It's been two weeks since the begining of my Carbon Reducation Footprint Challenge:
Here is my walking data:
Week One: 10/16 - 10/23
steps: 83,235
miles: 42.3
calories: 2365
Week Two: 10/24 - 10/31
steps: 63,591
miles: 30.8
calories: 1716
Showing posts with label South Whittier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Whittier. Show all posts
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Footprint Challenge Update: Walking
It's been two weeks since the begining of my Carbon Reducation Footprint Challenge:
Here is my walking data:
Week One: 10/16 - 10/23
steps: 83,235
miles: 42.3
calories: 2365
Week Two: 10/24 - 10/31
steps: 63,591
miles: 30.8
calories: 1716
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Obama-Biden Let's Get Going!
Hell, yes! This is an awesome and motivating ticket. What class and strength. Biden is the attack dog we need with gravitas. I'm so ready to hit a battle ground state. Californians need to get their crap togther and realize that if they really want to win this, get off your arse, get out of California, and contribute in a significant way.
We have all heard local democratic activist, espcially the able bodied, say they did there part. Some have even said "I was thier in the begining", but never really did anything where and when it counts.
So pack your bags and get ready to elect our next President of the United States. We are going to change our country. See you on amtrak!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Vote Measure M - Los Nietos School Bond
My family has been in Los Nietos for over 150 years attending Los Nietos schools. My family were directly involved in the building of the early school houses and has been active in the districts for those 150 years.
The facilities are just as old and in need of dire repair.
I vote for Measure M is a vote in the future of children and in my beloved Los Nietos.
Gary
The facilities are just as old and in need of dire repair.
I vote for Measure M is a vote in the future of children and in my beloved Los Nietos.
Gary
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Save Our School Rally - Sat. May 3rd
SAVE OUR SCHOOLS
CAMPAIGN
Southern California
Rally
Pioneer High School
Stadium
Whittier,CA
(605 Fwy at Slauson Blvd. off ramp)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
1:00 P.M.
Join Parents, students, and community leaders in protesting California state education budget cuts.
My karate student and parents will be in attendance.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Light Rail Plan Hijacking by San Gabriel Valley Cities - Wrong!
The Whittier Daily News ran an article today on certain San Gabriel Valley cities attempting to hijack the long planned east-side county light rail route.
It's a selfish act to derail established plans to run the proposed light rail from downtown Los Angeles thru East LA, Montebello, and Pico Rivera to Whittier and unincorporated Whittier.
People in the current plan do not have adequate access to rapid public transportation like the people in San Gabriel Valley.
The San Gabriel Valley cities have the El Monte/South El Monte Transit Center hub that many transportation agencies use and provide access for residents in local cities to Los Angeles and to the Inland Empire. The transportation access at El Monte provides long range and short range bus service. More importantly, the San Gabriel Valley hub in El Monte currently provides rapid freeway flier access to Downtown Los Angeles and to the inland empire along the 10 freeway.
Detouring the current plan to serve the underserved communities of Whittier, Unincorporated Whittier, and Pico Rivera and Montebello further limits rapid transit and further diminishes access for people in these communities.
It’s selfish for cities in San Gabriel Valley to get another Transit Center.
The current plan must stay and the cities in San Gabriel Valley need to share rapid transit access to other areas of east county of Los Angeles.
It's a selfish act to derail established plans to run the proposed light rail from downtown Los Angeles thru East LA, Montebello, and Pico Rivera to Whittier and unincorporated Whittier.
People in the current plan do not have adequate access to rapid public transportation like the people in San Gabriel Valley.
The San Gabriel Valley cities have the El Monte/South El Monte Transit Center hub that many transportation agencies use and provide access for residents in local cities to Los Angeles and to the Inland Empire. The transportation access at El Monte provides long range and short range bus service. More importantly, the San Gabriel Valley hub in El Monte currently provides rapid freeway flier access to Downtown Los Angeles and to the inland empire along the 10 freeway.
Detouring the current plan to serve the underserved communities of Whittier, Unincorporated Whittier, and Pico Rivera and Montebello further limits rapid transit and further diminishes access for people in these communities.
It’s selfish for cities in San Gabriel Valley to get another Transit Center.
The current plan must stay and the cities in San Gabriel Valley need to share rapid transit access to other areas of east county of Los Angeles.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
South Whittier Satelite College Center - Short Change
There is a ridiculous argument being advocated by Russell Castañeda Calleros, the governmental affairs director, at Rio Hondo College regarding the South Whittier Satellite Center. He say's, "the people in South Whittier need more green space than college classrooms."
The voters voted on a $234 million dollar bond which $3 million was committed and budgeted for a college satellite center in South Whittier. Some administrators, including Russell Castañeda Calleros, are planning to short change the project thereby breaking the promise made to the community to invest the full $3 million in the satilite center.
What it comes down to is whether to build three or four classrooms. Of course this would mean serving fewer people at the site and instead adding a small patch of grass and a tree. Russell Castañeda Calleros makes the argument that the people of South Whittier and surrounding area need more "green space" than classroom space for courses and programs.
Now, I consider myself an environmentalist and have a good policy track record. But this is about Rio Hondo Community College serving people in an area with high unemployment, the furthest south community from campus, a working class community, limited in transportation, and with no high school.
I'm stand steadfast that the people of South Whittier deserve more classroom space to take college courses that will help them attain better paying jobs, help young adults get in college, and improve the community overall rather than a small patch of grass with a tree. There are several good parks in the area.
Russell Castañeda Calleros and others are attempting to short change the people of South Whittier and I wont let them do it without a fight.
The voters voted on a $234 million dollar bond which $3 million was committed and budgeted for a college satellite center in South Whittier. Some administrators, including Russell Castañeda Calleros, are planning to short change the project thereby breaking the promise made to the community to invest the full $3 million in the satilite center.
What it comes down to is whether to build three or four classrooms. Of course this would mean serving fewer people at the site and instead adding a small patch of grass and a tree. Russell Castañeda Calleros makes the argument that the people of South Whittier and surrounding area need more "green space" than classroom space for courses and programs.
Now, I consider myself an environmentalist and have a good policy track record. But this is about Rio Hondo Community College serving people in an area with high unemployment, the furthest south community from campus, a working class community, limited in transportation, and with no high school.
I'm stand steadfast that the people of South Whittier deserve more classroom space to take college courses that will help them attain better paying jobs, help young adults get in college, and improve the community overall rather than a small patch of grass with a tree. There are several good parks in the area.
Russell Castañeda Calleros and others are attempting to short change the people of South Whittier and I wont let them do it without a fight.
Friday, August 31, 2007
New Karate Kids - Whittier Daily News article 08/31/07
New Karate Kids
Sandra T. Molina. Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
SOUTH WHITTIER - Sensei Gary Mendez wasn't sure whether he was up to the task of teaching a summer karate class at Mayberry Park, let alone if any students would attend. What he got were 50 applications the first week, and two weeks later the total was 150.
"I am overwhelmed at the response of the community," Mendez, 37, said Friday, the last day of the free 12-week program.
The day was spent handing out certificates of completion to the 50 students on hand and demonstrating their skills.
It's been about six years since the Santa Fe Springs resident has taught a karate class, and then, it was only two or three students.
And how did it feel to teach again before such a large class? "I loved it," he said. "It reminded me how much I love karate, and I enjoyed introducing so many kids to the sport, as well as their parents."
Karate is not about fighting, but discipline, self-defense, self-esteem and other life skills, Mendez said.
He said the kids, with the support of their parents and the park staff, far exceeded his expectations.
"They showed me they have it in them to excel, and not only in karate," said Mendez, a public and political affairs consultant in Los Angeles County.
One of those students, 11-year-old Cindy Mora, who is autistic, said she had a lot of fun. She named some of the skills, like stances and kicks, as some of the things she liked best.
Cindy's parents, Ernesto Mora, 33, and Maria Gonzalez, 36, said they enrolled their daughter in the program to improve her motor skills.
What they got was much more.
"The class improved her motor skills and her social skills," Moreno said. "We've seen such a big difference in her."
Gonzalez said she was surprised how well Cindy did memorizing the movements.
"Learning karate has given her more confidence, and shows her she can be like everyone else," said the proud mom.
For 5-year-old Nathan Guerrero, his mom, Sandra Espinoza, 25, said her son has learned to be more patient and more safety conscious.
"He used to run and open the door whenever there was someone knocking on it," she said. "Now, he knows to take his time and let a grown-up answer the door."
And Aaron Navarrete, 11, said the meditation and sense of discipline were the best parts of the class. "I learned to focus on things I am doing, and when I get stressed, I have a way to relax," said the very serious young man, who plans on attending more classes if they are available.
If Mendez and a group of parents have their say, the class will be offered again.
The group is planning to meet with Supervisor Gloria Molina to request she once again give financial support to the class.
"She was so responsive and positive when I approached her a year ago about this program," Mendez said.
Now with the parents behind him, and Molina's dedication to young people, Mendez said he is sure he'll be back, and sooner than next summer.
"There's such a need for programs like this in the area," he said. "We'll be back again for the kids."
sandra.molina@sgvn.com
(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3028
Copyright © 2008 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved.
People: Mendez, Gary, Mora, Cindy
Author(s): Sandra T. Molina
Section: News
Publication title: Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
Source type: Newspaper
ISSN: 10692819
ProQuest document ID: 1328885151
Text Word Count 557
Sandra T. Molina. Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
SOUTH WHITTIER - Sensei Gary Mendez wasn't sure whether he was up to the task of teaching a summer karate class at Mayberry Park, let alone if any students would attend. What he got were 50 applications the first week, and two weeks later the total was 150.
"I am overwhelmed at the response of the community," Mendez, 37, said Friday, the last day of the free 12-week program.
The day was spent handing out certificates of completion to the 50 students on hand and demonstrating their skills.
It's been about six years since the Santa Fe Springs resident has taught a karate class, and then, it was only two or three students.
And how did it feel to teach again before such a large class? "I loved it," he said. "It reminded me how much I love karate, and I enjoyed introducing so many kids to the sport, as well as their parents."
Karate is not about fighting, but discipline, self-defense, self-esteem and other life skills, Mendez said.
He said the kids, with the support of their parents and the park staff, far exceeded his expectations.
"They showed me they have it in them to excel, and not only in karate," said Mendez, a public and political affairs consultant in Los Angeles County.
One of those students, 11-year-old Cindy Mora, who is autistic, said she had a lot of fun. She named some of the skills, like stances and kicks, as some of the things she liked best.
Cindy's parents, Ernesto Mora, 33, and Maria Gonzalez, 36, said they enrolled their daughter in the program to improve her motor skills.
What they got was much more.
"The class improved her motor skills and her social skills," Moreno said. "We've seen such a big difference in her."
Gonzalez said she was surprised how well Cindy did memorizing the movements.
"Learning karate has given her more confidence, and shows her she can be like everyone else," said the proud mom.
For 5-year-old Nathan Guerrero, his mom, Sandra Espinoza, 25, said her son has learned to be more patient and more safety conscious.
"He used to run and open the door whenever there was someone knocking on it," she said. "Now, he knows to take his time and let a grown-up answer the door."
And Aaron Navarrete, 11, said the meditation and sense of discipline were the best parts of the class. "I learned to focus on things I am doing, and when I get stressed, I have a way to relax," said the very serious young man, who plans on attending more classes if they are available.
If Mendez and a group of parents have their say, the class will be offered again.
The group is planning to meet with Supervisor Gloria Molina to request she once again give financial support to the class.
"She was so responsive and positive when I approached her a year ago about this program," Mendez said.
Now with the parents behind him, and Molina's dedication to young people, Mendez said he is sure he'll be back, and sooner than next summer.
"There's such a need for programs like this in the area," he said. "We'll be back again for the kids."
sandra.molina@sgvn.com
(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3028
Copyright © 2008 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved.
People: Mendez, Gary, Mora, Cindy
Author(s): Sandra T. Molina
Section: News
Publication title: Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
Source type: Newspaper
ISSN: 10692819
ProQuest document ID: 1328885151
Text Word Count 557
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