Sea Power - Hail Holy Queen

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Mayberry Park Xmas Breakfast & Toy Giveaway



On Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 10:00 am in Mayberry Park, we helped serving breakfast to over 150 families and 300 people. It was joyous occasion with cheer filing the hearts of everyone participating.

My buddy Mayor Rick Ramirez came through with over 200 toys for the deserving children of Mayberry.

Several of my Karate students helped at this community event volunteering all morning. Thanks.

I was also happy to see a good amount of my current students and over 50 of my summer students.

It was great!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Karate Students Promoted



I'm very proud of my first three yellow belts at Mayberry Park who recently passed thier test: Miguel, Irvine and Anthony.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Loma Vista Elementary Menudo Breakfast

Attended thier fundraiser to go to Sacramento. The trip can be a positive and inspiring impression on children who normaly dont see much locally.

I remember seeing the Capitol for the first time at the age of about 15 on a trip with a local veterans group who mentored me. As you might guess, it made a great impression.

I soon choose to plunge into politics. I even went so far as to attend Sac State and work in the Capitol. Many years later, I see politics and the Capitol differently. However, I do understand the positive effect it will have on these children and will do what I can to support them.

I hope that those who choose the political path will have heart in their purpose.

Preparing for Iowa Caucuses

Well, trying to organize Californians to go to Iowa to help Bill Richardson is not easy. No surpise though. Up to twelve people which will fill one van. It would be nice to reach 20-25 people.

Friday, August 31, 2007

New Karate Kids - Whittier Daily News article 08/31/07

New Karate Kids
Sandra T. Molina. Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.


SOUTH WHITTIER - Sensei Gary Mendez wasn't sure whether he was up to the task of teaching a summer karate class at Mayberry Park, let alone if any students would attend. What he got were 50 applications the first week, and two weeks later the total was 150.

"I am overwhelmed at the response of the community," Mendez, 37, said Friday, the last day of the free 12-week program.

The day was spent handing out certificates of completion to the 50 students on hand and demonstrating their skills.

It's been about six years since the Santa Fe Springs resident has taught a karate class, and then, it was only two or three students.

And how did it feel to teach again before such a large class? "I loved it," he said. "It reminded me how much I love karate, and I enjoyed introducing so many kids to the sport, as well as their parents."

Karate is not about fighting, but discipline, self-defense, self-esteem and other life skills, Mendez said.

He said the kids, with the support of their parents and the park staff, far exceeded his expectations.

"They showed me they have it in them to excel, and not only in karate," said Mendez, a public and political affairs consultant in Los Angeles County.

One of those students, 11-year-old Cindy Mora, who is autistic, said she had a lot of fun. She named some of the skills, like stances and kicks, as some of the things she liked best.

Cindy's parents, Ernesto Mora, 33, and Maria Gonzalez, 36, said they enrolled their daughter in the program to improve her motor skills.

What they got was much more.

"The class improved her motor skills and her social skills," Moreno said. "We've seen such a big difference in her."

Gonzalez said she was surprised how well Cindy did memorizing the movements.

"Learning karate has given her more confidence, and shows her she can be like everyone else," said the proud mom.

For 5-year-old Nathan Guerrero, his mom, Sandra Espinoza, 25, said her son has learned to be more patient and more safety conscious.

"He used to run and open the door whenever there was someone knocking on it," she said. "Now, he knows to take his time and let a grown-up answer the door."

And Aaron Navarrete, 11, said the meditation and sense of discipline were the best parts of the class. "I learned to focus on things I am doing, and when I get stressed, I have a way to relax," said the very serious young man, who plans on attending more classes if they are available.

If Mendez and a group of parents have their say, the class will be offered again.
The group is planning to meet with Supervisor Gloria Molina to request she once again give financial support to the class.

"She was so responsive and positive when I approached her a year ago about this program," Mendez said.

Now with the parents behind him, and Molina's dedication to young people, Mendez said he is sure he'll be back, and sooner than next summer.

"There's such a need for programs like this in the area," he said. "We'll be back again for the kids."

sandra.molina@sgvn.com
(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3028


Copyright © 2008 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved.
People: Mendez, Gary, Mora, Cindy
Author(s): Sandra T. Molina
Section: News
Publication title: Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
Source type: Newspaper
ISSN: 10692819
ProQuest document ID: 1328885151
Text Word Count 557