Sea Power - Hail Holy Queen

Monday, November 10, 2008

Nov. 11. US "Sound of the Smiths" release!



I'm heading to Amoeba to get my full disk copy!

I feel like an awkward nerdy teenager again. I recall my excitment in buying Smiths Albums, little changes.


>
REVIEW AFTER LISTENING TO COMPILATION:

Wow! This is beautifully remastered. The track order is brilliant and flowing. Tracks have been well balanced and reemphasized that only comes with maturity and wisdom of an accomplished musician like Marr.

I feel sixteen yet mature in my listening taste buds which make this compilation delectable.

Looking forward to our listening party with my brothers (longtime Smiths fans) to sing our hearts out and drink merrily.






Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Sturm und Drang in Los Angeles:Wagner Rings Festival


It's about time that one of the Largest International Metropolitan Cities strives to host a world class International Arts and Cultural Festival specific to an artisan like Wagner. Excellent choice. Salzburg has Mozart and Los Angeles will have Wagner.

Waiting and hoping for Wagner to appear in LA Phil and Opera's repertoire will be no longer and the "fest" shall ensue.

P.s. Thanks to all those with the foresight like L.A. Opera General Director Plácido Domingo, my county Supervisors Gloria Molina, Zev Yaroslavsky, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and philanthropist Eli Broad.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Footprint Challenge Update: Walking



It's been two weeks since the begining of my Carbon Reducation Footprint Challenge:

Here is my walking data:
Week One: 10/16 - 10/23
steps: 83,235
miles: 42.3
calories: 2365


Week Two: 10/24 - 10/31
steps: 63,591
miles: 30.8
calories: 1716

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Powell endorses Obama for president

Colin Powell is a respected figure in America and in American history. I have always felt that Powell has been the social conscious in the Bush Administration, at best under the circumstances.

Powell tells it straight, with honesty, and with great concern for the conscious and future of America.

I almost weeped with pride for Mr. Powell. I hope that those who maybe undecided look at this as a sign to do the right thing for America.


Thursday, October 16, 2008

30 Day Carbon Footprint Challenge

For 30 days I'm going to significantly reduce my carbon footprint by doing the following:

1. Walk to local places around the community within 4 miles. (Markets, etc)
2. Use local transit for distances more than 4 miles.
3. Use regional tranist (Metro rail) to get to places more than 8 miles.
4. Cutting plastic bag use from market shopping.
5. Requesting recyclable materials from establishments I frequent.

At the end of the 30 days, I will total the miles walked, travel using public transit, use of recyclables and calculate my carbon footprint.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

"The Sounds of the Smiths". Compliation Release


I was always reluctant to purchase compilation releases, especially unsanctioned. However, I'm certainly going to acquire this Smiths compilation and possibly the box set.

I grew up with the Smiths. As my karate students and karate peers in the 80s would attest, the dojo was filled with Smith tunes before classes. I was in about 8th grade when I was introduced to the Smiths by my elder brother who was attending Whittier College and active with college radio. All my formats where on tapes and I had warn the hell out of them till they stretched and winned.

The sounds of my youth!

From Manchester United to Westham to Millwall: Where's your Hooligan Pride?




Moz cant be loyal to one crew? May the best hooligans win.




No One Likes Us, No One Likes Us, No One Likes Us – We Don't Care! (Millwall)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Yosemite National Park via Amtrak






If you want to reduce your carbon footprint trekking to Yosemite via Amtrak is an excellent way to do so. Conscious if the many motor vehicles that burn fuel and spout exhaust throughout the beautiful national park, I wanted to reduce my own carbon footprint. Amtrak.

The Route
With backpack gear and all, Norwalk Metro Greenline Station (Blueline to Redline) to Union Station Downtown Los Angeles. Board Amtrak thruway bus (spacious I might add) to Bakersfield. Board Amtrak Train to Merced. Merced board YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit) to Curry Village where the adventure really begins. Lou from YARTS was very cool and friendly. I missed my bus back at Curry Village (coming down from the backcountry) but Lou picked me up and gave me a ride to the Lodge where I met my bus. Thanks Lou!

The connecting Train and busses are cordinated well and no worry in missing connections because Amtrak assures that (they own the busses, to from Bakersfield and LA). Very smooth.

I offset my carbon footprint. By car I would have burned 0.200 tonnes: 772 miles.

By rail burned 0.075 tonnes of carbon: 772 miles

If it were up to me, I would close access to motor vehicles and restrict access only to busses and shuttles. If.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Off I go to Yosemite

Packed and ready to hit Yosemite via rail. Near Carbonless.


View Larger Map

Thursday, September 25, 2008

McCain's Stroke

If you have HD TV look at McCain's pupil dilation for over minute. It's irregular and it apprears that he may have had a stroke or may have one impending. If you know the symtoms of stroke, McCain is a prime example of one.

SHould this occur before the election, America may be spared of Palin. If a larger stroke occurs after, get use to President Palin.

Chicken McCain, Not a Multitasker

McCain and GW are shameless in using the "Bailout" as the "September Surprise". They were looking for something to shock and panic the American people and here it is. Sure, we are facing a huge problem but he is doing his best to save McCain and distract Americans entirely. Bush is only creating more panic.

Obama, go the Bush meeting, work on a financial legislative package and go to the debates!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Obama-Biden Let's Get Going!


Hell, yes! This is an awesome and motivating ticket. What class and strength. Biden is the attack dog we need with gravitas. I'm so ready to hit a battle ground state. Californians need to get their crap togther and realize that if they really want to win this, get off your arse, get out of California, and contribute in a significant way.

We have all heard local democratic activist, espcially the able bodied, say they did there part. Some have even said "I was thier in the begining", but never really did anything where and when it counts.

So pack your bags and get ready to elect our next President of the United States. We are going to change our country. See you on amtrak!


Monday, July 28, 2008

Karate Kids Kick at Demonstration



A small group of my students from our Dojo (Tai Crane Karate) did a Karate Demonstration at Mayberry Park's Summer Concert in the Park and was a great success. Students are learning well. This is one way of observing whether students are learning and training at a competent level or whether their Sensei is teaching them correctly. So far so good.

I applaud all my students and their parents for doing a great job! Most, if not all, Parents attended with great enthusiasm.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Dark Knight: Batman Made His Choice, or Did He?





Batman was my favorite DC hero as a child. A hero that, as children, we fantasized being and roll played with friends and siblings. Superman didn’t do much for me. Speed racer was the guy I loved as a kid, but Batman hit something deeper, at the core.

My brother and I had a very thick encyclopedia of DC super heroes that sketched, in cartoon, how and why they become who they are: heroes. I don’t know if that book is around, but as a kid it allowed us to understand a hero and to identify with one or more. Batman was my guy in this book.

The new release of the “Dark Knight” was a solid philosophical return to why Batman is who he is: a dark hero. It was no surprise, but it was great to see it played out for people to meditate on. I didn’t quite pay attention to the chronology of these movies and or whether this was an early story of his cape career. However, I believe he made the underlining philosophical choice earlier then this movie cut.

The decision was made at the point of his tragedy. He later came to a realization who he really is, what he must do, how and the balance he maintains within himself.

In the movie, Bruce Wayne says: People are dying, Alfred. What would you have me do?

Alfred Pennyworth replied: Endure, Master Wayne. Take it. He'll hate you for it. But that's the point of Batman, he can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else can make, the right choice.

I believe that there is more here. Batman realizes who he is and what he can’t be (especially to others). The realization that he is both Dark and light. In this realization, he knows that he must be, at time and in perception, Dark and only he and a few know the intensity of his light. Esoteric Budo, Taoist at heart.

Batman is forged fudoshin.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Film: "Tabarly" - Magnificent! Score by Yann Tiersen



A Legend and an extraordinary adventurer. I'm in awe of people like Tabarly who make adventure (sailing) a full time occupation, immerse their whole being in it, and are free in doing so.. When you see and hear this man, his soul speaks to you.

"For the 10th anniversary of Eric Tabarly's death, a famous skipper from Brittany (Northwest of France), the director Pierre Marcel and Galatée Film release a biography of this unsurpassed sailor on June, 11. Galatée Film did not hesitate at all to suggest another exceptional Breton (from Brittany), i.e. Yann Tiersen to compose the soundtrack of this outstanding film. As usual, Yann Tiersen did not just make a music that illustrate the film, but he made a full-fledged, independent, personal and powerful music. Yann made an instrumental music that gives pride of place to the piano and to the intimist melodies which will delight his biggest fans. This record is a kind of bridge in the artist's evolution, from his first loves to his new folk trend. Under this peacefull, mastered and warm movie soundtrack, lies actually a new allbum. After Eric Zonca's « la vie rêvée des anges » , « Amélie from Montmartre » and « Goodbye Lenin », Yann Tiersen composed his fourth soundtrack and as the previous films, it is a safe bet that it will be a success! The record has been initially made for vinyl and the mastering has been made from this vinyl. The sound is therefore warm and powerful."

http://www.myspace.com/yanntierseninprogress

###
From Wikipedia:

Eric Tabarly's boat Pen Duick II in Port Haliguen.Éric Tabarly (July 24, 1931 in Nantes – June 14, 1998) was a notable French sailor.

A former officer in the French navy who is often considered the father of French yachting, Tabarly was a record-setting distance sailor who won several notable races aboard his boats, all named Pen Duick. He was lost at sea when struck by a gaff during heavy swell and knocked overboard from his yacht near Wales while on his way to the Fife Regatta in Scotland. His body was recovered five weeks later off the coast of Ireland by a French fishing trawler.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Hiking and Camping at Little Harbor was Paradise!

Little Habor, Catalina (Hike-in). Paradise! My "Moon's, California Camping", book was right and then more. It's rated a 10 and exceeded all, if any, expectations.

I arrived through Two Harbors which is a beautiful little harbor and pier. The people were very pleasant. I had a bite to eat at the little restaurant. The Kobe hamburger was killer!

When entering the Little Harbor, the little harbor ocean view opened up beautifully. Amazing place with fantastic and grand views. It has everything, swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other naturalist thing to do.

There is just too much to mention. Ranger Gilligan is the Ranger for this site as well (Blackjack). Again, the coolest down to earth guy you can BS with and he is very informative and helpful.



Monday, June 23, 2008

Blackjack Hike-In Camp: Dam it was hot!

Just got back from camping on Santa Catalina Island’s Blackjack campground on the highest point and wooded part of the Island. Best part of Blackjack is going through Avalon. Worst part of Blackjack is Blackjack.

It was over 100 degrees! I just had to choose high noon to hike in with my pack.

It was ok. I was pretty hot when I arrived. No one was in my immediate camp, not within view. Soon after pitching my tent the coolest Ranger Gilligan stopped by and told me where the rinse showers where. Ahhhhhhhh! That cold outdoor shower was heaven! No it's not a nudist camp, not normally.

That early evening a bachelorette party of about 8 women camped out. Strange things occured and I will never talk about what happened.


Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Mendez Wins Top Spot in Democratic Party Race, 56th Assembly District


Thank you Democratic Voters of the 56th Assembly District for returning me to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee.

I'm also very privileged to be re-elected for a third term and with the highest number of votes (#1) three elections in a row. It's a great empowering feeling to have that much confidence from the Democrats of the 56th Assembly District.

I will do my best to represent you and continue to advocate on issues that create greater access to the Democratic Party and gear up for the general election fight.


COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEES - 56TH DISTRICT - DEMOCRATIC

Candidate Votes Percent
GARY MENDEZ 3,989 8.57
MAUREEN ALLEN 3,840 8.25
LILLIAN M GONZALES 3,576 7.69
DENISE STABILE 3,415 7.34
MARISELA CERVANTES 3,355 7.21
ANTHONY ARMENDAREZ 3,298 7.09
RAUL P GONZALES 3,094 6.65
FLOYD ALLEN 3,011 6.47
FRANCIS CARBAJAL 2,384 5.12
GEOFFREY M MARKELL 2,306 4.96
HANNIBAL AGUILAR 2,220 4.77
DELTA E DUVALI 2,177 4.68
CESAR DIEGO JAMES 2,158 4.64
CHARLIE ARA 2,000 4.3
JIMMY MENDOZA JR 1,589 3.42
C J DUVALI 1,523 3.27
HUMBERTO B LUJAN 1,391 2.99
LEEA HALMETOJA 1,202 2.58

VOTE FOR NO MORE THAN 7
Registration 71,449
Precincts Reporting 166
Total Precincts 166
% Precincts Reporting 100



Remember, you need to refresh this page to ensure that you have the latest results.

Last Updated: 15:35 06/13/2008
June 3, 2008 - Los Angeles County Primary Election

Bill Richardson for Secretary of State!


Bill made the right decision to back the best candidate for President of the United States. It takes great gravity and foresight to put oneself out and do what's right for the country while anticipating the harsh criticism from the Clintons.

I would love to see Governor Bill Richardson as Vice President and if that's not workable without doubt as Secretary of State.

Bills credentials in the international community is unquestionable and the most qualified of any other choice. He would be of great benefit to Obama and our country in bringing back respect and integrity to our country reputation throughout the world.

Please, please, please Obama, make Bill Richardson a priority as VP or Secretary of State.

Yes! Obama Secures Delegate Threshold


Despite a long and bitter battle, Obama comes out on top. I admire him greatly for keeping his cool and responding with finesse when assaulted by Clinton. Clinton really tried hard to incite Obama and get him on defensive and offensive.

Now, I really hope the party comes together and Clinton repairs her damage and does not depart or demand things in spite and poor sports ship.

Onward and forward!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Time to Move-On; Campaign 2008


After today’s June Primaries, it's time to move on to the general election and defeat McCant (McCain).

Dems need to get over the in-fighting and lay in on the Reps. Those of my Democratic brothers and Sisters in California know that we must really plan on going out of Cal to make a serious impact.

There are party leaders or pseudo leaders who rally troops in heavily democratic districts should really think about this and forgo the ego. I find that some political activist who lay claim to local leadership get people worked up to work in dem strongholds to stroke their ego for having "done something" in the elections. NOT!

If you want to win pack your bags and rough it in a state that really matters in the General Election. Otherwise, local campaigning in heavy dem districts is just an exercise of ego.

Mount up and stay thirsty my friends!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Vote Measure M - Los Nietos School Bond

My family has been in Los Nietos for over 150 years attending Los Nietos schools. My family were directly involved in the building of the early school houses and has been active in the districts for those 150 years.

The facilities are just as old and in need of dire repair.

I vote for Measure M is a vote in the future of children and in my beloved Los Nietos.

Gary

Sunday, May 11, 2008

"This Game is Full of Cheaters" - Speed


I saw Speed Racer today with my nephews. I enjoyed it more than any kid in the theater. Again, I realized how much I loved Speed and his values.

As a kid, I really took Speed to heart. At the theatre, I had a flood of emotions, thoughts, and visual flashbacks. I now remember singing the theme and doing the standing side gesture at the beginning and the end of the cartoon.

This led me to think. Are Speed’s values good for the youth of today? I don’t know.

The Game is full of cheaters. Isn’t that the truth!

Why didn’t I learn to cheat? Why do cheaters cheat? The best cheaters I know are very smart. I don’t know.

Is it naivety that makes some of us non-cheaters?

Only as an adult did I really realize the working of dishonesty.

When Speed realizes that cheaters dominate and fix to win he continued to fight in a manner contrary to the tactics of the corrupt. He rebels and repels.

The arming of the Mach 5 demonstrates the move from naivety to more of fudoshin. Is it cheating? No, he still plays by the rules (in the grey) for good but aware of the tools-weapons of the cheaters and meets them head on.

Go No Sen to Sen Sen No Sen.

I do beg to differ with the statement that "Cheaters Don't Prosper". Cheaters do prosper which motivates them to win by any means.

There are some of us who believe the ends do not justify the means. Sentimental? Delusional? Perhaps, but the value system of Speed Racer is a Good one that singly stands to defy the Cheaters of the world who will hurt anyone no matter how small or large to serve their selfish interest.

It’s a process in realizing that one must be armed (by the Way) in order to effectively combat the cheaters.

It must be hard to be Speed Racer. It must be hard to do what’s right.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Go Speed Racer, Go!


"And when the odds are against him
And there's dangerous work to do
You bet your life Speed Racer
Will see it through."


I absolutely loved Speed Racer as a kid. I had Speed Racer PJs, bed sheets and blankets, towels, dinner plate and bowl, the Mach 5 car toy, and other sundries.

It's one of the few profound things I recall of my childhood. I took the values of speed racer as my own. Battling the tricksters and wrong doers. There was an innocents and sincerity to his character.

I was especially mesmerized by Speed's brother Racer X. The alter ego Racer X was fascinating. There was time we wanted to be the anonymous and mysterious Racer X.

As Karate student and young black belt at 15, the meaning of both Speed Racer and Racer X became more apparent. The budo philosophy was inherent in both. We are all both Speed and X.

Racer X was a part of us that was anonymous and dark. However, we all have a choice to what extent did Racer X act and for what purpose. (The life giving sword).

Speed was the hero everyone liked and he Never gave up despite the odds.

Trixie was so hot! Her sighs, dark short hair, light skin, and concern for Speed was attractive. I've always liked woman who subconsciously reminded me of Trixie.

Go Speed racer, Go Speed Racer Go!

See you in the shadows Racer X.


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Save Our School Rally - Sat. May 3rd

SOS
SAVE OUR SCHOOLS
CAMPAIGN

Southern California
Rally
Pioneer High School
Stadium
Whittier,CA
(605 Fwy at Slauson Blvd. off ramp)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
1:00 P.M.


Join Parents, students, and community leaders in protesting California state education budget cuts.

My karate student and parents will be in attendance.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Light Rail Plan Hijacking by San Gabriel Valley Cities - Wrong!

The Whittier Daily News ran an article today on certain San Gabriel Valley cities attempting to hijack the long planned east-side county light rail route.

It's a selfish act to derail established plans to run the proposed light rail from downtown Los Angeles thru East LA, Montebello, and Pico Rivera to Whittier and unincorporated Whittier.

People in the current plan do not have adequate access to rapid public transportation like the people in San Gabriel Valley.

The San Gabriel Valley cities have the El Monte/South El Monte Transit Center hub that many transportation agencies use and provide access for residents in local cities to Los Angeles and to the Inland Empire. The transportation access at El Monte provides long range and short range bus service. More importantly, the San Gabriel Valley hub in El Monte currently provides rapid freeway flier access to Downtown Los Angeles and to the inland empire along the 10 freeway.

Detouring the current plan to serve the underserved communities of Whittier, Unincorporated Whittier, and Pico Rivera and Montebello further limits rapid transit and further diminishes access for people in these communities.

It’s selfish for cities in San Gabriel Valley to get another Transit Center.

The current plan must stay and the cities in San Gabriel Valley need to share rapid transit access to other areas of east county of Los Angeles.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Great to be American


It's great to be reminded how privileged we are to be Americans in America. Beautiful country, freedoms, diversity, and the unbound pursuit of happiness.

de Tocquevilled
T. Jefferson
John Muir
R.W. Emerson
R. Frost
H.W. Longfellow
W. Whitman

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

South Whittier Satelite College Center - Short Change

There is a ridiculous argument being advocated by Russell Castañeda Calleros, the governmental affairs director, at Rio Hondo College regarding the South Whittier Satellite Center. He say's, "the people in South Whittier need more green space than college classrooms."

The voters voted on a $234 million dollar bond which $3 million was committed and budgeted for a college satellite center in South Whittier. Some administrators, including Russell Castañeda Calleros, are planning to short change the project thereby breaking the promise made to the community to invest the full $3 million in the satilite center.

What it comes down to is whether to build three or four classrooms. Of course this would mean serving fewer people at the site and instead adding a small patch of grass and a tree. Russell Castañeda Calleros makes the argument that the people of South Whittier and surrounding area need more "green space" than classroom space for courses and programs.

Now, I consider myself an environmentalist and have a good policy track record. But this is about Rio Hondo Community College serving people in an area with high unemployment, the furthest south community from campus, a working class community, limited in transportation, and with no high school.

I'm stand steadfast that the people of South Whittier deserve more classroom space to take college courses that will help them attain better paying jobs, help young adults get in college, and improve the community overall rather than a small patch of grass with a tree. There are several good parks in the area.

Russell Castañeda Calleros and others are attempting to short change the people of South Whittier and I wont let them do it without a fight.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Leave Redistricting to Elected Representatives

"The California Voters First Initiative would take the redistricting process out of the hands of state legislators and put it under the control of an independent committee."

I would much rather have our elected representatives in the state legislature draw districts then leave it to an "independent" committee that is not representative of California.

The proponents of this Initiative know well that taking the process out of the hands of our elected representatives usurps residents of California and our democratic form of government.

I'm disapointed that my retired political science professor and Whittier city councilman Owen Newcomer would back such initiative. By supporting this initiative he is taking the process out of the hands of the people and giving it to an elite group of people not representative of our diverse population of California.

Our representative form of democracy should not be substituted for a committee of political appointments who were not directly elected by the people of California. If a community does like its representative they can vote them out. In the case of a committee of elites, we can not vote them out and there is no mechanism to do so should the people disagree with their decision.

Stick to our elected legislature who we can hold accountable at the local level and not a group of unaccountable elitist.

Monday, April 14, 2008

The State of Ward Republics in America


Thomas Jefferson believed that democracy in America is best represented at the local level (ward republics) where citizens govern themselves and live inter-dependently (in collaboration with each other).

I too have subscribed to this idea since my teens age years reading Jefferson, Rousseau's "The Social Contract" and other political philosophy.

This Presidential Primary cycle gives me great hope and concern. The possibility of either an African-American or woman brings me closer to the idea of equal opportunity in America.

However, I'm also growing concern for how our democracy or the idea of democracy may be or not shifting at the local level. As Jefferson argued, the small local ward republic is reflective of the federal/national state of democracy. If this is true, my concern is that I observe not a shift in ideas, but just the same "old" Machiavellian practice of the group fight and hoarding of resources.

Perhaps I'm viewing this too idealistically. To anticipate and get caught in the fervor of an ideological revolution may be placing too many expectations on "change". I understand realism in politics, but is this really "change"?

I see no "change" at the local levels. What I observe is the realist opportunism that can be a plague if not checked. My observation is the Democratic Presidential Campaigns at the local levels are not representative of the movement and ideas they purport. The Presidential Caucuses where strangely awkward.

Is there such thing as "unity" when people ideologicly akin are tearing each other apart? What I believe as ideology transcending race and culture may not be that at all. In my local ward-republic and what I observed in the Iowa Caucuses was not “unity” or “change”. What was it?

I do observe some believers in the “movement”. They deserve every encouragement and should be brought into the process so that they might actually be the ones down the road instituting “change”. I will do my best to help them get on the ship.

However, there were also acute opportunist using the “movement” to solely help themselves or engaging in cultural elitism. “I’m bring in my own group in and the rest of you will have to sit back and be governed by us” attitude.

Ok, I believe that “change” may bring change in the wealth structure in America and create greater access to opportunity for those who have not been included. Am I wrong? Could it just be one elitist group versus another elitist group?

I feel something is not right in our wards republics.

Friday, March 28, 2008

The Licorice Fields of Pontefract it was not

Betjeman would be disapointed
for it was not a licorice field
where my love and I did meet,
rather a corner cafe speak,
Her hair was brown chestnut it did glow,
skin dark and brown,
her lips sulky indeed and shaped for sin,
her legs were only the begining to which led up to divinity.


Good take of Betjman from the boys of BSP.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Sen Sen No Sen - Taking the Initiative



I've changed my mind and I’m resolved. After long meditation and contemplation, I have decided to wholly incorporate Sen Sen No Sen into my philosophy and practice. I will carefully and decisively apply it. Of course, with compassion.

Note: go no sen and sen remain philosophies and strategem that I find my core values.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Tiny Tot Karate Kids



I wanted to thank my dedicated tiny tot karate kids who came out in the rain to study karate.

domo arigato gozaimashita!

KARATE: Congratulations to Joshua and Dorian!



Dorian and Joshua earned their Yellow Belts with discipline and focus. This was the toughest yellow belt test I have given in many years.

Community in Crisis: Foreclosures in Los Nietos


Foreclosures in our working class community are astronomical: Up 412% in 2005 & 186% in 2007. Los Nietos is in a financial and housing crisis. This has and will continue to be a heavy burden on families in Los Nietos. What will we do? Who will be there for families? How are families to survive? Leaders, we, must begin to address this issue, NOW!

The financial hemorrhaging has lead to large increases in drops in enrollment at schools due to migration. There are many implications that must be looked at.


Home foreclosures from 2005-2007

Zip Code: 90606
City: Los Nietos-Whittier
2005: 52
2006: 93
2007: 266
% change from 2005: 412%
% change from 2006: 186%



90670 Santa Fe Springs 26 52 97 273% 87%

Source:
http://lang.sgvtribune.com/databases/foreclosures.asp

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Afternoon Tao at the Columbarium


Peace prevailed at the Columbarium where soft swift breezes blew and images of purple robes appeared on the buddha.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Obama Inspired

It has been a long time since I've been inspired and moved by a leader.

When I look into the eyes of the children and young people I teach I see the future of our community, country and world. I know they will grow to make positive contributions. I have an awesome opportunity to guide them for a short time and I take this privilege with great joy, hope and responsibility.

I have asked myself which Presidential candidate would best benefit and give hope to my students? When I listen to Clinton and Obama the answer is clear to me.

Obama gives my students, their families and I hope for the future. I believe that he can do it and he belives we can do it together.

Monday, February 4, 2008

My Mama Would Have Preferred Obama

Yes, I believe that my dear beloved-departed Mama would have preferred Obama. She always believed in hope, change, and lifting the hearts and minds of the people. She once wrote Bill Clinton a letter on the subject in which she mentioned "my mijo (me) comes from hope (of the heart) like you Mr. President". President Clinton corresponded kindly in return. Now, hope is re-ignited by Barak Obama. My Mama would have loved Obama.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

What Difference Does It Make?


Pick Your Prejudice or Preference.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Independence Day Comes Early [if Edwards stayed in]

[This was an opinion written about five days before Edwards quit. Not an endoresment but an analysis of the scenario edwards would have created had he stayed in the race. It is apparent what impact this plays now. Independents and Edwards supporters are now forced to choose or sit out the race. Who does that help? It does help one candidate more than the other, I believe. Look further into Edwards and Independent voter polling (demographic). I hope he got a sweet deal, at least. Nonetheless, I'm happy for all.]

Opinion Editorial [not a letter to editor]

Independence Day Comes Early in California

Independence Day will come early in California when unprecedented amounts Independent voters (decline-to-state) cast their ballots in the California Democratic Presidential Primary election tipping the political-electoral balance.

Independents in California make up 19.3% of voters, 20% in Los Angeles County, and 26% in Whittier. Since 1998, democrats and republicans in California have declined in registratation while independents have grown over 9%. They have power.

The California Republican Party chooses not to allow the growing and influential California independent voters to participate in their primary process. However, the California Democratic Party opted for an inclusive, semi-open, process.

What does this mean for Democratic candidates? By now, democrat campaigns have nearly exhausted their efforts to persuade this unpredictable, non-organized, and fiercely independent group with little indication on how they may actually vote.

Independents will not sit this race out and pass up the opportunity to significantly influence the electoral outcome of the California Democratic Presidential Primary and exercise their political might in state and national politics.

The democratic field of candidates leaves independents with little choice. Past elections demonstrate that they don’t necessarily follow popular polls and anointed candidates. Which means, they may not vote for the top two candidates (Clinton & Obama) and opt for the perceptual independent-moderate democratic candidate (Edwards) thereby upsetting the democratic elites and rank and file partisan voters.

On Tuesday, February 3 don’t expected bomb bursting fireworks, at least not in the air.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Karate Kids Having Fun (link)

Karate Kids having fun at Mayberry Park Dojo doing Triggered Salute technique. Amazing what the kids are capable of, all while being good and humble. Great way to build confidence and self-esteem. Kids with confidence and self-esteem are capable of great positive things!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Disappointment in Democratic Candidates: South Carolina

Watching Hillary and Barak tear each other apart on personal attacks and not on issues is appalling. Ok, a good ribbing on a rare spontaneous occasion is one thing, but this was on an open stage debate before the American people. This is what they leave people and me with?

Edwards is looking good staying above or below the fray and is smart. The dynamics have changed on how I view the Democratic candidates.

What now? Who to support?

I dunno?

Friday, January 18, 2008

"You Dont Deserve it", they say. My Response, "Who the Hell are You!"

Some of my detractors told me, in person, recently that "I make them look bad and they plan to meet with the editors of the Whittier Daily News to stop articles written about or mentioning me". My response: Who the hell are you?.

They assumed that I requested the article, which is wholly untrue and even if it were true, so what. "It should have been on someone else who deserves it", they say. OK!

If these people actually stood for something and were truly concerned about their community, they would get off their derrieres and work with real people outside of their elitist debauch soirees'.

I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but people who force their idea of detachment (from people and issues) in politics are really barking up the wrong tree here. I have a social-political responsibility (contract) to my community and I strive to nurture my relationship with it, as a way of life. So my polite advice is either stand for something or sit down and shut up.

###

The article... nearest my heart is the division of counties into wards ... should they become corrupt and perverted, the division into wards constituting the people, in their wards, a regularly organized power, enables them by that organization to crush, regularly and peaceably, the usurpations of their unfaithful agents, and rescues them from the dreadful necessity of doing it insurrectionally. In this way we shall be as republican as a large society can be, and secure the continuance of purity in our government by the salutary, peaceable, and regular control of the people." --Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Kercheval, 1816. ME 15:70

Monday, January 14, 2008

Whittier Daily News: " The 'Inferno' truth


The 'Inferno' truth
Trustee Gary Mendez's code shaped by grandma, karate
By Tracy Garcia, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/12/2008 10:31:03 PM PST


RE-ELECTED: Gary Mendez, a Whittier native, has been elected to serve another term on the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees. (James Carbone/Correspondent)WHITTIER - Gary Mendez's grandmother scared the dickens out of him as a youngster - and it's something the newly re-elected Rio Hondo College trustee says he will never forget, because it ended up shaping the way he lives his life.
"I remember early on, she told me about Dante's `Inferno,"' said Mendez, 38. "She said there's a stage of hell meant for those who never take sides, and they end up in this purgatory.

"As a young man, that scared the heck out of me, as you can imagine," he said, chuckling.

"But it also showed me that if you don't take sides and stand up for what you believe, there is an area in hell that is for you," Mendez said. "And I took that seriously."

He has kept that lesson close to his heart as an adult, and says it's also part of the reason he has landed in some sticky situations since he was first elected to the Rio Hondo board in 1999.

In 2001, he was accused by fellow Rio Hondo board members of not living in his trustee area. That prompted an investigation by state officials, who ultimately cleared him.

In 2005 he formed a majority vote with newly elected trustees Angela Acosta-Salazar and Garry Couso-Vasquez and was elected president of the panel, only to be censured and have the title stripped by the board six months later following an altercation with former President Rose Marie Joyce.

This past fall, just a couple of weeks before he won re-election, he claimed the now-retired Joyce had


been secretly forced out by the board for poor performance - an allegation that Joyce and the board have vehemently denied.
That prompted trustees to call for Mendez to be censured again at a special meeting in October, which was canceled when only two trustees showed up.

More recently, Mendez was in the spotlight when he and other local activists campaigned in Iowa earlier this month for former Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson.

Mendez and the group - which included a 15-year-old high-schooler and her older sister - got stranded in the Hawkeye state and caught people's attention when he quickly tried to raise $2,000 for four train tickets home.

"Why is there so much drama? I think about this a lot, I've asked myself that question," said Mendez, who was raised by a single mom, Ruby, in Pico Rivera and Whittier before striking out on his own at 17.

"And I kind of know the answer - I'm not afraid to take up things and causes that people are reluctant to do," he said. "It's a lack of fear - but not consequence - and confidence that maybe I'm not afraid to do what I think is right."

His detractors, many of whom run in the same local political circles and declined to go on the record about Mendez, said they think otherwise.

"We keep our distance from him. We don't care to associate with him," said Lillian Gonzales, president emeritus of the local Mark Twain Democratic Club.

Mendez is currently on the Democratic Party's Los Angeles County Central Committee in the 56th Assembly District.

"One time, we were at a 56th Assembly District meeting and he just had a matter of opinion and stood up and yelled," Gonzales said. "This is the kind of person he is.

"That's why I stay clear of him. I don't have any wish to be near him for any reason," Gonzales said.

But Ralph Pacheco, a Whittier Union High School District trustee who met Mendez when Pacheco was on the Rio Hondo board nearly 20 years ago, disagrees.

He points to Mendez's volunteer work at Mayberry Park in South Whittier, where he teaches karate to local children, as an indicator of his personality.

"He has a way of connecting with children. These children just respond to him and that's a gift," Pacheco said. "It's a side of Gary Mendez that most people who know him politically don't know about.

"And if more people knew that side of Gary Mendez, they would have an entirely different perspective of who he is - not as a politician or elected official, but as a person," Pacheco said.

After graduating from Whittier High School, Mendez began working and attending Rio Hondo, where he earned a degree in paralegal studies. Eventually, he transferred to Cal State Sacramento, where he earned a bachelor's degree in government.

He began his political career working for now-Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Santa Fe Springs, then was a field deputy for former state Assemblyman Tom Calderon.

His mother's death in 1998 brought him back to Whittier from Sacramento, at which point he said he started to feel like he "wanted to step up and take some challenges."

"And Rio Hondo was the first thing that popped into my mind," he said. "Serving on the college board, it was like home for me."

In 2004 he started his own political consulting firm, Urban Strategies, and made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Water Replenishment District.

He also ran for Norwalk City Council in 2005 and was roundly defeated by Rick Ramirez, whom he now counts as a good friend.

He's also a third-degree karate black belt - another part of his childhood to which he's clung.

"I used to play musical instruments in the third grade, and I would walk home and they used to get taken away by the neighborhood kids," Mendez said.

"My mom would have to get on the phone to find out who had taken it, but after a while, she said, `Gary, we can't do this anymore,' so she enrolled me in karate."

He said he soon learned how to defend himself enough to stop being bullied, and karate became "something I grew to love and has been a pillar in my life."

So when the going gets tough in his political world, Mendez says he can always fall back on his old karate ways.

"As long as what I'm doing is right, they can kick me and take me down, but I stick to what I believe is right.

"And," he quickly adds, "it's just politics."

tracy.garcia@sgvn.com

(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3051

Friday, January 11, 2008

Southeast Youth Violence & Gang Summitt

I attended this event at the Norwalk Marriot this morning. Nice event with panels of discussion from people and organizations involved with subject. I was looking for some type of training comprehensive but was not the case. Thats ok.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Richardson Drops Out

It's a bit sad but it was always a possibility.

It's been a great effort and we are proud of Richardson. Our love of the Guv will continue and we hope that he is seriously considered for Vice President or Secretary of State. Our country deserves the like of Richardson. There is no one as experienced and qualified as Bill Richardson among the presidential field. We will always be here for you and ready should you call upon us. Anytime and anyplace.

Gary Mendez

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Back from Iowa


There is so much to report on the Iowa Caucuses. The main purpose was to support Bill Richardson, keep him "viable", and give young people the opportunity to enrich and empower their lives through the experience.

I believe I have accomplished my goals. On Richardson, viability is open to many interpretations. I will refrain from defining it till after February 5.

The young people who went to Iowa now see how they, individually, and as a team, can influence the outcome of a United States Presidential Primary.

The difference in growth is vastly apparent as they speak on their experience. There was a lot of criticism about this trip from the usual sources and some surprises from people I did not expect to be so negative. People will always try to diminish the effort to empower others, go figure.

A full report may be warranted...perhaps soon.