WEIGHING IN ON WHETHER WE SHOULD KEEP BREWER AT THE HELM: I REALLY THINK SO

By Diana L. Chapman

I know his days are probably numbered and his ship is probably sunk; I personally wish it weren’t so. We need Superintendent David L. Brewer at the helm of the Los Angeles Unified School District to navigate and cruise us through the continued tumultuous waters.

If nothing else, we need him as a watch dog – a port pilot so to speak – to make sure the district doesn’t run aground into any further muck and continue to flounder.

This is why I rejoiced when the hastily-called meeting to dump Brewer last week failed miserably. We need him. We need him despite what his critics say – that he’s moved at a glacial pace and not done much. But how could he?Two years is not a long time, especially to grapple with nearly 700,000 students, nearly 800 schools, thousands of employees, and a payroll program purchased before Brewer that was nearly defunct on arrival, when it disastrously didn’t pay, overpaid or underpaid employees by thousands of dollars – any bureaucrats’ biggest nightmare.

That’s not to mention the fact that the Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who thinks he can run the district better than the district itself, made a political bid in the state legislature, trying to jam past voter’s rights, to take control of the district. When he lost that bid, he worked to get allies on the school board – who are now claiming Brewer is too slow.

That doesn’t mention that those same allies, who pretty much now saturate the school board, urged Brewer (which probably really means forced) to hire the mayor’s pick, Ramon Cortines, a longtime school administrator, to take over the district’s day-to-day operations.

Forced or not, Brewer hired the 76-year-old Cortines, who once ran New York, San Francisco school districts and pinched hit for Los Angeles, came aboard and in an amazing – and hopefully backfiring moment – as Brewer and Cortines hit it off and work well together. It appears to me we need them both to complement each other.

Under Brewer’s reign, test scores have gained for the past two years in an ailing district who can claim a not so prestigious number – nearly 50 percent of its high school students drop out. And while he’s constantly criticized for not being an educator (and I’m trying to remember when the mayor became one) Brewer can point to being responsible for the education thousands of Navy sailors.

From the moment Brewer joined the district’s head post at about $300,000 a pop, it wasn’t looking too pretty -- and the fact that he’s still here, shows me he’s a survivor.

What I like about him is he immediately assessed the situation quickly and repeatedly told the community that the district cannot fix the city’s schools alone. This is true. With all the issues out there, it truly is time for communities to step up – not just parents, but local businesses, the police, local non-profits and the city. There has to be a joint effort – and a good leader has to bring all these folks together.

Despite his critics, a view that hasn’t come into play is that an-out-of-the-box educator, an ex-Navy Admiral at that, might keep us afloat during the torrential cash cutting rains ahead and spark creative educational tricks that those so entrenched in the system can’t even begin to see.

And believe me – as a long time volunteer within the system – I’ve learned many lessons. The first is that the district and the city have been squabbling for so many years – in particular the city’s Recreation and Parks Department – that the two key players that maintain our children’s fate – can’t seem to get along. So the most important connections are lost, and they are lost daily.

The second truth I discovered is entrenched administrators just seem to lack spark and continue the same track repeatedly, rather than working toward implementing new ideas, that unfortunately, have to be embraced by an entire school – or even if new ideas are launched -- they fail. Team building is a must at schools, but is so rarely done – or done right, so good changes rarely move forward.

Another truth is that schools – all schools – I don’t care where they are -- are like small cities and need a watchdog, because things that should never happen at schools happen every day due to a lack of oversite. I cringe to think of campuses where no parents are active, because that is about the only watchdog the schools have.

This is why I like Brewer. He continually said it’s not up to the district – it’s up to all of us. When my son was enrolled in Dana Middle School, I saw exactly that. People were in shock that I sent my son there as the school had a bad reputation and residents scrambled to get their kids into Dodson Middle School, allegedly the better of the two.

Because it was our home school, I committed to Dana. And because my son was getting a fabulous education in the gifted program there – and those students bonded in their small grouping and fared well – it just made sense that something like that should be done for all the students.

That’s when a small group of parents started many after school programs to help keep the kids off the streets and out of gangs. A Spanish, Art, Newspaper, Swimming, Cooking and Basketball club were all launched over the last three years. The LAPD started a program similar to Explorers.

In the meantime, the principal and staff were having wall murals painted, a teacher started a cheer team, another started a chess club and the parent running the basketball club started tying his program to education. (His students all graduated across the stage, which means they had to have a C or above when they left Dana).

Many other measures were taken by the new principal, including lumping the sixth graders into one area, the 7th into another and the 8th into another – allowing students to bond in small groupings and reducing the intimidation factor that often gets played out on the school yard.

The pay-off of all these changes and many others was the test scores at the end of three years went up dramatically, when they’d barely budged in the past for years. Was it easy? No. Was there fighting? Yes. Was it ugly? Yes. Did people leave? Yes. Did it work? It appears so.

While I can’t say the after school programs were part of the reason things became better, it just seemed with the entire attitude of the school changing toward thinking of the students, the kids were happier.

Many times former students from Dana came down from the high school and couldn’t believe what was going on. Of course, they complained profusely about all the things the new Dana had, but in the end, it appears it’s been a positive for the students.

This is again why I like Brewer. The entire after school program came from what Brewer sparked – that’s it’s up to all of us. Not just the district. And to do that, you need one hell of a good leader. I'm actually thinking Councilwoman Janice Hahn's idea of making this an elected post is not such a bad idea after all -- so this post can remain accountable to us, the voters, and not just what the politicians want.

And given a chance to do so, I believe Brewer is the correct choice. And like he said, it didn’t take just the district to improve a school – it took all of us at Dana.

Another Story from an Amazing Immigrant Student from the Phillipines and How Her Mother Helped Her and Announcing San Pedro Ballet Company's Nutcracker

How the Break of a Filipino Family Lead a Mother and Daughter to the US Where They Not Only Survived, but the Daughter Has Set High Goals for Herself

By Jeanna Abaca, 17, San Pedro High School student, senior

Going through the Boys and Girls Club College Bound Program, so far Jeanna has been accepted to UC Merced and has applied to CSULB, UCI, UCLA, UCSD, Stanford and Pepperdine

Like millions of children in this country, I come from a broken family. What makes me slightly different though is that I grew up without a father in the Philippines , where, during my childhood, broken families were taboo.

A month before my seventh birthday, my dad arrived from Singapore after a year of absence. He had just barely come home when I excitedly went through his things to find gifts, and I ended up looking in his wallet. I wanted to see Singapore dollars. Instead, I found a picture of him and another woman cuddling.

Being only six, I didn't know what the picture meant so I playfully showed it to my mom and teased her about my dad having another girlfriend. Sadly, that was the truth.

As I descended our stairs the next morning, I saw my mom crying behind the front door. I had never seen her like that before. My dad was leaving forever. I was so confused because my dad just came home and I knew that he wasn't supposed to leave again for another three months.

If I hadnt woken up, he would've left without even saying goodbye. After that, I wasn't allowed to talk about my dad. My mom didn't want other people to feel sorry for me. Still, people treated me differently because of my family situation.

The separation was a stain on our family name. Broken families, at that time, were rare in the Philippines and were looked down upon. Filipinos, especially in the provinces, are very conservative and intolerant of such families.

I remember standing in front of my first grade class to announce that my father had left us. I didn't know why my teacher made me do that; all I can remember was how small I felt.

Since then, I was known as the kid without the father.

To compensate for not having a father, my mother, a tigress of a woman, provided me with everything I could possibly want and need. She worked hard to keep me at an esteemed private school. She succeeded in life despite the put-downs she received for not having a husband. She overcame all the detriments life threw at her and gained people's respect regardless of her marital status.

She became my mother, my father, my best friend, my protector, and my inspiration. My mother taught me to always keep my head up and to be strong. She brought me to the United States to start a new life, where I won't be judged simply based on my family background.

My dad' s absence, my mom's examples, and my community's reaction to my family situation have ultimately made me more determined to succeed. I am going to be a lawyer to protect and defend the oppressed, especially women and children.

Now that I'm in the United States , I am going to work hard to achieve this dream and to be my family s pride. I will be living proof that one can move on from the painful past and succeed.

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NUTCRACKER NEWS FROM THE SAN PEDRO BALLET COMPAN

WHO: San Pedro City Ballet, Patrick David Bradley and Cynthia Bradley – Artistic Directors
WHAT: 15th Anniversary of “The Nutcracker”
WHERE: Warner Grand Theatre 478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro
WHEN: Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 pm, Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 pm
Ticket information:
http://www.blogger.com/www.warnergrand.org
$35 Premier Seats – best in the house, limited
$25 Adults
$15 Seniors and children 12 years and under

IMMIGRANT STUDENTS TELL OF THEIR PARENTS TREMENDOUS HARDSHIPS TO PAVE BETTER LIVES FOR THEIR CHILDREN; MORE POSTINGS TO COME OF THESE REMARKABLE STORIES WE RARELY HEAR

Dear Readers: This summer while I was coaching Boys and Girls Club students in writing, I was shocked not only by the high caliber of students I had, but the fact that their gratitude to their parents for making their lives better was unwavering. It moved me deeply how grateful these students were and that -- of course -- we don't tend to hear these stories. We hear about the gang parents, the drug dealing parents, but not the immigrant parents who have come here and given their children a strong sense of values and work ethic. -- Diana

Look for more of their stories this week. Here is one:

By Fred Lopez, Senior, San Pedro High School

Universities he's been accepted to so far through the Boys and Girls Club College Bound Program: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Merced, San Francisco State, Fresno State and CSU Monterey Bay

Schools applied to or plan to apply to: UCLA, UC Berkeley, Harvard, Reed College, Davidson
and Northwestern

Death scares most people, but it goes beyond that point. My mother can tell you. She saw her only son in her arms leaving her. She cried and cried until the point where no more tears could be shed.

I was 6-months-old and my heart stopped functioning. My mother kept on screaming, “Wake up, wake up!” My father sped passed the red, bright lights trying to reach the hospital as fast as he could. Every minute, was a minute lost.

"If you are going to take him, take him now." Those were the thoughts inside my father’s mind as we reached the emergency room. As they walked into the hospital, for a moment, I was revived and my mother saw a sign of hope. She ran towards the front desk and begged them to take me in.

All they said was to wait and that there was nothing wrong with me. When the nurse said that, I began to fall a victim to death. My mother began to scream more until the doctors pulled me from her arms and took me into intensive care.

Now it was all in God’s hand. I was let go after two weeks and doctors informed my mother this could occur again. When I was told this, I realized that not many get a second chance at life. I should know. I was given the chance to live, but a brother was not.

In September 1992, my mother was expecting another son; I was just turning one. She started to feel pain, and began to lose her balance. When my father returned home, he raced her to the clinic. The doctor looked at my mother and told her the son she was expecting would not survive. The reason: his heart had stopped.

My mom experienced a miscarriage and that ended a brother’s life without ever seeing the world. My mother did not know why all this was happening. I had been saved, but he did not face the same fate. My grandmother also currently is tacking a heart condition.

These experiences have motivated me to keep going. No obstacle can be seen as a defeat. They must be conquered. Life would not be life without them. My parents have given me the support and values to go on. I will always aim for success because failure does not exist in my world. Life has been tough, but I manage to get through it. I strive to do my best -- and be the best.

Some would have expected me to fall to society’s ruins. That is not an option. My parents did not work their entire life for me to throw it away. Later in life, I might encounter obstacles that are more difficult. The fact of the matter is that life has taught me that quitting never gets you anywhere. You have to face the problem head on, to find a solution. I am a son, a brother, a man.
Life has shown me my path. I will not let it go to waste. This in not only a personal goal, but a goal for my family and community. I want to help others realize that obstacles can become victories. I am committed to my goals. These experiences have shaped my path to establish a career as a cardiac surgeon. I want to give those in need the helping hand that was given to me.

OK, THE LOS ANGELES COUNCILWOMAN GOT MY HEART THIS TIME: STAFF SENT A HOLIDAY PHOTO of JANICE HAHN AND DARLING BARTON HILL ELEMENTARY AND 15th STREET FAMILY LITERACY STUDENTS FOR A TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND I COULDN'T RESIST POSTING IT; HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!!! AND DON'T FORGET THE FIRST THURSDAY CUPCAKE AND MACAROON QUEENS DEBUT AT NOSH EATERY THIS WEEK; A Mouthful of Surprises

Finally! Cupcakes in San Pedro! And now there will be macaroons too!

From 6 to 9 .m. Dec. 4, this Thursday, stop off at Nosh and try some of these delicious treats. Nosh is located at 617 S. Centre Street in San Pedro.

As you know, I've written many times now about my friend Rose Cigliano starting a cupcake rage here in the South Bay with her scrumptious pumpkin with cream cheese frosting along with red velvet cupcakes (not to mention the many other kinds she has) that will slide warmly down your throat. Come in and taste these treats and order for your holiday needs. You can visit her website @ http://www.italiancuppacakes.com/. or order through Nosh.

But don't forget about those macaroons.

Michelle Sanders, who came aboard Nosh to manage the kitchen, will debut her macaroons, which she has served at weddings and baby showers., the same evening The 2008 Cordon Bleu graduate started working with Susan McKenna, owner of Nosh, about six weeks ago, agreeing to help manage the kitchen.

Michelle has ten different flavors of macaroons that can be served for the holidays, including lemon vanilla and chocolate.

While she lives in Carson and was working in restaurants such as Providence in Los Angeles and La Mill Coffee in Silver Lake, her San Pedro boyfriend wanted her to try Nosh. "I just started talking to Susan and it just happened (to come aboard) at the right time. It's been fun learning the way she prepares food."

What Am I Thankful For?

Happy Thanksgiving
By Jamie Gonzalez, Port of Los High School senior

As a young child, my parents have taught me that family is everything in one’s life. As the years have passed by, I have learned that this is true. I am thankful for everything my parents and my family have done for me.

My parents are the ones who gave me life and gave me a chance to grow up to become someone important. They have struggled through many years, but despite all those challenges we have all stayed together as a happy family which I am thankful for and will cherish forever.

I am also thankful that God has given my mother strength to take care of me and my three brothers by always having food ready for us so we can have a nice lunch or dinner. I am thankful that God has given my father strength to keep on working in roofing and take care of the whole family financially, but also still being a great father.

Education wise, I am thankful for many great things. I thank God for giving me a chance to go to a great school that doesn’t compare to other schools. If I didn’t go to Port of Los Angles High School, I wouldn’t have met the great friends that I know to this date. I wouldn’t have gotten the chances to go on a onc- in-a-life time trip to Washington D.C., join SRLA, the Spanish club, and also represent my school. But also, if I didn’t join the College Bound program in the Boys & Girls Club of the L.A. Harbor, I would have been lost college wise.

This is why I am thankful that Jenna and Marcey (of the Boys and Girls Club) are always there to help me out and answer my questions about college. Lastly, I am thankful that God has helped my family through the good and bad and has always kept us moving forward. Now that I am transitioning from a teenager to a young adult, I now see how life really is and thank God that he has let me see this.

Students give goodbye hug to the plant manager. Alonzo LeFridge thanks Craig "Edward" Dykes for helping him stay on track since he was a 6-year-old. Alonzo now

plays for the San Pedro High School Pirates Football Team.

Students at Crestwood Street Elementary School Bid A Great Farewell to the Custodian Who Served the School for 28 years; Good Bye Mr. Dykes

Edward "Craig" Dykes did many things beyond the call-of-duty for students at Crestwood Street Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes. He cleaned up after them. He listened to their stories. And for some, he helped instill a good sense of values and taught them responsibility.

It was a bitter-sweet day for Craig, who served his last day at the school as the plant custodian, on Wednesday -- but not before the students were able to tell him the auditorium received a new name in honor of his efforts for nearly three decades.

The auditorium will now be called "The Edward "Craig" Dykes Auditorium" honoring him for not only his work to keep the school clean and safe, but due to the extras he did for so many of the students.

San Pedro High School football player, Alonzo Lefridge, 17, came to thank the custodian on Tuesday for the values he instilled in him when he started at Crestwood at the age of six.

"He always helped me," Alonzo explained, saying the custodian was the reason he raced to school every morning. "He always had a job for me. He taught me responsibility. I watered plants, helped him open doors and put up the flag. He taught me respect. He taught me morals. And he kept me on the right track."

Alonzo was able to thank him along with many other students when the school held a ceremony honoring the plant manager on Tuesday.

The custodian was known for not only putting the students to work, and teaching them -- but he gave them treats -- delicious glazed donuts.

Not only did the school rename the auditorium, but every student received a glazed donut -- a tradition that the custodian established to thank all the students who helped him.

A POPULAR PLANT MANAGER – WHO MANAGED TEARS AND FEARS OF KIDS FOR 28 YEARS AT A LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – DECIDES TO HANG UP HIS BROOM AND SHOVEL

By Diana L. Chapman

Edward “Craig” Dykes was blasting across the asphalt campus a few years ago, huffing and puffing as though in a race. He was in a race, he shouted, to lock up the school gates because dogs were roaming the neighborhood.

He didn’t want them on the campus, because he had to keep the kids safe. And that’s exactly what Craig has done for the past 28 years as a plant manager at Crestwood Street Elementary School in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Considered popular, kind and caring, the tall 56-year-old man, who looks like a giant in a sea of kids, has concluded it’s time to hang up his shovel, put away his broom and walk away from years of service.

A good-bye celebration is planned at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the school.

“I’m happy, but I’m sad about leaving the kids,” he explained. “The kids are wonderful and this place is a wonderful, wonderful work environment. The kids are saying: “Are you leaving?” And I break it down for them,” because financially now is the time, he explains, to the students.

For those who are too young to understand financial reasons, he simply tells them: “I’ve been here a 1,000 years and it’s time to go.”

Over the years, he’s shared the kids tears, their fears and taught them responsibility by allowing them to help him clean for small rewards Craig has shoveled up messes, raked up leaves, come when he was called for extra paper towels or to unlock doors and managed a small custodial staff at the campus.

It seemed he was always there for -- everyone.

He was in particular there in crises situations like the time he spotted a small fire smoking on the school’s roof caused by spontaneous combustion in a bed of leaves. He’s backed the school’s principal many times over the years, including one where a man was outside the campus exposing himself. They called police.

The custodian started his career with Los Angeles Unified School District in 1973 at Belvedere Junior High and was made the official plant manager at Crestwood in 1980. While retired, he plans to hike in the Sierras and the Cascades mountains.

“I will miss the kids because they kept me laughing,” he explained. “It’s a happy time of their

lives." Wednesday will be his last day at the school.

San Pedro English Teacher Gives Interesting Assignment: Write About a Paper Clip; The Relevant Stage Offers a Free Performance for Schools of the Christmas Carol and Bayer Aspirin Announces an International Art Contest for Children Ages: 6 to 14

Dear Readers: I so enjoy creativity and got a chuckle out of Mrs. Hoffman's (English AP teacher at San Pedro High) assignment asking students to write about a paper clip. To me, this is a great exercise. Here is what one student wrote:


By Kelsi, 16

My life is like that of a paper clip

Always alone, but constantly meeting with other beings

When one and one need a connection, I am there to connect at the tip

Still alone, but clinging to other things

No, I must say, it is not always fun

But it is my job, and it has to be done

I hold things together; I have done it all my life

I make things easier and better

And stay even when these actions give me strife

These things I hold together, well, they become the best of friends

And when they decide to get a staple, my job with them must end

As I leave my newly stapled papers, I am put into a bowl

I wait until I have new orders

And do the same thing [yet it's getting kind of old]

I connect a few more friends together, but my body is getting brash

So I leave my job for good, and am thrown into the trash

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The Relevant Stage Announces Free Trips for Schools to See A Christmas Carol and Information on the Play for Those Interested in Obtaining Tickets

Submitted by Ray Buffer

Schools that are interested can sign up for a free show of the Christmas Carol at 1 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2008 for The Christmas Carol.

This will be a fairly loyal adaptation of Dickens' story (written in Dickens' own prose) about Scrooge's path to redemption and is accompanied by Old English Christmas Carols sung by carolers.

Currently only one school: Downey High School, has signed up to bring students (200). Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn's office will be happy to arrange buses for any other interested schools. It seems a shame if schools from our own area are not able to participate.

If any schools are interested, they can email me at ray@therelevantstage.com or call our office at 310.929.8129.

The Christmas Carol:

Who: The Relevant Stage Theatre Company

What: The Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge

When: December 4, 5 and 6 at 8PM, and December 7 at 7PM

Where: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731Tickets: $20 Adults; $15 Seniors (55+) and College; $5 Age 18 and under; $25 for wine tasting prior to show with ticket included.

How: Buy online at therelevantstage.com or at Sacred Grounds Coffee House, Williams' Book Store, Off The Vine, The Corner Store

Duration: 100 minutes (with a 10 minute intermission) More Info: 310.929.8129The Christmas Carol is a production by The Relevant Stage Theatre Company at San Pedro's Warner Grand Theatre.
Dickens' classic tale of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge is told through staged drama, and Christmas Carols 2008 marks the first year of this annual holiday offering. The cast of The Christmas Carol will also appear in the San Pedro Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7.Tickets: http://www.therelevantstage.com/

Bayer Aspirin Art Contest for Ages 6 to 14

If you have an artistic child or student, check out this international contest:

http://www.bayerus.com/msms/web_docs/18th/cpcpkt.pdf (Submitted by Rori Roje)

JEWELER WHO HAND CRAFTS GLASS BEADS AND MAKES HER WORK AT HOME CAN DESIGN SOMETHING SPECIAL AT WORKABLE PRICES: She Saved the Day
By Diana L. Chapman

You can imagine how I am feeling.

This weekend, my whole family will celebrate my mother’s 80th birthday. My two sisters and cousin have been working on a sit-down dinner bash for months. They invited 75 people thinking 50 would come, but everyone responded they would be there.

My husband is going. My son is going. My in-laws and their children will be there.

The one person missing will be me. It’s not that I don’t want to go; it’s that I’m not well enough to travel any quick-turn around trip. These days, a lunch outing causes so much fatigue that I fall into bed for hours. (I have multiple sclerosis which makes me feel like I have mono everyday).

Feeling crushed, I wanted something so special for my mom, something lasting and something that wasn’t going to break the bank since my bank is already broken. Then I remembered Mike Walker, the guy who is organizing a giant Christmas rush of care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, telling me his wife made jewelry.

Going to her website: http://www.shirleyscrystal.com/, what I saw looked promising – starting with tiny roses, made from silver and gold-filled metal, beautiful crystals in many shapes and hues and the fact that each piece was hand crafted and individually designed.

Meeting up with Shirley, we sorted through her many homemade inspirations (she actually melts and makes glass beads at her home) I saw piece after piece that were beautiful, but didn’t quite fit what was needed. One that caught my eye was a clear pink crystal, encased in a silver border trimmed with a heart on top. It was stunning.

I loved it; but the trouble was: pink is not my mom’s color, she wears gold, not silver, and it didn’t have the rose I wanted to represent my father since he gave her roses. So I asked: "Could you make something similar?"

The answer was yes.

This is what we settled on: a topaz-colored gemstone to represent her birthday, a heart to represent my family and a rose tucked in the middle as a symbol of my father, who died about 12 years ago. Within two days, I was able to bring it home and proudly show it to my husband, Jim, and Ryan. They both thought it was the perfect gift to represent me since I cannot be there in person.

The price: $64.40. Had I gone to the store and spent $300, I couldn’t have found something that means so much symbolically. So it’s true, I am sad that I can’t go.
But being able to put together such a special gift, makes it somewhat easier. Thank you Shirley for saving the day for the one kid who can't go to celebrate her mother's big birthday!

UPDATE ON THE CUPCAKE QUEEN OF SAN PEDRO; LET SUCCESS STORIES KEEP ON POURING IN WITH STUDENT WRITINGS ON THESE SPECIALIZED TREATS; At LEAST ONE LOCAL EATERY, NOSH, WILL CARRY ROSE'S CUPCAKES SOON! Yessssssssssss!

By Diana L. Chapman

Cupcake Queen Update:

I love success stories – especially the kind where you think your life is marching one way and then the road suddenly veers in another direction.

This is what happened to my long-lost friend, Rose Cigliano, who works full time as a nurse, but began to miss terribly those cozy days she spent baking cookies, cupcakes and other treats with her Italian grandmother. So, she started baking.

And baking. And baking. With thousands of cupcakes made, and thousands sold, Rose officially soon hopes to have – Cuppacakes – sold at local restaurants – especially after she took 600 of her gourmet babies, such as red velvet topped with cream cheese icing, pumpkin with cream cheese frosting and chocolate with purple butter cream frosting – to a carnival in Manhattan Beach. All 31 dozen sold in 5 hours “with nothing to spare.”

“We sold out completely,” Rose explained, who added that her sister and neice came to help for one hour, but couldn’t leave because Rose was so busy. “People were begging me to open a store.”

Her cupcakes will soon be sold at Nosh in downtown San Pedro.

Right now, you can order her made-from-scratch cupcakes—pumpkin, chocolate, anisette and many more --- at http://www.italiancuppacakes.com/. Orders for the pumpkin cupcakes are already rolling in for Thanksgiving. A cupcake fad quickly is spreading like frosting across the nation -- especially with the opening of Sprinkles, a homemade cupcake bakery which opened several stores, including one in Hollywood where people stand in line to purchase them.

Why has the popularity increased? According to Rose, it stems from cupcakes reminding people of their childhood days. Within a week and if all goes well, the Nosh eatery will start carrying her cupcakes for ordering downtown San Pedro at 617 S. Centre Street.

“They are delicious and lovely and I’m thrilled to help that business move along,” said Nosh Owner Susan McKenna, a long-time foodie, who jointly owned the Corner Store, before she started Nosh. Being artistic with food is one of Susan’s many talents and she’s planning to add more food “artisans’ to her menu which ranges from specialty quiches to bread pudding.

Now, Cuppacakes will be sold there individually, and Nosh will help take larger orders.

Recently Rose donated her cupcakes to a writing class at the Boys and Girls Club and the kids were asked to write about them: Two high school students wrote the following:

“This cupcake reminds me about my youth, my childhood that was full of excitement and bliss,” wrote Brian, 17.

Armando, 15, wrote: “The cupcake has sprinkles that look like stars on the sand and the cookie atop looks like the moon. The cupcake is like a mountain in Big Bear and people are going down from the mountain with snowboards and skis. Cupcakes just make people joyful and happy. The people that make the cupcakes have a love for it. They put all their (soul) inside of it to make it taste so good.”

That is certainly true of Rose and her cupcakes; the best review I can give you is that the students inhaled her cupcakes in a few seconds flat.

Losing a Woman Who Did So Much for Our Community at Such an Early Age Is Painful for San Pedro; Michele Burke, Sweet as Sugar, Rough as a Razor, Died Unexpectedly Shocking All that Knew Her and Were Awestruck by Her Remarkable Intelligence & Her “I-Can-Do” Abilities

By Diana L. Chapman

It seemed just two weeks passed by when I e-mailed Michele Burk to tell her how much I appreciated her offer, but until a cure for multiple sclerosis was found, I had to forgo her gift because my condition was getting worse.

Sending me a sweet email back, she wrote: “I didn't contribute much in time or anything else, but I am sorry that this great program for younger teens is apparently coming to an end - at least as it's been known. I'm certainly not aware of any new 'miracle' drug to help treat MS, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Not once did she mention that she was diabetic and was suffering as well and had been steadily slipping in health since the spring, said one close friend. By September, she died suddenly. When she quit answering her phone, her friends went to search for her. The diabetes had caught up with her – at much too young of an age, 54.

She died of complications from diabetes, said one of her closest friends and executor of her estate, Mark Ihlendfeldt, who lives in Michigan.

The gift Michele had offered me was to take my hand and walk me through the gauntlet of paper work to become a non-profit for what I’d been calling for three years, LA Network for Kids. The program was designed to keep kids busy after school by offering many clubs, such as cooking, basketball, art and swimming, to distract them from gangs, to build their confidence and help them explore future careers.

Using parent volunteers and in some cases, teachers, local businesses and money from two of our Neighborhood Councils, Coastal and Central, my friend, Kim Blanks, and I hobbled together a Mom-and-Pop program that the students at Dana Middle School seemed to enjoy.

Kim, in turn, linked me to Michele, who was born and raised in San Pedro. Even though she had no children, she continued to help kids in a myriad of different ways and one was taking the reigns for three years as the president of the San Pedro High School Lady Boosters.

While she was president, she helped the booster club achieve non-profit status as well as repeatedly guiding the campus in organizing many high school reunions. She cared, in part, because the school was her Alma mater and because she enjoyed kids. Her house was bathed in San Pedro High School memorabilia – that was how loyal she was to the school.

When I heard of her death, I couldn’t get over it. I kept saying to everyone: “She was a total stranger and she offered to help me build a non-profit,” which is a time-consuming world to navigate, not to mention tedious.

But one of her closest friends for 20 years, Mark, wasn’t surprised one bit. Michele, he said, was the type of person who dropped everything to help others. She was a perfectionist, organized and an amazingly talented resource, he explained. Had I asked her to do the whole thing on her own, she would have done it for me, he said.

“The first five minutes after we met, we were laughing so hard, I knew we’d be best friends,” Mark told me at her service. He met Michele at the now-defunct Data Count in Torrance where they both worked.

“I liked so many things about her,” he added. “I liked that she was so sweet, but then she’d have that sharp, smart tongue that straightened everybody out in seconds. She went from being like a butter knife, then turning into a straight sword, and then back into a butter knife in seconds. And she never backed down.”

Her friends in general explained their many favorite characteristics, but the one that kept coming up repeatedly was the way she could dissect any difficult problem.

She’d do the research, determine how to resolve an issue and provide ample information to undergo most tasks the rest of us would just want to avoid.

She was such a resource, Mark said, that even though he now lives in Michigan, he would routinely call her for help. “She was there and she’d take it down to the smallest of details. Everything she did was researched.” She even left implicit instructions of what she wanted after she died, he said.

Another close friend of Michele’s, Mark Wells, said she had so many “best friends,” that he and his wife include themselves in that category as well.

“Michele was a true friend to Terri and me and she was simply the best mentor I ever had,” Mark wrote via email. “Michele had such a wonderful gift of being a best friend to so many people. She was a tremendous listener BUT she also had absolutely no problem speaking her mind and telling you what she thought of things.”

Michele’s last job was working the telephones to collect debts for a wholesale fuel distributor.

One thing that illustrates Michele’s loyalty was that despite it being a two hour plus drive to Ojai, she left San Pedro every weekend to drive there and help her mother for years. Both her parents and brother have passed on. She is survived by a sister, Pat Qualls.

She is also survived by her two animals, Chuy, a 10-year-old Chow, and Pretty Boy, a male cat. Friends have taken both of her beloved pets and given them new homes.

COLLEGE STUDENT, WHO WORKED ON BARACK OBAMA CAMPAIGN, SHARES HIS FEELINGS ABOUT THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION -- PLEASEDAT LAST A DREAM OF AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT COMES TRUE

Dear Readers: This letter was written by San Pedro resident, Derrick Kelly, now a UC Santa Barbara student. He worked for the Obama campaign for three weeks in Philadelphia

To All that Stand for the Progress of This Country:

It's true. When you woke up this November 5th morning, and looked at the headlines, flipped on your TV, or talked to your friends and coworkers, you saw that it wasn't just a dream. If there was any dream that occurred as Barack Obama was elected the first Black President of the U.S., it was that which Dr. King described 45 years ago. Congratulations to every one of us. Who thought we'd see this day? I myself am only 23 and even I didn't expect this. Not only is this a day to be heralded by Blacks around the world, but it is also a day for the progress of all Americans.

Two years into this. Two months until a new era begins. Two terms is the goal. Embrace and cherish these times infinitely, but be wary of those who will try to snatch away our integrity. Yesterday indicated that the vast majority of Americans who care wanted change in several ways. Let's come together. Let's stand up now before they can take away one of the greatest opportunities this nation has ever had.

Let's not ask "Is this nation ready for a Black President?" but rather, "Are we ready to unite as a whole?" Pray for those deviated from the path of equality, and for the strength of those promoting it. Yesterday was a gigantic step towards unity. Today begins a series of much more formidable tests. So again, let's place our signatures in the cement this day. Because if we don't, we, nor our children, may never see another day like this again. -- Derrick Kelley

The Closure of Los Angeles City Council Office in the Harbor Gateway Sparks Outrage Amongst Officials Who Wonder Where all the Politicians Have Gone Just Two Short Years After the Infamous Shooting Death of 14-year-old Cheryl Green

By Diana L. Chapman

Despite political promises to change the Harbor Gateway region where the infamous shooting of 14-year-old Cheryl Green took place, a new storm of rage has gathered there as Los Angeles closes its only City Council office that serves the community.

Officials from two of the neighborhood councils that represent the area said they are outraged by the move that leaves them hanging and forces them to drive to San Pedro or Watts to work with the staff of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

The fervor reflects what seems to stem from failed political promises that much would be done in the area to help the residents receive better city services and to reduce crime – particularly hate crimes after Cheryl Green, who was standing on the corner with three friends was gunned down by a Hispanic gang members in December 2006 because she was African-American.

While the facility has been used by Harbor area officials for 16 years, ominous budget cuts and difficulties working with the landlord forced the councilwoman to close the office, located at 19401 S. Vermont Avenue, said her Chief-of-Staff Courtney Chesla Torres. The city is expected to save $28,000 a year and will hunt for a new facility.

At this time, however, the lowest amount they could rent a space for was $54,000 a year. The council office will officially close at the end of December leaving Harbor Gateway South to move it's records along with the Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce, which shared the space.

The budget woes have not appeased many in the Harbor Gateway-Harbor City area who consider it a reinforcement that they continue on as a “step child.”

Adrienne O’Neill, president of the Harbor Gateway South Neighborhood Council, said she and many others are furious over not just the closure of the field office, but by the way it was handled.

They were not notified by the councilwoman , she said, and they were confused by what was happening, they said. The council office, however, says they did give the council's notice.

The move has sent Adrienne searching for a new council candidate.

“We are less angry about the closing than we are in the manner in which it was done,” the council president contended. “We were all notified by a third party – not by Hahn or her office. She stated in City Watch that her office was working with us to find a new space for our meetings. What a bunch of bull crap! Pardon me. But other than a response to my email regarding the closing, we have heard not one thing from her office.”

As the council office pulls out due to budget cuts, Katy Carlson, the vice president of Harbor Gateway South Council, said they are frustrated by the closure and what day the office will officially shut its doors. This council uses it for its meetings and has no place yet to go.

“Her (the councilwoman’s) field staff, Reginald Zachery is in the Watts office now and we have to call him there,” Katy said. “Some one said they thought it would be 60 days, but we have no idea from what date they’re counting from. This is where we have our board meetings every month.”

The office will close at the end of December, Courtney said. She added that her staff had been in touch numerous times with Adrienne and has been searching area businesses for a new location. The lowest cost a year has been $54,000.

The budget crises has led the city of Los Angeles to sell its surplus property across the city and each council member was asked to review their leases. City officials were not pleased by the conditions at the current location and with an “uncooperative landlord,” the decision was made to close the office, the chief-of-staff explained. .

"The decision to close the office was not an easy one,” Janice Hahn said. “We were on a
month- to-month lease at our current location… In trying to find a new
location, we found the rent to be at least twice as much. The community should not notice any change in service just because our community advocate does not have a desk located in the gateway any longer. In fact, I want my community advocate to be out and about
attending meetings and working with constituents every day.

“Again, there should be no change in the delivery of services from this council
office.”

The council office will seek new arrangements for the neighborhood council meeting, she added.

Rosalie Preston, recording secretary for the Harbor Gateway North Neighborhood Council, said her council unanimously voted Oct. 28 to express their dismay about the office’s closure. While they don’t hold their meetings at the location, she said, “it just seems like another symbolic slap in the face. Our board voted to express our disappointment.

“We aren’t as impacted, but it’s just the idea.”

Doug Epperhart, a neighborhood council veteran who serves on the Coastal council in San Pedro, said he sympathized with the councils in the Harbor area because the board volunteers work hard in a community that has a giant swath of renters, rather than home owners.

“It’s so hard to get people organized here,” he explained, noting that even homeowners don’t want to get involved due to their busy lives. “Bluntly, what kills them is they have so many renters. I feel bad for them. They always feel: “Pedro gets everything.’”

The Harbor Gateway, a thin, rectangular strip that connects the entire Harbor area to the south section of Los Angeles has complained for years that they receive less services than other areas of the city. It is the single strip of land that keeps the Harbor region, which touts the world Port of Los Angeles, a city cash cow, tied to the apron strings of Los Angeles.

Attempts to break-away from the city have failed miserably.

The area, residents said, was becoming an increasing hotbed of shootings between African-American and Hispanic gangs vying for territory. When Cheryl Green, not in any gang, became a household name after being gunned down on a Friday afternoon near 206th Street and Harvard Boulevard, police immediately called it a hate crime.

Media coverage descended on the area sparked by the shooting and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the councilwoman vowed to help clean up the area and bring more programs together to keep the children out of gangs.

Cheryl’s killing was also the reason the councilwoman campaigned so hard on Proposition A, a $36 a year parcel tax that would have provided $30 million to the city to fight gangs and to create programs to keep youngsters from joining them.

The proposition votes are still being counted. If it passes, it remains unclear whether the money would come at to the Harbor Region. The mayor’s gang reduction plan cut Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and San Pedro from funding because those areas didn't have a high enough rate of gang violence to merit funding as other sections of the city.

Officials of the third neighborhood Council, Harbor City, could not be reached for comment.

Los Angeles Councilwoman's Staff Statement Regarding Proposition A and How the Harbor Area May Get Funds With the Anti-Gang Parcel Tax -- Here's the Last Snippet of Thought Right Before the Election! See you at the Polls...

Dear Readers:

In an earlier blog, I asked the Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn's Office to respond to the idea that Prop A money, which will be used for anti-gang programs and charge $36 a year per parcel in the city of Los Angeles will definitively be used in the Harbor area as well. If approved, the measure would raise about $30 million to fight gang problems.

Unfortunately for us, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's ambitious plan to curb gang violence only includes seven regions -- and cuts funding from Wilmington, San Pedro, Harbor City and the Harbor Gateway. The numbers of violent acts are apparently not high enough here to be considered a gang reduction zone, despite several killings and shootings in the past few years.

For the past year, Janice has campaigned hard to bring in funds via a parcel tax to be applied to anti-gang programs, such as after school programming, to keep kids out of gangs. However, since all the funding has been transferred under the mayor's direction, it is unclear whether any of the money will come to the Harbor Area.

Here is the response from Courtney Chesla Torres, the councilwoman's chief-of-staff:

"While it is true that the measure does not spell out exactly where funding will go, we are confident that Pedro and the Harbor will get funding through this measure and that unless this measure passes, it will probably be the only way in the near future for us to see the funding that we need," the chief-of- staff wrote via email. ..."that's why Howard Uller of Toberman, Mike Lansing andMike Herrera of the Harbor City Boys and Girls Clubs and the Gang Alternatives Program is all supportive--because they see it as the only chance to get the funding they both need and deserve.

"Also--the mayor does not have full control...there is a nine person citizen's advisory committee that will forward recommendations and the allocations will still come to the city council for approval. "

Now, let's go vote!

OK, Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn: Can you answer this about Prop. A, the $36 Parcel Tax a Year -- Money Expected to Prevent Children from Joining Gangs & to Curb the Violence?; Harbor Area residents Are Confused: Please Give Us a Response by Monday So We All Know How to Vote!?

By Diana L. Chapman

It looks pretty clear to me that Prop. A, the parcel tax measure expected to provide $30 million to suppress gang violence, will go down in flaming defeat because of confusion about whether it will help the Harbor Area at all -- and because of our roller coaster economy.

While Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn has lead us down a rosy path making me, and perhaps you, believe money would filter here (she had my vote) that has now become questionable.

Recently in the San Pedro magazine, a reader spelled out clearly that the money will be under complete control of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who will no longer provide money to the Harbor Area, because there's not enough crime here and there aren't enough gangs to focus on. Our numbers just aren't big enough. That's complete idiocy.

He should tell that to LaTerian Tasby, a 17-year-old San Pedro football and basketball player, who had turned his life around when he was shot to death, allegedly by Hispanic gang members, at a party last fall.

Or perhaps he should tell that to Cheryl Green, 14, who was shot down in the Harbor Gateway while standing on a street corner, many believe because was African-American, also allegedly killed by Hispanic gang members.

With the whole media press corps racing to the area, the mayor and councilwoman showed up with big smiles and promises that they would provide much more funding to rebuild the area and work toward providing many more facilities for the youth. Since Cheryl's death was categorized as a hate crime, and perhaps LaTerian's too, it seems there should be much attention paid to this area so the violence -- and in particular -- hate crimes do not increase. Taking away our funding could lead to horrific defeat when it comes to gangs. The mayor's decision in my book is like someone pulling a finger out of a dike. And then what will happen?

What the lack of funding here means is simply this: Our efforts to keep youths in San Pedro out of gangs that date back for six generations will fail miserably. With Toberman House, the Boys and Girls Club and other agencies like it no longer getting funding for our area to recruit the kids away from gangs, I fear a complete retreat where our youth will join as their only support systems begin to collapse and fail.

I called Janice's chief-of-staff, Courtney Chesla Torres, last week to quiz her on this subject. The mayor and his gang czar, Jeff Carr, have completely eliminated Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and San Pedro from the City's seven gang reduction zones. Even worse, I heard the Councilwoman's office in the Harbor Gateway will be shut down starting Monday (that's 11/3) due to budget cuts, although I have yet to confirm this.

Now, where are those people supposed to go for representation? Is this in fact the same area that both officials swore-up-and-down would see more facilities and have more help to avoid these horrendous crimes, such as the Cheryl Green killing?

When I first heard about the mayor's plan to create a gang reduction area -- and that it didn't include the Harbor Area -- I was angered by the failure of the mayor's office to realize cutting us out of the picture could send our kids spiraling downward. As a volunteer who works with kids, I see the suction cups gang members have. Even when kids don't want to join, they do, because if they don't, they are scared they'll be killed. Right now, they have options. Soon, they may not.

At the minimum, under the mayor's plan, they will have a lot less throughout the Harbor Area-- and I don't want to give him money from Prop. A if its not coming here at all. Why should we?

I don't want to be mean, but what does the mayor think will happen once the funding here dries up? Courtney and I called each other back and forth, enough for her to tell me via a message that the money was necessary to enlarge the reduction zones to include our area. But if the funds go directly to the mayor, how do we know for sure? That was another strategy the mayor pulled off. He put all the anti-gang monies under his control.

As a huge supporter of the measure, I settled down a bit after Courtney's answer until the weekend came and my husband, who has argued with me back and forth about Prop. A, showed me a very confusing message in the San Pedro Business Journal published by the San Pedro Chamber.

The chamber supports Proposition A, the $3 a month parcel tax on property in Los Angeles, which is expected to provide many anti-gang programs, including after school activities, to keep youth out of gangs. But the chamber's endorsement came with an asterisk: "While this measure is supported by the San Pedro Chamber, the Board wishes to express its concern that at this time there does not appear to be any funds earmarked for the gang problems in the Harbor Area. It appears that the Mayor's Office will have full control of the funds."

Now that truly scares me and would make me vote against the measure -- as all of Los Angeles should work together toward halting gang violence rather than slicing us up into little pies; I invite Janice to respond this concern immediately so we all know how to vote.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From -- The Underdogforkids.blogspot.com

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn Asks You to Approve Prop A to Allow Funds That Would Out-Recruit Gangs By Providing After School Programs, College Bound Funding and More

NOTE from Diana first:

Dear Readers:

As a volunteer, I work with students who are either living in the midst of a gang infestation in their neighborhoods or are trying to break away from gangs. Some teenagers wonder if they are going to make it to the age of 18, since they've already lost so many innocent friends to gang violence.

Recently, I had a 14-year-old tell me he wants out of a gang. But his grades are low, so he can't play the sport he loves -- soccer -- at high school. To keep him away from gangs, he needs to be busy after school every single day and pursue his love: soccer. This is the type of tool that Prop A will pay for -- providing more sports and other activities at schools and oustide of campuses. I've asked Janice "Where is this money is going?" She has assured me a large chunk will go to after school programming.

It's "old hat" for some to who don't believe after school programming works. But time and time again, studies show its successful in keeping kids out of gangs. We saw success at Dana Middle School where kids once roamed the streets in packs once school let out. With clubs like swimming, cooking, basketball, chess, art and cheer, many students were diverted to clubs rather than the streets. Most of the clubs were were run by parents on a shoe-string budget. However, if we vote yes on Prop A, we can implement programs like this at many of Los Angele's public schools.. It's elementary. My Dear Watson.

Here is Janice's argument for it:

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn Asks You to Vote Yes on Prop. A -- the Measure to Curb Intense Gang Violence Using Funds to Prevent Kids from Getting Into Gangs in the First Place

By Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn

Proposition A is on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, because mothers across Los Angeles begged the City to change the way we deal with gang violence.

They asked us to find a way to keep their kids from joining gangs and to prevent any more needless gang killings. They begged us to prevent the loss of innocent lives, like Cheryl Green’s. Cheryl was a 14-year old girl, standing outside her house in the Harbor Gateway with her friends at 3:30 in the afternoon. She was in the right place at the right time.

But, gang members drove by, sprayed Cheryl and her friends with bullets and she was killed almost instantly. So, a week before Christmas 2006, her mother had to bury her daughter. Mothers all over Los Angeles asked us to do something to keep this from happening again. We listened and Mothers Against Gang Violence was formed and Proposition A was placed on the ballot.

The City currently has more police officers on the street than ever before. We have more gang injunctions in place than ever before. We have arrested more than 400,000 gang members and sent them to jail. But, what has it gotten us? We now have six times the number of gangs and twice the number of gangs we did 20 years ago. Why? Because we are spending the majority of our resources on suppression and very little on prevention. We cannot arrest our way out of the gang problem. And while more police officers and gang injunctions are great tools to combat the violence, we know that for every gang member we arrest, another young person is being recruited to join a gang.

Some young people join gangs because they need protection just to walk to and from school. Some join gangs so that they have something to do after school. And others join gangs to give them an “after-school job.” Finally, some join because they think that no one cares about them. Once they make that decision to join a gang, they set out on a life of crime, violence and possibly death. And once you join a gang, it is almost impossible to remove yourself from that lifestyle. Even if you want to get out, the gang will not let you. It is a terrible cycle.

We must find a way to reach our young people and keep them from joining gangs in the first place. We can do that by providing them with positive alternatives to gang involvement. We know that for every gang member we arrest, another young person is being recruited to join a gang. We need to give them alternatives like good after school programs, such as music, drama and art (like the great Art-to-Grow-on Program); as well as mentoring and tutoring programs. We know that kids in after programs do better in school, they stay in school and the crime around that school goes down dramatically.

After-school programs like LA’s Best and our Boys & Girls Clubs will be funded through Proposition A. The College Bound program at the Boys & Girls Club is invaluable at pointing kinds in the direction of college—but they need more resources. Proposition A will provide those resources.

We should also be offering job training to young people who will probably not go to college. We know that nothing stops a bullet like a job. If a young person has the skills to land themselves a job, they won’t even be tempted to join a gang. Proposition A will fund job training for our young people, not only keeping them out of gangs, but also building a the next workforce.

Proposition A will allow Los Angeles to change the way we deal with gangs. It will allow us to reach every child—especially those at risk and give them positive choices.
Voters will be asked to invest $36 a year for the safety and growth of our children. That is only $3 a month for every property owner in Los Angeles and that is a small price to pay to provide hope and opportunities to our young people.

We have a lot of support for Proposition A. Not only do we have Chief Bratton, Sheriff Baca and our rank and file police officers, we also have the support of Fire Chief Barry and our firefighters. The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce endorsed the Proposition because it will help train our next workforce and create safer streets, benefiting our businesses. We have the support of the San Pedro Progressive Democratic Club and the National Association of Women Business Owners, as well as locals like Mike Lansing, Steve Kleinjen and John Olguin. But, what we really need is your support—the support of the voters on Election Day!

Proposition A is located at the end of the ballot, so make sure you look for it.
Remember, on Tuesday, November 4, vote Yes on Proposition A for our kids.

Mike collecting goods for soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mike says he couldn't do all the work without his wife, Shirley, helping ...and then kids like this who wrote and drew pictures for those fighting for our country.

A MAN WITH A MISSION INTENDS TO GIVE U.S. SOLDIERS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN A BRIGHTER CHRISTMAS -- AND SUPPORT EVERY DAY THEY ARE SERVING THERE AFTER; AND HE NEEDS YOU & YOUR KIDS!! HELP WRITE CHRISTMAS CARDS TO LETTERS OR DROP OFF DONATIONS FOR OUR TROOPS

“I can never, ever, have enough,” said Mike Walker, who recently, on top of hundreds of other soldiers, agreed to adopt a brigade of 1,200 marines and send them care packages.

By Diana L. Chapman

He needs you to write a Christmas card or a letter.

He’d like you to provide cigars, heat resistant candy –such as licorice –toothpaste, liquid soaps, Pop-Tart ready-to-eat meals, Harmonicas, CDs and fruit to name a few things – and he, in particular cherishes notes and cards you’ve written to soldiers – especially right now.

With the winter holidays descending upon us soon -- and no matter how you feel about the war -- Mike Walker hopes you will support the troops, he said, as they are the wall that protects our freedom.

And the sooner, the better because it takes two to three weeks to ship anything to Iraq and “for the guys I have living in caves in Afghanistan.” It takes four to six weeks for parcels to reach them. Kids letters, in particular, seem to give the troops joy, he said.

Having packed off 3,800 pounds of food and hygiene products so far to soldiers in those two countries, and with the help of his website, called San Pedro Packages for Patriots, Mike started off small. He has asked that soldiers not be fully identified to protect them.

When he met his daughter’s friend’s husband, Gunny P, a Marine gunny sergeant, who was serving on his third tour in Iraq, Mike and his wife, Shirley, decided to send him a care package. The Gunny sergeant, who is now home, wrote back thanking Mike and explained he shared “everything,” with his troops.

The sharing concept went so deep into Mike’s gut, that even now, Shirley, wonders if they will have a Christmas of their own as their house has been gobbled up by hundreds of boxes and supplies that have been donated from all across the South Bay.

When Gunny P came home, he gave Mike the name of another marine sergeant and his military clientele kept building. And building. And building.

Even his business, San Pedro Automotive on North Gaffey, has seen a rising swell of boxes and supplies. After he realized he couldn’t afford it all, he asked his customers to help. His customers came through and began pouring the supplies in, including Q-tips and packages of Oreo cookies.

Incoming calls from the two countries, military officials thanking him for their troops, took Mike aback – to the point of crying.

One sergeant called and told him that his entire troop was luxuriating in the chance to smoke the case of cigars he sent.

“That was when I heard them all yell: ‘Thank you,” he explained as he showed me his board, a collection of photographs filled with soldiers faces thanking him for his support.” “I heard the whole squad shout 'thank you.' I called my Dad and I cried so hard. They are all thanking me. Wives and mothers call and are thanking me. Why are they thanking me? I’ll say: ‘You have a son that had done three combat tours and who has put their life and limbs on the line. You live everyday worrying about your husbands or sons. I can’t even imagine that pain.

“’No. I thank you.”

With each packet sent, he throws in copies of letters from children like this. He’s asked several local elementary schools to participate and received letters. Older students also have started to write as well from the Boys and Girls club and San Pedro High School's Marine Magnet.

The little kids wrote notes like this:

“Dear Soldier: My name is Ernie. I’m in 3rd grade and I’m 9-years-old. I really like tanks. Do you drive a tank? Thank you for fighting for our land. Who are you fighting right now? And what is your team name? What are your favorite weapons? Are you good at boot camp? Do you sometimes get hurt? I have so many questions. Do you own a bazooka? I love talking to a soldier. What is it like being a soldier? Well bye until you write back.”

Another San Pedro child wrote: “Dear Soldier: I’m in third grade. What branch of the military are you in, Nave (sic) seals, Marines or Air Force? I think your family is proud of you for helping the country in war. What kind of weapons do you have? Have you ever been in a tank before? If you have time, would you please write a letter to us, please.”

Mike can tell you dozens of stories since he began to ship out scores of packages to those serving from all the Armed Forces in the current war. The stories are practically leaping off the pages. So many letters and calls have come in, since he decided to go all out last February and ask for help, that he’s tickled and overwhelmed at the same time.

Here are some of the stories:

--A soldier called his mom, who in turn, called Mike to tell the automotive shop owner, that the packet of children’s letters that arrived were from the class of his fourth grade teacher at an elementary school in Rancho Palos Verdes. The soldier was so moved by the children’s letters that Mike and the school are planning a reunion, between the teacher and marine.

Then there came the day where the shipping costs were growing into thousands of dollars and his wife told him to calm down: “’God will take care of it,” his wife said, Mike reported to me. Mike wasn’t so sure.

The next day, a man showed up to give him $50 to help the marines in any way he needed. Mike refused saying he wasn’t a non-profit and didn’t have a way to take the money.

Fortunately, the man convinced Mike simply by saying this: “"I wish there had been someone like you when I was serving in the 1991 Gulf War, sitting in the middle of nowhere in120 degree desert and drinking hot water. You are going to take my money.'”

Since then, Mike agrees to take money to pay for shipping costs and those expenses have been covered via donations.

So committed is the mechanic and business owner, that several times he set up shop at local stores, such as Ralph’s and Sam’s Club, so that shoppers could make purchases and give them to Mike and his waiting truck. Each time, the shoppers have shown mass support for the troops–and overflowed his truck with goodies. It almost looks like Mike look is working for Santa Claus.

Perhaps he is.

One of his most successful days, he explained, was when he learned about Brian, an injured marine who stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) and was only saved because the “blasting cap didn’t go off.” Brian was shipped home to recuperate from the injuries to his leg in the Newport Beach area. Placing Brian’s photo up on a truck, moved so many shopping at the stores that dozens wrote get well cards and some even donated money, totaling $32. Mike and his wife happily delivered the cards and money in person.

The soldier, he said, was first speechless and then just overwhelmed.

As endless as the war has seemed, the stories Mike can tell are never ending as well. He received calls from soldiers asking for soccer balls and stuffed animals that they could give to the kids in the two war-torn countries to give them hope. He’s been able to accommodate both requests. One woman came in and offered 400 hand-knit beanies, which he immediately pointed out would help troops in the chilly winter of Afghanistan.

It all boils down to this, he explains.

“I challenge people to do something,” he said, revealing it doesn’t matter how you feel about the war, but that people should focus on the fact that these men and women are willing to die for us. “These men and women don’t want your pity. They want your support.”

Mike’s biggest regret since he started this is: he can’t do it full time since he has to work. If he gets an inheritance or runs into some big cash, he will quit working and devote his life to helping those soldiers who put themselves in harms way to protect us, he explained.

He received this letter from a soldier: “Thank you for being there and for sending your love this way. For caring so much about a total stranger, truly restores my faith in God and this great nation.”
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Items suggestions include: heat resistant candy (Twirlers, licorice), chips, cookies, crackers, dried fruit, granola and protein bars, gum, nuts, trail mix, cup of noodles, Pop tarts. Toiletries include mouthwash, disposable razors, toothpaste, dental floss, Q Tips and much more.

For a full list of items needed and more information, visit: http://www.sanpedropackagesforpatriots.com/

To drop donations office, they can be left at San Pedro Automotive, 1208-C N. Gaffey, San Pedro. Or call (310) 831-3700.

WHAT THE UNDERDOGBLOG IS ALL ABOUT: AUDITIONS FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL AND COMING SOON -- MAN WITH A MISSION TO GIVE OUR SOLDIERS CARE PACKAGES FOR CHRISTMAS AND HE NEEDS YOU!

Dear Readers:

The other day, a friend called and asked if it was OK to post opposition to one of the issues on the blog. Of course it is. While I may not agree, it doesn't mean we should not look at every angle. In the recent Point Fermin controversy, many residents had much to say, pro and con. As always, my side rests with the kids. If you're looking for my ulterior motives, just figure out the best stance for the kids and you'll find where my heart lies. But as an impassioned advocate for children, I -- like anybody else -- may miss an important piece of information or more.

Please feel free to make comments on the blog; the only requirements are that writers stick to the issues and don't maliciously attack anyone. I for one, would have loved to see many readers put comments on Amy Epperhart's beautiful piece of poetry, The Moth. So many readers came up to me and told me how beautiful her piece was. It would be nice if she could see those comments on the blog.

It's the same story with the Youth Aquatic Center. The man aiming to build such a facility in San Pedro was told many times how wonderful his idea was. If you like it, say it! If you don't, say it too. But again, stick to the issues. And be kind to other's feelings -- especially those of kids. When kids create, adults can be the first to stamp out their artistic side, even when they don't mean to.

Cheers.

Diana

P.S. One last thing: if you have art, writing or funny photos of your children, please send them to me in J-peg format at hartchap@cox.net. We get so wired in our busy lives, we miss creative pieces from kids like Amy. I'm just sure there are many more out there -- and for some reason -- that poem just made my day.


AUDITIONS FOR THE CLASSIC DICKEN's "A CHRISTMAS CAROL," READY TO BEGIN THIS COMING MONDAY
By Ray Buffer, artistic director of the Relevant Stage Theatre Company

Audition times are still available for actors and singers (adults and children) for The Christmas Carol. Call 310.929.8129 for an audition time.

The Christmas Carol is a stage adaptation of Dicken's classic story "A Christmas Carol"

The Relevant Stage begins its annual tradition of offering The Christmas Carol, a stage adaptation of Dicken's classic story "A Christmas Carol" to families in December.

Written during a time of decline in the old Christmas traditions, Dicken's original book played a critical role in redefining the importance of Christmas and the major sentiments associated with the holiday.

An old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of one night. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/money-changer who has devoted his life to the accumulation of wealth.

He holds anything other than money in contempt, including friendship, love and the Christmas season.The cast is augmented with the inclusion of the Youthorizons Chorus, a community choir consisting of youths from the San Pedro area, ages 10 - 18 performing Olde English Carols.

Please call 310.929.8129 or email auditions@therelevantstage.com before Monday, Oct. 27.

Location: Warner Grand Theatre - 478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, California, United States


Choristers:Any gender, aged 10 to 18 from California, USA Choristers Lead / Male / Female / All Ethnicities / 10 - 18 years Description: Young boys and girls, ages 10-18 will sing Olde English Carols intermittently throughout the play. Wardrobe: Victorian

Elizabeth/Chorister:Any gender, aged 10 to 14 from California, USA Elizabeth/Chorister Featured / Female / All Ethnicities / 10 - 14 years Description: Elizabeth is a street kid who runs errands for Scrooge and doubles as a caroler. Wardrobe: Victorian

Herald/Chorister/ScroogeAs A Boy: Males, aged 10 to 14 from California, USA Herald/Chorister/Scrooge As A Boy Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 10 - 15 years Description: Herald is an errand boy who fetches the poulterer; This role also sings as a caroler and portrays Scrooge as a very young boy singing "Silent Night" alone in a room. Wardrobe: Victorian

Maggie Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig:
Females, aged 30 to 50 from California, USA Maggie Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig Featured / Female / All Ethnicities / 30 - 50 years Description: Maggie Cratchit is wife to Bob, mother to Tiny Tim - very opinionated; Mrs. Fezziwig is the queen of the ball and the hostess with the mostest. Wardrobe: Victorian

The Spirit of Christmas Present/Simon or Simone:
Any gender, aged 20 to 50 from California, USA The Spirit of Christmas Present/Simon or Simone Featured / Male / Female / All Ethnicities / 20 - 50 years Description: "Christmas Present" can be either male or female; the role doubles for Simon or Simone - the town gossip. Wardrobe: Victorian/Fantasy

Young Ebenezer/Townsperson:

Males, aged 20 to 30 from California, USA Young Ebenezer/Townsperson Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 20 - 30 years Description: Through flashbacks we see Young Ebenezer fall in love (dance at Fezziwig's) and become separated from Sylvia. This role also doubles as a towns person. Wardrobe: Victorian

Sylvia/The Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come :Females, aged 20 to 30 from California, USA Sylvia/The Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come Featured / Female / All Ethnicities / 20 - 30 years Description: Sylvia is the love of young Scrooge's life who breaks up with him and marries another; The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come is a scythe-wielding omen. Wardrobe: Victorian/Ghastly

The Spirit of Christmas Past/Oscar Males: aged 20 to 40 from California, USA The Spirit of Christmas Past/Oscar Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 20 - 40 years Description: Christmas Past is a ghost/Oscar is the son of Archibald - a man who borrowed money from Scrooge Ghost:

Jacob Marley's Ghost/Archibald Males: aged 50 to 70 from California, USA Jacob Marley's Ghost/Archibald Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 50 - 70 years Description: Marley is Scrooge's dead partner who comes back to haunt him; Archibald is a man who has borrowed money from Scrooge. Wardrobe: Victorian/Ghastly

Bob Cratchit/Fiddler Males, aged 30 to 50 from California, USA Bob Cratchit/Fiddler Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 30 - 50 years Description: Cratchit works for Scrooge and is
father to TIny Tim; The fiddler, is seen at Fezziwig's party - and does not need to actually play the violin. Wardrobe: Victorian

Reginald/Mr. Fezziwig Males, aged 30 to 60 from California, USA Reginald/Mr. Fezziwig Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 30 - 60 years Description: Reginald is the fundraiser who approaches Scrooge. Fezziwig is the former employer of Scrooge, who throws a party for his employees. Wardrobe: Victorian

Tiny Tim Cratchit :Males, aged 10 to 18 from California, USA Tiny Tim Cratchit Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 12 - 18 years Description: Young male 12-18 bears a little crutch and has his limbs supported by an iron frame Wardrobe: Victorian

Ebenezer Scrooge :Males, aged 50 to 70 from California, USA Lead. A charismatic miser with presence, capable of broad emotional range. Wardrobe: Victorian

PRINCIPAL MATTIE ADAMS OF LAUSD’S HARBOR’S TEACHER PREP HIGH SCHOOL HAS GREAT BLESSINGS WITH A LOT OF DETERMINED AND HARD-GRIT STUDENTS WHEN IT COMES TO ACADEMICS; IT'S WHAT SHE DOESN’T HAVE THAT'S BOTHERING HER

Principal is on the Hunt for a Gym for Her Basket Ball Players and a Track for the School’s Cross Country Team After Harbor College Would No Longer Allow the Use of Their Facilities without Higher Costs

By Diana L. Chapman

As principal of a hard-core, academic high school – which was recently nominated for a national blue ribbon award for the “No Child Left Behind Act” -- Mattie Adams realizes hitting the books hard without giving students a way to let off steam can be a detriment to their success.

As principal of Harbor Teacher’s Preparatory Academy, a Los Angeles Unified School District High school based at Harbor Community College, she’s responsible for the accelerated education of 362 students – with this year’s incoming freshman being the largest ever – 130.

Having opened in 2002 – with the concept of having its students prep for teaching and leave with either a two year Associate’s Degree or at least 30 college credits before going onto university, Mattie can tout that she’s already been able to host three successful graduations.

It’s what she doesn’t have that’s bothering her – a gym for her 30 some basketball players, a team that has ranked third or above in the Crosstown Division the last several years. The Cross Country team, made up of about ten students, also lost the chance to use the track. The students feel deflated and discouraged by the upset.

The struggle to support, what the principal considers imperative to help student development, stems from the original contract which allowed the high school to use the college’s facilities, but the Los Angeles unified school was not allowed to use any athletic space at the college, said David Kooper, Chief of staff for LAUSD Board Member, Richard Vladovic.

Last year, the college officials approached the principal with their concerns that it was too high of a risk to have the students playing in the gym or running the course – without college personnel being hired to watch over them.

The school district was only able to renegotiate the contract with the college – without any clause to support an atheletic’s program, said Linda Del Cueto, head superintendent of the district’s Region 7, which encompasses the campus.

“We were only able to negotiate the contract without athletics,” Linda explained via email. “In the meantime, I'm working closely with Principal Adams and she was able to secure the Wilmington Boys and Girls Club for girls basketball practice and games. I'm now working on use of some of our middle schools for the boys.”

When the issue arose last year, it left the principal scrambling to search for new location; the discrepancy forced the basketball players out of college’s gym and runners off its track. Ever since, the principal has been on a hunt for new space. Last year, she was able to work a deal with Los Angeles’s Recreation and Parks to use Peck and Victoria’ parks – but then the parks wanted a much bigger payment then the small school could afford this year.

The teams are homeless again. Parents are angry. And the students are disappointed.

“We just can’t afford to pay what a large school does,” the principal explained, while readily admitting that even these academicians need sports for their growth. Currently, high school officials have asked for a discounted rate for use of the two park’s facilities, but still have not heard, even though it’s the middle of fall, whether they can use them.

“The parks have decided they want more and more money,” she said.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who was unaware of the matter, said through a spokeswoman that her staff will look into the issue to offer help.

"We are going to contact the school, LAUSD and Rec and Parks to see how we can help," explained Courtney Chesla Torres, chief of staff for the councilwoman.

In the meantime, all this spells out a lot of grumpy students – who can’t wait to get back to their sport and compete.

“All I want, is the same rights as any other high school in this area,” explained one student who asked not to be named. “… the right to be educated and compete in sports without worrying about where we play next....or if our team can play at all."

School officials are working to cut a deal with other school campuses within the district to ensure that the students of Harbor Teacher’s Prep will be allowed to continue in their sports activities.

“The district has been very helpful, but it can take time,” the principal said. “We’re working on it.”

For now, however, the students are still homeless when it comes to sports.