4 JULY 20, 2012
www.HewsMediaGroup.com
VAL LYNDER • Defender of all that is true We Should Not Idle Away Our Time, But Develop Our Ability to Help Others By Jerry Bernstein editor@cerritosnews.net
I
hadn’t been visited by VAL LYNDER, DEFENDER Of ALL THAT IS TRUE, for a while and I began to wonder if she Editor-in-Chief had left the state, JERRY BERNSTEIN when she waltzed into the office. She looked angry. “VAL LYNDER,” I asked, “Is some-
Learn how to REALLY use the Law of Attraction Powerful success and money making secrets kept hidden by the wealthy elite class finally revealed.
Call for a free CD
(714) 290-3190
Excellence in Comfort and Dentistry “It’s so refreshing to have a dentist that engages and cares like he does. Dr. Urban and his staff go out of their way to make me feel comfortable.
thing wrong?” I noticed her umbrella was clutched in her hand. Not a good sign. “I just don’t understand,” she quietly began, “ how the members of the ABC school board did not know what was happening at Stowers Elementary School? Do they wear blinders when something like that happens? That teacher actually threatened to kill two other school teachers. Don’t they ask questions?” “VAL LYNDER,” I said, calm down. I don’t know what the members of the school board felt or if they knew what really happened.” “Well they should have known. Hiding behind “It’s a personnel matter” is no excuse. What occurred at Stowers is just as important as the curriculum taught the students.” I could tell she was really upset. “I’ve been doing some investigating,” she said, “and this policy of sweeping things under the rug has been going on for a long time. I just can’t understand why no one has stepped forward. Are teachers and staff afraid of their jobs or afraid they will lose their retirement?” I decided I’d better not interrupt her.
GUEST MAYOR'S COLUMN
Did You Know… Cerritos recently approved a $120.24 million budget By Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards
M
y City Council colleagues and I recently approved a $120.24 million combined financial
What?
After visiting Dr. Urban’s office, all my dentist fears went away.” Read more patient testimonials on our web page at:
www.DrDouglasUrban.com
13079 Artesia Blvd., Ste. B-104 Cerritos, CA 90703 562.926.6066
Douglas L. Urban, DDS Cerritos Southcoast Dental 10945 South Street, Suite 200A Cerritos, CA 90703
www.fidelityhearing.com
562 924-1523
ROOM ADDITIONS
NNOORRWWAALLKK//LLAAMMIIRRAADDAA
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
“What about the children?” she asked, “It appears the District had less concern about the safety of the children and teachers than the public image of the District.” VAL LYNDER paused a moment. “What I don’t understand is when the principal called the district office, explaining what was happening and asking for some help, the first thing she was told was to get the teacher’s union representative? What did this have to do with the union?” “That’s a good question,” I said. Not to be denied, VAL LYNDER continued. “For that matter when District officials arrived on the campus why was the Union President with them? And why did the superintendent (Smuts) tell members (parents) of the PTA the teacher was no longer living in Long Beach but had moved to northern California when he knew he hadn’t moved.” “Maybe Smuts was trying to reassure the parents it was safe for their children to attend school,” I interjected. “It looks to me Smuts cared less about the children and teachers’ safety then the reputation of ABC,” she snapped back. “There are a lot of unanswered ques-
tions,” I said. Before she could respond I continued, “for instance the Superior Court ruled the evidence used questioning the principal’s qualifications to hold her job was fabricated and not true. The court also questioned if the principal’s demotion had to do with her refusing to keep quiet about the incident and reporting it to the police.” “I saw the videos of the district officials depositions” said VAL LYNDER, “a district official admitted the principal was demoted because she had not followed orders and reported the incident to the police. “She was correct in her action,” I said. “Protecting her staff and students comes with the job of being principal.” VAL LYNDER rose from her chair to leave.” It’s almost like there are two school districts,” she asserted, while slowly raising her umbrella. “A public district and a private district.” Before I could respond she raised her umbrella and brought it down on my desk. “VAL LYNDER,” I said, “I wish you wouldn‘t do that.”
program for fiscal year 2012-2013. The program includes a City operating budget of more than $86 million and a Cerritos Successor Agency budget of $31.4 million. In addition Cerritos Mayor to the City’s operJim Edwards ating budget, $2.6 million has been earmarked for capital projects. As this past year was once again economically challenging for cities across the nation, development of this year’s budget was especially difficult as the State of California dissolved California Redevelopment Agencies on February 1 as part of efforts to balance the state budget. For fiscal year 2011-2012, this resulted in a loss of more than $35.5 million to the City. The City's operating budget of more than $86 million, excluding capital projects, reflects a 3.02 percent decrease from the prior year. I’d like to highlight a few of the planned capital projects that will enhance our community. Our residents love the variety of recreation options in the City, and this year’s budget allows for improvements to various recreation facilities. Playgrounds in Cerritos will be improved in the coming year. The City will spend $25,000 on playground equipment replacement and $60,000 to replace playground sand with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant materials at various neighborhood parks. In addition, $50,000 will be spent on new play-
ground equipment at Liberty Park. Cerritos Park East will receive a $287,000 remodel which includes the renovation of restrooms and the rehabilitation of the community rooms. Pavement rehabilitation at Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course, the Cer Cerritos Olympic Swim & Fitness Center and three community centers will cost $110,000. The Cerritos Library is always a popular destination, and we are excited that $300,000 will be spent to remodel the Library Multimedia area into a Teen Zone with additional computer and study areas. The City will continue making a significant investment in maintaining streets during the new fiscal year. A $982,500 project involves the resurfacing of 183rd Street from Gridley Road to Palo Verde Avenue. A $350,000 project includes street furniture and landscaping enhancements along Studebaker Road from South Street to Artesia Boulevard and a new freeway sign for the Cerritos Auto Square. If you’d like to view a copy of the approved City of Cerritos 2012-2013 Combined Financial Program, visit the Cerritos Library or the office of the City Clerk at Cerritos City Hall. As always, I encourage Cerritos residents to call me at City Hall at (562) 860-0311 or to send me an e-mail through the City's website at cerritos.us and share your suggestions, concerns and questions. I am pleased to talk with Cerritos residents and work with you toward the betterment of our wonderful community.
10% OFF ANYTHING WITH THIS AD!
• Family Rooms • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • 2nd Stories • Have the oldest remodeling company in the Lakewood/Long Beach area build your addition.
SINCE 1958
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL C A L L TO D AY ! 5 6 2 . 6 3 3 . 4 4 8 •4Drains and Sewers Cleaned •
Enterprises
Lic# 264410
• FAMILY ROOMS • BEDROOMS • BATHROOMS • 2nd STORIES • • FREE Design & Estimates • Written Completion Date • 5-Year Guarantee • Hassle-Free Construction
CALL TODAY! 562-633-4484
10% OFF
Copper Repiping • Furnaces • Water Heaters
Air Conditioning • Water Piping • Hydrojetting
Leak Detecting • Water Softeners • Disposals
PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES • Local Delivery Available • We Are A Compounding Pharmacy • Ask About Our Weight Loss Program
17623 PIONEER BLVD. ARTESIA
Bath Remodeling • Backflow Testing & Repair
562-402-1000
11661 Firestone Blvd. Norwalk
fax 562-402-2471
State Contractor License: #271767
24 HOUR SERVICE 24HOUR HOUR SERVICE 24 SERVICE 24 HOUR SERVICE
562 562
863-57 17 863-57 17 (562) 868-7777 863-57 17 868-7 7 7 77 868-7 77 7ad! $20 868-7 7 7 off with this 562 562 562 562
176th ST
✖
(714) 868-8544 7961 Valley View St., La Palma, CA 90623
Stan Winters, R.Ph
PIONEER
Excellence since 1970”
Serving the community with excellent service since 1970