Sports Super Bowl page 4
Vol. 55, No. 03
Education Chalk Talk, page 2 - 3
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
February 07, 2018
The 63rd Annual Miss Friendly and 2nd Annual Mister Friendly El Monte/South El Monte Pageant by Ren McGee, Contributing Writer El Monte / So. El Monte
On January 27, the Miss Friendly El Monte/South El Monte Pageant Association held their annual pageant at El Monte High School. The program included an opening dance, introduction to the judges, contestants, past courts, and board of directors, and competitions among the contestants. These consisted of platforms and issues, a talent competition, evening wear, onstage questions, and performances, all leading up to the crowning of the 2018 Royal Court. The Pageant was designed to inspire leadership, community commitment, academic success, and ethical standards of the highest regard. “It is very rewarding to see our contestants develop and mature throughout the Pageant process,” Christine Knight, President of the Pageant Association stated, “The Pageant is an event that will be cherished by our contestants for the remainder of their lives.” This year’s judges included Candice Woods, Joseph Han, and Marlena Martin. Dr. Lilly Chung, Pageant Direc-
tor stated, “The contestants have invested numerous hours in making this evening memorable...all of the contestants’ hard work will be apparent on stage and all are deserving of the crown. It will be very challenging for the judges.” The event began with an opening dance number, Poi and Fire, Ka Mate, He Mele No Lilo, and Kai Ulou Veo Kakai, which included last year’s Queen Jasmine Covarrubias and King Nicholas Segura. After the opening dance, there were introductions to several contributing members throughout the event. This included Masters of Ceremonies Dr. Edward Zuniga and Mr. Larry Cecil, judges and tabulator Michael Osborn, and contestants Megan Ulloa, Malinelly Romero, Anahi Perez, Julleah Marie Velez, Ruben Macias, Austyn Perez, and
EM / SEM Pageant continued on page 8
El Monte Council Appoints New City Manager by R. Conner, Staff Writer El Monte
The El Monte City Council unanimously appointed Alex Hamilton as the City Manager Tuesday, January 23. Mr. Hamilton has been serving as El Monte’s Assistant City Manager since 2015. “Alex Hamilton has been an effective Assistant City Manager since he started working for our City,” said El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero. “The City has been building momentum for many years and his leadership and steady hand will allow us to maintain continuity and continue building the future.” As a public servant, Mr. Hamilton has over 25-years’ experience working in federal and local government. He began his career in the U.S Army Corp of Engineers in the Environmental Resources Branch. “Alex Hamilton is a seasoned public servant,” said Mayor Pro Tem Juventino “J” Gomez. “With his experience leading local government, we will maintain the City’s drumbeat of
success.” Mr. Hamilton’s tenure in local government includes serving the cities of Los Angeles, Norwalk, Glendale, Commerce, Montebello, and most currently El Monte. Within local government, Mr. Hamilton has worked in diverse areas, including planning, economic development and city administration. “Throughout his tenure as Assistant City Manager, Alex has shown a diverse skillset that makes him an effective leader,” said Councilmember Norma Macias. “I look forward to this chapter of El Monte’s leadership and the successes to come.” As Assistant City Manager for El Monte, Mr. Hamilton directed the development of the City’s Economic Development Plan, adopted by the City Council in 2017. The Economic Development Plan serves as a roadmap for development in the City. Mr. Hamilton also facilitated the creation of the City’s Strategic Goals and Objectives, adopted by the City Council in 2016. “Alex has demonstrated a strong
El Monte Appoints City Manager: City Council appoints Alex Hamilton as City Manager. Courtesy Photo
commitment to the City and its resi-
New City Manager continued on page 8