Sports Bob Miller page 4
Vol. 55, No. 02
Education Chalk Talk, page 2 - 3
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
January 24, 2018
City of El Monte Breaks Ground on Norms Restaurant
by S. Jackson, Staff Reporterr El Monte
As shovels dug into the soil, stakeholders across El Monte witnessed a historic moment for the City as Council Members and Norms staff broke ground on Norms Restaurant on January 18. Residents also celebrated the renaming of Valley Mall back to Main Street and the reconstruction of Parking Lot No. 1. The addition of Norms, renaming of Valley Mall to Main Street and reconstruction of the parking lot are part of the City’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area. In early 2017, the City adopted the Downtown Main Street Specific Plan and Master Plan, which seeks to encourage transit-oriented development by creating better connections to public transportation, increasing housing density, and stimulating commercial and recreational activities. “It’s hard to convey the raw challenges we faced in this painstaking process,” Mayor Andre Quintero said. “It’s a testament to the determination of the city that we’re here today.” The City has been working diligently towards bringing Norms to the community for nine years. The proj-
Council Members and Norms staff breaking ground at construction site during the ceremony on January 18, 2018. Photo courtesy from the City of El Monte.
ect had been delayed due to changes in redevelopment agencies and policies at the state level, and a change in wnership at Norms. Today, the fence is up, the foundation is almost poured, and residents will be able to see construction of the much anticipated Norms from ground
up. The 6,800 square-foot restaurant is expected to accommodate 220 patrons. More than a restaurant, Norms will also invest in the community by developing 100 employment opportunities, which will be made first available to El Monte residents which was
a priority in negotiations according to Development Director Minh Thai. Every city appreciates a commitment to community, every business understands without community there would be no business, and Norms Restaurant continued on page 8
Mountain View School District Teacher Honored with Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award by M. Earle, Mountain View School District El Monte
Priscilla Figueroa, Mountain View School District’s English Language Development (ELD) Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA) was honored with the Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award at the 14th annual Tamalada held December 14. The award commemorates the life and legacy of Roberto “Bobby” Salcedo, a respected teacher and administrator and acknowledges outstanding educators for their hard work and dedication to the students they serve, as well as their commitment and contribution to the advancement of their schools, students or educational community. Priscilla has been an integral part of the Mountain View team for 28 years, serving as a teacher and tireless advocate for students and the community. Prior to her current role as our ELD TOSA, Priscilla dedicated 25 years
serving as a Bilingual Teacher, GATE Teacher, Literacy Coordinator, and English Immersion Teacher, working at several school sites including La Primaria, Baker, Voorhis and Parkview. For the past 3 years, in her role as a TOSA, her advocacy reaches all MVSD students through the training and professional development she leads for staff members. She works with MVSD’s ELD teachers to ensure that student needs are identified and addressed to prepare the students for success in high school and beyond. According to her colleagues, who fondly refer to her as a “rock star” Figueroa was the classroom teacher that had the most fun! Every student, they say, wanted to be in her class. Now, she greets teachers with the phrase, “Thank you for coming to the party!” as they enter her training sessions and meetings. The educators leave excited to get the students ready to progress.
Priscilla Figueroa, an English Language Development Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA) received the 2017 Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award for the Mountain View School District. Pictured is the honoree with MVSD Board Members, Jacqueline Saldaña, Adam Carranza and Christian Diaz and District Superintendent, Lillian Maldonado French. Courtesy Photo
“Priscilla is an exceptional educator and wonderful asset to our District,” said Lillian Maldonado French, Su-
perintendent. “Her dedication and efEsperanza Award continued on page 8