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

Afternoon Tao at the Columbarium

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

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.

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.

What Difference Does It Make?

Pick Your Prejudice or Preference.