St Pius X–St Matthias in Downey takes another leap forward

The City of Downey is blessed to have five high schools within our 12.5 square miles. Many can name the bigger ones like Downey High and Warren High. But along with Columbus and Calvary Chapel High School, we have a fifth one that is celebrating a new milestone in Downey.

On Monday, Aug. 21, St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy held a historic groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning implementation of its new Campus Master Plan. 

For more than 50 years, high school students have launched their futures from the campus on Gardendale Street in Downey. The tradition continues today with St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (PMA), a co-ed college preparatory high school.

The Downey campus opened in 1953 as a co-educational high school under the name of Pius X High School. St. Matthias High School opened in 1960 as a parish high school near St. Matthias Church in Huntington Park. In 1995, the schools were consolidated as all-girls’ St. Mathias High on Pius X’s Downey campus.

In 2013 the school was dedicated as St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy a name selected to honor the traditions of both school communities that have been associated with the campus and served the community since 1953. A grand rededication and blessing with the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Rev. Jose Gomez, took place on Aug. 9, 2013. As mayor of Downey at the time, I was proud to see this new transformation begin and was honored to be present that day.  

Since August of 2013, there have been many improvements made to the 64-year-old, 15-acre campus including a renovated research computer lab, refurbished Biology/Chemistry/Physics labs, renovated restrooms, painting the exterior and interior of the campus, technology and WiFi infrastructure, rebranded image, logo, school mascot, and messaging. 

The school was accredited through June 2020 and developed a strategic plan to guide its future growth, and has achieved a 55% increase in its enrollment since 2010.  

The campus will see major facility transformations beginning Fall 2017. Phase one includes the renovation of a campus residence that will be used by Loyola Marymount University’s Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education (PLACE) Corps program, addition of a softball field with restrooms and bleacher seating; enhancements to the landscaping in front of the school, including a new LED electronic marquee sign; modernization of selected classrooms, staff, and student restrooms; and the construction of a brand new state of the art football/soccer stadium.

The new stadium will include a 9-lane rubberized track, turf athletic football/soccer field, home and visitor bleacher seating for 2,200-plus spectators on each side, the creation of a new ticket booth, student spirit store, visitor restrooms, and the renewal of existing field restrooms, snack bar facilities, and parking (football has returned to PMA and the first game in 21 years will take place on Friday, Aug. 25).

As a board member of PMA, I was honored to celebrate and be part of a historic day, along with Councilmembers Alex Saab and Rick Rodriguez, Mr. Erick Rubalcava the President of PMA, Mr. John Smet who is not only chairman of the board but along with his wife and foundation are benefactors that made this day possible. 

Thank you, board members, students and parents, for joining us to celebrate this groundbreaking of the first phase of the PMA Campus Master Plan. As we mark the beginning of construction we affirm the ideals for which our work will stand in advancing the cause of Catholic education in the City of Downey and surrounding communities.

This work will serve the needs of countless students who will pursue their high school journey on these sacred grounds, providing them with a beautiful and innovative learning environment that will allow them to excel in all aspects of the spiritual, academic, and physical realm.
These projects will enhance PMA students, benefit our community, and represent the value of St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy.

We are grateful for the generous support of a community of benefactors (The Shea Company and Smet Foundation especially), board members, parents, students, alumni and friends for helping us to manifest the value of education in Downey for future generations. Congratulations PMA and we look forward to your continued success on behalf of the youth of our community.

Mario A. Guerra is the former mayor of Downey, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and a board member of Pius-Matthias Acedemy. He can be reached at mario@guerrains.com.
 

Two years after killing, victim's family wants justice

DOWNEY -- The family of a homicide victim is asking for help to bring their loved one’s suspected killer into custody, now two years after his death.

On Aug. 14, 2015, 28-year-old Andrew Martin Rosales was shot and killed in the 7000 block of Stewart and Gray Road after an argument turned violent.  

The suspect – Jehosua Ruvalcaba – is a Latino man standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, with horn tattoos on his hairline. At the time of the murder, he was described as around 165 pounds.

Ruvalcaba has yet to be brought into custody, a fact that has continuously frustrated and tormented Rosales’s family.

The family says that there have been recent sightings of Ruvalcaba in areas around Southern California, which they say they have reported to Downey Police. Yet all attempts to try and bring Ruvalcaba into custody seem to be fruitless.

“I called them [Downey Police] and they told me that they need a location and everything else, where he’s at,” said Lisa Rosales, the victim’s mom. “It’s like you’re doing their job, they’re not doing the job.”

Jennifer Irrobali, the victim’s sister-in-law, added to these frustrations.

“When I called and told them about the recent leads and the recent viewings of him -the sightings and stuff – they don’t respond to the phone call,” said Irrobali. “I called them about three times already. I haven’t gotten a response back.”

Jehosua Ruvalcaba is wanted for the shooting death of 28-year-old Andrew Rosales in Downey.

The family has now resorted to setting up a Go Fund Me page, with the hopes to raise enough money to hire a private investigator in an attempt to get answers.

They say they want justice and communication from authorities.

“Bring him in,” said Irrobli. “Let us know what we should know. We know that there’s boundaries, but still we should have some communication.”

According to Downey Police Detective Steve Aubuchon, there have been some leads, however, nothing has led to Revalcaba’s arrest. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Downey Police. 
 

Long Beach theater company releases 2018 season schedule

International City Theatre has announced its 2018 season of five plays at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center.

Season selections include the chamber musical “Daddy Long Legs”; the West Coast premiere of Ugandan war-set “Cardboard Piano”; the wildly inventive “The 39 Steps,” based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie; Tennessee Williams’ first success, now considered a modern classic, “The Glass Menagerie;” and A Splintered Soul, a heart-wrenching yet optimistic examination of war refugees in America.

A detailed schedule follows:

Feb. 23 – March 11:
Daddy Long Legs — An intimate musical, with music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and book by John Caird, set in suffragette-era New England where a spirited orphan girl is sent to a prestigious college by a mysterious benefactor. Jerusha’s heart-warming journey to independence, education and romance is chronicled in a wealth of witty letters and glorious songs. Based on the classic novel by Jean Webster that inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire.

May 4 – May 20:
West Coast premiere of Cardboard Piano — Against the backdrop of Uganda’s civil war, the union of the daughter of an American missionary and a local teenage girl is disrupted by violence. Hansol Jung’s haunting drama confronts the religious and cultural roots of intolerance, as well as the human capacity for forgiveness and love.

June 22 – July 8:
The 39 Steps — Hitchcock meets hilarious in this fast-paced comedy mystery thriller for anyone who loves the magic of theater. Train chases, plummeting planes and old-fashioned romance lead to a death-defying finale as a cast of four actors breathlessly reenacts hundreds of characters, locations and famous scenes from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film of the same name. Winner of the 2007 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and the 2008 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan, based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie and an original concept by Nobby Dimon and Simon Corble.

Aug. 24 – Sept. 9:
The Glass Menagerie — The iconic American classic that launched the career of American playwright Tennessee Williams, this autobiographical “memory play” captures the fragility and stifled yearning of characters clinging to hope against the harsh realities of a rapidly changing world. Confined to a tiny St. Louis apartment on the eve of World War II, the Wingfield family struggles to find beauty amid the rough circumstances that surround them.

Oct. 19 – Nov. 4:
A Splintered Soul —A gripping drama by Alan L. Brooks about war refugees haunted by the death of their loved ones — and by memories of the things they had to do to survive. It’s 1947 in San Francisco, home to a group of resettled Holocaust survivors from Poland whose very existence depended on blurring the lines between right and wrong. How can these splintered souls adapt to a new life in a new land, where all the rules have changed?
All performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information about ICT’s 2018 season and to purchase subscriptions or single tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or visit internationalcitytheatre.org
 

Shared Stories: Merrimack and Me

For some time now, current stories in the media have been reflecting deep divisions within our country. This story by Frank Novak recalls the turbulence over the Vietnam War and the killings at Kent State.  Our country was similarly divided – and we lived through it.  Shared Stories is a weekly column featuring articles by participants in a writing class at the Norwalk Senior Center.  Bonnie Mansell is the instructor for this free class offered through the Cerritos College Adult Education Program.  Curated by Carol Kearns.

By Frank Novak

I didn’t go to my college graduation. The year was 1970, and student unrest over the Vietnam War had been boiling for some time. On April 29th, US and South Vietnamese forces entered Cambodia, and demonstrations immediately erupted on college campuses throughout the country.

The afternoon of May 4th was clear, with the jacket-weather crispness of early spring. I had driven up through Andover Center to the Merrimack College campus and was almost to the student parking lot. The car radio interrupted its broadcast; four students had just been killed on the campus of Kent State, shot by Ohio National Guard troops. 

I remember clearly my first emotion; “they’re killing us.” In the light of history, the categories of “they” and “us” were complex, but for myself, and thousands of other college students at the time, there was no confusion. The shootings were a sharp personal assault, and life just could not go on as before. 

So by the end of the day, the students of Merrimack College, along with those in over 450 colleges and universities around the country, were on strike.

Merrimack was a small college at the time. It was founded in 1947, just after World War II, by a Catholic order of priests (the Augustinians) who projected a need for colleges in the suburbs of Boston to educate the returning soldiers from World War II and the subsequent baby boom. 
In 1970, with 2000 students and 500 in each class, it was smaller than many urban high schools. Classes were small, the professors were accessible, and there was only the large cafeteria and basement lounge in the student union for common areas. There was a real sense of community among the faculty and students.

So when the strike was declared, it was a personal thing, a rift in the family. And it wasn’t just a rift between students and faculty. For two years, I had been part of a loosely organized ongoing game of hearts in the basement lounge of the student union.

Of the six or eight guys who floated in and out of this game, half of them were older ex-servicemen getting their college education on the GI Bill. All of them had been involved in the ongoing war in one way or another. Their beliefs and priorities were very different from those my age who still faced the draft and service in Vietnam.

For me, the rift in the college community was even more personal. My father began his teaching career at Merrimack College when the college was a tiny affair operating out of a gym and some other temporary buildings. 

After several years, he left Merrimack to teach at the University of Maine in Bangor. In 1958, when I was 10, the college had grown large enough to have a separate Mathematics department, and my father returned as the first chairman. 

I had been in and around the school for most of my life. I knew the smell of every classroom, the rumble of every elevator. I knew nearly all the faculty: the faint Italian accent of the engineering professor Mr. Parotta, the laugh and mannerism of the half dozen members of the Math department. As a child, I could walk past waiting students into my father’s window office, and put my feet up on his desk if he wasn’t around.

The details of the strike have faded. It was much the same across the country; the students formed a committee, a list of demands was created, there were negotiations. Agreements were made about more student input into the college. 

But the strike was not about the school really. There was a much bigger drama being played out, and this small school was just one little act. Looking back, what I now appreciate was the grace with which the school, the administration, and the faculty, handled the whole thing. 

There was no panic, there was no retribution that I remember. There were meetings. I remember that Dr. Parotta, a native of Italy where the political spectrum is much more vivid and above board than in America, asked a group of us exactly what was it that we wanted. Our lists made little sense; we wanted so much, and really nothing that they could offer.

I don’t remember if classes ever resumed. The semester fizzled to an end. A graduation was held, but I had no heart for it. In my sadness and rage at a deeply divided country, I was walking away from a longtime love, and there were no words or actions that could stop me.
 

Knott's unveils new roller coaster: HangTime

BUENA PARK -- HangTime, a brand new steel rollercoaster -- and the only dive coaster on the West Coast -- will open at Knott’s Berry Farm in time for the 2018 summer season, the theme park announced. 

HangTime will tower 150 feet over the Boardwalk area, showcasing “gravity-defying inversions, mid-air suspensions and twisting dive tracks.” 

The coaster will send riders up a vertical lift hill into a 1-story, 96-degree drop -- the steepest drop in California. The coaster’s train will come to a halt once the highest peak is reached and will leave riders suspended at the crest for several seconds staring downward at a 60-degree angle, giving the illusion of a disappearing track. 

The the train will suddenly descend in a beyond-vertical drop, through 2,198 feet of steel track and five gravity-defying inversions. 

HangTime will be only the second rollercoaster in the Western Hemisphere to feature a negative-g stall loop, which gives riders the sensation of floating. 

“HangTime’s disappearing track creates a memorable illusion of the unknown as riders feel like they are hanging over a cliff, staring at the ground in nervous anticipation,” said Jon Storbeck, vice president and general manager, Knott’s Berry Farm. “People who crave that adrenaline rush will want to ride this coaster again and again. Introducing a coaster like HangTime firmly positions Knott’s Berry Farm as a must see attraction among Southern California theme parks, and we look forward to welcoming our guests to this new experience.”

HangTime’s ride structure itself will come to life and illuminate the Boardwalk area with colorful nighttime track chase lighting that will accompany the coaster train’s travels across the smooth steel track. The coaster continues Knott’s legacy in rollercoaster innovation and industry firsts; the park introduced the very first corkscrew inversion rollercoaster with Corkscrew, and the first flywheel launch coaster with Montezuma’s Revenge.
 
HangTime is manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH, and is the company’s next-generation “infinity coaster” model.

Starbucks to replace Walgreens pharmacy at Paramount and Florence

DOWNEY - Downey Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for a new Starbucks at their meeting last week.

The new 1,785 square foot Starbucks – located at 7966 Florence Avenue – will include a drive-thru and outdoor patio.

The location was formerly a Walgreens pharmacy, which ceased operations in September 2016. Surrounding businesses include Tacos El Gavilan, Marketplace Grill, CVS, Chase Bank, Tropicana Restaurant, and Kyoto Sushi.

According to city staff’s report, the Starbucks will “bring liveliness to the southwest corner of Florence Avenue and Paramount Boulevard, that does not currently exist in the area.” Staff’s report anticipates that the new café will benefit the entire shopping center and the adjoining uses.

The drive-thru queue will be contained on-site and wrap around the building. Traffic in the intersection will not be impacted, city officials said.
 

Mayor's Corner: 5 years of balanced budgets

Hello, Downey!

At our City Council meeting in June, my council colleagues and I passed the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year. This budget is something our residents can be proud of. Hindsight is 20/20, and our city staff has put forth a solid, balanced, responsible and most importantly fiscally conservative budget. This will be the fifth straight year of having a balanced budget.

Like every other city, we have challenges, but we are still in a good position. Our unemployment rate is at 3.6%, the lowest since September 2008. The U.S. economy has been in a steady but slow-growth mode for years and as a result, Downey residents’ median household income is 104% and 108% of the county and national average, respectively. Still, there are challenges that lie ahead. 

A challenge that all cities face is the lack of affordable housing which is driven in part by the high cost of land in Southern California. In response to the high demand, the City proposed a first-time homebuyer assistance program to further the access to low and moderate income Downey families. Through a partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), the City’s contribution of $353,000 in HOME funds will be matched 100% match by NHS.

Applicants receive up to $60,000 in down payment assistance. The program will allow approximately seven low-to-moderate income households become local homeowners. For more information and how to apply, please visit our City’s website or contact the Housing Department at (562) 904-7161.

We currently have four new housing developments being built in our city limits. This will not only help with the housing situation but also bring in much-needed tax dollars.

In November of last year voters adopted with 62% in support Measure S, a 20-year, half-cent sales tax for safety, infrastructure, and crime prevention programs. Businesses began collecting the new tax on April 1. Council appointed an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee to review expenditures of revenues and make appropriate recommendations.

Council has already approved for funds from the measure to be used for the hiring of 10 new police officers. Additional funds planned to be used for a new radio system for our first responders, much needed fire station infrastructure repairs, and the roll out of the Downey Library Master Plan.  

Downey continues to evolve and change. In order to keep our residents up to speed on all the new developments, we have a created a map with detailed information on each project site. This interactive map contains projects that have been submitted for the Planning Commission's review. The information can be located on the City’s website under “Development Activity.” Simply click on an icon to learn more about the project.

Save the date for our Havana Nights Rooftop Concert on August 31 at 6:30 p.m. This rooftop concert is a free event that celebrates live music and art in Downtown Downey.  Join me and your fellow Downeyites in the conga line. 

Did you know that only 15 minutes of walking a day can help relieve back pain, keep knee joints healthy and lowers risk of blood clots? Join us this summer every Saturday at 8 am at Furman Park for “Walks With Your Council Member”. These walks will help to improve fitness, health and well-being as well as give you a chance to speak with your elected officials about any city issues or questions you may have.  No special equipment needed, just your walking shoes and a bottle of water.  

As your Mayor, it is a privilege to share the City’s recent accomplishments and upcoming events. As always, I welcome your comments, concerns, and questions. You can reach me at (562) 904-7274 or at fvasquez@downeyca.org.                

Fernando Vasquez   
Downey Mayor

OP-ED: Acupuncture offers alternative treatment for Californians with Medicare

Jeffrey McManus, senior products medical director for Humana in California

Californians are known for living rich, active lifestyles. The warm weather and access to not only the beach but the ski slopes encourage physical activity. Californians have also been known to taking a holistic approach to their health in order to maintain an active lifestyle. As a result, many people are discovering the benefits of acupuncture as an alternative to traditional pain medications.
 
For baby boomers who want to remain active as they age, acupuncture may be a good alternative to some traditional treatments.
 
For some people, the body’s natural reaction to aging can be sporadic and often times debilitating. Common health concerns and conditions for many adults 65 and older include being at a higher risk for heart disease, a slower metabolism, arthritis and diabetes.
 
The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture may provide an important source of treatment for many of these ailments, with very few side effects as compared to some prescription medication, especially for Californians with Medicare who may not want the aging process to slow down their active lifestyle.
 
For baby boomers – who are just now aging into Medicare – many may want to consider or continue using acupuncture as part of their overall treatment plan. However, while Original Medicare plans are more commonly known to cover traditional methods to relieve pain, it’s always wise for anyone seeking Medicare coverage to confirm whether or not their insurance plan includes acupuncture as a covered benefit. 
 
Original Medicare, which covers most Americans who are enrolled in Medicare, does not include any coverage for acupuncture. By contrast, some Medicare Advantage plans do provide coverage, although it is still a small portion of those plans.
 
There are several reasons why acupuncture should be an affordable option for people with Medicare, which include:
           
It may be a safe alternative to prescription medication for certain conditions. Many adults age 65 and older take a large number of medications, which increases the risk of adverse health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every year 177,000 adults aged 65 and older visit the emergency department due to medication problems. Acupuncture may be able to help older adults reduce their use of medications and thereby reduce the risks associated with any medication side effects.
 
It’s a great pain reliever. Acupuncture is particularly effective in treating a variety of pain conditions that become more prevalent with age, including arthritis, chronic neck and back pain, muscle pain and headaches. In a 2010 survey of 600 rheumatologists, over half said they found acupuncture to be a beneficial treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

It can help upper respiratory issues. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that acupuncture is effective in treating some upper respiratory tract illnesses such as allergic rhinitis and bronchitis. Acupuncture can also relieve negative side effects associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It can help with dental relief. Acupuncture can even help relieve certain mouth disorders that can develop with age, such as toothache, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, and acute and chronic pharyngitis – also known as a sore throat.
 
By seeking an affordable, holistic alternative to traditional medicine for a wide-range of age-related conditions, more Californians with Medicare are not only embracing their dynamic lifestyles but also improving their overall approach to health awareness. Acupuncture is an important treatment option and one that is being offered on some Medicare Advantage plans in California, such as Humana.
 
To learn more about Medicare and plans that offer acupuncture, visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Los Nietos students return to improved technology, updated facilities for 2017-18 school year

WHITTIER – One by one, seventh-grade students of Desiree Chavez’s math class at Los Nietos Middle School eagerly walked to the front of the room to receive their brand-new Google Chromebook laptops. Similar scenes played out throughout the Los Nietos School District on Aug. 14 as about 1,700 students kicked off the 2017-18 school year with new educational tools.
 
Los Nietos has increased access to technology this year after the District purchased laptops to reach a 1-to-1 ratio of students to personal devices in grades three through eight. Elementary students are scheduled to receive their laptops next month. The technology upgrades were funded by the $13 million Measure N that approved by Los Nietos voters in November 2014.

“Since we have new technology we’re able to learn and observe new concepts that we’ve been taught,” LNMS eighth-grader Melanie Zepeda said. “The laptops are really easy to use and make assignments more interesting.”
 
Students of Los Nietos Middle School also returned to remodeled classrooms as the school undergoes a modernization project that will improve all building structures by 2018. The updated features include new carpeting, faster wireless internet service and tackable wall panels for interactive lesson plans. A soon-to-be completed science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) lab will feature 3-D printers and microscopes for class experiments.

The Los Nietos School District’s staff began training for the third and final year of the Safe and Civil Schools program, which implements a discipline system that reinforces positive behavior.

“We’re excited about the improvements we’ve made to our school and it’s brought a renewed enthusiasm to our students and staff,” LNMS Middle School Principal Shanonn Zelaya. “This year we have more tools than ever to help prepare our students for college and career pathways.”
 
Students and educators throughout the District got a jumpstart on the school year through summer programs. Select scholars from all four Los Nietos schools took part in a four-week enrichment program that provided engineering instruction in June. The District’s staff, meanwhile, began training for the third and final year of the Safe and Civil Schools program, which implements a discipline system that reinforces positive behavior.
 
Rancho Santa Gertrudes Elementary celebrated its first day by unveiling its Battle of the Books trophy, which it earned during a May competition. The trophy was displayed on the school’s front lawn.
 
Aeolian and Ada S. Nelson elementary schools welcomed back standout educators, including 20-year Nelson teacher Sonia De Anda, who was named the District’s 2017 Teacher of the Year in June.

“Our opening day of the school year is a celebration of the strong commitment our community has made to helping our students be their best,” Los Nietos Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez said. “A lot of hard work and dedication went into preparing for the start of classes and now our children can reap the benefits and thrive.”

Mayor honors non-profit exec with ‘Healthy Heart’ award

DOWNEY – Mayor Fernando Vasquez released the following statement in recognizing Raquel Villa of Family Healthcare Center of Greater L.A. with his Healthy Heart Award: 

“The Mayor’s Healthy Heart Award was instituted to recognize individuals who have done a phenomenal job contributing to the well-being of the community. The honoree I have chosen has contributed to the arena of healthcare by making a difference in our community.  

“Six years ago I received a call from a non-profit organization who was thinking about opening a location in Downey. Their objective was and continues to be to serve all who need healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. What started with one small clinic has now led to five more.  

“This kind of growth does not happen by accident, it starts with leadership at the top. Organizations like this continue to thrive though the exemplary leadership such as that of Raquel Villa who is the Chief Executive Officer for Family Healthcare Center of Greater LA.  

“It is my honor to present Raquel Villa with the Mayor’s Healthy Heart Award for her true commitment toward improving the health, well-being and future success for the residents of the City of Downey and its surrounding communities”

Calvary Chapel travels to SLO to open football season

DOWNEY – The Downey Calvary Chapel football team will kick off their 2017 football season when they travel to Mission Prep of San Luis Obispo next Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Grizzlies did not play Mission prep last season.

DCC does not have a scrimmage scheduled this preseason and will play nine games in the regular season. The Grizzlies are eligible for postseason play should they qualify. 

DCC finished last season with an overall record of 5-4 and were 3-1 in league play. The Grizzlies did not participate in postseason play last season. 

Head coach Mike Nuno, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of the 2017 football season.

DCC will also have fall teams for boys’ cross country, girls’ tennis and girls’ volleyball. It is certainly an exciting time to be a fall athlete at Downey Calvary Chapel.

■ The St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy football team will be hosting the Webb Schools of Claremont next Friday night at 7 p.m. This game will mark the season opener for both schools.
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy will also have fall teams for boys’ and girls’ cross country, girls’ tennis and girls’ volleyball. It is certainly an exciting time to be a fall athlete at St. Pius-St. Matthias Academy.

■ The St. John Bosco football team scrimmaged against Long Beach Wilson High School at Bosco yesterday (stats unavailable at press time). 

This scrimmage served as a valuable tool for the Brave football staff to make any adjustments or address any needs they may need to make for their season opener next week. It was also an excellent opportunity for any Brave player to make a last summer impression to get more playing time.

Long Beach Wilson competes in the Moore League against Long Beach Poly, Lakewood, Cabrillo, Compton, Millikan and Jordan. Long Beach Wilson finished last season with an overall record of 10-3 and a Moore League record of 5-1. Long Beach Wilson was defeated by Los Altos 30-28 in the third round of the C.I.F. Division 6 playoffs.

St. John Bosco competes in the Trinity League against Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, JSerra, Santa Margarita and Servite. Mater Dei was the 2017 Trinity League champion but Bosco was the C.I.F. Division 1 and state champion after they defeated Mater Dei 42-28 in the C.I.F. Division One championship game.

The Braves will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida next Friday night to take on St. Thomas Aquinas High School. St. Thomas Aquinas is nationally ranked and the Florida 7A champion from last season. Coach Negro, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of the 2017 football season and defending their C.I.F. and state titles.

St. John Bosco will also have boys’ cross country and boys’ water polo beginning their respective seasons as well. It is an exciting time to be a fall season athlete at St. John Bosco.

■ Warren High School began their fall semester on Wednesday as students attended their first day of school. 

Fall sports teams have been practicing this summer and their respective games, matches and competitions are quickly approaching. Several competitions have already taken place and some are taking place later today and next week.

The Warren football team will be traveling to Bellflower High School later today to scrimmage against the Buccaneers. The freshmen team will scrimmage at 3:00 p.m., the junior varsity team will scrimmage at 4:00 p.m. and the varsity team will be scrimmaging at 5:30 p.m. These scrimmages will give the coaches a better idea and understanding as to who can do what in game situations. 

The Bears will kick-off their regular season schedule when they host Don Lugo next Friday night under the lights. Don Lugo defeated the Bears 18-0 last season.

The Warren girls’ cross country team ran yesterday at Gahr (times, places and results were unavailable at press time). The Warren girls’ volleyball team will be competing in the Valley Christian/Cerritos Tournament on Tuesday, August 22 and the Lady Bear golf team will be competing against Cerritos on Wednesday, August 28. 

The Warren pool will be hosting boys’ water polo games shortly as well. The pool, locker rooms and scoreboard all look outstanding. Fall sports are just getting started at Warren High School.  
■ Downey High School students went back to school this Wednesday as fall classes began. Many Viking athletes in different grades and team levels have spent a lot of time on campus and in practice getting better this summer in preparation for their respective upcoming seasons.

The Downey High School football team will be scrimmaging against Orange Lutheran tonight at Downey High at 6:00 p.m. Tonight’s scrimmage presents an excellent opportunity for Downey players to make a final summer impression and for Viking coaches to make any last minute adjustments. Downey will kick off their regular season schedule when they host Santa Margarita under the lights next Friday night at 7 p.m.

Several other fall sports teams have been busy this summer in preparation for their respective competitions, games and matches. Boys’ water polo has been busy early in the morning getting their workouts in at the Downey Aquatics Center. Girls’ volleyball has been busy practicing and participating in camps this summer in preparation for their season to begin.
Boys’ and girls’ cross country has been busy running the streets of Downey as well as doing work on the track at Downey. Girls’ golf has been busy driving and putting balls and girls’ tennis has been busy practicing their groundstrokes and backhands on the tennis courts.

Athletes are getting ready to compete and coaches are getting ready to coach. Fall seasons are finally getting started and It is certainly an exciting time to be an athlete on a fall sport’s team.  
 

WWE SummerSlam Predictions

The biggest show of the summer - SummerSlam – takes place this Sunday. With a card full of top stars and interesting feuds, here are a few predictions.

Photo from WWE.com

Universal Championship Fatal Four Way – Samoa Joe vs. Braun Stroman vs. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (c)

Paul Heyman has been really playing up the “If Brock loses the title we leave WWE” angle, which is made even more interesting by rumors of Brock Lesnar making a UFC return. A UFC return is complicated for a myriad of reasons, not least of which being that he still has several months left on a USADA suspension for failing several drug tests.

In short, Lesnar and Heyman aren’t going anywhere.

Prediction: Brock Lesnar

Photo from WWE.com

WWE Championship Match – Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

There’s been practically no buildup for this match, except for the fact that Nakamura beat John Cena clean to get the opportunity. Nakamura seems to be getting a majority of the push heading into this match, which doesn’t seem like a good sign for the champ.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Photo from WWE.com

United States Championship Match - AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens w/ Shane McMahon as referee

I’m going to be honest here; I have no idea as this could go either way. I’m going to go bold with my prediction: Styles drops the championship in order to be freed up for the rumored upcoming second Superstar Shakeup. In other words, Owens wins the belt, Styles goes off to Raw.

Prediction: Kevin Owens

Photo from WWE.com

Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt

Originally I gave this to Wyatt, however Monday night changed that prediction entirely. With Wyatt picking up a win on Raw this week, and Balor announcing that “The Demon,” would be making an appearance, it’s pretty safe to say that Balor picks up the win.

Prediction: Finn Balor

Photo from WWE.com

Raw Women’s Championship Match – Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks

This program was quickly thrown together after Bayley – Bliss’s original challenger – suffered an injury. It came down to Banks and Nia Jax to replace Bayley, and I honestly feel WWE made the wrong call. Bliss and Jax have this “friendship” story going, and a match between them would’ve been much more compelling.

Bliss retains, just because there’s not enough story to warrant a title change.

Prediction: Alexa Bliss

Photo from WWE.com

Smackdown Women’s Championship Match – Naomi vs. Natalya

You would think that Naomi is the odds on favorite, but I smell an upset. I think Natalya wins the championship in order to put over a new, upcoming star later on (maybe a debuting Asuka freshly called up from NXT).

Prediction: Natalya

 

Photo from WWE.com

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match – The New Day (c) vs. The Usos

This is probably the best feud in the entire tag team division right now (and that includes Raw and Smackdown). The New Day will likely get the nod here, possibly closing up this feud and sending them off to new, fresh challengers.

Prediction: New Day

Photo from WWE.com

Raw Tag Team Championship Match – Sheamus and Cesaro (c) vs Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins

It’s been building for weeks, and Monday finally saw it happen: The Shield (or at least, two of them) is back together. Look for an even more satisfying payoff than the one fans got on Raw.

Prediction: Ambrose and Rollins

Photo from WWE.com

John Cena vs. Baron Corbin

Personal opinion: WWE squandered a big opportunity to grow and develop Corbin by having him unsuccessfully cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. If the company really wants Corbin as the next big heel, then he needs to win here; a win over Cena can do wonders for a career.

Prediction: Baron Corbin

Photo from WWE.com

Cruiserweight Championship Match – Akira Tozawa (c) vs. Neville

Tozawa shocked the world on Monday when he defeated Neville and ended a championship reign that had been running strong since January. Sunday will now see the rematch between the two, and I find it unlikely that the WWE will so quickly pluck the title off of Tozawa a la Zack Ryder.

Prediction: Akira Tozawa

Photo from WWE.com

Randy Orton vs. Rusev

Not a whole lot makes sense about this feud. I say Orton should put over Rusev and let the Bulgarian Brute pick up some momentum onto something bigger and better.

Prediction: Rusev

Photo from WWE.com

Big Show vs. Big Cass w/ Enzo Amore suspended above the ring in a shark cage

This is a good opportunity for a star on his way to retirement (Big Show), to put over the next big “giant.” Why this match requires Enzo Amore in a shark cage is beyond me.

Badda boom, dumbest match gimmick in the room. How you doin'?

Prediction: Big Cass

Shared Stories: A brilliant beginning to first grade

This coming Monday, August 21, all of the continental United States will be treated to the rare opportunity to see a solar eclipse. Lisa Filler remembers such an event when she started first grade in the Philippines. Shared Stories is a weekly column featuring articles by participants in a writing class at the Norwalk Senior Center. Bonnie Mansell is the instructor for this free class offered through the Cerritos College Adult Education Program. Curated by Carol Kearns.

By Lisa Filler

The time from 1954 and 1955 was eventful for me. I was officially enrolled in kindergarten. Tatay (Daddy) went to the United States of America. Kuya Jubert (eldest brother) graduated from elementary school. And Manila experienced the total solar eclipse.

In the Philippines, school starts in June and ends the following March. Elementary is from kindergarten to grade 6 followed by four years high school. A regular student would start at age five and graduate high school at age 15.

In June 1954 I was officially enrolled in kindergarten at Welfareville School, while brother Jose was in grade 2 and Kuya Jubert was in grade 6. We were in the morning session. We walked a half-mile to the school at 7 a.m. and walked back home at noon. Nanay (Mommy) was teaching in the afternoon session at 1 p.m.

Tatay was selected from his work to study the new technology in Geology in the United States of America.  Before going to the United States, Tatay took us around the University of the Philippines and Balara Park. He took a lot of family pictures. 

We all wrote letters to him while he was in Alabama. I always ended my letter with “Be good.” He replied with pictures of the family (LaMoreaux) where he stayed. They had a daughter, Karen, of my age.

I don’t know how long he was in the United States but I remember when he came home. He brought walking dolls for me and my cousin Jean. One was a 12-inch bride, all dressed in white. Another was a 6-inch girl with different outfits. We got a lot of bead necklaces from the Mardi Gras. 

Nanay and I got nice dresses. Mine were of different sizes that I was able to wear until grade 5. Jose got a cowboy outfit, boots and guns.

Jose was so popular with his cowboy outfit and the first one to grow sideburns like Elvis Presley. Kuya Jubert got nice jacket and View Master with films of Washington DC, the New Orleans parade, and others. 

Tatay also brought a lot of bars and boxes of chocolate candy for us and to give away (pasalubong) to relatives and friends. He got himself new Kodak camera and collection of sample liquor in small bottles of different shapes. 

Kuya Jubert won first place in the declamation contest. He practiced so many times that Jose and I memorized with action most of the lines. Kuya Jubert was serious with his studies. In March 1955 he graduated from elementary school as Valedictorian while I graduated from kindergarten. 

He was enrolled at the University of the Philippines (UP) Preparatory High School located in Padre Faura Manila where most of the Valedictorians from different schools continued high school. He had to take two lines of public transportation (jeepney and bus) to get there.  Sometimes Tatay would take him to school using the Land Rover he used for work. 

On June 20, 1955, there was a Total Solar Eclipse in Manila, Philippines. I was in Grade 1 and our teacher was explaining to us what would happen, that the moon would cover the sun and it would be dark at noon time. 

There was a miniature replica of the Solar System showing the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.  We were given sunglasses made from picture film and she dismissed us early before it got dark. 

When we reached home, my mother prepared a wide tub full of water for us to watch the eclipse reflected on the water.  We did not have to look up with our film sunglasses. 

All the people in Manila were in awe of the experience as the moon slowly covered the sun until there was total darkness. Then slowly the light of the sun was uncovered in the opposite direction.

That experience gave me a clear understanding of what an eclipse is and began my interest in looking at the solar system.
 

After son's tragedy, local teacher begins to take back her life

A Downey teacher is in the last stretch of her preparation for the Avon 39 Walk to End Breast Cancer.

For Griffiths Middle School music teacher Laura Taylor, 2017 has been “the year for doing different goals.”

This year, she heads into her 32nd year of teaching. It’s also her first real opportunity to take her life back after her son was involved in a devastating accident that left him with a major brain injury, which put him in a coma for several months. She likens his injury to shaken baby syndrome.

“My son was in a car accident seven years ago this summer, and so basically for seven years I’ve been pretty much just going to work at Griffiths, and then coming home and taking care of him,” said Taylor. “He’s at a certain point now where, you know, he’s slowly progressing, but it’s like ‘OK, I need to kind of doing things for myself.’”

Taylor made that decision on New Year’s Eve, and started working towards her goal at the beginning of this year by involving herself with a children’s musical in January and February. After that, Taylor wanted a way to get back into shape and to help others.

“I saw this advertisement for the breast cancer walk,” said Taylor. “It’s like ‘OK, this sounds like fun.’”

Photo provided by Laura Taylor

Taylor has been training for the event with a friend, who will also be doing the walk. She began walking in March, gradually building her distance from three to 18 miles.

“The walking gives me a sense of calm,” said Taylor. “It’s very calming and relaxing. Plus because I’m getting older…[I’m] trying to get back in shape, and I’ve really noticed a lot, just, the exercising and stuff, how my endurance has gotten better.”

While Taylor hasn’t known anyone with breast cancer, she has had family affected by cancer. Still, her participation is more fueled by a rebirth, and a general opportunity to help others. It’s also been a challenge that she could take head on.

“It’s been a big learning experience and a challenge, and I wanted something that was challenging,” said Taylor.

Local students start their own tutoring program

A group of local students have started their own tutoring program in an attempt to efficiently help their fellow classmates.

Warren High School seniors Hwikeun Kim and Victoria Real are both tutors for the new Everyone Can Tutor service, which was put together and is run by students.

Kim, the founder and president of the program, says that Everyone Can Tutor is based off of student schedule and one on one help.

“We saw a flaw in our tutoring system currently offered at our school, which is done by our teacher,” said Kim. “We tried to figure out a way to make it better.”

That process started with a survey of other students.

The results of that survey showed that many students struggled finding the time to make it to tutoring.

“At Warren High School, we already have a tutoring program. But teachers have the fixed tutoring, so it’s based on their schedule,” said Real. “Sometime’s it will be in the morning, sometimes it will be after school.

“A lot of [students], especially student athletes, they have morning practice or they have practice after school. In general, life gets busy…just because you’re busy one day you might not get the right tutoring that you might need.”

Students also found themselves in a classroom setting as well, and one on one tutoring time was hard to come by.

“It’s like 15, 20 [students] to one [teacher],” said Kim.

“Our tutoring program…it would be based upon the students schedule, and they could work personally with their tutors to figure out what time works best,” added Real.

To become a tutor, students must apply on the website. While GPA doesn’t matter, to tutor in any given subject an applicant must have A’s in both semesters of the corresponding class.

“Someone could be really good at English but be horrible at math,” said Real. “So as long as you had, like two A’s in English 9 then you’d be able to tutor that.”

With around 30 tutors so far, the group also hopes that the tutor program can expand past Warren and into other Downey schools.

Now, Kim says that the group is meeting with local organizations - such as Stay Gallery and Kiwanis – and city and school district officials in order to try and get Everyone Can Tutor off the ground.

“They all agree that this is a needed program in our society or in our city,” said Kim. “They see a lot of positive outcomes could come out of this program.”

For more information, please visit www.bit.ly/everyonecantutor.

Manny Castro's journey from war-torn El Salvador to Downey

Downey resident Manny Castro has just past a milestone that could be considered a great achievement in any regard; his business Minuteman Press - located in a small strip mall on Florence Avenue – just recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary.

Yet the road that leads to Castro’s tenure as an entrepreneur is one that leads to humble beginnings not found in Downey, California, or even the United States. Castro’s road began in El Salvador.

Castro migrated from El Salvador right around 1982. He says that at the time, ‘everything was uncertain.”

“The war [Salvadorian Civil War] was going on,” said Castro. “I didn’t grow up with my mom or dad. My dad passed away when I was 5 or 6…My mom and dad were separated; my mom had kind of disappeared from our life.”

Castro lived with his grandmother on his father’s side until she too passed away.

“My grandma passed away, and then the civil war exploded,” said Castro. “I ended up moving to San Salvador with my grandma on my mom’s side, and before you know it my mom shows up.”

Castro’s mom had been living in Mexico. It wasn’t long after she arrived in his life that he moved there with her.

“That’s when my journey began,” said Castro.

Castro and his family continued to live in Mexico for about a year and a half before finally making the move to California.

Upon Arrival, Castro – who was about 17 at the time – enrolled in night time adult school.

“That’s where I got the foundation for the new language,” said Castro.

He was also put to work. Unfortunately, situations changed and work took priority over school.

Eventually, Castro was hired by a company that dealt in the distribution of magazines. Castro did well and promoted several times over seven years, however was unfortunately laid off.

It was now time for Castro to make a choice.

“This is when I decided to continue to look for another job or start my own business,” said Castro. “This is where Minuteman Press comes into play.”

Castro now lives in Downey – a 20 year resident – with his daughters Jackie, age 23, Cristina, age 21, and Sophia, age 11, and his wife Hassnaa.

Upon reflection of his journey, he says he’d tell himself to stay a little more focused in school in order to reap the benefits of education. Still, he feels things turned out alright for him in the long run.

“I thank God that it’s not the end of the world, but it does give you an advantage,” said Castro. “Thank God things turned out real well for me. I worked hard, I put my heart into it, I love what I do.”

Shared Stories: What wrong have I done?

Dulce Ruelos and her family left their village to go into hiding when Japan invaded the Philippines. When everyone returned home and school resumed, Dulce feared she had done something wrong. Shared Stories is a weekly column featuring articles by participants in a writing class at the Norwalk Senior Center. Bonnie Mansell is the instructor for this free class offered through the Cerritos College Adult Education Program. Curated by Carol Kearns

By Dulce Ruelos

In 1945, at the end of World War II with the surrender of the Japanese army and the takeover of the Philippines by the Americans, we were finally allowed to go back to our homes from the places where we had hidden for safety.

The initial sight was one of total devastation. All houses were bombed and burned to the ground.  There was only one structure left standing. This was a large, two-story house belonging to my cousin Lorna. 

The roof and walls were riddled with bullets, but the floor was still usable. This structure became our school building. 

Meanwhile, temporary dwelling places had to be built. Bamboo was plentiful and came in handy for use as floors or walls. Our lot had a deep well, so a safe water supply was available for us and our neighbors. We lived temporarily in this hut until better housing could be built.
Top priority was to reopen our school. The only building that could be utilized was the lone surviving home. Quick fixes were made so that classes could start.

First and second grades would occupy the ground floor, and the bigger and older third and fourth graders would be on the second floor.

I was enrolled in second grade. My teacher was a frail-looking but strict and efficient teacher named Miss Teodora. Textbooks and major school supplies had to be shared, and classes resumed with a sense of normalcy.

One day the principal, Mr. Ruiz, came to our classroom. We all stood up as a sign of respect until he motioned us to take our seats. Mr. Ruiz then spoke with Miss Teodora in a soft tone, almost a whisper, and turned toward the class.

He focused his look on me and I heard him mention my name. Needless to say, I was scared, and I began to ask myself, “What wrong have I done?”

Did he find out that I scribbled something on the wall?  But my handwriting is so fine and small.  You see, graffiti is nothing new. Finally he announced that with Miss Teodora’s permission, he would take me upstairs to the fourth grade class.

He asked me to stand in front of the class. Then he gave me the fourth grade book, opened it, and asked me to read from the book. After reading, he told me that I could go back to my class.

At that, I heard him tell the fourth graders that he wanted to show them that a second grader could easily read their book that they were having difficulty with and they should strive to improve their reading skills.

This experience was a moment of pride and an unforgettable memory.

Downey fashion designer launches line of cocktail dresses

DOWNEY – Criseida Serpas woke up one morning and felt stuck.

“For most of my working life, I’ve been a waitress or bartender while I was going to school,” she said. “I had some difficulty after college…I kind of got stuck in those jobs.”

The 32-year-old St. Matthias graduate had attended California State University Long Beach to study fashion, but a decade later there was little to speak of concerning her fashion aspirations.

“Ten, 11 years go by doing those kinds of jobs; I got tired of it,” said Serpas. “I finally decided ‘this is it, this is my one chance.’”

Serpas took what savings she had and went to Downtown Los Angeles to purchase fabric and pattern paper.

Criseida Couture was born.

Serpas began getting her new business in order in March, and officially launched in July.
She says her aesthetic is “classic” with “a little bit of pinup vibe.”

“I want people to be able to wear it to work, and then go to happy hour,” says Serpas. “Something simple…nice, conservative.”

Serpas already has a humble customer base, selling mostly to people she knows. At the moment, she is currently selling primarily online, including websites such as Shopify. Her dream, however, is to end up in a high-end retail store, or on a red carpet.

Those dreams are still a bit away, however, as Serpas admits that she’s still getting the hang of her new business venture.

“I want to make a name making more fashion for everyone, and then building the business,” said Serpas. “Getting the clientele.”

That includes Serpas investing a major amount of resources into her business as well, including most of her savings from bartending, and much of her time. Her social life has seen some major sacrifices as well.

“You give up leisure,” says Serpas. “Giving up having beers with your friends on Thursday, having sushi twice a week, having to say no to brunch with your friends. Giving up leisure is really a big part of starting your own business.”

In addition to her business, Serpas also cares for her father who suffers from dementia. She also still works as a bartender on the weekends.

For now, Serpas says she’s taking “the show on the road,” looking to set up a pop-up shop in a few upcoming boutiques.

“I’m getting ready to go to a couple of Downey boutiques,” Serpas says. “I’m knocking on doors.”

Serpas and her designs can be found at criseidacouture.com, or by following her on Instagram at @criseidacouture. 
 

High school football season only 2 weeks away

DOWNEY – The Warren High School football team has been busy preparing for the start of the 2017 football season. Warren will kick off their 2017 season when they host Don Lugo of Chino on Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. Don Lugo defeated Warren last season at Don Lugo 18-0.

The Bears finished last season with an overall record of 2-7-1 and were 2-3 in S.G.V.L. play. Warren did not qualify for postseason play. The Conquistadores finished last season with an overall record of 10-3 and were 5-0 in Mt. Baldy League play. Don Lugo was defeated by Burbank 44-14 in the third round of the C.I.F. Division 8 playoffs.

The Bears finished last season ranked 3862nd nationally and 282nd in California while Don Lugo finished last season ranked 3128th nationally and 232nd in California. Last year’s game was a bit of a grind before Don Lugo finally put the game away. The Bears have been working hard this offseason in hopes of getting a different result this year.

The Bears have several key returners coming back from last season. Junior quarterback Chris Venegas and junior wide receiver Robbie Colenzo will be two of those catalysts looking to get things going for the upstart Bears. Both players return bigger, faster and stronger from a season ago with more experience and skill under their belts. 

Head coach Raul Lara, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of the 2017 football season.

■ The Vikings will be hosting Orange Lutheran next Friday night, Aug. 18, in a scrimmage scheduled for 6 p.m. 

This scrimmage will be an excellent opportunity for head coach Jack Williams and his staff to make any last minute changes and fine tune his team in preparation for their season opener against Santa Margarita on August 25th.

The Vikings finished last season with an overall record of 10-2 and were 5-0 in S.G.V.L. play. Downey was eliminated by Charter Oak 35-21 in the second round of the C.I.F. Division 4 playoffs. Santa Margarita finished last season with an overall record of 7-5 and were 2-3 in Trinity League play. The Eagles were eliminated by St. John Bosco 54-14 in the second round of the C.I.F. Division 1 playoffs. 

Downey did not play Santa Margarita last year so this is the first meeting between the two schools.

Downey finished last season ranked 890th nationally and 83rd in California while Santa Margarita finished last season ranked 101st nationally and 12th in California. Coach Williams sees this game as an intriguing matchup due to Santa Margarita’s strong finish last year and the fact that so many players are returning from that team. 

This first game of the season will certainly be a test for Downey. The Vikings will be led on offense by junior quarterback Kijjon Foots and senior running back Baraq Ross. 
Coach Williams, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of the 2017 football season. 

■ St. John Bosco finished last season with an overall record of 13-2 and were 4-1 in Trinity League play. St. John Bosco defeated Mater Dei 42-28 in the C.I.F. Division 1 championship game and then went on to defeat Concord De La Salle 56-33 in the state championship game at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento. 

The Braves finished last season ranked 5th in the Xcellent poll, 2nd in the national poll and 1st in California.

The Braves will travel to St. Thomas Aquinas of Fort Lauderdale, Florida for their season opener on Friday, August 25th, at 7:00 p.m. St. Thomas Aquinas defeated Plant High School of Florida 45-6 in the Class 7A state championship game last season. The Raiders then went on to defeat Bingham High School of South Jordan, Utah 33-25 in a national playoff game. 

The Raiders finished last season with an overall record of 13-2 and were 2-0 in District play. St. Thomas Aquinas finished last season ranked 6th in the Xcellent poll, 7th in the national poll and 2nd in Florida. 

The matchup between these two schools certainly presents an intriguing challenge. Both teams return several key players at key positions. St. John Bosco will have athletes all over the field on offense and defense as will St. Thomas Aquinas. Quarterback Re-al Mitchell, FS/WR Jaiden Woodbey  and RB/OLB Demetrious Flowers are just three names to watch out for the Braves this fall. 

Coach Jason Negro, his staff and players are all looking forward to kicking things off against St. Thomas Aquinas, in Florida, on August 25th and defending their C.I.F. Division 1 and state championship titles.

■ Former Warren High School standout cross country and track and field athlete Daniella Moreno competed at the World Long Distance Mountain Championships in Premana, Italy last Saturday and finished 21st overall and was the fourth American female to finish. Moreno finished in a time 4:31:12.

Kasie Enman of Huntington, Vermont was the first American woman to finish. Enman finished second overall in a time of 3:57:30. Addie Bracie of Boulder, Colorado finished second for the American women and was sixth overall in a time of 4:07:20. Kristi Spravzoff of Flagstaff, Arizona finished third for the American women and was 20th overall in a time of 4:28:11. Anita Ortiz of Eagle, Colorado finished fifth for the American women and was 26th overall in a time of 4:40:35. 

The race was 32 kilometers long with 8,000 feet of climbing and descending. There were 16 teams of five men and ten teams of five women competing. The fastest men’s individual time was Petro Mamu of Eritrea in 3:12:52 and the fastest women’s individual time was Silvia Rampazzo of Italy in 3:56:45.

Team medals for the men saw Italy win the gold, the United States win the silver and the Czech Republic win the bronze. Team medals for the women saw Italy win the gold, the United States win the silver and Romania win the bronze.

When asked to describe the course in one word Moreno said it was “ruthless.” Moreno went on to say, “It was a big eye opener for me. I went in thinking I’d take advantage of the downhills, and after rolling my ankle about three miles in my game plan changed and it became an uphill race.” 

Moreno went on to say, “overall it was a great experience. I love racing on teams. I haven’t done that since college. It keeps you going for the team.” 
 

Alternative Medicine: Spiritual Obstacles

In the grand scheme of things, we all encounter spiritual obstacles. My personal journey is no exception. I had a very religious upbringing. Anything outside the chosen religion was seen as negative, wrong and often an act of witchcraft.

I don't know about you, but to a young mind, this causes confusion and conflict. I heard in Sunday mass the priest preach how this superior being (God, universe etc.) was all loving and merciful. That we were all his children. But the real world proved otherwise for this inquisitive mind. Why was it that within our family's religion we practiced this to the core yet when someone outside our religious views came by we intentionally segregated them. 

I became so confused and utterly out of sync with myself. Experiencing the greatest spiritual obstacle in my life. I shied away from sharing this with family and friend in fear of being judged. I somehow had made this story in my head of being abandoned by the very people I loved over my spiritual and religious views. 

Then one day when all seemed broken within my heart and soul, I came to a realization. A realization that would forever transform the way I viewed people. I was on my knees pleading to this higher source for mercy. Tears rolled down my cheeks like a broken water dam. Then, the light came on in my heart.

I realized that the spiritual obstacles I had encountered throughout my life were brought on by my own perception and judgment. Yes, we all have different views but there is nothing written in stone that I must follow one religion, practice or culture. True, we are born into these kinds of upbringings. Mostly to teach us how to go beyond the conventional.

I learned to see beyond the box of my own stereotypical upbringing. Break free from my self-imposed prison. The result was spiritually liberating. The ability to respect and embrace people for who they are rather their spiritual and religious choice was eye opening. Now i was truly experiencing on a deeper level the words I heard as a child "God (universe, higher being etc.) is all merciful and loving. We are all his children". This resonated with me on so many levels.

What I wish you, the reader, takes from my personal journey and experience is the possibility of seeing and respecting people for who they are. The results they produce in life. What do they do for others, rather than their chosen spiritual and religious practice? This simple exercise will resolve any form of spiritual obstacle. How? You will see everyone through the eyes of a mirror. Reflecting onto each one another. You will see no difference beyond the physical realm.

Have a question regarding this article or maybe you’d like to suggest a topic? Write to me at: m_arrieta@yahoo.com. Next article we’ll chat about Gratitude over Fear.

Marcela A. Arrieta is an alternative modality practitioner with over five years of experience in this field. She is also a successful entrepreneur who resides in Downey.