The Mid Valley News - Volume 55 Issue 17

UNNING

LHOUETTES

Sports

Community Corner

LA Marathon page 4

Community Events, page 5

The Community Paper of Record

Vol. 55, No. 17

Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966

August 24, 2018

Camp Mt. View Provides Adventure for Mountain View School District Students

by Staff Writer El Monte

Mountain View School District’s Camp Mt. View has been providing a fun, educationally enriching and memorable summer camping experience for MVSD students for 50 years.

Nestled in the beautiful Angeles National Forest in Wrightwood, Camp Mt. View is owned and operated by the school district and enables students to escape the city for a four-day, fun adventure in the mountains.

Hiking, nature, star gazing, fun, games and friendship are a few of the many elements that make up the Camp Mt. View adventure. This summer, three, 4-day sessions were offered, each with a different theme including Creative Arts, Photography, and Boot Camp.

Campers attending the Creative Arts Camp enjoyed drawing, painting, sculpting, theater and music. The beautiful mountain setting provided the perfect environment for creative and artistic expression and inspired some beautiful artwork.

Photography Camp enabled campers to learn about digital photography, the workings of a camera, aperture, exposure, focus, lighting, and much more as they learned how to take

Mountain View’s Students visit Mountain View’s School Districts summer photography camp, located in Wrightwood California. Photo Courtesy

photos like a pro using Canon EOS Rebel cameras. The final session, Boot Camp, was a great success as students built their endurance by partaking in physical activities including hiking, sports and team challenges.

The group of campers showed great stamina as they hiked all the way up to the Mt. High ski lifts.

The fun at camp also included a trip to Devil’s Punch Bowl Nature Center where park rangers provided an

up-close look at reptiles and animals who call the mountains home, as well as a stop at Big Rock Creek to enjoy some water play.

Students have great time up at Summer Camp continued on page 8

Rio Hondo College Fire Crew Joins Battle Against Ferguson Fire

by Staff Writer El Monte

Rio Hondo College’s Roadrunner Crew 77 has been called up for the second time this summer – this time to assist crews battling the massive Ferguson Fire that is threatening Yosemite National Park.

The crew, led by a U.S. Forest Service crew boss, includes 17 recent graduates of the College’s Wildland Fire Academy. A Type II hand crew, the team assists with all aspects of fire monitoring, suppression and control, including digging fire containment lines.

“We are extremely proud of the contributions of our Wildland Fire Academy crew,” Superintendent/ President Teresa Dreyfuss said.

“They represent the best of Rio Hondo College – students and graduates who are dedicating their careers to helping their communities.”

The crew can be called up for 21 days with each activation. It was activated over the July 4 weekend to assist in battling the Agua Caliente fire

Courtesy photo.

in Palm Springs.

This call-up started on July 26 when the crew was activated to cover parts of the Angeles National Forest for crews shifting to fight the Fergu-

son Fire and other blazes. During the first days of that activation, the Roadrunners helped quash a brushfire. On Aug. 2, the team joined the battle against the Ferguson Fire.

Each crew member has met or exceeded U.S. Forest Service requirements for seasonal wildland fireFerguson Fire continued on page 8

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Mid Valley News

August 24, 2018

A Message from the Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, Superintendent, El Monte Union High School District

Dr. Edward A. Zuniga the Superintendent of the El Monte Union School District.

As we approach the end of our summer break and count down to the days we launch the 2018-19 year, want to express our collective excitement to welcome our new students and their parents to the El Monte Union family.

Teachers and staff across our District have been working hard to prepare for another great year at El Monte Union and are eager to provide students with a plethora of opportunities that will enable them to achieve their highest potential.

Our mission to provide a quality education to all students is possible with the guidance and leadership of our Board of Trustees, who recently

Valle Lindo School District Welcomes New Superintendent

by Staff Writer El Monte

A new smile will greet the excited faces of students entering or returning to the Valle Lindo School District.

Lynn Bulgin has spent her career dedicated to improving the lives of the students in the San Gabriel Valley and will continue as new Superintendent of the Valle Lindo School District.

Ms. Bulgin started her career in the San Gabriel Valley where she grew up the daughter of working class parents in the neighboring city of Arcadia. After graduating from the public schools and earning her B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, she continued her pursuit of higher education and obtaining her M.A. in Educational

Leadership from Cal Poly Pomona.

Nineteen years ago, she began service as a teacher in the Valle Lindo School District and over the years she has served in multiple capacities, and in each of her roles she has distinguished herself as a transformational leader.

Prior to being named Superintendent on July 1, 2018, Superintendent Bulgin served the district for the previous nineteen years, beginning service as a teaching the Valle Lindo School District. A gifted educator, she rapidly developed into a teacher leader, assistant principal, and ultimately principal of Dean L. Shively Middle School where she successfully held the position for over ten years.

Through her passionate leadership and commitment to excellence, Shively Middle School earned numerous recognitions including California Distinguished School, California Gold Ribbon School, and Title I Academic Achievement Award School.

Her dedication to students and improving public education is evident.

Ms. Bulgin is most proud of the AVID College & Career Readiness Schoolwide program, the integration of technology, and the positive school climates that have developed throughout the district.

As Superintendent, Ms. Bulgin is committed to promoting a shared vision of success through collaboration while building institutional capacity through professional development and leadership training.

With a focus on high-quality teaching and learning, research-based best practices and college and career readiness, Valle Lindo School District is in very capable hands to continue inspiring students to dream big, work hard, and become leaders today for a hopeful tomorrow.

Lynn Bulgin prior to being named Superintendent, she served the district for the previous nineteen years, beginning service as a teaching the Valle Lindo School District.

Courtesy photo

passed our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The plan — built with extensive input from teachers, parents, staff and students — emboldens our college and career initiatives, supports mental health services and strengthens the District’s college-going culture.

Under the plan, we will continue to provide free AP/PSAT/SAT testing, computer and science labs and increase tutoring, enrichment programs and college field trips. We will also increase comprehensive student support and mental health services and our parents will receive access to the District through community liai-

sons. To ensure student success and engagement, we will continue to emphasize strong student attendance and safety.

We have also been working hard to ensure students are challenged in the by launching a new STEM program and supporting students’ leadership and entrepreneurial efforts.

We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to another year of supporting all students in their quest for a quality education — one that will allow them to achieve academic and personal success and continue to positively impact the community.

Rio Hondo College Professor Wins Writing Contest

by Staff Writer El Monte

Rio Hondo College Spanish Professor Mariano Zaro attended the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing’s 2018 Summer Seminar, reviewing writing techniques, collaborating with fellow writers and receiving guidance on his own work.

Zaro, who serves as co-adviser to Rio Hondo College’s Creative Writing Club, received free tuition and housing for the exclusive weeklong seminar after taking first place in the Institute’s 2018 Writing Contest with a short story titled “Ninamiel/Honeygirl.”

“I always wanted to go to this seminar,” Zaro said. “It was a great experience. They have classes on poetry and fiction writing in the morning and in the afternoon, and you share a house with five or six fellow writers.

You get to know these writers really well and you share your writing with them.”

Zaro said highlights of the event included receiving feedback from the Institute on a collection of short stories he is revising for publication and learning about lyrical essay writing from author, teacher and poetry edi-

tor Christopher Citro.

The format, he said, blends poetry with the factual strength of an essay.

“I thought it was a fascinating form,” Zaro said. “You can create more elliptical connections.”

On the event’s last day, each of the roughly 25 writers in attendance joined in reading their works aloud.

Zaro, who is the author of four bilingual books of poetry, has had his work showcased in a number of anthologies and journals. He is known throughout Los Angeles for his video interviews of prominent American poets, conducted since 2010 as part of the Poetry.LA project.

He will publish two new books of poetry – “Decoding Sparrows,” a book of English poems in October 2019; and “Padre Tierra,” a book of Spanish poems that will be released between July and September 2019.

“Professor Zaro shares his deep passion for the written word – in English and Spanish – with Rio Hondo College students through his classes and the writing club,” Superintendent/Professor Teresa Dreyfuss said.

“We are proud to count him among our faculty. He is deserving of this considerable recognition.”

Zaro’s winning short story was

Martha’s Vineyard continued on page 7

August 24, 2018

Webb’s Rule NURSES

by Eugene R. Webb and kind; They always There is certainly nothing worse; Than have their patient’s actually being sick without a nurse. Nurses interest in mind. have more patience than you can believe; And they will go to any length to achieve.

Nurses are God’s angels that are in disguise; They are more helpful than you can Nurses will gladly take care of all your realize. A real good nurse is also very brave; needs; They can stop a cut or a wound For people she’ll work real hard to save. if it should bleed. A nurse will climb over a bed to needle you; It’s just one Every household should have a nurse of the many things they love to do. or two; For in a crisis they know just what to do. So how lucky can this one A nurse will never cause a patient any Grandpa possibly be; To have three harm; But they do enjoy giving you a shot in nurses in our wonderful family. the arm. Nurses are considerate, thoughtful

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El Monte PD Getting Ready for 2019 Challenge Cup Relay

by Ethan Peschansky, Staff Writer

The El Monte Police Department held a fundraiser Thursday, August 9th at Progress Brewery in South El Monte. El Monte will be sending a team of runners to participate in the Baker to Vegas run and the fundraiser was to help raise money to cover some of the logistical costs.

Dozens of off-duty police officers and citizens attended the fundraiser where they enjoyed food, music, and the camaraderie of the El Monte Police Department. For El Monte, the race is a source of pride for its department.

“It’s important to me that El Monte participates because it is bragging rights,” said Corporal Francisco Ramirez. “It’s a way to represent that our department is a respected, wellknown department. Everybody sees that we are capable of placing in the race and people can see that El Monte [Police Department] is a good organization.”

There were multiple sources of revenue for the fundraiser. Progress Brewing pledged a percentage of the proceeds from that night for the race and volunteers from the department sold cigars and merchandise from their booths.

One of the vendors who attended was Danny Arrona, the creator and designer of Side Action Apparel. Ar-

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Your Community Paper of Record

rona, who himself is a police officer with LAPD, started his brand specifically for anyone under the umbrella of law enforcement. Not only does he design clothing for the El Monte team, but also for the Baker to Vegas race as a whole.

“For me, just being a little part of all these audiences of cops and allowing me to come out is making my company bigger than what it is,” Arrona said.

The phrase “Baker to Vegas” refers to the Challenge Cup Relay, a 120-mile relay foot face divided into 20-stages across the Mojave Desert.

The race, which starts in Baker, California travels through the desert to the town of Shoshone, then north to Pahrump and into Las Vegas.

Teams are responsible for providing their training, logistics and support efforts, including a follow vehicle which is responsible for providing runners with water, first aid, and plenty of vocal support.

The El Monte Police Department has been sending runners to participate for over 20 years. Although they have never won, El Monte officers are determined to have a good showing.

“We feel that this year we’ve put a lot of effort into our team and our Challenge Cup continued on page 8

Biography of Hugh L. Asher of El Monte, California

by Staff Writer

PUB NOTE: From time to time, The Mid Valley News will reach back into the archives and share biographical sketches of the people who made El Monte. A lot of our Readers may have lived on the streets, played in the parks, or visited the buildings named after these families.

The articles in this series are reprinted from WPA Project No. N-5740, 1936 “El Monte from the Pioneer Days” and have been edited for space. Views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Mid Valley News or the Mid Valley Media Center.

Among the more recent pioneers of this district – one who is and has been successful and prominent in the community’s development is Hugh L. Asher, residing in his splendid residence at 507 Hoyt Avenue.

Mr. Asher was born in Clay County, Kentucky, December 18, 1862, the twelfth in a family of twelve children, whose parents were Jackson D. and Margaret (Hendrickson) Asher, both also natives of Kentucky.

As a boy, Mr. Asher’s education was much neglected, but, when almost grown, he was given the benefit of a private school and by perseverance and determination, he later spent two years in the A. & M. College at Lexington, Kentucky. In 1882, with his brother, Madison, he engaged in the lumber business on the Kentucky River, which work included the “booming” of logs from three hun-

dred miles upstream.

In 1902 he sold his holdings in Kentucky and went to Chicago, where he remained one year and then came to California. He stopped first in Los Angeles, where he remained until coming to El Monte in 1907. On settling here he purchased a twenty-four acre tract west of town on Hoyt Avenue. Part of this tract was set in walnuts when he acquired it. The remainder he immediately set to walnuts, and in 1909 made other improvements on his property by the erection of his present splendid residence and outbuildings.

In 1913 he acquired twenty acres adjoining his original purchase, and later, fifty acres below Garvey Avenue which he still owns. For years Mr. Asher specialized in the production of celery, tomatoes and sugar beets.

On March 16, 1886, Mr. Asher was untied in marriage with Miss Hannah Hendrickson, a native of Kentucky whose parents were George and Elizabeth (Steele) Hendrickson, both also natives of Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Asher were born six children, four of whom are still living, namely: Catherine (a teacher in the Los Angeles Junior College); Skillman, of Los Angeles, Lillian, (Mrs. W.D. Haughton, wife of the City Attorney)(1936) of El Monte; and Christine, (Mrs. Dr. Rounds) of Los Angeles. The two deceased children were named Hugh and Georgia.

B

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Mid Valley News

August 24, 2018

Mid Valley News Sports Galaxy Opportunities all for Knot

by Tim Peterson, courtesy of Mid Valley Sports.com El Monte

Romario Ibarra scored in the 84th minute for Minnesota United FC to erase the Galaxy lead and forge a 2-2 tie with LA Saturday night at StubHub Center.

The Galaxy had already let a 1-0 lead slip away but seemed to be in control when Sebastian Lletget dribbled through a couple of defenders and shot one into the left corner of the net in the 73rd minute for a 2-1 lead.

The goal was the second of the year for Lletget and his first since March

31st against LAFC. But Ibarra got out on the wing on a break, took a nice dish on the left side and rammed one by LA goalkeeper David Bingham to even it up.

Minnesota’s Francisco Calvo was hit with a red card five minutes later when he got tied up with Ola Kamara. He received a yellow and then was hit with the red when he threw the ball up in the air forcing him out of the game. The Galaxy couldn’t take advantage of the man advantage however despite five minutes added for stoppage time.

Romain Alessandrini got LA on

the board first as he took a perfect feed from Zlatan Ibrahimovich and beat Minnesota United keeper Bobby Shuttleworth in the fifth minute for a 1-0 lead.

Alessandrini left the match in the 24th minute with a right leg injury and was replaced by Chris Pontius.

In the 26th minute Angelo Rodriguez had a run at the goal but was denied by Bingham. The Galaxy had opportunities to go up by two in the first half but couldn’t finish off goals.

Giovani dos Santos fired one just wide right in the 32nd minute. In the 35th minute Ibrahimovic had a free kick but it sailed way wide right and into the stands.

Ashley Cole was stopped directly in front of the net by Shuttleworth at the end of time in the first half. Three minutes of extra time were added and Pontius and Ibrahimovic both had chances but were thwarted.

In the 54th minute Minnesota United was buzzing in front of the net and almost scored but an offsides penalty was eventually called. The visitors tied it at one in the 64th when Michael Boxall nodded one in on a header off a cross from Darwin Quintero.

Lletget gave the Galaxy the lead in the 73rd. Seven minutes later Ibrahimovic came a crossbar away from a 3-1 LA lead as he struck it on a free kick.

The Galaxy needed that insurance and it cost them in the 84th when

Ibarra knotted it up at 2.

With the tie the Galaxy moved to 10-8-6 overall. Minnesota United FC is now 9-13-2.

Next up for LA is a home game with Colorado Tuesday night.

Ed Note: This article originally appeared online at MidValleySports. com and is reprinted here with permission from MidValleySports. com. For the best sports writing, coverage, and passion, we encourage our readers to visit MidValleySports.com. All rights reserved by MidValleySports.com.

Lake Dolores – A Skeleton of a Broken Past

by Connie Keenan, Contributing Writer El Monte

Just about halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, along a desolate stretch of Interstate 15, motorists can still see the ruins of a little-known place some believe was among the world’s first modern waterparks — a crude desert “oasis” once known as Lake Dolores.

Original owner, John Byers, initially intended the site as a fun getaway spot for his family and friends. Under constant pressure to open the area to the public. He named the property after his wife, and went public in 1962 as a watering hole for off-road motorcyclists and tourists traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The “lake” itself was actually a 273-

acre system of interconnected manmade ponds and channels, most only a few feet deep, all fed by an underground spring. The spoils from excavating the lake were used to create a massive manmade hill that towered over the otherwise dead-flat landscape.

One side of the hill was devoted to eight side-by-side 150-foot long, aluminum Speed Slides. Riders plummeted head first at a terrifying 60 degrees on small inflatables over thin sheets of water. The slides flattened out at the bottom sending one skidding at a frightening pace down a narrow channel for about 50 yards.

Adjacent to the speed slides were two primitive zip lines descending from the summit at a steep angle, where one would let go and crash into the water at

Courtesy photos

high speed. The challenge there was to ly, however, legal and financial trouble be sure to hold on long enough to reach caught up with the property; it withered the water, because for the first 100 feet, and eventually quietly closed sometime the lines traveled high over the gravelly in the late ’80s. slope of the hill. If you let go too early, In 1990, a group of investors puras some did from time to time, the rechased the property, tore out the old sults were painful and often bloody. features and installed modern waterOn the other end of the hill rose the park slides, a restaurant and an arcade. park’s recreational centerpiece; a pair It reopened in 1998 under the name of features so dangerous and terrify“Rock-A-Hoola” but only lasted a ing that no version of their species exshort time as owners closed the park ists in modern waterpark rides today and filed for bankruptcy in 2000. Yet — the infamous Stand-Up Slides. As another group of investors tried again, the name suggests, they were waterreopening the park in 2002 as “Discovslides you rode standing up. The slides ery Waterpark.” It operated only inconsisted of wedge-shaped aluminum termittently and again closed in 2004, troughs with flat bottoms upon which leaving its structures and attractions for one attempted to stand, descending upscrap and ruin. right on a thin stream of water. Riders Today, the ghostly remains standing reached terminal velocity before being as a fitting homage to a muddy legend shot off the end, at a height of 15 feet and a by-gone age of loose restriction with a slight downward angle toward and physical courage. the water waiting below.

For the next two decades, Lake DoAdding yet more probable misadvenlores slowly morphed into what would ture to the fun was a 20-foot trapeze be by today’s standards an unimaginplatform that rose from the center of an ably hazardous and rowdy public recadjacent pond. The swings were particreational environment. ularly hazardous in that the inertia and centrifugal force generated Fernandez Family Childcare by the downward trajectory 626 ­ 522­1279 made it extremely difficult State Licensed Childcare Services to maintain your grip when reaching the arc’s nadir, typically resulting in a high-speed face plant into the water.

To their credit, the Byers were constantly adding to and upgrading the attractions, including a lazy river, bumper CPR Certified boats, go-cart track, a restauMonday ­ Friday | 6am ­ 6pm rant and an arcade. Eventual-

August 24, 2018

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Your Community Paper of Record

Community Corner Eat, Move, Live 2018!

Diabetes Prevention Study

Starting: Tuesday, August 28th -10 am to 12 pm or Thursday, August 30th -5 pm to 7 pm Our Saviour Center - Cleaver Family Wellness Clinic 4368 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731

FREE fitness tracker and Raffle prizes

Weekly 2-hour class series led by a Health Educator

Join a study presented by City of Hope

These classes will include:

1) A one-hour interactive education segment focused on nutrition 2) A physical activity demonstration 3) A cooking demonstration

Study Participation will involve:

1) Completing 3 questionnaires 2) Body measurements (e.g. height, weight, etc.)

3) Blood sugar test (finger prick) 4) Weekly 2-hour class series

For more information please contact Katty Nerio at (626) 218-4947 or knerio@coh.org

Metro News

Metro Now Offers Online MultiLanguage Customer Comment Forms

By Metro.net SGV/ Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has developed a multi-language comment and complaint form for online users, giving agency customers with a limited proficiency of English a more effective way to communicate with the agency.

“It’s important to make sure that every Metro rider is able to easily provide us with feedback. Los Angeles County is amazingly diverse, and our people speak many languages other than English. These new forms invite our riders to share their thoughts with us in the language they are most com-

fortable speaking,” said Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

As part of Metro’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy, staff can respond to online inquiries in nine languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Russian, Armenian, Thai and Khmer. LEP customers can translate the comment/ complaint form into any of the nine languages and type their comments using non-English characters.

Metro’s Customer Care Department has long been utilizing a telephonebased service to speak to customers in other languages. This new process extends that service to metro.net.

“Improving the customer experience through services, outreach and communication is an important step in helping Metro better serve the needs and wants of our riders,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington.

Metro has three contracted vendors to translate the comment forms. Once an answer is prepared, a Metro Customer Care agent will respond to the customer by contacting the person with an interpreter or sending a trans-

Courtesy photo from Metro Faceback

lated email response within three to five business days.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is unique among the nation’s transportation agencies. Created in 1993, Metro is a multimodal transportation agency that transports about 1.3 million passengers daily on a fleet of 2,200 clean air buses and six rail lines. The agency also oversees bus,

rail, highway and other mobilityrelated building projects and leads transportation planning and programming for Los Angeles County.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

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Mid Valley News

August 24, 2018

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

S u d o k u

Crossword Puzzle solution in issue 9.05.18

Solution for Sudoku in issue 9.05.18

ACROSS

BACK TO SCHOOL

1. TΘa Leoni as ____ Secretary 6. Lending letters 9. Cat-headed Egyptian goddess 13. Round openings in architecture 14. Pilot’s estimate 15. Short tale 16. Deprived of a limb, e.g.

17. Popular pickup 18. Revolving mechanism 19. *L in LMC 21. Peninsula with Portugal 23. Not a win nor a loss 24. Lou of The Velvet Underground 25. The ____ Four 28. Unpleasant road display 30. Authoritative declaration 35. The 15th of March 37. Rubik’s puzzle 39. *Sorority letter 40. Pinocchio’s lie detector 41. Do-re-do-re-do-re-do-re, e.g.

43. Same as alighted 44. Perpendicular to the keel 46. Major in the sky 47. Condoleezza ____ 48. *Varsity award 50. *Multiple choice challenge 52. *Where Driver’s Ed occurs 53. Richie ____ 55. *Standard aptitude assessment 57. *”Sideways Stories from ____ School” 61. *Hall order keeper 65. George Clooney’s recurring character 66. Shakespearean “fuss” 68. Heating outlet cover 69. Muse of love poetry 70. Confession subject 71. All the words in a language 72. Withered 73. Id’s partner 74. Same as #30 Across

DOWN 1. Gangster’s gal 2. Berry high in antioxidants 3. Avoid these mistakes 4. Red or orange announcement 5. Somewhere above ground 6. Bald eagle’s nest 7. *Parents+teachers, acr.

8. China Grass 9. Uncouth one 10. Not in favor 11. Roofed colonnade 12. Seaside bird 15. *Extra of it can help students 20. Act against 22. Made in the morning?

24. Spring event 25. *Type of assessment 26. Acrobat maker 27. Continually annoy 29. Buddhist teacher 31. Burn to a crisp 32. Denoting the final end or purpose 33. Carthage’s ancient rival 34. *Alma ____ 36. *Assigned spot 38. More 42. Rodeo rope 45. Breed of sheep prized for wool 49. Free 51. Hair knot 54. This and desist 56. ClichΘd 57. Things to lament 58. Homesteader’s measure 59. *180 days, in most states 60. Fill to satisfaction 61. Kissing disease?

62. De Niro’s ride, 1976 63. Like an ear infection 64. None of this for the weary 67. Like a lot

Mid Valley Media Center’s Entertainment News:

SD Comic Con 2018

By Devette Johnson, Contributing Writer National

San Diego’s Comic Con was a great success, once again. Mid Valley News had the opportunity to continue the conversation with attendee heres what he had to say.

MVMC: Was this your 1st time attending the convention?

Darrin McAlpine: 4th year of attending, every year you get better and better when you attend the convention.

MVMC: What was new for you this year any premieres, onsite, offsite, movies and events, etc. Tell us more?

DM: Well it’s funny; it was the futurist Taco Bell. The setup design of the restaurant was of a bar from the movie Demolition Man, Taco Bell, was the only fast food that survived.

MVMC: What type of food did the serve?

DM:

The main food they were serving was Taco Bell’s new cheesy Fries and all the Taco Bell food. It was like going to a regular restaurant because I had to wait, over an hour and half. Well the food was free.

MVMC: Did you get any exclusives posters or statue, figures?

DM: I got the Marvel’s Legends “ Red Skull” and it came with the Tesseract. It glows blue and it looks like the size of a rubric’s cube.

Editor note: The Tesseract is an Infinity Stone of unparalleled power that is owned

by Odin; it is now stored in Asgard. It exists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features predominantly in Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers.

Source: http://theavengersmovie.wikia.com/wiki/Tesseract MVMC: Were there any premieres / panels that you were looking to attend?

DM: Yes, the new Halloween

Movie, starring the original actress Jamie Lee Curtis is back. They showed the clip of the movie, where it taking place, 20 years in the future. Michael Myers, returns.

The anticipated release date is October 31st, 2018. One of the other premieres was, M. Night Shyamalan was “Glass.”

“Glass” was announced at Hall H at San Diego ComicCon and Universal Pictures released a full trailer for the film the same day, July 20.

MVMC: Overall how would you rate Comic Con 2018, this year, from 1 to 10, 10 being best?

DM: I would say an 11, the worst part about Comic Con is that you never have enough time to do everything.

Thank you gentleman and we see what in store for next years convention.

Courtesy photos by D.Johnson, MVMC

August 24, 2018

Martha’s Vineyard continued from page 2

originally published 10 years ago. It tells the story of children who go to the river to swim together, including a disabled girl, and the girl’s later death. Zaro said he wove the compelling piece from elements of his own childhood in Northern Spain.

“All of the elements in the story are from my own biography, but they are blended in this character,” he said.

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Your Community Paper of Record Board of Trustees President Madeline Shapiro said Zaro epitomizes the strength of Rio Hondo College’s diverse faculty.

“Mariano is a multi-talented artist, as gifted in the classroom as he is on the written page or in his radio interviews,” Shapiro said. “His deft understanding of students is a reflection of his unique understanding of the human condition, which is a signature element of his writing and his interviews.”

Thank you for Your Service to Our Community Jane

“Connie’s Comments”

by Connie Keenan El Monte

Growing up in El Monte in the 50’s and 60’s brings back so many memories.

My sister Bernadette and I sold Kool-Aid for 2-cents a glass and stayed in front of our house, sifting our toes through the soft silt under the Pepper Tree, until all the ice Mama had in the freezer was gone, melted into the sweet drink. Then we’d

Two-cents a glass!”

Out would walk Charlene’s mother with a card table and chairs and a cardboard sign.

Next came a Tupperware pitcher and glasses. Then Charlene, in her frilliest dress, who sat primly, for about two minutes and then promptly slumped in the chair.

“What does her sign say?” said Bernadette.

I squinted and said, “It says pineapple juice.

Ten-cents a glass,” I whispered back. “No one’s gonna buy pineapple juice.”

I snickered at the audacity of pineapple juice, I’m ashamed to say.

dash off to Mr. Cooper’s store or save what we made.

We Carroll girls had a quiet feud with our neighbor, Charlene.

Actually, it was Charlene’s mom who fed the fire. Charlene was an only child. There were six of us. We always had someone to play or fight with in our day-to-day lives. Charlene would want to play with us. Charlene’s mother thought us too rough and tumble for her frilly dressed daughter.

We’d be out front yelling at the top of our lungs, “Kool-Aid for sale! Connie’s Comments continued on page 8

“Working Overtime”

“I Still Remember” By: Dick James, Staff Writer El Monte

by Dick James El Monte “Working Overtime” by: Dick James will not appear in today’s issue, Mr. James is taking some time off and special guest columnist “Ravishing” Ray Regalado continues to fill in with part two of his three-part series “I Still Remember”.

In 1984, I joined the LA Blues Society. In the first Newsletter I found several radio programs that featured old R&B.

exchanged phone numbers, and that was the “beginning of a beautiful friendship” Don had a regular gig there on Thursdays nights; RB would often be part of the show. My wife & I attended regularly, and we danced the night away. In 1985, Richard called me & told me that Marvin “Rip” Spencer (of Marvin & Johnny fame) had gotten him a regular gig at Owen’s Pantry in N Long Beach.

I had met Arthur Lee Maye through Steve Propes’ show and learned that Arthur and Richard attended Jefferson High School

One in particular was Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues, hosted by Steve Propes on KLON 88.1 FM, broadcast from Cal State LB. Through Steve’s show, I met a number of R&B stars, some of whom, I would work with & manage. One Sunday morning, Steve announced that Don Julian & Richard Berry would be performing the following Thursday night at the Casa Rivera, in Pico Rivera. That night my lovely wife & I went to the Casa Rivera to check out the show. I made it a point to speak to Richard; we Working Overtime continued on page 8

Cracker Barrel “A Hodge-Podge on a Hot Summer Day” by: Mike McClure, Staff Writer El Monte

Soldiers for Life and Free Backpacks, it’s been a busy week! …so the other day I attended an Army “Swear-In Ceremony” at the Woman’s Club of Hollywood, where 31 young men and women were sworn into the U.S. Army. The events keynote speaker was Lt. General Thomas C. Seamands, who is the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff, G1. He is responsible for developing, managing, and executing manpower and personnel plans, programs, and policy for the total Army.

As a member of the elite media present, I was invited to a Q & A meeting with Lt. General Seamands prior to the ceremony where we had a chance to ask questions that we thought readers would

be interested.

Noting that local recruiters here in El Monte were doing an outstanding job participating and supporting local events, I asked the General what the Army does to help and support these fine men and women when they leave the U.S. Army.

One of the great things about asking a General a question is they answer in paragraphs and they always think strategically. Lt. General Seamands explained, in detail, what the Army calls their “Soldier for Life” program, where from day one our soldiers are given the best physical and educational training, and through- out their service each soldier is provided and encouraged to pursue additional education and training opportuniCracker Barrel continued on page 8

Page 8

August 24, 2018

Mid Valley News

Summer Camp Continued from page 1

camp while experiencing new things like being in the mountains, hiking on a nature trail, and for many their first time away from home. Camp Mt. View is located about 75 miles from El Monte at an elevation of 7,000 feet, and is equipped with a dining room, a fireplace, a large kitchen, rest rooms and showers, and secure cabins with bunk beds. The entire camp experience including transportation, lodging and food is provided by the District.

“Camp Mt. View is one of the many excellent summer enrichment programs we offer our students and it is definitely a favorite for students,” said Lillian Maldonado French, Superintendent. “It is wonderful to be able to provide our students the chance to get away and experience the great outdoors while exploring the arts, photography and physical activities. We greatly appreciate our

Ferguson Fire continued from page 1

The Mid Valley News is published Bi - weekly on Thursday by Mid Valley Media Center, LLC Business and Editorial Offices are located at: 11401 E. Valley Blvd.

Masterson Building, Suite 208

El Monte, California 91731 (626) 522-1944 FAX (626) 443-2245 Display Advertising: midvalleynewssgv@gmail.com Publisher/ Mid Valley Media Center Editor/ Feature Writer: Staff Asst. Editor/Graphic Designer/Social Media / Photographer: Devette Johnson Community Development Liaison: Mike McClure Media Relations Specialist: Staff

Sports Editor: Staff

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

fighters. Students also must pass an arduous physical fitness regime. Rio Hondo College has fielded the crew since 2002.

“The Angeles National Forest fire chief and his staff are huge supporters of this program where we train students from a diverse group of people to become firefighters,” said Tracy Rickman, coordinator of the Fire Technology programs at Rio Hondo College.

Lead Instructor Ryan Carey, also a wildland fire fighter prior to joining Rio Hondo College’s faculty, said the young men and women earn the job – nothing is given.

“You have to want to be gone from family and friends for up to 21 days at a time and sleep under the stars and work hard for a 12-hour operational period putting out a fire,” Carey said.

“It’s not for everyone.”

The Ferguson Fire has burned more than 91,000 acres since July 13; it is less than 45 percent contained. More than 2,300 firefighters are engaged.

There have been two fatalities, including Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots Capt. Brian Hughes, 33.

Board of Trustees President Madeline Shapiro said the entire Rio Hondo College community supports the firefighters who represent them.

“They walk an incredibly difficult path for all of the best reasons,” Shapiro said. “It moves all of us to see their dedication as they bravely step into danger to protect our California communities.”

Challenge Relay continued from page 3

training and we definitely want to [place] this year and bring back something to El Monte,” said Kelly Martin, Custody Supervisor.

Camp Mt. View staff, led by teacher and camp director, Ruby Huesca.

They do an excellent job caring for

our campers and ensuring they have a fun-filled, enriching and memorable time at camp.”

Connie’s Comments

ater. We’d stay in the “Baby Room” upstairs. It was a soundproof room with a huge glass window and normally we had the place to ourselves.

I would sneak in popcorn from the Karmel Korn shop and candy I bought at Thrifty’s or Grants.

Watching Bambi’s mother die, accompanied by the sound of my then 4-year-old sister crying, “Aw, poor Bambi,” along with the laughter of the previously respectfully silent movie-goers will be with me forever.

continued from page 7

I feel bad about that now. I think if Charlene’s mother had bought just one glass of Kool-Aid we would have had her daughter join us.

But the best thing ever was going to the Tumbleweed Movie Theater.

During the summer, for a dime, a kid could see two feature movies and two or three cartoons. I saw classics like, “The Legend of the Black Lagoon”, “The Incredible Shrinking Man” and “Bambi” to name a few.

When I grew older, I forayed to Downtown El Monte where I would take my sisters to the El Monte The-

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together and had sang & recorded together (In fact, Richard wrote a number of songs Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns recorded, including “Gloria”, and “A Fool’s Prayer.

I began calling folks to join us at Owen’s Pantry. I asked my friend Brad Pie, a good guitarist, to sit in with Richard Berry. I also contacted a good sax player, Dave Kadison to sit in. Arthur Lee Maye became a part of it, as did Leon Peels of the Blue Jays, and later, the lovely Sandra Johnson

Cracker Barrel continued from page 7

ties that will help them when they return to civilian life.

Once a soldier is discharged, the Army continues to help them with career opportunities. I would encourage all of our readers to go to the Army’s web-site “Soldier for Life” and read more about this program and how many companies have signed up to provide jobs for our returning men and women, it will make you proud. …I had a chance to go by the Mall here in El Monte this morning for the Annual

Sudoku Solution for 8.08.18

“Aww, poor Tumbleweed!”

Farewell. did as well. The Richard Berry Show had taken form.

Stay tuned, next issue I’ll tell you how we were able to get Richard some more money back for the royalities for “Louie Lou NOTE: “I Still Remember” was a song recorded by the Romancers in 1955. They were a short- lived San Francisco vocal group that came to L.A. and recorded for Dootsie Williams, who was hot from his success with local groups “The Penquins”, “The Medallians” and my old buddy Don Julian & “ The Meadowlarks”.

“Back to School Resource Fair” and saw thousands of El Monte residents lined up for the kids to receive free backpacks and school supplies.

Councilwoman Martinez, the event Chair, deserves big kudos for a job well done! …Question for the day, Supervisor Solis’s staff was there at the backpack give away this morning. Over the last couple of weeks they have been at several events through- out the First Supervisorial District… so here is the Question for today, “How many backpacks have been given to the kids living in Supervisor Solis’s District this summer to better prepare them for the new school year?

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