Community News Christmas Cheer page 4
Chalk Talk Community Events, page 2
The Community Paper of Record
Vol. 55, No. 27
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
December 26, 2018
El Monte City School District Honored at Annual Fundraiser
byRaymond Mendoza, Contributing Writer El Monte
El Monte City School District on Dec. 13 received the El Monte Promise Foundation’s Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award for creating a strong atmosphere of college readiness for its K-8 students and their parents. The honor was given during the 15th annual Tamalada, a fundraising event hosted by the Foundation and partnering groups that are dedicated to working with parents, school districts and community groups to cultivate a college-going culture. More than 300 guests attended the Tamalada, held at the community’s Grace T. Black Auditorium, dining on spicy tamales, enjoying lively mariachi music and honoring area institutions. The event brought together educators, community members and representatives of local, state, county and federal officials.
Courtesy photo
El Monte City School District received its accolade for encouraging parents to make financial plans to
pay for college tuition, promoting a culture of college readiness, working with the El Monte Promise Founda-
tion and supporting students to reach their full academic potential. Fundraiser continued on page 8
Rio Hondo College Holds Oath of Office by Ruthie Retana, Contributing Writer El Monte
Rio Hondo College’s Board of Trustees held an Oath of Office ceremony for one returning board member and two new members in front of a standing-room-only crowd of guests on Dec. 12 before naming new officers during a subsequent board meeting to lead the board through 2019. Trustee Vicky Santana, who represents Trustee Area 2, opened the Oath of Office Ceremony with a warm welcome for guests and colleagues. Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis administered the oath to Norma Edith García, who was reelected Nov. 6. Superior Court Judge Olivia Rosales administered the oath to new member Rosaelva Lomeli and Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Janice Hahn administered the oath to new member Oscar Valladares. After taking the oath, García shared with guests that the College’s work is to reach out to those with the greatest need and ensure they have a pathway to success. “I am proud to acknowledge what we have accomplished together at Rio Hondo College. We have made significant progress to create a college pathway for all students,” said García, who represents Trustee Area
Rio Hondo’s new College Board of Trustees with one returning officer. Courtesy Photo.
1, which includes El Monte. “Rio Hondo has much of which to be proud.” She noted the College’s accomplishments include its Pathway to
Law School program, 27 associate degrees that guarantee admission to Cal State campuses and 140 certificate programs. In addition, the College sharply increased the number of
students earning degrees that allow Cal State admissions. García praised Rio Hondo ColRio Hondo College continued on page 8