Vol. 52, No.38
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
October 01, 2014
Special Section
Local Events
Entertainment
Sports
Book Review
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page 11
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El Monte Police Department Honors Airman’s Last Wish
by Christina L. Cárdenas El Monte
United States Air Force Technical Sgt. Joseph LaRochelle had a dream of becoming a police officer. Known as “Roach” and “GI Joe,” he had already served four years in the United States Marine Corps and 15 years in the Air Force, where he was assigned to the 452nd Security Forces Squadron and the Air Mobility Command’s Phoenix Raven program. When he decided to become a police officer, he was quickly cut down by a tragic diagnosis: doctors found the
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Riverside resident had Stage 4 brain cancer. He died on Sept. 22 at the age of 38, just one day before the El Monte Police Department was scheduled to swear him in as an honorary police officer. On Sept. 27, El Monte City Councilman Juventino “J” Gomez and El Monte Police Department Capt. Michelle States presented a plaque containing his badge to his widow, Jamie TafoyaLaRochelle, and son, Trent, at the airman’s memorial service at March Air Force Reserve Base. “This young man dedicated his life to the service of others,” Gomez said. “He served our country honorably for most of his life and he wanted to continue on that path by becoming a police officer. We were honored to have the opportunity to make his last wish come
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Airman’s Last Wish continued on page 10
El Monte Children’s Day Parade and Harvest Festival to Attract Thousands by Valerie Martinez El Monte
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El Monte Police Department Capt. Michelle States, left, and Councilman Juventino “J” Gomez present a plaque containing a badge and certificate for US Air Force Technical Sgt. Joseph LaRochelle to his wife, Jamie. LaRochelle C whose last wish was to be a police officer -- died on Sept. 22 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. LaRochelle’s last wish was to be a police officer and the El Monte Police Department posthumously granted his wish. Courtesy photo
The City of El Monte, local businesses and community members will come together Saturday, Oct. 18 to host the 20th Annual Emily Ishigaki Children’s Day Parade and Harvest Festival with Grand Marshal Vera Jimenez, Emmy awardwinning journalist for KTLA Channel 5 News. Jimenez – who has earned two Emmy awards, three Golden Mike awards and three Golden Pylons – has also worked for KABC 7 and KCBS 2. She currently works as meteorologist and traffic reporter for KTLA Channel 5 News at 6 and 10 p.m. The parade and festival celebrate youth from local school districts by providing them a forum to showcase their talents and realize their significance in the El Monte community. Past parades have attracted more than 10,000 guests, and the event honors 4,000 children annually.
“The Children’s Day Parade and Harvest Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the City of El Monte,” said El Monte City Councilwoman and parade co-chair Norma Macias. “Our City is filled with hopeful, talented and intelligent children. This is their opportunity to shine, and the event also offers our community the opportunity to unite and take pride in El Monte.” The Harvest Festival at Arceo Park will include free bikes, helmets, GameStop gift certificate giveaways, performances by parade participants, rides, bouncers and two cash awards for the Most Spirited Award. “The parade will showcase our rich, multicultural community’s children,” said El Monte City Councilman and parade co-chair Juventino “J” Gomez. “It is especially significant to see the community and our local businesses rally behind this event because they believe in its purpose and look forward to enjoying the
celebration.” The Children’s Day Parade and Harvest Festival, a City of El Monte event, is supported by the City Council, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Public Works, the Police Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Downtown El Monte Busi- Courtesy photo: Grand Marshal Vera Jimenez, ness Associa- Emmy award-winning journalist for KTLA Channel 5 News. tion. The parade will begin at should be mailed to Lisa Del the Valley Mall and Tyler Real at 3130 Tyler Ave., El Avenue at 10:15 a.m. and Monte CA 91731. For more will travel south on Tyler information on sponsorship Avenue and end at Arceo opportunities, call Parks and Park. The event is scheduled Recreation office Monday to end at 1:30 p.m. through Thursday from 8 Parade applications are a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at (626) due by Thursday, Oct. 2 and 580-2200.