A History of Holding Up Shared Governance at Rio

April 2019: Recently. "What do you know about Shared Governance?", she asked. Well...as a paralegal student [1990's] at Rio I did a semester long independent studies course on AB 1725 reviewing the legislation, committee reports, California's Code of Rules & Regulations, Rio's policy and that of other colleges.. As a student trustee, I participated in the College's review of the shared governance policy leading to the inclusion of students. Soon after, I organized two state-wide student conference on Shared Governance. That's what I know and I've forgotten nothing.

(Campaign material from Rio student leadership days. Ran for Policy Director for the California Student Association of Community Colleges. I won.)

Rio Hondo College: A Past Practice Doesn't Make it A Good Practice

"That's they way we have done it" is a typical statement used to justify not following a written rule, procedure or policy.
Recently, on Friday, March 8, 2019 I sat on the Special Awards Committee, BP 1500 that states that "by March 1, a committee composed of the Superintendent/President of the college, the president of the Board of Trustees, the president of the Academic Senate, and the president of the Associated Students" will meet to recommend a Fellow of the College.

Two issues arose quickly; 1) the committee is meeting beyond the March 1 deadline and 2) where is staff(csea)? Staff are excluded on the committee by policy. I could not turn the other cheek and ignore the two serious issues for expediency. Rio Hondo College is government, a branch of the State of California and designed to be locally governed to represent local communities. This is a serious responsibility which the people and communities we represent demand transparency and accountability. How could I look the other way and say "well..that's the way we've done it for years". Responsible government requires us to follow our own rules and policy.

Board Policy 1500 has existed since 1977 and renewed in 2014.

So, in discussing it with the committee we had two choices: 1) not have a Fellow this year or 2) changed the date for the committee and add staff to committee. We choose number two. We agreed at making two small amendments that are temporary so we can consider the fellow yet understanding that this policy needs a comprehensive review after graduation. We made our amendments and "referred" (or committed) our amendments to the Planning and Fiscal Council for "review". Under Robert's Rules of Order the process to refer or commit gives you two choices: 1) refer without any specific direction leaving it open or 2) refer with the question (amendments) put forward for review. Choice number two is specific directions to the referred committee (PFC). The direction is that the Special Awards Committee proposes to make a temporary and small amendment to allow it to recommend a fellow to the board by changing its meeting deadline prescribed by BP 1500 and add staff to committee.

The policy overall is inconsistent and not cohesive. A summary of issues with the policy includes:

1) the Special Awards Committee for the Fellow's deadline is too restrictive.

2) Staff (csea) are excluded from the Special Awards Committee for the Fellow in gross violation of shared governance.

3) The nomination form for Fellow and Distinguish Service is not compliant with the policy and misleading.

4) Distinguished Service Award does not state that the Awards Committee, whom recommends the Fellow, also recommends the Distinguished Service Award but it does in practice. No committee exist for this award.

5) There is no deadline for Distinguished Service Award and can be awarded anytime.

6) Policy states that the Distinguished Service Award recipient must be "member of the Rio Hondo Community College District" which is a resident requirement but rarely has this been followed.

7) We do not have a staff (CSEA) award bestowed by the District. As it exist in policy, the "Classified Employee Award" is a state award that staff recommends a nominee and the Board endorses.

8) The deadline is the state deadline which all the above must occur by March 10. No nominee has been forwarded.

9) The Distinguish Faculty Award does have a nomination deadline of "third Friday in February".

10) The "Selection Process" for the Faculty award contains two sub-committees: 1) Academic Senate and 2) Superintendent/President of the college, the president of the Board of Trustees, the president of the Academic Senate, and the president of the Associated Students to "affirm" the first committees choice. This year (2019), the first committee has forwarded a nominee to the board, however, skipped the second sub committee. Policy not followed.

My intent, is to hold Rio Hondo accountable to its established policies. We need to follow policy or change it. The idea that "that's the way we do it here" contrary to policy is unacceptable. Yes, people say that questioning how we've done things, out of policy compliance, creates a "toxic environment". What I've learned and observed is that the stalwarts of bad practices react toxic stating the the questions are toxic. What is right?

Whittier Police Department Explorer: Dream Destroyed

Like most kids, I always wanted to be a cop.  I had all the action figures from the SWAT TV program and the SWAT van.  Fast forward to my teen years.

My karate sensei Jim Richardson, founder of the Tai Crane Karate Studio-Whittier, inspired me to join the Explorer program but that came with a warning.  He said that "not all cops are like the officers you have encountered".  Be ready to face some challenges, he said.

Jim taught a great deal of law enforcement personnel and studying side by side with officers and later teaching them was further inspiring.  A great deal of my karate class mates (officers) would say "you should join the explorer program, you have what it takes to be a good cop".  So, at the age of sixteen and after earning my black belt at fifteen I signed up for the Whittier Police Department Explorer Program.  I was so proud of myself and also very nervous.

Years before that, my experience was that being a "Mexican" automatically made me a target by Whittier PD (WPD).  Walking home from karate six nights a week almost always included an encounter with WPD slow rolling next to me with search lights on me asking me what I'm doing. I didn't always take offense since i was just walking home from teaching karate. On occasion they would pull me over hold me at gun point while an officer went through my pockets and backpack with my karate gi.  They would even say, "we know you sell drugs, where are the drugs?"

Growing up in a home with domestic violence where my mother was beaten we
called WPD regularly.  Most often they were annoyed by the call and often told us they were tired of coming.  WPD were not our friends nor protectors.  All the while, I had great law enforcement officers as role models.

After graduation from the Sheriffs Explorer's Academy as a WPD Explorer i started my department assignment.  I was very excited, proud.  My family didn't know what to think of my endeavor.  They were not supportive but I've done things on my own anyways and always encouraged myself.

Wow, did i look sharp in that dark navy blue uniform.  No picture exist.  There were no cell phone cameras back then and pictures required resources I didn't have.  Lining up for roll call with my chest out, thumbs along my sides and looking stone face forward. "Mendez?" here sir!

"Wipe that smile off your face!  The sergeant said.  Oh, shit what did i do wrong, i asked myself.  "Why are you smiling, Mendez!"  I'm happy sir, happy to be here, i said.  "You are not allowed to be happy here. You are not allowed to smile!" said the sergeant.  OK, note taken.  Damn was that hard.  I would have to go to the bathroom to smile because I was so happy.  Next time, i was caught smiling again and the wrath came from most police officers.  "Who do you think you are!?  Stupid me I answered.  I'm Gary Mendez.  "I don't give a shit who you are, your one degree from being behind those bars, Mendez!"  My explorer colleagues joined in when we were alone.  "If you wanna be a cop, you better knock that smile shit off, Mendez", they said.  I thought about that for days.  I asked myself constantly, why am I a happy person?  The response was always the same, I smile because I feel good about myself, who I am and who I'm becoming.  Do I need to change who I am?

Then came other issues that made me very uncomfortable.  There was always talk about "wetbacks, ese's, N-word, and beaners".  On a memorable occasion, three officers were hanging around talking about keeping the "beaners" and "N-word" from coming over the bridge on Whittier blvd from Pico Rivera.  "We got to keep them out". Was I the beaner?  I've been called a beaner and wetback in Whittier and not long ago.  The one and only Latino officer in that group would smile and laugh and look at me.  He later told me aside, "go along to get along if you wanna be a cop".  There was constant hate spewing from these people.  They hated every ethnic minority and expressed it.

I just could not change who I am and fill myself with hate. I refuse, I told myself.

After less than a month, I never went back. I never wanted to be like them.

I never told anyone.  I was too ashamed.  No one ever asked, anyway.

 Dream destroyed.

p.s. I joined civil rights groups soon after: The American GI Forum, LULAC, MAPA and Amnesty International.

https://youtu.be/2RJEZCGSZqE

Sacrafice for Rio Hondo College: the Truth about Rose Marie Joyce, and Her Forced Retirement.

It’s Time the Truth Be Told about Rose Marie Joyce, former superintendent of Rio Hondo College and her Forced Retirement.

I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct
03/07/18 Gary Mendez

Starting from the beginning, when first elected as president of the board of trustees we were searching for a superintendent/president of Rio Hondo College. We narrowed it down to a finalist, Rose Marie Joyce from Gavilan College in the central valley. I was part of the team that visited Gavilan College to interview board members, staff, faculty, administrators and select community members.

The interviews were 50/50 in favor and anti-Joyce. Joyce explained it before we arrived that some board members made ethnic slurs to her and she considered them ant-Latino. The people who liked her basically said the same thing which was primarily focused on her relationships with Latino groups in the community. However, some board members and staff made bold warnings about her financial management of the district including over spending and exuberant use of lawyers.
I believed Joyce that several board members treated her badly though I never confirmed it. One board member showed me an article in the local paper where Joyce accused a board member of calling her a “wet back. The paper basically took the board members side. I dismissed it. We hired Joyce.

Fast forward four years later. All the warnings the people of Gavilan College started to rear their ugly heads at Rio Hondo College. We experienced a serious drop in enrollment costing us millions of dollars. Our legal bills skyrocketed from $50,000-$100,000 a year to 1.5 million. We lost a jewel of a federal program, the Small Business Development Center of the Small Business Administration to poor oversight and we were placed on warning from the U.S. Department of Education and on the verge of losing our federal financial aid status due to the same lack of oversight and reporting. Morale on campus was at its lowest in years.

Despite the negative environment Joyce’s evaluations from the Board, staff, faculty, students and administrators was a high and on the average 4.5 of a 5 rating consistently for the four years. I thought it unusual because when you talk to people who had to work with her it wasn’t good.

Four years later, I was elected again as president of the board and just before the superintendents’ evaluation. As president of the board it was my responsibility, in practice, to bring up the evaluation with the board. The process changed a bit since the last time I broached a superintendent’s evaluation.

For the four years of Joyce’s tenure one board member volunteered every year to facilitate the superintendent evaluation. I didn’t think much of it. Who wanted the work? We were convinced every year that the lawyer board member of the board should be given the task. He just about insisted.

I went to staff to get some information about the process. What I learned was shocking. The key staff member who administered the process was under direct supervision by superintendent on a daily basis.

When I approached the staff member, in a friendly manner she explained to me that the lawyer board member helps organize the evaluation. When I asked about the campus community evaluation by key leaders she leaned in and told me how the process really works. Thinking I was like minded she begin to tell me that she sent out evaluations to staff, faculty, student and administrators with the last paragraph on the first page of the evaluation was changed around to know who it came from. “We know who turned in each evaluation”, she said. What happens if people are negative, I asked. She said, “We changed the results to keep bad people from skewing the results”. Holly Toledo! Did she just tell me they fix the evaluation? Yes!

I stayed cool and played along to not show my alarm. The next day I called a trusted friend in our state community college association. He advised me that the evaluation process needs to be taken out of the hands of the superintendents secretary and the one board member. It should be done as quietly and unsuspecting as possible. We found an independent consultant who performed superintendent’s evaluations and was a former superintendent.
I managed to get three votes to hire the independent consultant to perform the evaluation thereby taking the process away from the one board member and the superintendent’s secretary and the superintendent herself. The reaction from the one board member and his other ally was visceral.

The superintendent knew something was afoot and it wasn't good for her. However, the process was now in the hands of our independent consultant. Besides the board approving the evaluation instrument and its questions, all evaluations were sent directly to each board member, staff, faculty, student and administrators with a pre addressed stamped envelope to the consultant’s office.

No more fixed evaluations. The lawyer board member was furious.

After all the evaluations were turned in the consultant calculated the scores and added the comments uncensored. I was then sent the first copy via email. Wow. The superintendent’s evaluation scores from staff, faculty, students and administrators on the average went from 4.5 previous years to 2.1. The comments were scathing, blunt, critical and damning. The comments said she was a frequent bully, especially to staff. Her management of administrators was atrocious. It was all bad.

The board evaluation wasn’t any better. The scores went from a 4.5 to a 2.5 and would have been lower if it wasn’t for 5 rating across the board by two board members.

Now it was time to advise the board and post an agenda with the superintendent’s evaluation as a subject in closed session.

I made no mention of the corrupt evaluation practices of the past as to not start a different fight.
The evaluation was handed out in closed session and every board member had time to read and absorb the results. The air was thick of tension. Well, I said, these scores are the lowest in years and lowest of any superintendent of my tenure. We went around and everyone commented. There was only one direction that we all agreed, non renewal of the superintendents’ contract. We did discuss termination if she became an issue. There wasn’t any argument. We all agreed.

We brought in the superintendent and handed her a copy of her evaluation by the board and the staff, faculty, students and administrators. She had a stone cold face almost as though she knew what the results contained and what it meant for her contract. I calmly, diplomatically, and compassionately informed her that the board has agreed that we will not be granting her renewal of her contract.

She sat there stone cold with no reply and turned to her allies on the board and they looked away from her gaze. She had several months on her contract and we asked if she would help us prepare for the colleges search. She made a long pause and said “of course”. The manner was as though she might have the last laugh.

I called boards members at her previous college, Gavilan, because I now believe what they warned us about. I called the board member she accused of calling her racist names. He told me the whole story which became apparent and familiar. He then gave me the phone number of another board member who turned out to be a sitting Superior court judge. He told me all her tricks and deceit tactics. His advice was to minimize the damage on the college although I might sustain the brunt of her lies and damage. But the damage had already begun. Who would believe me? So, i moved forward.

Her response to what just happed was soon to come.

Two days later, Joyce called me to ask me to meet with her in her office. I said sure, thinking nothing of it. She asked me to sit down and she began screaming calling me a scumbag who had no business on a community college board. I was shocked. She continued with insults and I sat and listened. At this point it occurred to me that this person is very angry and vindictive. I need to leave, now!

She screamed to “get the hell out of her office”. I got up and walked away from more of her insults. In a deep voice she said "you don't have the votes to get rid of me". I held three fingers up. Three votes i thought. So, the next day i get a call from another board member telling me the president is accusing me of calling her a b#*ch. The board members who fixed the previous evaluation process were now on the attack.

However, the die had been cast on her fate, she had to leave. With the accusation made against me, she bargained her exit from Rio Hondo College. The two board members secured a third board as a result of the accusation.
The lawyer board member began the process of censure to punish me in public. [it’s now a practice he commits from time to time on the boards he sits on].

I sat at the censure meeting hearing the allegations from the one board member and his newly acquired lawyer friend who was now our lawyer for the district.

I took the lashings. She had to leave. She could no longer destroy our college, I thought. I've taken many physical and mental beatings. This won’t kill me. It will hurt but I did what was right and God knows my heart.

She was now able to negotiate her departure and was now allowed to retire.

This is the short of the big longer story. I will continue to offer this testimony under the penalty of perjury and with a lie detector anytime.

Genealogy Gold: Discovery of death certificate of Great Great Grandfather Dolores "Doroteo" Valdepena

Genealogy Gold: Discovery of death certificate of Great Great Grandfather Dolores "Doroteo" Valdepena Mártir de Cananea La Huelga de 1906- Martyr of the Cananea strike of 1906.

Great Great Grand father was shot off his horse and the first casualty of the strike that was the precursor of the Mexican Revolution.

Death record:


In Cananea, Sonora, Mexico there is a monument with the names of 11 martyrs killed in the strike.

It fills me with pride that my Great Great Grandfather Dolores "Doroteo" Valdepena was a Martyr of working people and Mexico!


Photos: 1)top-David Alfaro Siqueiros' "First Mexican Strike" mural. Grandfather is man being held in middle: first man killed. 2) death cert, and 3) Dolores on horse far right.

Former Rio Hondo student, Board of Trustee member forms task force to steer re-development of America’s largest landfill

Armand Santos, Senior Staff Writer

ElPaisano Online: https://shar.es/1G7Orb

October 31, 2015

“At the workshops held by the county about the master-plan for the new regional park they discussed who their partners and their neighbors were, and how the park would affect them. They talked about Rose Hills and the Hacienda Heights community, but they left out Rio Hondo College,” said Mendez.

When Mendez identified himself to planners at the meeting and declared that Rio Hondo College should be considered a significant partner, he was told they acknowledge Rio Hondo College a “good” partner. Rose Hills and Hacienda Heights were being addressed because they had requests and concerns that they had voiced about the development. Rio Hondo College wasn’t being discussed because they weren’t a squeaky wheel.

“I knew we had to hurry, this needs to happen quick,” recalled Mendez. “Rio Hondo College needs to organize, put our thoughts together and communicate a demonstrated vision of how we would like this partnership between the landfill, the Regional Park, and Rio Hondo College to be.”

Mendez quickly generated a 9-point agenda of concerns and ideas regarding cross developmental opportunities for the Regional Park and Rio Hondo College. He then lobbied for a meeting with the county. The county agreed to a meeting, but only gave Mendez a three day notice.

“They told me Oct. 12 that we needed to get the facilities prepared to host them. I went Tuesday and Wednesday to every club I could and gave a speech at each one to try and get students to that meeting. I was recruiting right up until the meeting itself. If I saw three students standing together, I was approaching them,” said Mendez.

Mendez’ grass roots approach paid off. Mendez says there were about 20 students and five each from faculty, staff, and administration. The meeting, which took place in a room at the lower level of the Rio Hondo College Learning Resource Center, had a total attendance of around 40 people, a great many of them arriving with Mendez’ proposals sheet in hand.

The nine points on Mendez’ proposal are:

1. SEA Extension: Rio Hondo SEA (Significant Ecological Area).   Link/connect/expand wildlife corridor. Close the gap between the Chino Hills Wild Life corridor and Rio Hondo’s SEA.  It would be desirable to Create/designate an official extension of the wild life corridor which would allow animals to travel safely.

2. New Community Courses Opportunity: Rio Hondo Community courses (credit and noncredit).  Rio Hondo may provide community courses like health, fitness and environmental courses.  Health and fitness courses like walking, hiking and tai chi Environmental courses may be considered like bird watching, flora and fauna, and other courses.

3. Enhance Current Courses: Rio Hondo Environmental Studies.  Enhance current program to include new regional park’s gardens, fauna, and trees.  Link Rio’s SEA with Regional Park trails to increase educational opportunities for Rio Hondo College students and members of the public.

Physical Education Courses: Walking, hiking, running, yoga in the park, Tai Chi in the park.

4. Link Park trails and walkways to Rio Hondo College: Provide access to Regional Park from Rio Hondo College.  Link/create hiking/walking trails.

5. Observatory Access for community courses: Rio Hondo and the Regional Park may create a partnership to provide community access and educational programs related to the observatory.  Rio Hondo’s Observatory classes may be offered on a regular basis to the public and educational groups like K-12.  Create a small amphitheater for classes with parking.

6. Improve Schabarum Trailhead and Parking: Schabarum Sky trail and trail head improvement.  The trail heads current condition warrants improvement and should serve as a hiking/horse access trail to the Regional Park in connection with the Rio Plaza.

7. Rio Plaza Transit Center as an Access Point: Rio Plaza- regional public transportation center may serve as an additional gateway to the Regional Park. As a regional transportation center, Rio Plaza may serve as a regional means to access the park.

9. Rio Hondo Conference Center: Mini Conference Center at very top of West side plateau hill with a near 360 degree view that would be ideal for a conference center to host P.O.S.T Executive programs, Fire programs, and other college related events.  Rio Hondo may use this as a laboratory for its new “Hospitality program” transferable to the Cal Poly Pomona program.  Rio Hondo may profit from such a venture and add a steady stream of income from a mini conference center.

Mendez’ proposals and concerns regarding the Regional Park are created to benefit RHC and its students, as are all of his projects as a Trustee. Two previous projects Mendez spearheaded are Go Rio, which provides free public transportation to full-time RHC students, and Rio Plaza, which is an intermodal regional public transportation center slated to begin construction in 2016. Both projects are aimed at making RHC more accessible and have their roots in Mendez’ own experience getting to and from RHC during his student years.

“I rode the bus, bicycled, walked to school, and bummed a ride when I could,” said Mendez. “”I did everything but ride a horse. I had to walk the hill almost every day. Look at these calves, I can barely pull my jeans up over them. These are Rio Hondo calves.”

Marin Door to Door Shuttle

Marin Door to Door is a Bad service. I made reservations from SFO to Marin two weeks in advance and they said my reservarion didnt exist.  I showed them two emails.  The reservation center was just as unhelpful till I emailed her back the email they sent me.  Driver:  Man driving was very intolerant of minorities.  He only helped two white ladies and didnt help the hispanic lady with a child.  Gave me the cold shoulder.  This service should pay more attention to who they hire.  I'm going to Uber for now on.  

Rio Hondo College unveils Veterans Memorial

Board member Gary Mendez, center, talks with veterans Jess Hernandez, Jr., left, and Raymond Luna, right, of Baldwin Park as Rio Hondo College unveils its Veterans Memorial on campus in Whittier on Wednesday May 20, 2015. (Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News)

By Mike Sprague, Whittier Daily News
POSTED: 05/20/15, 5:28 PM PDT | UPDATED: 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO # COMMENTS


NORTH WHITTIER >> Rio Hondo College’s long-awaited Veterans Memorial was unveiled Wednesday before about 150 people, including those who have served and community members who support them.

The idea for the memorial dates back to 2004 when trustee Gary Mendez first suggested it. But nothing came to fruition until 2013, when members of the Rio Hondo Veterans Club came to the Board of Trustees to raise the issue again.

“I’ve waited 10 years and written my speech for 10 years,” said Mendez. “That’s how long it takes. This memorial will serve as a reminder that we should ask ourselves, Are we doing our best to serve veterans at Rio Hondo College?”

The memorial, which sits in the college’s mid-quad area, is an 8-foot-by-3-foot concrete monument topped with a brass plaque and bearing discs for each of the five branches of the U.S. military. Adjacent to the monument are a bench and U.S., California and Rio Hondo College flags.

“I see the memorial and its flags as a place where students can reflect on their past and their future,” said Robert Diaz, president of the Veterans Club, which donated the bench,

Diaz, who became the club’s president in 2012, said he went to a board meeting after discovering there was no readily apparent American flag in the newly redone courtyard. “As I surveyed our beautiful new quad, there was no sign of our nation’s most honored symbol,” he said.

After a search, he found one hidden in an area that was no longer a focal point. “I decided to examine the opportunity of moving the flag,” Diaz said.

Before long, he received a call from Mendez, who suggested not only moving the flagpole but establishing a place to honor veterans. Two years and $100,000 later, a fitting memorial is a reality, with a monument constructed by Quatro Design Group of Los Angeles.

Dominic Lopez of Montebello, a member of the Navy and a student at Rio Hondo, was impressed. “It’s very inspiring,” he said. “It’s very touching.”

Michael Felix, commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10218 in El Monte, saw the memorial as a good idea. “We think this is really appropriate that (veterans) are starting to get recognized at institutions of higher education,” he said.

“Rio Hondo is really showing respect to all veterans. We know there are a lot of veterans going to school here.”

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans founder Jose Ramos of Whittier likes having a memorial close to home.

“One of the proudest things is that it’s great to have it here in our backyard,” Ramos said. “It’s not in West Los Angeles or Santa Monica — it’s right here.”

The school also issued a commemmorative coin to celebrate the monument’s completion. Designed by Ygnacio “Nash” Flores, dean of public safety and interim dean of business, and Don Mason, an associate dean, the coin features the college logo and dedication date on one side and an inscription of the memorial site and the three flagpoles on the other.

Mendez Spearheads Rio Hondo Intermodal Transit Center & Park

Yes, from the creator of "GoRio" bus program comes "Rio Plaza" an Intermodal Transit Center and Park that encourages and provides services for bus, bike, walking and rideshare for students, staff, faculty and members of the public to get to and from Rio Hondo College.

Rio Plaza is the larger part of the vision that Trustee Mendez has for providing and encouraging alternative modes of transportation to Rio that reduces traffic congestion, demand for on-campus parking, carbon emissions, and encourages a healthy lifestyle.  

Rio Hondo College's student newspaper "El Paisano" covered the first story on this public benefit project.

The article in full:

Trustee Mendez spearheads campus Intermodal Transportation Center

Related Content

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• Go Rio program to be continued over summer - March 23, 2015
• Approval for Rio Hondo's bachelor degree program on hold - March 23, 2015
• Whittier Mayor meets with Rio Hondo students - March 23, 2015
• Transfer Center holds Transitioning to UC system workshop - March 23, 2015
• Two former Rio Hondo Deans head African American Summit - March 16, 2015

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• Oath of Office Ceremony At Rio Cafe
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Caroline Carroll, Staff Writer
March 23, 2015 
Filed under News

Board of Trustees Member Gary Mendez presented the Rio Hondo Intermodal Transportation Center and Park at the Feb. 10 ICC meeting.

Trustee Mendez introduced the concept of the Intermodal Transportation Center as a welcome center, describing it as “the transition from the public to the college; this multi-use facility would serve as a hub for alternative modes of transportation including bus, bicycle, walking pedestrians and rideshare.”

Student Javier Cano who attended the ICC meeting said, “The Rio Hondo College Intermodal Transportation Center is a great idea, it would make our school look more welcoming and it would be safer for students to get up the hill”.

Trustee Mendez often rides the bus to campus meetings and is concerned with the traffic congestion that is caused when bus drivers unload students on Workman Mill Road.

Trustee Mendez is not the only member of the Board of Trustees concerned with student’s safety. Student Trustee “JJ” Magallón supports this project for many reasons,

“The welcome center would be the new face of the college; it will feature an information center. Those with any questions about the school could get an answer without having to go up the hill. I liked that the sidewalks are going to wrap around the campus, and would link all around the college so students would not have to walk on the streets anymore. The bike paths were also a good idea, it would promote students to ride their bicycles to campus rather than drive their cars and they would feel good knowing their bike was secure.”

The new bus cut-in lanes would allow bus drivers to pull aside to pick up and drop off pedestrians without jeopardizing the safety of other traffic. The bike cut-in lanes would also make it ADA compliant.

Currently the bottom of the hill may seem unwelcoming and is susceptible to severe traffic jams. The new bus stop would feature new applications with GPS for live location of busses. Another goal is to increase the visibility of the busses from all bus stops.

One of the upgrades would be a Bicycle hub. Rio Hondo College would be linked to the Whittier Green trails. Designated bike paths from Beverly, South El Monte, Pico Rivera, City of Industry/Hacienda Heights, and the San Gabriel River Bike paths will connect to the campus.

The total estimated cost for this construction project is $3.5 Million. However, Chairman of the Board Supervisor, Fourth District Don Knabe generously donated $1.5 Million for sidewalks along Workman Mill Road.

The welcome center would offer a serene, resting area, a new information center, equipped with restrooms, retail venues and a hydration station all powered by self-sustaining energy.

The plans include a new shuttle drop-off and visitor parking, the idea being for students to transition from their transportation to the campus in an easy, stress-free manner.

The anticipated date of completion for this project is Fall 2016. The project is still in its planning phases, the blue prints need to be approved through the Division of the State Architect and usually take 4-6 months.

- See more at: http://elpaisanoonline.com/news/2015/03/23/trustee-mendez-spearheads-campus-intermodal-transportation-center/#.dpuf

http://elpaisanoonline.com/news/2015/03/23/trustee-mendez-spearheads-campus-intermodal-transportation-center/

Rio Hondo's Acceditation Reaffirmed

In letter addressed to Rio Hondo College on February 6, 2015, Dr. Barbara Beno informs us that our accredition has been reaffirmed with a required follow-up report and visit.

This is a wonderful action for Rio Hondo College. The actually accreditation visit by the commission was very pleasant and cordial. All of Rio Hondo's constituent groups really pulled together in one of the most positive team spirited efforts ever. Faculty, staff, students, administration and the board worked tirelessly to prepare a near flawless report and visit by the visitation committee.

What does this mean? Rio Hondo's overall programs and services to the community was given an approved endorsement by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Juinior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Go Rio!! 

AGIF Founder Dr. Hector P. Garcia in his Knickers

It’s been over 25 years since I last saw Dr. Hector Garcia in person and its time I told the story.

If you don’t know, Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a Mexican-American physician, surgeon, World War II veteran, civil rights advocate, and founder of the American G.I. Forum.

Well it was in the late eighties, I was a leader in the AGIF National Youth, and the conference was held in Omaha, Nebraska. Our Founder, Dr. Garcia, was (is) revered by all in the Forum including its youth organization. We knew the story of the founder and the effort and sacrifice he made for the civil rights of Latino veterans and people. Whenever we got a chance to meet him it was meeting a living Hero and legend.

So, at the conference us youngsters swiped some brew and organized a little party of invited guest that included some youth leaders (16-18 years old), the state pageants queens and other sorts. These little get togethers were common place where we would play poker, drinking games and other things. Rarely did they ever get out of control since we were upstanding young leaders but we had fun too.

So, as the party assembled in my room our assigned doorman let people in and turned away the younger kids. The brew was put in the bath tub with loads of ice and was filled to the rim. As usual, I was bad at poker and lost most of my clothes but my underwear. I wasn’t the only one though. It was also typical that the pageant queens were just as bad at poker. The party was great with good jokes, laughs, and raging hormones.

At about 2:00 am, we got a call from an uninvited youth that told on us security was on its way up. The panic ensued. Clothes went back on and people began running out of the room. I begged my close compadres to stay behind to help me ditch the remaining beer (at least 3 cases). In my underwear, I gathered the beer with two friends began dumping the beer down the trash chute in the hallway.  Soon than later I was alone in the task. We'll, since there was no one to hold the door I was locked out of the room without my key.

I stood aloneiIn my underwear in the hallway and dread began to set. There was no house phone on the floor. Ugg! Pacing and in a little panic I began figuring out my options. I could go down to the lobby in my skivvies and ask for a key? Nope. Maybe I could knock on one of my neighbor’s door and ask them to call the front desk for me? Embarrassing, but what if it turns out to be a nasty person?

As I stood there considering my options, I could hear a faint TV news program on down the hall. Hmm?

I walked down the hall past the elevators four to five doors down. The TV news program was coming from a room with the door cracked open by that latch used to make ice runs that I didn’t think of doing earlier. This could be my break!

I knocked lightly on the door and I braced myself for the worse.   In my mind I was through stories to tell explaining my situation.  Should I be honest and confess to the party or just give a simple lockout story?

The door opened. My jaw dropped to the ground and my heart stopped. I froze. It was our Founder Dr. Hector P. Garcia with his Freedom medal and Forum cap on wearing a white muscle shirt, stripped boxer shorts, and black sock suspenders held up by his then white calves. "Get in here Mendez!", said the Founder. Oh shit, I thought. Of all people.

I began quickly to confess and apologize for the party and for any disturbance. I'm really sorry Founder. He looked at me and said that he was disappointed. My head and eyes fell looking at the rooms dark stripped short shag carpet. He continued, “You had a party and didn’t invite me, he said. I looked up to his wise cracking smile and I smiled too. “You had some alcohol and our queens there too, ha?” Yes, founder. I did. “It's great to be young Mendez, enjoy it while you can”, he said.

We sat in our underwear talking. I mostly listened. Eventually, he called the front desk and someone brought me a new key. No questions asked.

“Get some sleep Mendez; we have a long day tomorrow.” Yes Founder, good night.

Walking back I wondered, how did he know my name? How could he possibly know who I was? I was both perplexed and relieved that the Founder pulled me out of that mess.

I will always remember that night and the image of the Founder answering the door in his stripped boxer shorts, muscle shirt, sock suspenders wearing his Medal of Freedom and American GI Forum cap.

"Education is our freedom, and freedom is everybody’s business." - Dr Hector P. Garcia

link: History of the American GI Forum


Thank you Jerry Jaramillo (RIP) and Ruben Treviso for mentoring and guiding me all these years!

RIO GATEWAY PLAZA: FAQ

Rio Plaza FAQ

What is Rio Plaza?

Rio Plaza is an intermodal transportation center, plaza and park for bus, bicycle, pedestrians, and rideshare at Rio Hondo College. The project is designed to serve students, staff, faculty, and the community.

How much will it cost and where are the monies coming from?

$3.5 million has been allocated for the project by the board of trustees from Measure A bond funds.

Where did this project come from?

Rio Plaza has been on the second level project list in our facilities master plan since 2002. The project is a product of the 2002 pre-bond campus-wide facilities planning process. The initial concept has been retooled and renamed to reflect current and future needs of the college. The original project was named the “Welcome Center” which was planned to primarily serve personal automobiles. The initial location was in the upper tier levels of parking and would have removed a significant amount of parking stalls.

Where will it be located?

Rio Plaza will be located at the bottom of the hill on the north bound bus stop adjacent to the first parking tier.

Why is this needed?

Rio Plaza aims to:
• Increase access to Rio Hondo College
• American Disabilities Act compliance
• Encourages alternative means of transportation
• Reduce the demand for on-campus parking
• Provide a seamless transition from external transportation to the main campus
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Encourage fitness and healthy life styles
• Increase safety
• Incentivize alternative transportation.

What are the major components of the project?

1. Bus: Provide “curb-cut in” at bus stop to eliminate backed-up traffic on street and increase rider safety. Provide ample shelter and seating protecting riders from the elements.

2. Bike: Provide a safe and secure special access bike station of lockers for Rio bicyclist. Work with adjacent cities and the county to Connect bike paths from all directions to college.

3. Pedestrian: Work with adjacent cities and county to create/extend sidewalks in front of Rio Hondo College to all points of arrival for pedestrians thereby increasing safety and access.

4. Ride Share (Drop off/Pick Up): Provide a safe and convenient Rideshare Drop off and Pick up Zone at parking tier level 1 with connection to Rio Shuttle

5. Rio Shuttle Stop: Create a shuttle stop on parking tier level 1 adjacent to Rio Plaza for a seamless, accessible (ADA), and safe transition for bus, bike, pedestrian, and rideshare users with ample seating and shade.

6. Security/Safety: Provide 24/7 video surveillance, security patrol, and an emergency Blue light cell tower.

7. Plaza & Flag Poles: Small civic space with flag poles. (US Flag; State, and RHC flag)

8. Landscaping: Create a welcoming, tranquil and aesthetically pleasant environment of native trees, drought tolerant plants, gardens and Special Fundraising/Sponsor projects: Name Bricks, gardens, outdoor furniture

9. Amenities: Provide essential amenities for Plaza users necessary for the transition to and from the college, including Restrooms (changing room space), Hydration station (filtered water), Information Kiosk/Booth, Regional Map display cases, Outdoor Furniture (cement table/bench-chess, chaise, etc), Wifi, and outdoor Recreational opportunities (i.e., cement ping pong table).

What is the timeline for construction?

Basically, the college plans to submit final plans to the Department of State Architect (DSA) for approval by March 2015. It can take DSA up to or more than three to six months (July-October 2015) at which time Rio may begin the bidding process for contractors. Rio Hondo may be prepared for construction by Spring-Summer 2016 (approximately).

How may the campus groups or community participate in the planning?
After initial conceptual design, the college plans on:

1. (January-February 2015) Forming a Rio Plaza Advisory Committee composed of campus constituent groups to provide feedback.

2. (February 2015) Conducting a campus-wide and community town-hall introducing the project

Why name it Rio Plaza?

The name “Rio Plaza” is just an initial concept name. It has also been referred as “Rio Gateway Plaza”. An inclusive naming process will be conducted encouraging feedback from all campus constituent groups.

Is this strictly a Rio Hondo College project?

No, the college has enthusiastic and supportive partners who will be contributing resources to the project. Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is one of our most supportive partners. Other partners include, Los Angeles County Public Works, Foothill Transit, Norwalk Transit, MTA, adjacent cities, and others.

RIO GATEWAY PLAZA: an Intermodal Transportation Center & Park at Rio Hondo College.

The time has come. The time to change the culture of the means by which we get to Rio Hondo College through bus, bike, walking, rideshare and equine (yes, horse).

I would like to introduce you to"Rio Gateway Plaza" an Intermodal Transportation Center and Park at Rio Hondo College. Located at the bottom of the hill, Rio Gateway Plaza becomes the welcome and transition to and from Rio Hondo from vaious points by alternative modes transportation.

We are going to change the culture of how we get to Rio Hondo College through “Alternative Modes of Transportation”.

The targeted alternative modes of transportation here are:

• Bus
• Bike
• Walking (Pedestrian)
• Rideshare/Carpool
• Equine (Yes, Horse)

Outside of a personal automobile, getting to Rio Hondo College hasn’t been easy or convenient. Rio Hondo’s geographic (dis) location makes it a challenge for students, staff and faculty to even consider alternative means of transportation that is convenient.

In these days of heighten environmental conscious, we want to encourage alternative modes of transportation but the fact is that if it’s not convenient it probably not going to happen.

As a former Rio Hondo student, I walked, rode the bus, bummed rides or rode my bike to Rio (before it was stolen). Back then, busses stopped running after 8:30-9:00pm so if you were enrolled in evening courses, which ended at 9:50 pm, you were screwed.

Walking is an adventure, especially at night, when you have to walk in the street most of the way (no sidewalks), with partial to no light, and through a cemetery. It’s just not safe.

Biking remains an unsafe journey as most, if not all, bike lanes, paths and routes from all directions stop about .5 miles short of the college rendering it a risk.

So, as you can see, getting to Rio Hondo College other than in a car is a bit discouraging. Those who walk, bike or ride the bus, especially students, brunt the challenge daily with little complaint. It’s no wonder they don’t go to Cerritos or Pasadena.

So, fast forward over decade, GoRio was finally adopted and implemented to encourage student bus ridership to Rio Hondo thereby increasing access and convenience. It took over ten years of advocacy, many board members and superintendents to realize (believe) the vision. The inspiration to develop and implement GoRio came from my experience as a student at Rio and at Sac State where the student government subsidized (all access) public transportation.

GoRio has always been an aspect of a larger vision whereby alternative modes of transportation are encouraged, supported, and instilled into the campus culture.

Brief outlines of the Components of Rio Gateway Plaza are:

1. Bus - GoRio
a. Curb Cut in Bus Stop for 2-3 buses (relieving back up traffic)
b. Shelter
c. Seating

2. Bike - BikeRio
a. Bike Station: Lockers/Cage
b. Special Access
c. Changing Room in restrooms (small bench)
d. Connecting/Creating bike paths from all directions to college
e. BikeRio Program

3. Walk/Pedestrian - WalkRio
a. Create/extend sidewalks to and from (in front of) Rio Hondo College
b. Increase walking pedestrian safety from all directions

4. Ride Share - RideshareRio
a. Safe and convenient Rideshare Drop off and Pick up Zone with connection to Rio Shuttle

5. Rio Shuttle Stop - RioConnect
a. Bottom Tier Stop
b. ADA Access from/to Bus stop
c. Seating
d. Shelter
e. Queuing (painted lines or rail)

6. Security/Safety
a. 24/7 Video surveillance
b. Periodic patrol
c. Blue light tower

7. Flag Poles
a. US Flag; State, RHC
b. Project Plaque

8. Landscaping
a. Native and drought tolerant plants
b. Trees
c. Gardens
d. Special Fundraising/Sponsor projects: Name Bricks, gardens, outdoor furniture

9. Amenities
a. Restrooms (changing room space)
b. Hydration station (filtered water)
c. Information Kiosk/Booth
d. Regional Map display cases
e. Outdoor Furniture (cement table/bench-chess, chaise, etc)
f. Recreation items (cement ping pong table)
g. Vending Machines
h. Wifi

Benefits of Rio Gateway Plaza:

• Increase economical means of access to Rio Hondo College
• American Disabilities Act compliance
• Encourages alternative means of transportation
• Reduce the demand for on-campus parking
• Provide a seamless transition from external transportation to the main campus
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Encourage fitness and healthy life styles
• Increase safety

What happens from here? The official roll-out begins to the campus community and the at-large district community through small informational presentations. The first of these roll oust will be to the Associated Students of Rio Hondo College, the Inter-Club Council and any other campus constituents who may allow a presentation.

Soon thereafter or in the interim, the Rio Plaza Advisory Committee will be formed and composed of the various campus constituent groups to provide initial feedback and suggestions.

Thereafter, a campus wide town hall will be conducted to formaly introduce the project to the greater whole.

Feedback and comments will be collected and incorporated from the Advisory Committee and the town hall which the college architects will submit plans to the Department of State Architect for approval.

Soon after state approval the project manager begins planning construction.

During this time, programming begins on the components with user groups and project staff (i.e. BikeRio, WalkRio, RideshareRio etc..).

Shaolin Kung Fu Tournament: Rio Hondo College

Rio Hondo College Hosting Shaolin Kung Fu Tournament


It was an honor to be asked by my friends with the Shaolin Temple USA to host thier Kung Fu tournament at Rio Hondo College. It adds to the diversity of art and culture which Rio Hondo takes great pride in promoting and exposing students to.


San Gabriel Valley Tribune Article: Kung Fu Tournament at Rio Hondo College

FIRST BLACK BELT: MAYBERRY PARK KARATE

After seven years, Mayberry Park Karate Program, Tai Crane Karate Dojo, produced its First Black Belt Shodan. Miguel Castellon earned his Black Belt on Thursday, May, 15, 2014 where he presented himself for test before a prestigious panel. Our Founder Master James Richardson served as Co-Chair along our black belt panel and community panel. Tai Crane Black Belts present included Mr. Andy Guiterrez, David Navarez, (Chief) Garry Couso Vasquez and guest Master Hugo Rojas from CYKC. Our community panel included the Honorable Ralph Pacheco (WHittier Union HS), Honorable Jan Baird (South Whittier SD), President Teresa Dryfus of Rio Hondo College, Ms. Andrea Avillas from the office of our great Supervisor Don Knabe, Mr. Joe Mendoza (LA County Parks. Mr. Bryan Sprag (LA County Parks, Mr. Luis Rojas, Mr. Toby Chavez and many friends and family.

Since this was the first Black Belt produced out of this program we wanted to be sure it was rigorous and with ceremonmial pomp. The ceremony was a mix of tradition and with some added elements. You had to be there.

According to Master James Richardson and black belts Miguel did well and can rightful be called a Black belt.

Congratulations Miguel!!

Sensei Gary Mendez
Black Belt (1984)

GLORIOUS WEEKEND @ Little Harbor, Catalina

https://plus.google.com/photos/105313926055179979943/albums/5849409198866379697?authkey=CM6z99WN2qaoEQ

Catalina Island, CA- It was a a Glorious Weekend on Catalina island. Of course, I started my trip parking at the Norwalk Greenline Station and taking public transit to the Cat Express San Pedro Terminal. Greenline to Harbor Station down the steps to the MTA 405 Express to Beacon-Harbor Park & Ride and walk about 100 yards to the terminal.

Wow, was i surprised to see the NEW Cat Express San Pedro Terminal! Unrecognizable! It was like a real and new transportation, almost airport worthy, terminal. Nice Job!

The Express was a traingle trip going to Avalon first then to my dest
ination Two Harbors which added 45 minutes. Felt fine, no sea sickness. Always a pleasure to observe all the Vaca-tioners and toursist google about with thier neon shirts, burmuida shorts and stuff.

Two Harbors was absolutely beautiful and the sun was shining.

Cerritos Commuity College District Trustee Areas

As you may know, the Board of Trustees at Cerritos Community College District created Seven (7) Trustee Areas by which trustees are to be elected by that are in affect for this November General election cycle. So, I got the new data from the County Recorder's Office and created two maps: 1) By Trustee Area and 2) By Cities.
1.

2.

I have included the following layers:
1. College District Boundary (CCD)
2. Trustee Areas 1-7
3. Communities or Cities within and out side of CCD.
4. Precincts within CCD.
5. General Streets


These are drafts since I don't have any use for them at this time. Other options for layers may be 1) Political and 2) Demographical.
1. Political. Additional layers may include voter propensity data, Absentee concentration, registration data, permanent AV, party affiliation, ethnicity data, past election data overlays and others. What drives the cartography is purpose and analysis sought.
2. Demographical layers may include, population, ethnicity, income levels, education levels, home ownership etc..
if you have ideas let me know.

SUMMER FUN 2012

Summer is off to a fun start with nights out with the "Girls". Hanging around the neighborhood haunts and pubs. Playing pool, listening to live music and just having fun!

My Island Paradise: Little Harbor Santa Catalina Island

Ahhh...love my Island Paradise. I got sea sick on the ways to the Isthmus but got over it as soon as we hit the Harbor. My good warm smiling friend Melissa was working the Two Harbors camping Check-In Desk. I made a mistake in the reservation date but she fixed me right up in site #7 with its new canopy. Thanks Melissa!!
After check in I filled my 3 liter Camelbak with ice and water and hit the trail to Little Harbor (LH). The weather was a bit hot but it was a comfortable hike with one stop made under a small tree shade. Didn't see or hear from the quail friends as usual, they must have moved else where for the summer.
Saw Wilson (the buffalo) near the water hole laying around flapping his tail in bliss. I guess he didn't feel like harassing anyone today.
I felt a blister coming around into the last mile that slowed my upbeat pace but it turned out to be a bunched up portion of the sock near the ball of my foot.
Arrived at campsite, set up tent and hammock took a cold shower and swung in my hammock. I arrived!!

Deserving Military Family

While sitting in Starbucks before Karate, I was crunching the numbers for our 6th Annual Summer Karate Camp at Mayberry Park and how many scholarships I'm going to award to students. Money is low and the demand high. A family of five girls walked in with their mother and sat in the couch across from me. They were so excited and chattering away about something. Then I heard, "mommy..is daddy going away again?" Mother, "yes". Then daddy walked in. A navy sailor and the kids crawled all over him. It was very heart wrenching. After their family time. I waited and approached them and offered the family of girls a scholarship to attend the Summer Camp. They were very happy and it turns out they live across the street from the park. Hope to see them soon. A deserving family. — at Starbucks.