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

Last 5 stories in News

• 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

Other stories that might interest you...

• Oath of Office Ceremony At Rio Cafe
• Rio elects new student trustee
• Board Trustee Angela Acosta-Salazar elected to California Community College League Board
• Tips to avoid parking woes and tardiness
• Domestic violence club on campus

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.

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

GO RIO! Re-Authorizing & Reevaluating the Student Bus Program

[DRAFT]

GO RIO has been a successful student public transportation program at Rio Hondo College that has provided thousands of students the access to Rio Hondo on various partner bus agencies. The program has reduced auto emissions, eased the demand for on-campus parking and congestion, and has encouraged a generation of students to utilize public transportation as means of daily movement.

Since its inception, it has been funded using Bond funds, federal grants and now funded through a student self imposed fee authorized by the student body via ballot initiative. It has become, in most part, a student owned program.

However, the program was not initially proposed to be limited to full-time students only. This is something the Administration imposed and later written into the student initiative.

Re-Authorization of GO RIO
This Spring 2012 will be the sunset of the student initiative which needs to be reauthorized by May 2012. Before the initiative is put to a vote, I have some recommendations.

Revising GO RIO
The earlier version was not as progressive as I would have liked or planned. Nonetheless, we can now better improve the program.

1) Unit Requirements: It may have been unfair to tax the overall student body and only allow access to the program for full-time students. The majority of fee payers being not full-time 12 unit students. The full-time requirement was imposed by the college to encourage borderline student to take additional units to become full-time. This has caused an unintended negative consequence where some students he personally informed me that they have signed up for courses on;y to meet the requirement for GO RIO, taken unnecessary classroom seats, and even delay their degree completion or transfer.

Unit Requirement Options:
a. Drop the minimum unit requirement to 9. The initial fee would be reflective of an estimate increase in Go Rio students and cost. After each semester the fee would be adjusted based on previous semester ridership with a not to exceed fee amount.

b. Maintain 12 units requirement but allow 9-11 unit students to buy-in to Go Rio with supplemental fee.

Both these options would have a per semester cap on how many Go Rio cards are issued but may increase the following semester with ridership data received from bus agencies.

3) Negative Check Off. The process of collecting the fee should utilize “negative check off” whereby student are assessed the fee automatically and must opt out through an easily accessible petition form to be sign by a college official. (i.e., after reading a FAQ on its benefit)

4) No Exemption Fee Waiver for Go Rio Users. A student receiving a BOGG fee waiver or financial aid status should pay into Go Rio. The Go Rio Card value far exceeds the student assessed fee. College Programs may opt to cover the minimal fee for students unable to pay or the District may opt to cover the cost of these students.

5) External Funding Sources. The college must make Go Rio a grant and legislative priority and actively pursue a consistent external sources of funding from various resources like city transportation funds, federal and state funds, and regional transportation funds.

6) Internal Funding Sources. Explore various potential funding sources on campus like recycling, designated Go Rio vending machines, special paid parking locations, and fund-raisers to supplement the Go Rio program, but NOT in lieu of student fees. Funds may go to scholarships, creation of a mobile application, TAP Card lanyards and holders, and the like.

7) Mobile Application & GPS. District should pursue technological improvements to program. Norwalk Transit has expressed interest in developing a mobile application for line #1 and using GPS for student to see bus locations in real-time.

8) Form Student Rider Group. I strongly recommend a student rider group form to meet at least quarterly or monthly to provide feedback on program and advocate for Go Rio issues.

Lobby Day January 2012 in Sacramento for Rio Hondo College

Lobby Day in State Capitol for Rio Hondo College. Legislative Agenda:

1) Support Balanced Approach to Budget n Support Temp Tax Initiative on Nov ballot.
2) OPPOSE cuts to CalWorks for transitional families that would eliminate students from a life of self sufficiency.
3) SUPPORT Increase in Course Offerings by allowing college to plan budgets in Jan not July if initiative passes
4) OPPOSE cuts n elimination if child-care sites at colleges that will devastate student families n child-care students.
5) OPPOSE cuts and increase of GPA for CalGrants that will eliminate over 240 students at Rio Hondo College.
6) SUPPORT Guarantee of tax n fee revenues in Budget.
And other issues.
7) Support Governors Temporary Tax Initiative on November Ballot.

at California State Capitol.

Temporary Tax Inititative on State Ballot in November

Sacramento,Jan.31, 2012: Community College League of California Endorses Governor’s Temporary Tax Measure

Following over $789 million in state funding cuts to community colleges over the last three years, the Community College League of California has endorsed Governor Jerry Brown’s proposal to increase the sales tax by 1/2 cent and increase marginal tax rates on high income earners temporarily to avoid even more devastating cuts. The unanimous position was taken by thirty-six members of the League’s policy boards representing chief executive officers and locally elected trustees from the League’s 72 district members.

Playwright & Dramatist Shelagh Delaney dies at 71 of cancer: Tribute to

I was introduced to Shelagh Delaney by Morrissey, as most eighties youth were. She was best known for her play "A Taste of Honey", first performed on 27 May 1958, [9] is set in Salford, a city which Delaney regarded as a valuable resource for her writing. Shelagh wrote forthright in a sensetive style about controversial issues that were certainly not portrayed back in her day.

I love Shelagh's response to "what the critics say". She is more concerned about what the real people, working class people say. Ahh..truly inspiring. Ive adopted the like minded attitude toward critics, its what the real people say. The people who actually live in the community, challenging neighborhoods. The people who work day in and out, raise families, and care about community. These are the people whose opinion really count.

She was Brilliant, compassionate and witty. Morrissey said, "I've never made any secret of the fact that at least 50 per cent of my reason for writing can be blamed on Shelagh Delaney." Hence, so were we all.

Shelagh take a bow, as was the case on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at the Music Box Theatre.

The Smiths "This Night Has Opened My Eyes" based Shelagh's "A Taste of Honey".