic life at five-years old, helping his grandmother make paper flower wreaths to sell and decorate for their local Day of the Dead celebration.
While still in his teens, Solteros’s family relocated to Baja Mexico where Roberto enrolled at the Casa de la Cultura, broadening his studies to include, dance, singing, painting, and theater, where he acted, and created sets and scenery.
Using paper mache, recyclable materials, wood and Styrofoam, Soltero’s works have been displayed at Hollywood Forever Day of Dead, The Autry Museum, Denver Botanical Gardens and more. His work has also been shown in New York, Chicago and Mexico City.
Additional “Urban Art” exhibits include “car altars” -- traditional altars displayed in the trunk or roof or inside an automobile. “Trunk altars,” have been displayed in San Antonio, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where the altar is often combined with a classic or vintage auto.
Other festival attractions include continuous performances in the 738-seat theater by the region’s top ballet folklorico troupes. Films include a free showing of “Book of Life”; traditional altars and luminarias will be on display in the patio and foyer of the main Downey Library, which is included in the festival footprint.
Outside, the garden-like zocalo offers live romantica and bolero music, and in the patio, hands- on arts and crafts with master artisan demonstrations and guidance.
The theatre back lot houses food trucks with a variety of cuisines; almost 50 vendors sell Day of the Dead-related art and merchandise.
The annual festival is a production of the City of Downey and the Downey Theatre, and is a reflection of their commitment to the traditions and art that reflect the Southland’s Mexican/Latin roots.
The Los Angeles Rams brought in the Sean McVay era with a bang last weekend defeating the Colts at home, 46-9.
Sean McVay will face his former team this Sunday. Photo by Keith Allison, creative commons license
Indianapolis limped into the Coliseum without their star QB Andrew Luck and the Rams capitalized. They made a statement with the decisive victory to kick off the new season.
The Rams’ stout defense scored more points than they allowed. The Rams defense scored 16 of their 46 points, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and a safety.
Jared Goff was sensational in his first NFL win, throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he didn’t throw an interception in the game. He looked composed in the pocket and was accurate throwing downfield, connecting on 21-of-29 attempts.
Goff looked in midseason form as he utilized his new weapons on the outside and made smart reads. Coach McVay has already earned a reputation of molding young raw talent into formidable QBs and looks like he has already made an impact on his second year QB.
As the season continues, the chemistry between Goff and his new weapons will continue to improve. Sammy Watkins, rookie Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods will help Tavon Austin stretch defenses, which will inevitably open up some holes in the running game for Todd Gurley to exploit.
Every other team in the NFC West lost last weekend, so the Rams are in first place and look to continue their winning ways this Sunday against McVay’s old squad, the Washington Redskins.
McVay is at least partially responsible for Kirk Cousin’s success in Washington. If anyone knows Cousin’s weaknesses, it is McVay. He will be scheming with Rams’ defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to insure their stingy defense can put them in position to string together their second win of the season.
The Chargers:
The Los Angeles Chargers were dominated through three quarters at Mile High Stadium last Monday night by the Denver Broncos, but in true Philip Rivers fashion, it came down to a tipped fourth quarter field goal.
Photo by SD Dirk, creative commons license.
The Broncos have arguably the best defense in the league, but Rivers is one of the most competitive QBs in the history of the league and loves to show out in inner divisional matchups.
Broncos QB Trevor Siemian suddenly seemed to be constantly under fire in the fourth quarter, and his wideouts well covered.
The Chargers defense forced two late turnovers that led to a couple of quick touchdowns.
Chargers’ standout defensive end, Joey Bosa, managed to get better and better penetration as the game wore on, creating havoc in the backfield.
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers’ Keenan Allen was ready to make an impact after being hurt last year and being relatively quiet all game. Allen caught a touchdown making the game interesting late in the fourth.
But the Chargers’ hope of a comeback win was deflected by Denver’s defensive end, Shelby Harris, when he managed to tip rookie kicker, Younghoe Koo’s second attempt to force the game into overtime.
Bronco’s first year head coach Vance Joseph attempted to ice Koo by calling a timeout a split-second before Koo booted his first try through the uprights, wiping off the tying three points from the board and forcing the South Korean kicker to make the biggest kick of his life, twice.
This time Harris got a better push and put an end to the Chargers’ courageous comeback attempt.
It was a tough loss that will sting for a while and could haunt them later down the road.
The loss puts them in last place in the AFC West as the rest of the division won their respective games.
Next game is Sunday at home against the Miami Dolphins at the StubHub Center in Carson. The Dolphins game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was postponed last week due to Hurricane Irma that ripped through the entire Sunshine State.
Photos by Alex Dominguez
DOWNEY - City staff says that repairs are nearly complete after several headstones were knocked over and damaged over the weekend at the historic Downey Cemetery.
Public Works staff says that roughly 20 to 25 monuments were knocked over at the cemetery, which was discovered early Saturday morning by a regular cemetery visitor.
Downey Police were called and took a report of the incident. Work to repair the headstones and set them upright began Monday.
A staff member attached to the repair work said that as of Wednesday afternoon, only a few remained to be fixed, and would probably be done by Thursday.
According to public works staff, this is not the first time that an incident such as this has happened. Staff has also previously found paraphernalia possibly associated with ritualistic activity – such as cow tongues attached to trees and chickens either free-roaming or with their heads removed – on the cemetery grounds.
April 2, 1956 - August 21, 2017
Brian Smith lifetime Downey resident passed away at home on August 21st at the age of 61 years old on the day of the total solar eclipse. He always knew how to make a grand entrance or exit. Brian graduated from Downey High School and attended Rio Hondo College. He volunteered tirelessly for the Downey Junior Athletic Association for many years as a coach and mentor and later running the snack bar. Brian worked at Power Drives and Chains for over 36 years eventually becoming the president of the company. If you knew Brian then you knew there was never a story he met that he didn’t like to tell. Brian was a husband, father, uncle, brother, and son and will be greatly missed by all of us. In Brian’s memory we ask that you take a moment to reach out to someone you care about and let them know how much they mean to you.
March 29, 1932 - September 1, 2017
Alberto Mendoza passed away on September 1st at 3:30 pm at St. Francis Hospital at the age of 83 from natural causes. Alberto was born in Mexico on March 29, 1934 and has lived in Downey for the past 18 years. He raised 6 children, all of them are still alive. His ashes will be taken to Mexico to be buried alongside his wife of many years as he wished. He will be in our heart forever. We love you Padres, tus hijos Pablo, Alberto, Ricardo, Soledad, Pilar and Arely.
August 15, 1925 - September 6, 2017
Heer, Warren George, 92, of Mission Viejo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. He was born August 15, 1925 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He spent his youth in the Midwest before joining the Navy in 1943. While an Officer in the Navy, he attended and graduated from Cornell University in 1946. Gloria and Warren Heer were married on June 18, 1949 in Yuma, Arizona. Warren was very active in both civic and political groups, in Downey and Mission Viejo including California Association of Parks and Recreation Commissions, Free and Accepted Masons and the Elks Lodge. After working briefly in Aerospace, Warren worked for the County of Los Angeles Road Department as a Civil Engineer until he retired in 1985. While working at the Road Department, Warren attended USC, where he received his Masters Degree in Public Administration in 1969. Warren is survived by his daughter Linda O’Connor of Mission Viejo; his son George Heer, his daughter-in-law Melissa Heer and two granddaughters, Megan Wooldridge and Allison Heer all of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Services will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Services on Saturday, September 23rd at 2:00 pm in Mission Viejo.