ENTERTAINMENT:
EL MONTE:
EDUCATION:
Real Women Have Curves: They Do, Indeed
City of El Monte Reduces Water Consumption by 28 Percent Pg. 14
Alhambra Unified School District: Concentrated Learning Pg. 26
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elmonteexaminer.com
Thursday, September 24, 2015 - September 30, 2015
Your Voice, Your Community Since 1996
Democrats Prevail in Republicans’ Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood
COMPLIMENTARY COPY VOLUME 19, NO. 39
Saturday’s Rally in Pasadena Sends Strong Message BY TERRY MILLER
Approximately 1000 people attended a rally in defense of Planned Parenthood Saturday morning. The huge show of support on the steps of Pasadena City Hall was in direct reaction not only to the “doctored” fetus videos but also the massive Republican attempt to defund the education services the organization provides to women. – Photo by Terry Miller
LA County Firefighter Charged With Sexual Assault in El Monte BY J. SHADÉ QUINTANILLA Last Wednesday, on Sept. 16, a Los Angeles County firefighter was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman near an El Monte elementary school. The woman was reportedly walking near Portero Elementary School after she dropped her child off at school. At about 8:15 a.m., Richard Loken, an LA County firefighter and Moreno Valley resident, approached her from behind and grabbed her breast. She quickly called 911 while the firefighter allegedly stood in front of her and blocked her from running away. When a man nearby heard the woman screaming and asked if she was okay, Loken quickly
fled by driving off in his pickup truck. The woman spoke with the witness and reported the assault to school authorities, who then contacted the El Monte Police. The firefighter was not arrested until four hours later when police received calls about a suspicious person sitting in a black Ford truck near the school. When police responded to the calls, they discovered Loken in his vehicle. Officers suspected that he may have been driving under the influence and noticed a loaded handgun lying in the passenger seat. They also found handcuffs and a
SEE PG. 14
Despite the blistering heat, approximately 1,000 people rallied Saturday morning on the steps of Pasadena City Hall to show community-wide support for the millions of people who benefit from the health care and education services provided by Planned Parenthood. The rally was held in response to not only the Republican Congress’ attempt to defund PP but also “the series of fraudulent videos recorded by an anti-abortion extremist group, biased investigations into Planned Parenthood and their practices, and anti-abortion protestors disrupting care at Planned Parenthood locations across the country.” Officials of Planned Parenthood say the videos released had been altered and severe-
ly edited in an attempt to discredit the group. Concerned that opponents of Planned Parenthood people had blended into the crowd with signs quoting the Bible, organizers called Pasadena police, who kept a watchful eye on the proceedings. Saturday’s large turnout included Mayor Terry Tornek who was quick to point out that he was there as a private individual supporting Planned Parenthood and not on behalf of city council. “It’s important for us to thank our community of supporters and show that we will not let these fraudulent attacks hinder access to care, no matter what,” said SEE PG. 9
Stabbing Investigation in El Monte BY STAFF WRITER
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau detectives responded to the 12200 block of Magnolia Avenue, El Monte, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing death of a man. Detectives have learned that El Monte Police Department personnel responded to the location regarding a “person down” call. A person walking by the location discovered the injured man and notified police. When officers arrived they saw the victim lying on the sidewalk with what appeared to be stab wounds to his upper torso. The victim was pro-
nounced dead at the scene. There is no suspect information and the motive is unknown. There is no further information available at this time. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http:// lacrimestoppers.org.