Mid Valley News - May 16, 2018 - Volume 55 Issue 10

Sports

Education

SGV Champs page 4

Chalk Talk, page 2 - 4

The Community Paper of Record

Vol. 55, No. 10

Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966

May 16, 2018

El Monte Residents Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

by Staff Writer El Monte

Arceo Park was filled with vibrant music, colorful Mexican decorations, flavorful cuisine, family games and more during the Fiesta of Books and Cinco de Mayo celebration last Saturday. Internationally renowned Mexican artist Rozenda Bernal headlined the musical festivities.

“The Fiesta of Books and Cinco de Mayo celebration was an opportunity to highlight rich Mexican heritage and literacy,” said El Monte Councilmember Jerry Velasco.

The event kicked off Saturday morning with Fiesta of Books. Preschool through 6th grade students from the El Monte school districts had an opportunity to select two free books from a range of titles, such as “Beyond the Valley of Thorns” and “Hispanic Celebrities in America.”

Students also had an opportunity to participate in a live reading of “Mommy Tell Me Why I Am Radiant/ Mami Dime Porque Soy Radiante” by authors Sandra Gonzalez and Julia Rae Rodriguez.

“We thank the El Monte City School District and the Mountain View School District for their partner-

Internationally renowned Mexican artist, Rozenda Bernal, extends her hand to the crowd during the El Monte Cinco de Mayo celebration. Photo Courtesy

ship in hosting the Fiesta of Books,” added Councilmember Velasco.

Following the celebration of literacy, the fiesta continued with dance

routines, musical performances by solo artists and bands, and an art contest featuring El Monte students.

Community members also enjoyed

traditional Mexican dishes and games for the entire family.

For many, the highlight of the fiCinco de Mayo continued on page 8

2016 Miss Friendly Princess Crowned New Miss California Teen Achieve

by Staff Writer El Monte

Former Arroyo High School student and member of the 2016 Miss Friendly El Monte / South El Monte Pageant Chelsea Lee is the new Miss California Teen Achieve.

Using a platform of “Earthquake Safety Awareness”, winning the evening gown competition, the fitness competition, and combining the same determination and sense of purpose that has directed Chelsea as an active volunteer in the El Monte South El Monte communities was more than enough to convince the judges Chelsea deserved the crown.

“Thank you so much for everything. Your pageant system created such a solid foundation for me. I would not have had the courage or the confidence to enter this competition without the Miss Friendly Pageant.” The new Miss California Teen

Courtesy photo.

Achieve said in a brief statement.

Priscilla Hernandez, also a 2016

member of the Miss Friendly El Monte / South El Monte Pageant, won the Miss California Teen continued on page 8

Mid Valley News

Page 2

May 16, 2018

EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chalk Talk

South El Monte High School Scholars

by Staff Writer, El Monte

1. Samantha Gowin - first in family to go to college, school rep for girls state, awarded Rotary Youth Leadership Award, served as only HS intern for district attorney’s office, accepted and attending UCLA 2. Alejandra Torres - 4.0+ student, Honor Roll, attending UCSD 3. AVID Seniors 2018 - College

bound AVID Seniors 4. Daniel Olmos - Several athletic accolades at South, attending CSULA 5. Vallerie Chavarin - ASB President, 4.0 + student, several extra curriculars, attending UCLA 6. Samantha Rodriguez - first in family to go to college, recently

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broke school record for triple jump and won 1st in league. Will be attending UCSD 7. Gavin Splliard and Sandra Amezqua - Top of their class, Gavin is attending UCLA, Sandra has committed to Yale and has received a $40,000 scholarship from Southern California Edison and a $20,000

Dell scholarship 8. (not pictured) Miriam Benevidez - Attending CSULA, also received Dell scholarship for $20,000.

Managed a 4.0 gpa while also being a caregiver to her mother.

Scholarship of the Week

Welcome to the land of the debt free bachelor’s degree. Where nickels and dimes are common cents and the college degree has taken over student debt as the status symbol of higher education.

This week, in honor of the amazing accomplishments of the South El Monte High School Eagles Softball team, we are going to talk about athletic scholarships.

Whether you are a talented athlete looking for a full-ride scholarship to your dream college or you are more of a club sport athlete looking to play for love of the game, there might be a scholarship for you. Know your skill, know your worth, and do your research.

Landing an athletic scholarship isn’t all about being the best on your high school team. There are many awards available for athletes who play because they enjoy the game.

Local leagues and organizations offer many scholarships just for playing on a team, no matter how good you are.

Ben Carlson Memorial and Schol-

arship Foundation The Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation is creating a legacy of Ben Carlson through scholarship, ocean safety, and philanthropy. For those who have not read the story of Ben Carlson, I encourage you to do so.

In order to apply, candidates need to be attending a four-year post-secondary school within ten months of award application date. While the 2018 window has closed, interested students can begin applying for the 2019 scholarship.

Candidates must be a current high school senior or undergraduate student. Graduate students will not be considered. Candidates must demonstrate a strong work ethic, academic promise, athleticism, and service to the community. High School students must have a minimum weighted 3.5 GPA. Applicants with present or past participation in a junior lifeguard proScholarships continued on page 3

May 16, 2018

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Your Community Paper of Record

EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chalk Talk

There’s South El Monte… and There’s Everybody Else Scholarship continued from page 2

gram or present or past employment as an ocean lifeguard will be given additional preference. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

For more information, and to ready an inspiration story, readers are encouraged to visit The Ben Carlson Foundation website at www.bencarlsonfoundation.org.

Bobby Sox High School Senior Scholarship The Bobby Sox Softball Program has a Scholarship Fund established for the benefit of High School Senior girls who have participated in one, or more Bobby Sox Leagues for a minimum of four seasons.

Primarily, the scholarship committee is interested that those young women who made Bobby Sox a part of their lives season after season, to be eligible for consideration for the scholarship awards.

Scholarships are presented to the girls of Bobby Sox each year based on the entries submitted. The exact number and award is determined during the current Spring Season. All qualifying High School Seniors will receive a Scholarship Award.

For more information on this opportunity, readers should visit the Bobby Sox Softball website at www. bobbysoxsoftball.org.

by Staff Writer El Monte

Congratulations to the Eagles of South El Monte for winning the 2018 Mission Valley League Softball title.

In case you haven’t noticed, the South El Monte High School Softball team is pretty good.

Finishing the season undefeated in league play at 12 – 0 and overall record of 20-1, the only loss coming early in the season at home against Tustin, is very impressive.

The Eagles walked away with the Mission Valley League Title, are on top of the Southern Section Division

IV Softball standings by one game and are currently ranked 11th of teams having the best chance of winning the Southern Section Division IV softball title.

While that last line may not sound great, we should remember numbers on a page doesn’t account for the intangibles - heart, passion, and will. Anything can happen in a single elimination tournament – and often does.

This team is above the national average in batting average, on base percentage, home runs, stolen bases, and fielding percentage. The only major

category the Eagles are significantly behind the national average is earned run average.

But we need to take that with a spoonful of sugar, because a 1.39 era ain’t too shabby.

Coach Dean Bunting has this team playing well and focusing on fundamentals – as usual. Good contact (.370 batting average), runners moving into scoring position (76 stolen bases), and occasional power (8 home runs) backed by phenomenal defense (.964 fielding percentage) has always been a recipe for success.

And this year is no different.

El Monte and Arroyo Share Mission Valley League Championship This past week Mission Valley League Baseball play came to end.

The Arroyo High School Knights and the El Monte High School Lions both finished 9-3 and atop the standings so they are co-champs of the Mission Valley League.

The Lions will now compete in the CIF Southern Section Division 6 playoffs. The Knights will compete in the Division 7 playoffs. The first round will be played on Friday.

It was a great season for both teams.

It is the first league championship for

the Knights since 2015. The Lions on the other hand have now won backto-back league championships. The Lions must be kicking themselves because they could have easily been the outright champion this year.

Back on April 27th when Arroyo played at El Monte, the Lions had a 9 to 5 lead going into the top of the 7th and blew it (7 inning game in HS Baseball). The Knights tied the game 9-9 with 4 runs in the top of the 7th, and then scored 4 more in the top of the 8th in extra innings to win the game 13-9.

The Lions had a very poor nonleague season going 3-6 so that is

something to keep an eye on during playoff season. The Knights went 3-5 in non-league play but they will be playing in a weaker playoff division, so they may be able to make a run.

The playoff matchups are decided by the CIF Committee (matchups were not known when this article was written). It will be interesting to see who can go farther in these playoffs.

High School Baseball playoffs are a toss-up because anything can happen in a do or die baseball game. Mission Valley League will be well represented in this year’s CIF Southern Section Playoffs.

earning a Gates Scholarship, an allexpenses-paid scholarship given to just 300 high-achieving minority students in the nation.

Nguyen – the son of a Vietnamese immigrant who attributes his academic and personal success to the resiliency and hardworking values instilled by his mother – was chosen from more than 28,700 applicants competing for the inaugural scholarship, offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

“I remember opening my email and scrolling down to see the email from the Gates Scholarship program, and the first word that I saw was ‘Congratulations,’” Nguyen said. “In that instant, a feeling of great euphoria rushed through me. Winning the Gates Scholarship represents the end of a journey and a new start to another one.”

The Gates Scholarship, which will be given to 3,000 minority high school seniors over the next decade, helps exceptional seniors attain their dream of attending four-year univer-

sities and earning an undergraduate degree.

The program will fund the full cost of college not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students will also be provided with academic and social support, mentoring and leadership training opportunities.

“This scholarship has helped me prove to myself and others that you can achieve whatever you set your heart and mind to,” Nguyen said. “I worked so hard in high school and to have it all culminate in this scholarship, along with being accepted to my dream school, is almost too much for me to believe.”

Nguyen, who has taken more than a dozen Advanced Placement courses at the El Monte Union high school, plans to major in chemical engineering at MIT – ranked among the world’s top universities.

An avid volunteer, Nguyen helps students conquer their fears and frus-

trations of learning a new language by assisting English learner students in grammar, writing and reading comprehension at the San Gabriel Salvation Army Learning Center.

“My experience volunteering at the San Gabriel Salvation Army Learning Center taught me that even the smallest deeds and actions can make an impact on someone’s life,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen credits his mother – who immigrated to the United States at the end of the Vietnam War knowing very little English and having no exposure to Western culture – as his inspiration to succeed.

“My mother has seriously influenced the way I act and think for the better, and without her I don’t think I would be half the person that I am today,” he said.

On campus, Nguyen has competed on Rosemead’s cross country and track and field teams, serving as team captain for both sports during his se-

by Mike Nelson, Contributing Sports Writer National / Los Angeles

MIT-Bound Rosemead High Senior Named 2018 Gates Scholar

by Staff Writer El Monte

Rosemead High School senior Alec Nguyen – an accomplished track and field athlete with a 4.45 weighted GPA – will study chemical engineering this fall at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after

Rosemead High School senior Alec Nguyen is one of 300 students across the nation selected for a Gates scholarship, which will fund his expenses to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ranked among the top universities in the world.

Courtesy photo

Rosemead Scholar continued on page 4

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Mid Valley News

May 16, 2018

EL MONTE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chalk Talk

Rosemead Scholar Continued from page 3

nior year. He has also been active in numerous clubs and organizations, serving in roles that include California Scholarship Federation president, Engineering Club treasurer and a member of GATE, the National Honor Society and the Science Olympiad team.

“As a brilliant student and dedicated community member, Alec has positioned himself to become a leader who is ready to contribute positive things to our world. We are so proud of his accomplishments,” Principal Dr. Brian Bristol said. “Landing this impressive scholarship to attend one of the most prestigious universities in the world speaks volumes about Alec’s character and the education he has received while at Rosemead High School.”

El Monte Union Seniors Celebrate Commitment to College During Ceremonies

by Staff Writer

Hundreds of graduating seniors from El Monte Union’s comprehensive high schools celebrated their university-bound commitments in front of cheering crowds of underclassmen, teachers and administrators during District-wide College Signing Day ceremonies taking place April 26-May 3.

Mountain View, South El Monte, El Monte, Rosemead and Arroyo high schools hosted individual events to celebrate seniors achieving their academic pursuits and to show-

case the college-going culture each campus has cultivated to inspire and prepare students to follow their educational and professional goals.

“It feels really special to be recognized, and it’s nice to see everyone together celebrating and happy,” said Mountain View High senior Matthew Acuna, who will attend California State University, Los Angeles in the fall. “It’s so good to know that all my hard work has paid off.”

For Mountain View’s inaugural College Signing ceremony, more than 70 seniors were recognized for their post-secondary plans, with students receiving “#accepted” T-shirts

South El Monte High School seniors celebrate their post-secondary plans during an Acceptance Day ceremony on May 2.

Courtesy Photo.

Arroyo High School students receive “AHS College Bound” T-shirts during the inaugural “Knights Charging Forward” celebration on May 3.

Rosemead High seniors wear “Accepted” T-shirts to commemorate their decisions to commit to the college or university of their choice on April 26. Courtesy Photo.

and signing a Class of 2018 banner with their name and the university they will attend. Vista Academy students also took individual portraits of the seniors and filmed testimonials of celebration and gratitude for the teachers who helped them succeed.

“Our graduating Class of 2018 is incredible,” said Dr. Amy Avina, principal of South El Monte High School, which captured students’ excitement for college with photos and a plethora of college banners. “Our seniors are serving as an inspiration to our younger students, letting them know that they too can achieve any goal they set their minds on.”

El Monte High School recognized more than 180 seniors during its third annual College Signing event, which included a catered lunch for students, who signed symbolic letters of intent to attend such universities as Stanford, Georgetown and UCLA. “We are so proud of our graduating seniors for making it to this point in their educations and we want to recognize each one of them for all that they have accomplished thus far,” El Monte High College and Career Coordinator Wyatt Bernthal said.

Rosemead High School kicked off its second annual College Acceptance event with Principal Dr. Brian Bris-

tol addressing an auditorium of more than 170 seniors. As guest speakers delivered speeches of hope and perseverance, a slideshow played of students holding T-shirts with the word “Accepted” and a list of the universities they were accepted to – with some Class of 2018 grads boasting as many as 10 college acceptances.

Seniors enjoyed a picnic lunch and participated in activity stations, including interactive games, a photo booth and a thank-you stand where students could write messages to their favorite teachers.

“Having the recognition that we are moving on to college and being celebrated for it is really nice, and I’m glad we can take the opportunity to thank the teachers who got us here,” said Rosemead High School senior Vivian Macias, who will study forensic psychology at UC Davis.

Seniors from Arroyo High School toasted to their post-secondary plans during the first “Knights Charging Forward” event, during which students completed intent cards shaped like a knight’s helmet, took photos, were given “AHS College Bound” T-shirts and enjoyed complimentary sweets from the dessert bar.

“I am so proud of all our students who are committed to taking this next big step in life,” Arroyo High School Principal Angelita GonzalesHernandez said. “This event is the perfect way to celebrate them before they head off and forge their own paths.”

Students will continue the celebration with commencement ceremonies taking place May 31.

“These events highlight the fantas-

El Monte High School students sign a letter of intent to the college of their choice during a College Signing Day celebration on April 27.Courtesy Photo.

tic accomplishments of our students and celebrate them for how hard they have worked to reach this milestone,” El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Every student is capable and deserves the opportunity to attend college, and our teachers and staff work diligently to prepare them for a future of success.”

May 16, 2018

Your Community Paper of Record

ChapCare Moving Forward

CHAPCARE HEALTH CENTERS

by Staff Writer El Monte

Per ChapCare’s comprehensive, five-year strategic plan (FY15 to FY19), the organization’s goal is to invest in infrastructure, capital, and systems to support the existing clinical operation, significantly expand the breadth of services we provide, and increase access points from which patients can obtain our services.

Together, this will maximize the quality of the care we provide while increasing access to care. In addition, it will ensure that patients are accessing services at the appropriate place, in a cost-effective way, guiding patients to urgent care centers (as needed), and utilizing the hospital emergency rooms as a provider of last resort, which will save ChapCare and the overall health system a significant amount of money.

Key projects will include renovating our Fair Oaks health center and opening the new Lake health center (both are located in northwest Pasadena); and expanding access to telemedicine specialty consults through a regional telemedicine specialty

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HUB. ChapCare expects to add cardiology, endocrinology, and obstetrics, among others, to provide for a more comprehensive menu of specialty services; and finally, ChapCare plans to implement technology solutions via a new state-of-the-art website, which will help patients access services at the appropriate point-ofcare (i.e. ChapCare health center, hospital urgent care, etc.).

To find more information on how Chapcare continues to provide excellent, comprehensive and innovative health care that is accessible to all the residents of the San Gabriel Valley, readers are encouraged to visit their website at www.chapcare.org.f

Community Corner City of South El Monte Youth Boxing Center Presents

DIAZ VS RUSSEL FIGHT VIEWING EVENT UNBEATEN TOP CONTENDER JOSEPH 'JOJO' DIAZ JR. TAKES ON WBC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION GARY RUSSELL JR. May 19, 2018 • 7pm South El Monte Community Center *REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED

For more information, please call (626) 579-2043.

CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Join us to commemorate our heroes with a special ceremony featuring a 21 Gun Salute, poem readings, and more.

Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018 11:00 A.M. CITY HALL FRONT LAWN 1415 N. SANTA ANITA AVE. SOUTH EL MONTE, CA 91733

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 626-579-2043.

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Mid Valley News

May 16, 2018

into Summer Fun C R O S S W O R D

S u d o k u

Crossword Puzzle solution in issue 5.30.18

Solution for Sudoku in issue 5.30.18

ENGLISH ROYALTY

ACROSS 1. Piggy’s glasses (“Lord of the Flies”) 6. Strike caller 9. Not a hit 13. Earth in Latin 14. Fa follower 15. Half of diameters 16. Architectural projection 17. Down Under bird 18. Mountaineer’s tool 19. *Royal family since 1917 21. *2018 royal bride 23. Stumblebum 24. Ship wrecker 25. *A national color 28. Ditto 30. Poster heading 35. “It aint over till it’s ____” 37. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 39. Hindu sage 40. Not all 41. World Series mistake 43. Not Sunni 44. Augmenting 46. Hatha or bikram, e.g.

47. Teller’s partner 48. Take the first steps 50. Bar bill, pl.

52. *The British Royal Navy secures it 53. Strip of wood 55. Bebop, for short 57. *Cause of 1936 abdication 60. *#29 Down’s co-ruler 64. Dam 65. Fuss, to Shakespeare 67. Dhaka, formerly 68. Black tie ____ 69. Biochemistry abbr.

70. Foe 71. Between bleu and jaune 72. Seasonal blues 73. ____ sociales or social networks

DOWN 1. Put in the hold 2. ____meter or ____scope 3. Sportscaster Andrews 4. Words to live by 5. Pico de gallo and such 6. Drug addict 7. *Catherine of Aragon to Bloody Mary 8. Musketeer’s hat accessory 9. Speed of object divided by speed of sound 10. Brainchild 11. a.k.a. Xi’an, ancient capital of China 12. *How many wives did Henry VIII have?

15. Ships’ masts and sails attendant 20. “Coming ____ ____” 22. Get it wrong 24. *Get engaged 25. *Symbols for Houses of Lancaster and York 26. Call forth 27. Call it quits 29. *#60 Across’ co-ruler 31. Bit of smoke 32. “____ we all fall down” 33. German wine valley 34. *Present Prince of Wales’ first wife 36. First woman Attorney General 38. Frat house party garb 42. Torah teacher 45. Esophagus 49. ____ chi 51. Fuse together 54. Former Russian leaders 56. Heathrow craft 57. We have 58. Affirm 59. Pre-easter period 60. Blue dyestuff 61. Latte choice 62. “The Road Runner” corporation 63. The Say Hey Kid 64. Leo in Russian 66. “23andMe” type of test

Lexington Masonic Lodge Annual Barbecue Benefits Community

by Joseph Moseley El Monte

The Masonic Lexington Lodge #104 Annual Deep-Pit-Barbecue is happening this Sunday, May 20th from 12 – 5pm. Everyone is cordially invited to join in and experience excellent food and fellowship as they welcome in the 2018 summer season. This year’s menu will include barbeque beef and pork, baked beans, salads, rolls, ice cream and beverages.

Last year the Lodge BBQ’d 150 lbs. of beef and served over 50 families making it a very successful event. This year they are hoping to double those numbers and say they are prepared and ready for the challenge.

Art Douglas, from the Masonic Deep Pit Committee stated, “All Masonic members and volunteers working that day will not rest until everyone is completely satisfied and we assure all our attendees that no one will leave hungry.”

In addition to the BBQ, Lexington Lodge is active through-out the year in the El Monte/ South El Monte community.

Their “Raise a Reader” program alone is now in several of the of the schools in the El Monte City School District, providing books

for kindergarten students to read with their families.

This year at the BBQ the Lodge will be honoring our veterans with an Armed Forces Day Tribute starting at 3pm. Good food, great company and a salute to our veterans.

Come join in the community fun and get connected with your neighborhood. Cost for BBQ meals: Adults - $12, Children 5 to 19 $8 and children five and under are free. Lexington Lodge #104 is located at 4017 North Tyler Ave El Monte, Ca 91731.

May 16, 2018

“Working Overtime”

Huntin’ with Hunter Note: We got a lot of response from all of you about my column in the March 21, 2018 issue about Hunter Hancock. I was happy to hear from my pal Ray Regalado who I have invited to be one of our contributing writers: Ed Note: Due to the length of Mr. Regalado’s contribution we are publishing the article in two parts. This is part 2.

In 1989 the Doo Wop Society of So Cal was formed. I joined and became a board member. Our shows featured R& B artists of the 50’s & early 60’s, including vocal groups from the East & West Coasts. I began looking for old HH to have him as a DJ or guest of honor. The few leads I got were dead ends.

In the fall of 1999, I had just returned from a Navy Reunion in Virginia. I had a search engine on the computer, looking for shipmates.

A fellow DWS board member Jim Dawson and I spoke on the phone, and I mentioned how nice it would be to have HH at one of our shows.

After we hung up, I entered HH name in the search engine, and 2 names appeared. The first one called was our guy. I Left a voice message, and he called a week later and he agreed to be our guest of honor at our March 2000 show.

To be honest, the DWS was destitute. We hadn’t done well for several

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Your Community Paper of Record

Cracker Barrel

“Perk of the Elite Media”, Memorial Day, America’s Job Center & One Last Thing” By: Mike McClure El Monte

by Dick James El Monte shows. When I asked our treasurer if we could possibly have a show, he said yes, but only because it was HH. Hunter wasn’t feeling well, and his MD told him not to attend the function. He chose to go, saying he couldn’t let the folks down.

We picked him up in a limousine; he was pretty shaky. Well, the show sold out immediately and was a huge success. Hunter told the audience, that he had felt love before, but never like this. He was truly grateful, and we all felt blessed to be there with him. You can see some of the acts on you tube.

Because of Old HH, life changed dramatically: (1) my love for R&B music (50’s & 60’s) began, and it is still with me today. (2) Started going to record shops in South LA (3) Discovered new songs & artists (4) went Working Overtime continued on page 8

…so the other day I enjoyed another “Perk of the Elite Media”, yes I got invited to the school-wide barbeque to celebrate Cleminson School being honored as a “California Distinguish School”.

Principal Carlos Salcedo provided lunch to all of the students, the parents who were able to attend, his staff, many of the El Monte City School District (EMCSD) administrators and board member and your intrepid reporter…me.

We were treated to performances of the 6th grade band and were even given a teaser for the up-coming performance of “Shrek, The Musical” which the Cleminson students will be in at Rosemead H.S. in June.

I got a chance to talk to EMCSD Superintendent Dr. Maribel Garcia. Dr. Garcia was appointed Superintendent in 2013 is a product of EMCSD and EMUHSD having attended Columbia School and graduating from El Monte High School.

Dr. Garcia mentioned several times she was proud of the accomplishments of the students and faculty at Cleminson School and stressed the importance of a parent’s involvement with the school – the involvement that Principal Salcedo

fostered that is so vital to the continued success of the students.

Well done Mr. Salcedo, Well done! …Memorial Day Weekend is coming up soon and many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. Over 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, and states observed the holiday on different dates until 1971 when it became a national holiday by an act of Congress and is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds received in battle.

While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who have servedin wartime or peacetime- whether they died or survived. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week it falls on.

If you are looking for a good place to observe Memorial Day before the barbeque starts, the City of El Monte always does a great service at Arceo Park starting at 9:00 AM. On Monday morning. …The East San Gabriel Valley Amer-

Cracker Barrel continued on page 8

“Connie’s Comments”

by Connie Keenan El Monte

Mid Valley Media Center

Have a Public Notice To Be Published?

Call Us at 626.888.1493 or Email Us at info@midvalleymedia.net

Webb’s Rule PRICE TO PAY

by Eugene R. Webb

I know that this is going to sound funny; but the whole world is all about money. I don’t know of any place you can go; That is if you are without any dough.

I heard that it even takes a lot of money; If you wish to acquire a wonderful honey. It really doesn’t matter what you want to do; I know it’s going to take a lot of money too.

Even the air that we all breathe is not free; Everything it seems that we do comes with a fee. Even the politicians are as crooked as can be; All because of their love for the money.

It really doesn’t matter what we do or say; In life there will always be a price to pay. When it comes to mon-

ey, we can’t get enough; For most of us are always wanting some stuff.

There’s some changes in our life we can’t control; And some of us are actually forced to pay as we go.

Taxes on top of taxes we’re always going to pay; That is until the Good Lord comes to take us away.

“My happiest memories were when we lived in the El Monte house,” Mama said. “You were all little and I had so much energy then.”

Mama now lives in Simi where the family moved in 1973. I stayed here in El Monte. Daddy died four years ago.

The only things keeping Mama alive are the constant hum and hiss of her oxygen and Bi-PAP machines – and her memories. It’s the vigilance of my sister Roberta and brother Robert who take care of the endless rounds of doctor visits and paperwork.

In the dining room there are vases of flowers. Everyone in the family knows how much Mama loves flowers. Since it’s Mother’s Day, she received almost a half dozen vases and bouquets.

“I used to come home from working the graveyard shift at First Western Bank and I would sew your dresses for school,” Mama said.

“Of course I remember Mama,” I said. “I would wake up in the morning and there would be four dresses hanging in the doorway. It was like Christmas in August. I would run my hands through the hems and marvel

that in one night I had a new dress.

Do you remember when you sewed that formal for the Miss Friendly El Monte Pageant?” I asked.

“How could I forget? It took me hours to sew,” Mama said.

“Do you remember how we would go out into the yard at night because it was so hot in the house? The moon would be so bright that we could see our shadows. Bernadette and I would dance in the moonlight. You would watch us and sometimes tell us we were the best dancers in the whole world,” I said.

“Do you remember how I used to plant the mums in the yard at the El Monte house?” she asked.

“They were glorious. You spent two days planting the seeds,” I said.

We strolled down El Monte memory lane for about two hours.

“Brian sent me those,” mama said pointing to a lovely vase of tulips.

She pointed to each to admire and tell me the names of those who sent her the flowers.

“Aren’t they beautiful?” mama asked. I nod my head.

More to herself than to me she softly said, “I miss my kids and my El Monte house.”

Follow us @ MidValleyNews

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Mid Valley News

Miss California Teen continued from page 1

talent competition through the stunning display of a defining element of Mexican popular culture -folklorico or traditional Mexican folk dancing.

In thanking the Miss Friendly El Monte / South El Monte Pageant for their support, Hernandez said “The Miss Friendly El Monte and South El Monte Pageant will always be representing. Thank you for everything you do for me.”

The Miss Friendly El Monte/South

El Monte Pageant is designed to inspire leadership qualities, promote commitment to community, and high ethical standards. As part of the pageant, the court receives scholarships and become goodwill ambassadors for the cities of El Monte and South El Monte.

For more information on the Miss Friendly El Monte / South El Monte Pageant, including requirements and how to support, participate, or compete, please visit their website at www.missfriendlyemsempageant. org.

Cinco de Mayo Continued from page 1

The Mid Valley News is published Bi - weekly on Thursday by Mid Valley Media Center, LLC

esta took place when acclaimed artist Rozenda Bernal took the stage. Accompanied by a harmonious mariachi, Bernal sang Mexican classics and

May 16, 2018

Working Overtime

Cracker Barrel

Continued from page 7

continued from page 7

to parties & clubs in S LA – learned how to dance!! This all lead to getting to know and truly appreciate the Black Community’s influence on the music of our time.

Songs we first heard only on HH: Night Time is the Right Time – Ray Charles; Talk To Me, Talk to Me – Little Willie John; Short Fat Fannie – Larry Williams; Skumbo – Googie Rene; I’m Not Ashamed – Bobby Blue Bland; The Fool – BB King; I Can’t Stop Loving You – Larry Williams; Clouds in My Heart – Muddy Waters; Congratulations – Fortunes; The Feeling is Real – 5 Royales; No No – Fats Domino; School Day – Chuck Berry; There is Something on Your Mind – Big Jay McNeely; Sea of Love – Phil Phillips; Never Forget – Tabs; Try Me – James Brown; It Was You – James Brown; It’s Just a Matter of Time – Brook Benton; Hully Gully – Olympics; Once Upon a Time – Rochell & The Candles, I could go on so you need to have me back!

Thanks again for the memories.

ica’s Job Center of California (AJCC) opened last week at the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District’s Adult Education Willow Campus which is about three miles East of El Monte down Valley Blvd. so it will service many local residents.

The AJCC is a one-stop shop for work force services, providing a comprehensive range of no-cost employment and training services for employers and job seekers. “This facility will be such a valuable resource in the First District and provide our community, especially our students, with the tools to grow their careers and be qualified candidates for the job market” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. …The “One Last Thing” goes out to all of the Mothers, by the time you read this Mother’s Day will have passed. My Mother is no longer with us but I remember her all the time so if you are lucky enough to have your Mother still with you, surprise her and give her a call, you don’t have to wait until Mother’s DAY comes around again.

some of her greatest hits. Community members responded to her engaging performance by singing along.

“Rozenda Bernal is a staple of mariachi music,” said Councilmember Velasco. “We were honored that an artist with international recognition made a special performance to El

Monte residents.”

The event culminated with a performance by Pasteles Verdes, which had many walking down memory lane. The musical performances were a production by Señora Corazon Fundacion.

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Contributing Writers Connie Keenan Dick James Devette Johnson Michael McClure Mike Nelson Mid Valley Media Center, LLC, all contents here in are copyrighted and may not be reproduce in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff of Mid Valley Media Center, LLC. Adjudicated as a paper of general circulation in the City of El Monte, County of Los Angeles Superior Court, Nov. 7 1973.

No. C68383 official paper for the County of Los Angeles, Adjudicated on general circulation Los Angeles July 18, 1992, No. BS016380

Community member wins a basket by a participating vendor during the El Monte Cinco de Mayo celebration. Courtesy Photo

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