Charles Bradley is a Beautiful Man!

On Sunday, August 28, I took a trip to Echo Park to hear Charles Bradley, the Screaming Eagle of Soul, and the Menehan Street Band play at the Echo. Dam it was good. Charles’ music reaches straight to my heart and soul.

I arrived early to find out it was going to start two hours from what I expected. So, I looked for somewhere to hang. While walking about, I ran into Charles walking the same direction and greeted him. He took the time to stop and chat about things. We talked about the hurricane and he mentioned how he was worried about his Ma in New York. Man, he was worried about his mom and shared that! He is such a nice, humble, down to earth and pleasant man.


His 60-70's soul revival genre and his lyrics about his personal experiences are so relevant today with the struggle that many people are going through in the U.S.

When he took the stage and he put so much emotion and energy in his singing that you knew it had meaning...very deep soul. The interaction I had with him and with his incredible performance, it’s easy for me to say that Charles Bradley is a Beautiful Man.

Moz Mex Tour

"In Mexico, I went for a walk to inhale the tranquil, cool, lover's air"

I was informed that a Mexico Bus Tour is being planned for Moz's Mexico gigs traveling from Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puebla and Mexico City. I thought it was cool and sounds interesting enought to share. My contact says that they will meet-up in Monterrey, Mexico a day before the gig with a dinner meeting and taking a well-guided and safe chartered bus to Guadalajara, Puebla and then to Mexico City. He says that a Mexican Federale has been secured for security and safety of tour passengers and he (tour organizer) will serve as an interpretor for the group. The package includes Hotels beginging in Monterey and at all tour stops and ending in Mexico City. He's not sure of arranging flights at this time, but certainly plans the Chartered bus, security and the hotels. The prices are being worked out.

This trip sounds great and Ive asked to put me aside a slot.

Rio Hondo Red Tailed Hawk (RHRTH)

Over the years, on my trek to and from Rio Hondo College, I've noticed a Red Tailed Hawk patrolling his/her area over the 605 from the CAT Yard down to the Beverly Bridge. On occasion, as time permits, I pull over in front of CAT and along its perimeter road, pull out my spotting scope, and watch it circle and glide in flight. I wonder if it’s the same one, since their life expectancy is 21 years in the wild, it could very well be the one I first spotted over 10 years ago in the same place.

Two days apart, I spotted another one for the second time along the 605 from Slauson to Florence. Has the Rio Hondo Hawk expanded its territory or is it a different Hawk? I don’t know, I didn’t pull over this time. Perhaps I’ll find a free day or two to spot both territories and see if I can solve this.

In March, on Catalina Island over Cotton Wood Beach, I spotted two playing and I was fortunate to spend 30 minutes watching and listening to them play. I had an eagle whistle and tried to catch their attention but it didn’t fool them, only scarred the Ravens. I took some pics but cant find them.

I don’t know if anyone has recorded and tracked the Red Tailed Hawks of Rio Hondo?

The sky is Hawk’s realm, and through its flight it communicates with Heaven and the Great Creator Spirit, and conveys that knowledge to earth: Hawk medicine unites Heaven and Earth. This powerful bird can awaken the visionary within you, and lead to your life purpose. It is the Messenger, and when it shows up pay attention: there is always a message coming. Hawk helps us to not only be aware that we are receiving a message but how to interpret it. The realm of symbols is also the realm of Hawk for Hawk is able to soar high above the earth to soar on the breath of Spirit, to commune with Spirit and thus understand through the intuitive level what the message means and what can be done to move forward in life.

Serge Gainsbourg Tribute Weekend! "vie héroîque"

This is a very special occasion, a Serge Gainsbourg tribute weekend filled with his music and the long awaited film "Gainsbourg, vie héroîque" (Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life). I’ve been waiting for this film to be shown in Los Angeles. It was shown once, while I was out of town. It’s a rare occasion indeed for this Francophile who loves French 60's Pop and La Nouvelle Vague (French New Wave Cinema).

I admire Serge a great deal and consider him one of my ALL TIME heroes. Yes, he's provocative, lascivious and over all edgy but who isn’t? If your not, your either lying or live a very boring life. Ahh..This is gonna be good, entertaining, and glorious!

Ok so..

Friday, August 26 8:00pm at Cinefamily on Fairfax is the FREE SNEAK PREVIEW: Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life (w/ live set by Paris Loves L.A.!)

Saturday, August 27, 6:15 pm, at the Cinefamily on Fairfax Gainsbourg And His Girls (08/27, 6:15pm, DIRECTOR IN PERSON!)

Sun., August 28, 7:00pm Hollywood Bowl, Serge Gainsbourg Tribute.
A musical tribute with people like Beck and other kickass artist.

Rio Hondo College Resolution Protecting, Preserving & Expanding the San Gabriel Mountains

I’ve submitted this resolution for consideration as an item on the Rio Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees meeting agenda on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 thereby establishing a partnership with the “San Gabriel Mountains Forever” campaign to preserve, protect and expand the wilderness, wild and scenic rivers in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Rio Hondo College has been an environmental leader with our Environmental Technology program, our awards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for our new buildings, awesome Geographic Information System (GIS) thanks to my buddy & Guru Warren Roberts, our forever resilient Wildland Forest Service Crew 77, and the Go Rio program that has already reduced significant car emissions.

Now,I’m proposing that Rio Hondo College take a on a more significant role in being an educational environmental leader when it comes to our local mountains, rivers and streams.

I envision our various programs collaborating on, educating, and incorporating the San Gabriel Mountains in what we do at the college.

So, I hope my progressive colleagues will see the significant benefit our College, students, staff, faculty and administration will receive by this partnership and in becoming more active with our local environment.

RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WILDERNESS AND WILD RIVER DESIGNATIONS FOR THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS

WHEREAS, “San Gabriel Mountains Forever” is a partnership of local business owners, residents, faith and community leaders, recreation groups, health and social service organizations, and conservation groups who have come together to protect wilderness and wild and scenic rivers in the San Gabriel Mountains; and

WHEREAS, The San Gabriel Mountains Forever (SGMF) campaign is presently working on twin goals to: 1) Expand wilderness and wild and scenic river designations in the San Gabriel Mountains. 2) Establish a new San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area (SGMNRA); and

WHEREAS, the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains are the iconic landmark of the Angeles National Forest. It is Southern California's most accessible and popular "backyard" for millions who visit its clear and cold rivers, and its tranquil and panoramic vistas, as viewed from the campus of Rio Hondo Community College. The Angeles National Forest is also an irreplaceable natural resource that gives Los Angeles County more than 70% of its open space and provides our region with drinking water and clean air; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the Rio Hondo Community College District to preserve nearby open space and wild areas for the protection of our region’s mountain vistas, air quality, water quality, places for solitude, vast recreation and educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, “wilderness” designations have been shown to increase property values and attract new residents, thereby generating substantial economic benefits for nearby communities through local employment and tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, “wilderness” and “wild rivers” designation would protect areas that encompass steep mountains, winding canyons, free flowing rivers, and rugged desert landscapes, including the proposed Magic Mountain, Pleasant View Ridge, Sheep Mountain, Cucamonga, and nearby West Fork wilderness additions and eligible wild and scenic rivers; and

WHEREAS, protected public lands will provide local residents, students, faculty, staff and visitors with opportunities for many recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, photography, camping, orienteering, wildlife viewing, scientific research, and nature study; and our local mountains, plans to close down and reduce capacity and hours at scores of recreational facilities throughout the San Gabriels;

WHEREAS, THE U.S. Forest Service Crew 77 Roadrunner, a Type II hand crew formed in 2001 as a joint venture between U.S. Forest Service and Rio Hondo Community college, stands ready to protect and preserve the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest; and

WHEREAS, Rio Hondo Community College District shall coordinate among its various departments and programs to actively participate in the partnership and educate students, staff, faculty and area residents on the benefits of preserving and protecting wilderness and wild and scenic rivers of the San Gabriel Mountains;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES hereby forms a partnership with “San Gabriel Mountains Forever” to protect wilderness and wild and scenic rivers in the San Gabriel Mountains and to urge Congress to designate new “wilderness” and “wild and scenic rivers” areas in the San Gabriel Mountains and to provide for the expansion of recreational opportunities to promote public health and education.

Rio Hondo College - No Class Cuts! Holding the line.- Whittier Daily News

Community college, CSU chancellors predict more cuts and higher fees - Whittier Daily News

Rio Hondo College is one of the ONLY community colleges in California that has NOT cut classes, furloughed employees, laid-off faculty & staff, nor cut services and programs. Why? We saved reserves, practiced fiscal discipline, and kept our administration lean as the impending budget crises approached. The crisis was no secret but we had to prepare, we did and now we are able to offer more classes and services than most community colleges.

We are fairing very well compared to other community colleges, local schools and cities. Little Lake School District laid-off a great amount teachers and staff, increased class size, cut programs and services, and increased the cost of children’s school lunches. The City of Santa Ana has cut so many employees and residential services that they have even cannibalized their Community Developed Department seizing funds to pay debt.

At Rio Hondo College, due to our fiscal preparedness and responsibility, we were able to hire 13 faculty and 35 staff in 2011 to serve students. In addition, our $300 million dollar building program has employed over 300 local skilled-workers and professionals to build our new facilities.

Things may get tougher, but we will be diligent, prudent and discilpined in the coming budget cycles. It comes down to our mission, serve students.

First Day of Fall 2011 Semester at Rio: Information Booth

Volunteering in the Information Booth on the first day of the semester is always a great experience. There were so many new students in need of information. I made sure to educate students on the GO Rio bus program. Many questions. Poor students had to stand there and here my speeches on services and stuff. Great time! Get on the bus! Go Rio!

In Support of Lybian Rebels & thier Struggle for Unity: Radio Clash!

Rebels 99, Home Guard 44
I have faith that Lybia will Unite and form a transitional government as they errect a democratic system. I know these endeavors are not easy, but Lybians want this and will build it. Bettawfeeq بالتوفيق!

Radio Clash
(The Clash)

This is Radio Clash
Stealing all transmissions
Beaming from the mountaintop
Using aural ammunition

With extreme prejudice
On a terminator mission
This is Radio Clash
Consider your position

Step it up, get down low

Breaking news flash
Assassination
The whole country has been shot!

Eagerly awaiting illumination
In the Ministry of Whitewash

Wait, wait
Don't switch off the death
Yes, we have the latest score
Liberators 101 and Home Guard 44

This is Radio Clash
And we count your thoughts
When lightning splits the sky in half
Sharper than a sword

And in the thundercloud
You see another cloud
Bones as big as sticks
Even angels were in hell on the morning of the sixth

Like buckets of venom in (????)
They've got a master plan
You build walls over there
And we'll come and knock 'em down

And he reaches the other side first
Gets a job in the dirty old town
And he reaches the other side first
Gets a job in the dirty old town

Dont rush all at once, neither

This is not free
This is not free Europe
No, no, no, no, no
Nor an armed force network

This is Radio Clash
Stealing all transmission
Beaming from the mountaintop
Aural ammunition

A riggy diggy dig dang dang

This is Radio Clash
Stealing information
By his will as a (???)
Use careful confirmation

Bribery, extortion
Legal legislation
Security is life indeed
Accept no other explanation

This is Radio Clash
On pirate satellite
Orbiting your living room
Everybody hold on tight

Rio Hondo Breaks Ground for the El Monte Education Center

On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, we finally broke ground for Rio Hondo College’s El Monte Education Center that will be ready to serve students in two years. Im very excited! It took time, patience and effort to negotiate with the City of El Monte, and at times the project was uncertain, but that has past and now we have a site.

Over six years ago, the Board of Trustee’s work diligently to select communities to host a “College Center”. South Whittier being geographically the furthest community from the Main campus was a sure host and El Monte for its population density.

El Monte was the first to host a "College Center" over ten years ago when it was on Valley Blvd and it’s great to see El Monte have a Rio Hondo presence again.

Go Rio Student Transit Program MOU Approved by Norwalk City Council with the Norwalk Transit System.

Tuesday night, August 16, 2011, I attended the Norwalk City Council Meeting to speak on Council AgendaItem 13; Go Rio! Transit Program MOU with Norwalk Transit System.

The Norwalk City Council Approved Unanimously the MOU with Rio Hondo Community College District for the Go Rio Public Transportation Program continuing service to students and residents.

The Council had various questions and concerns regarding the recent fair increases and whether Rio Hondo was going to pay for the increases the Council recently approved. Mr. James Parker, Transportation Director, very clearly reported that Rio Hondo has been a partner for over five years and that the MOU contains language that responds to fair increase and that the MOU doesn’t not create a special route but rather utilizes existing routes. The City Attorney also informed the Council that the MOU pays (in advance) fairs at the established rate set by council.

The Council further asked how the City will know how many people will use the service to be sure that the City is being adequately compensated. Mr. Parker responded that the new "TAP" card and its technology collects data instantly and reports can be generated daily, weekly or monthly.

I was given the opportunity to speak on "Open Comment" and extended Rio’s deep appreciation and gratitude for the partnership created over five years ago and expanded on the many benefits of the program: 1) Greater access to Rio Hondo for residents of Norwalk; 2) decreased demand for on-campus parking; 3) decrease in auto emissions-pollution; 4) making college more affordable by utilizing public transit; and 5) a greater environmentally conscience student.

I want to thank Vice Mayor Kelly, Councilmembers Rodarte, Vernola, and Shryock for approving the item and continuing the service.

Join me in Protecting & Expanding the San Gabriel Mountains!

Here come the Gabriel lads and lassies from the commonplace orange groves, to make love and gather ferns and dabble away their hot holidays in the cool pool. They are fortunate in finding so fresh a retreat so near their homes. It is the Yosemite of San Gabriel. -Steep Trails by John Muir.

I frequently hike, backpack and camp in the San Gabriel Moutains and absolutely love it. It'so close and accessible. It is always there for me when I just want to leave the concrete jungle and mediatate on nature. I love the SGM so much that I want to protect and expand the wildreness for future generations.

Living in Los Angeles County, one can not avoid the majesty of the San Gabriels, especially on a clear day. We are fortunate that we have sea, desert and the Mountains.

Join.

San Gabriel Mountains Forever is a partnership of local business owners, residents, faith and community leaders, recreation groups, health and social service organizations, and conservation groups who have come together to protect wilderness and wild and scenic rivers in the San Gabriel Mountains.

The San Gabriel Mountains Forever (SGMF) campaign is presently working on twin goals to

1) Expand wilderness and wild and scenic river designations in the San Gabriel Mountains.

2) Establish a new San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area (SGMNRA).

The spectacular San Gabriel Mountains are the iconic landmark of the Angeles National Forest. It is Southern California's most accessible and popular "backyard" for millions who visit its clear and cold rivers, and its tranquil and panoramic vistas. The Angeles National Forest is also an irreplaceable natural resource that gives Los Angeles County more than 70% of its open space and provides our region with drinking water and clean air.

Join:
http://facebook.com/sangabrielmountains

http://www.sangabrielmountains.org/

VINDICATED - DISMISSED

Im an Outdoorsman and being in the Outdoors is a great part of my life and soul.

In 2010, I was accused of carrying a “switchblade”, and having an unpaid speeding ticket, upon my return from a backpacking/camping trip after having dinner at Maggie’s Pub in Santa Fe Springs.

In July 2010, the traffic ticket was paid and the case on “suspicion of carrying a switchblade” was dismissed by the presiding Superior Court Judge. At that proceeding, the District Attorney (DA) moved to dismiss the case and stated that he had inspected the knife in question and said that it was clearly not a “switchblade” and was instead a legal folded camping knife. The Judge agreed and granted a dismissal stating that “the Whittier Police Department has NO Business redefining State Law on what is a “switchblade” and what’s a legal folded camping knife”. I was Vindicated!

It has been a long tradition in my family to commune in nature. The camping knife is a great part of my outdoors ethos. As an American, I don’t see why I need to change that.

The California Penal Code Section 653k is very clear on what is a “switchblade” and what its not. The code states a ““Switchblade knife” does not include a knife that opens with one had utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade…” The Law is very clear, there is no ambiguity. I just don’t see how the Whittier Police officer could have misinterpreted the law. It makes me wonder.

I have since returned to my hiking, camping, backpacking and the outdoors lifestyle.

However, my political opponents continue to portray me as a “switchblade carrying cholo”. Two have promised to play the dirtiest campaign yet seen in our community.

I can’t stop them and they know thier wrong. That’s politics and I will do what I do best: fight for justice and be resilient.

Go Rio Goes TAP

The Board approved the new innovative state-of-the-art smart chip technology Transit Access Pass (TAP), a new buss pass for Rio Hondo College students that will be honored by Foothill Transit, Metro, Montebello Transit and Norwalk Transit.

We have come a long ways since my first initiative to start a public transportation program for Rio Hondo College students. Since then, we have created partnerships with over six transit agencies to increase access for our students.

I remember, as a Rio Hondo student, going to the MTA hearings to testify on bus scheduling and for increase hours for evening students. Back then, the last bus left Rio Hondo at 9:00pm but our classes ended at 9:55 pm. So, a group of us trekked down the hill through the cemetery and miles home.

Sexual Battery Suspect Apprehended at Rio Hondo College.

On Friday, August 5, 2011 quick acting Rio Hondo staff activated the electronic emergency notification system to all students, staff n faculty to be on the look-out and report a sexual battery suspect on campus.

On Monday, August 8, 2011 the suspect was apprehended and arrested. The Alert System lead to the apprehension of the prepetrator by the Sheriff's Department. Kudos go to Susan Herney, John Ramirez, George Lopez and our security staff.