Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk at Mayberry Park

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk at Mayberry Park Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 4:35 pm.

I really enjoy and appreciate observing these powerful and majestic raptors. It was a spiritual moment as I was walking in meditation and listening to Robert "Tree" Cody (AKA "Oou Kas Mah Qwet" or "Thunder Bear) and & Xavier Quijas Yxatol (track included below). Yeah yeah...i know it sounds cliché but true. I loved it.

He was obviously a Juvenile by his size, color, and the great risk he took to catch a mouse 7 feet in front of me in the middle of a park surrounded by humans. An adult would have not taken that risk.

Well..he snatched the mouse, he held it down clinching his powerful talons, ripped it open with his beek and then starred at me for 3 seconds and flew to a near by tree. He took off in less than a minute after realizing I was preying on him with my camera. I hope he's more careful next time.

Rio Hondo College Superintendent/President officially submits notice of Retirement.

Email sent to all staff:

From: Ted Martinez, Jr. Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 3:56 PM To: AAA--All Staff Subject: Message from the President

As I conclude my 41 years of service to community college education, I have informed the Board of Trustees of my intention to retire effective June 30, 2012.

I am quite proud of our collective achievements these past five years. Together, we have advanced the Rio Hondo College reputation, academic programs, services to students, and our connections to our community. I am truly grateful to you for your support.

It is now time for a new generation of leadership to take Rio Hondo College into the next 50 years, which will surely be filled with outstanding accomplishments.

I wish to thank the Board of Trustees for their support; our administrative team for your talent and leadership; the faculty for your dedication to student achievement; and to our staff for your commitment to supporting student success.

Thank you.

Ted Martinez, Jr., Ph. D. Superintendent/President Rio Hondo College