Thursday, December 31, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: El Monte School Board Member Bobby Salcedo Murdered in Mexico. Community is in shock


By Randy Economy
Updated: January 1, 2010,
2:02 a.m.

This is really sad news on this the last day of 2009.

A local school board member has been murdered while vacationing in Mexico for the holidays, and his death has sent a shockwave through the San Gabriel Valley.

Agustin "Bobby" Salcedo,  the President of the El Monte City School District Board of Education, was shot to death while visiting family in a Mexico restuarant, it is being reported tonight.

Salcedo and five other men were literally executed near the town of Gomez Palacio, the sister city of South El Monte. His body was discovered Thursday morning.

Published media reports are claiming that Salcedo and his wife, Betzy Salcedo, were out to dinner with a large group of friends Wednesday in Gomez Palacio when armed gunmen stormed the restaurant and forced people to the ground, said his brother, Carlos Salcedo in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. (Seen below is Carlos swearing Bobby into office during a ceremony held last week in El Monte).

The gunmen took the six men from the group, before they were executed.


U.S. officials at the consulate in Monterrey declined to comment Thursday.

Salcedo, an incumbent member of the board, was 33-years-old.  (Seen here is a photo from Mexican media taking one of the victims away from the murder location.)

Besides serving on the board, he also worked as assistant principal at El Monte High School.

Bobby and his wife were married about a year and half ago, his brother said. The couple alternated spending the holidays between the U.S. and Mexico, he said.  The Salcedo's went to Gomez Palacio, where his wife's family lived, for Christmas and were due to return Saturday.


Andre Quintero (who is also a longtime friend of mine) and recently elected Mayor of El Monte,  told the Los Angeles Times today that Salcedo was "devoted to education and leadership," and that he also volunteered at book giveaways and local food drives.


“Bobby was an absolute bright, shining star in our community,” Quintero said in the Times edition on New Year's Day.

Quintero also told the Times that he hopes authorities would do whatever possible to catch the suspects. “They didn’t just take his life. They robbed him from our community We have to get justice,” Quintero said.


A BRIGHT LIFE LOST
Salcedo is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, earning a B.A. in History with emphasis in United States and Latin American History and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino. Currently, he is enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is completing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

He is presently employed with the El Monte Union High School District where he began as a teacher of World History, Government, and Economics. Since 2004 he has served the district as an Assistant Principal, first as the Assistant Principal of Activities at South El Monte High School then as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Mountain View High School, and currently at El Monte High School.


Roberto was also a member of El Monte Kiwanis, a founding member of the El Monte Coalition of Latino Professionals, and is past President of South El Monte/Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico Sister City Organization. He has served as a board member on both the United States National Board, and the International Board of US/Mexico Sister Cities Association. In 2002, he served as a Chairman for the El Monte Union High School District's General Obligation Bond Measure "Y" campaign, and also served as a committee member for the Rio Hondo Measure "A" Community Oversight Committee. 

Seen are Members of the El Monte School Board: President: Elizabeth "Beth" Rivas, Vice President Robert "Bobby" Salcedo (top middle), Clerk: Terry L. Parson, Member Roberto "Bob" Cruz and  Member: Eddie Zuniga.


GOMEZ PALACIO is located in northeastern Durango, Mexico, located adjacent to the border with the state of Coahuila. The city is named in honor of former Durango governor Francisco Gómez Palacio y Bravo.  In the 2005 census the population of the city of Gómez Palacio was 239,842 people, making it the state's second-largest community in the State of Durango. The municipality's population was 304,515. The municipality's area is 990.2 km² (382.3 sq mi). The municipality and city are part of a large metropolitan area which includes the municipalities of Torreón and Matamoros in Coahuila, as well as Lerdo in Durango. The metropolitan area had an official population of 1,110,890 persons in 2005.   The original Houston, Texas stadium that was home for the Houston Colt .45s was dismantled in the 1970s and moved to Gómez Palacio, where it became home to a Mexican League baseball team.

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 RREconomy@aol.com or at the
comment section below!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

RINIGING IN 2010: Stuntman Travis Pastrana seeks to jump a car off Pine Avenue Bridge and onto a floating barge as Long Beach gets ready to Ring in 2010! OMG, this is NUTS!

WILL THIS BE THE END OF
DAREDEVIL TRAVIS PASTRANA?

HIS "LEAP" INTO 2010 OVER LONG BEACH HARBOR COULD BE HIS LAST! 
THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING!



INSIDE SKINNY ON "THE JUMP INTO 2010":  Travis Pastrana will attempt to break a world record this New Year’s Eve at the Pine Ave. Pier in Long Beach. It’s the latest in the Red Bull Near Year’s Eve No Limits series.  He’ll jump his car over 170 feet from the end of the pier to a barge floating in Rainbow Harbor. Of course, there’s a chance he’ll fall short or overshoot the barge slam the water But, from these leaked photos taken here in SoCal, it looks like Travis is testing the limits of this car. Word on the street is that he’s already wrecked a car attempting to clear the giant gap, according to rock station KROQ!  

2010 MUST DO!

Hey, so your on a budget this New Year's Eve?  Then check out the amazing FREE Party over at Long Beach Harbor and Downtown. You don't need to break the bank to ring in the New Year.  Remember, don't DRINK and DRIVE!  PERIOD.  DON'T DO IT! Be smart, Be Safe and Be Alive for 2010!  Randy Economy

Ringing In Long Beach, CA —
December 31, 2009 beginning at 9 p.m.

First, and this looks like a total blast, is  in Downtown Long Beach, where they with a celebration unlike anything Southern California has ever seen before, drawing estimated crowds of 50,000 to 250,000 for the free  festivities throughout their  "urban waterfront area."


Beginning at 6PM on New Year’s Eve, the Red Bull New Year: No Limits event will take center stage along the picturesque waterfront, where famed stuntman, Travis Pastrana, will add another jaw-dropping feat to his
already impressive resume. Thousands of fans and party-goers will watch as Pastrana attempts to set a new
world record, jumping a car off the Pine Avenue Pier, flying 250 feet over the water and landing on a barge
floating in Rainbow Harbor with the legendary Queen Mary as a backdrop.


The daredevil stunt, set to take place at 9PM (PST) will be part of ESPN TV’s live East Coast New Year’s Eve show – historically one of the most watched television productions of the night, second only to Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. Following the jump, festivities will continue along the waterfront with music, dancing and a flurry of exciting events leading up to Midnight.

Pine Avenue (at Pine & Broadway), the heart of Downtown’s dining and entertainment district, will host a party of its own beginning at 7PM with a 60’s, 70’s and 80’s flare. Patrons will enjoy live performances by world-renowned Beatles cover band, American English, the Disco Kings and Knyght Ryder while strolling around one of Southern California’s Top Ten Restaurant Rows (as named by ABC7 TV).

A few blocks away, in the eclectic East Village Arts District (at 1st & Elm), a third celebration will take place with an all-ages bash that will include live performances by local independent artists, Avi Buffalo, Royal Sons and Dusty Rhodes & the River Band beginning at 8PM. Audiences at both the Pine Avenue and East Village Celebrations will be treated to a live feed of the activities at the waterfront via large screen projections on each stage as well as replays of the record-breaking jump throughout the night.

At midnight, all of Downtown Long Beach will ring in 2010 with a dynamic light show courtesy of Downtown’s state-of-the-art L.E.D. light system as well as a fireworks show that will light up the sky.

Reserved parking and restaurant reservations can be secured via the DLBA website at http://www.downtownlongbeach.org/  Additional information about New Year’s Eve in Downtown, as well as parking, transportation and street closure details are also available. All events are free and open to the public.

(Thanks to the Long Beach Press Telegram for posting the vid clip! You guys ROCK!)

Tell me what you think?
Post your thoughts here or drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

KTLA'S 2010 Rose Parade Viewers Choice Awards: VOTE for the CERRITOS ENTRY...ALL DAY ON NEW YEARS!



I love a good campaign...as you may recall. 

So, lets start 2010 off with a bang by casting your FIRST VOTE of the NEW YEAR for the CITY OF CERRITOS ROSE PARADE ENTRY in the KTLA-VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD!

Here is how you can participate:


First, you gotta click on KTLA-Channel 5 on New Years Day.

Watch for the City of Cerritos float in the parade (remember, we are Unit #54), then visit by clicking  this link on Friday, January 1 from 10 a.m. (PST) to 5 p.m. (PST) to select your choice for the winning float.

The winning float will be announced during KTLA's 6 p.m. newscast on Saturday, January 2. 

KTLA HAS the BEST COVERAGE of ANY NETWORK for the Tournament of Roses. Its the ONLY place you can see Bob Eubanks and Stephanie Edwards.  Great to have Bob and Stephanie rockin' Colorado Boulevard this New Years DAY...once again!

http://www.ktla.com/entertainment/roseparade/viewerschoice/

Tell me what you think?
Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

INSIDE the MAKING OF THE 2010 Cerritos Rose Parade Float: This "Dream" takes tons of flowers, steel, glue, planning and a whole lotta love!


For all you Rose Parade buffs, here is more inside details, stats, and what it takes to put the 2010 Cerritos Rose Parade Float together. 

FLOAT THEME: Cerritos: "A City of Dreams"

The City of Cerritos chose the theme A City of Dreams to recognize the hopes and dreams that Cerritos residents have for their families, and the City’s efforts to provide a beautiful and safe environment where residents can achieve their aspirations.

The theme of the City of Cerritos’ float, A City of Dreams, evokes the City’s goal of providing an ideal place to live, work, shop and play; to be a community that is A Cut Above the Rest.

The City of Cerritos is known for the world-class Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The theater has brought dazzling music, dance, and Broadway shows to the community and inspired the fantastically colorful and dramatic float A City of Dreams. The grand lobby of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts resembles an Italian piazza, providing additional inspiration for the Venice, Italy Carnival float design.

The FLOAT BUILDER: is Fiesta Parade Floats.

FLOAT DESCRIPTION:
Height: 22 Feet
Width: 15 Feet
Length: 35 Feet

The artistic splendor, merriment and magic of Carnival, on and around the canals in Venice, Italy, is celebrated in this regal and floral interpretation. In addition to its rich cultural history, Italy is home to one of the world’s oldest celebrations, the Carnival in Venice, first recorded in the year 1268. The City of Cerritos invites the world to celebrate the beauty of carnival, culture and festivals with its floral presentation of A City of Dreams; an eloquent fusion of floral design, history and entertainment. The dream-like experience of Carnival sets the stage for the glittering style and carefree fun of costumed revelers and music that is magnificently captured in this exciting and colorful floral design. With bold stokes of colorful flowers, the celebrations of street spectacles and fanciful balls of Carnival come alive. Taking center stage is an ornately carved and vividly colorful Carnival jester who watches over the festivities. A lavishly ornate gondola carries costumed riders over floral waters as opulently masqueraded revelers folic throughout the city. Magnificent floral displays in oversized urns frame this setting.

The splendor and romance of Carnival sets the stage for A City of Dreams along the floral waters of the Grand Canal.

FLOWERING: The jester is festively adorned in lavender dendrobium orchid florets (left), crisp white coconut chips and jet-black onion seed. He juggles spheres of brightly colored roses.

The lavishly ornate Italian gondola of glossy black seaweed and rich red carnations, overlaid in luminous gold strawflower petals, floats in floral water created with cool blue iris accented with crisp white roses and orchids.

Floral displays of Black Magic red roses(above left)  and anthuriums adorn the hull. The Venetian mooring poles are decorated in red carnations, white coconut chips, blue sinuata statice and golden strawflower petals. The elegant rod-iron sculpted lamp posts are created in black onion seed. The floral urns, banisters and steps have an aged marble look recreated in rolled oats, sesame seed and flax seed. Gardens of more than 15,000 hot pink and florescent orange roses are also featured.

John Mc Ginnis wins Long Beach School Board Special Election. Seat was previously held by "missing" school board member Michael Shane Ellis


By Randy Economy

(Long Beach, CA) -- John McGinnis won the Special Election today for an open seat on the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education.

The five candidates included Mc Ginnis (seen here>>>), Richard G. Lewis Jr.,  Kate Erin Conrath, Pauline Gonzalez Stenberg and  Raymond Chavarria.  It was a  "winner-take-all contest" to replace former controversial  board member Michael Shane Ellis.

Ellis (seen here)  resigned the 3rd District seat, that includes Downtown Long Beach late this past summer after he missed almost 4 months of meetings without giving any excuse or public explaination.

McGinnis won with about 34 percent of the vote in one of the worst voter turnout possible.  Just 6% of total eligible voters actually casted ballots in today's election, and only 1.4% of all voters actually voted at a Polling Place today.

Mc Ginnis will have to run again in the regularly scheduled April 13 school board election to obtain a new, full term on the board, which governs the Long Beach Unified School District.

"I’m running for the Long Beach school board to continue my lifelong commitment to the education of school children and to give something back to my community.  Working together, we can  close achievement gaps, reduce dropout rates, and prepare students for higher education, the workforce and lifelong learning," Mc Ginnis told his supporters on Facebook during this campaign, and his message and campaign worked.


The district covers the most diverse areas of Long Beach, including Chavez Elementary School, Edison Elementary School, International Elementary School, Lee Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Stevenson Elementary School, Whittier Elementary School, Franklin Classical Middle School, and Renaissance High School for the Arts.

Here are the Results:
Total  Registered Voters 35,950

Precinct Registration      35,950
Precinct Ballots Cast          488    1.4%
Vote-by-Mail Ballots Cast 1,671   4.6%
Total Ballots Cast  2,159               6.0%

Long Beach Unified School District Governing Board Member, District 3
Completed Precincts: 27 of 27
                                 Votes  Percentage
John J. Mc Ginnis        721   34.0%
Richard G. Lewis, Jr.    616  29.0%
Kate Erin Conrath        356  16.8%
Pauline G. Stenberg      263 12.4%
Raymond Chavarria     166  7.8%

Send me your thoughts: 
RREconomy@aol.com
Randy Economy

Monday, December 28, 2009

2010 Tournament of Roses Parade Line Up: Cerritos 'Dreams to "float" by in 54th slot

Here is your GUIDE and LINE UP for the 2010 Pasadena Tournament of Rose Parade, "A Cut Above The Rest" that begins on New Years Day at 8 a.m.

For you Cerritos Rose Float fans,  "Cerritos Dream" will be the #54 entry this year.

Enjoy the Parade, and Happy 2010!
Randy Economy



1 2010 Theme Float, presented by Wells Fargo with supporting sponsor NAMM
2 Grand Marshal, Sully Sullenberg
3 Farmers Insurance Group Marching Band / Riverside City College Marching Tigers
4 Farmers Insurance Group of Companies
5 United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard
6 President's Car - DiSano Family
7 Rotary International
8 Lions Clubs International
9 Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band

10 Donate Life
11 West Coast Composite Marine Band
12 Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center
13 Jack in the Box
14 Marian Catholic High School Band
15 Rain Bird Corporation
16 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
17 Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets
18 Macy's / Queen Float
19 Region 1 Versatile Arabian
20 Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southern California (RMHCSC)


21 El Dorado Golden Hawks Band and Color Guard
22 Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogaard
23 Wells Fargo
24 Phoenix Satellite Television
25 Big Ten Participating University Float
26 The Ohio State University Marching Band
27 Bayer Advanced
28 Rose Bowl Game, Hall of Fame Inductees
29 Subway Restaurants
30 Pac-10 Participating University Float
31 Oregon Marching Band



32 City of Torrance Garden of Dreams
33 Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club
34  Burbank Tournament of Roses Association
35 The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band
36 The New Buffalo Soldiers
37 West Covina Rose Float Foundation
38 Lutheran Laymen's League
39 The Shire Riders
40 American Honda



41 Latin Band Pedro Molina
42 Martinez Family
43 Mexico 2010 Float
44 Amigo de Anza Equestrian Unit
45 City of Alhambra
46 Millard West High School Wildcat Marching Band
47 Trader Joe's
48 Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society
49 City of South Pasadena
50 Ohio University Marching Band



51 Western Haflingers
52 Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.
53 Conroe Tiger Band
54 City of Cerritos (City of Dreams)
55 Long Beach Mounted Police
56 Cal Poly Universities
57 Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Band
58 City of Los Angeles
59 Valley Hunt Club Hitch & Riders
60 City of Anaheim

61 South Kitsap High School Marching Band
62 Giddy Up Gals Equestrian Drill Team
63 La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association
64 Sierra Madre Rose Float Association
65 Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band
66 Cowgirls Historical Foundation
67 China Airlines
68 Soddy Daisy Marching Trojans
69 Arizona Mini Mystique
70 New Mexico, USA (Enchantment Is In The Air, seen left)



71 Anheuser-Busch Float featuring U.S. Olympic legends Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen and Michelle Kwan and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
72 Webb City High School Cardinal Pride
73 Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds
74 Shanghai World Expo / Roundtable of Southern California
75 Pickerington Central Marching Tigers
76 Kaiser Permanente
77 Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers
78 City of Duarte, California / City of Hope
79 Kansai Honor Green Band
80 Odd Fellows and Rebekahs


81 Southern California Peruvian Paso Horse Cub
<<<82 Downey Rose Float Assocation "Jewels of the Pacific"

83 Walton High School Marching Raider Band
84 Horse Cavalry Detachment / 1st Cavalry Division
85 Kiwanis International
86 Glendora Tartan Band and Pageantry
87 RFD-TV
88 All American Cowgirl Chicks
89 Boy Scouts of America
90 Danvers High School Falcon Marching Band
91 City of Glendale Presents "America's Pride!"

92 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department



Tell me what you think?

Are You going to the 2010 Rose Parade?

Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com

Randy Economy

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Does this flu ever go away? I'm beginning to have my doubts. Anyway, it will be a Christmas I will want to forget!


I got the flu this holiday season, and it really sucks.  I'm talking totally, Dude.

I did eveything I was "suppose" to do so I wouldn't get the flu.

I got BOTH the Regular Flu and H1N1 Flu shots during the past couple of months.

I avoided large crowds, used gallons of hand sanitizer, washed my hands 20 times a day, drank lots of fluids.  I even avoided taking wine a St. Linus Catholic Church in Norwalk during Communion. 

But, I have come down with the flu at the worst possible time, the week before, and after Chirstmas.

I am feeling a tad better tonight (Sunday), but have been fighting all of the "classic" flu crud, you know, the 103.6 fever, stomach up and down, the hot and cold chills, sore throat, body aches, incredible exhaustion.  This flu has something for everyone.  If you are a fan of the flu, you will "fall in love" with this lulu.

Since I have been in bed for 6 days now, I have been catching up on my television.  Last night I plugged into the flick "Peral Harbor" with Matt Damon  (lots of gore, and insight), the USC Emerald Bowl victory over Boston College,  and tonight I am watching  Clemson and Kentucky on the "Music City Bowl" from Nashville, TN.

Anyway, I just wanted to wish all you a great rest of the holiday week, and hope that Santa was good to you and your family.  God willing, I will be able to see my brother Rick and sister in law Cindy, and my neice Allison (and her bf Ryan), and nephew Aaron on Tuesday night here.  I will hopefully be reconnecting with one of my favorite childhood friends, Paul Sliwa for lunch this coming week as well.

Take It EASY, and BE HEALTHY!

Randy Economy

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Virginia O'Hanlon: The story of the little girl who changed Christmas lore' forever

Yes, Virginia, THERE is A SANTA CLAUS!

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.




Laura Virginia O'Hanlon was born in 1889.

At the age of eight, Virginia O'Hanlon became part of American history as the little girl who questioned the existence of Santa Claus. When she was unable to get a straight answer from her parents, she wrote a letter to the New York Sun newspaper in search of the truth.

The letter read: "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says 'If you see it in the Sun it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?"

The newspaper published her letter and its reply to her query on September 21, 1897. Because the newspaper had a policy of keeping its editorials anonymous, Francis Church was not identified as the author after his death in 1906.

A former Civil War correspondent, Church specialized in religious and controversial issues at the Sun. He told her outright that "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." And went to explain that "Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see."

This holiday exchange has become part of American popular culture and is often reprinted during the holiday season. As for the little girl in the story, she grew up and became a teacher. O'Hanlon earned a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Fordham University. For many years, she worked as an educator and school administrator. O'Hanlon also married and became Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas.

Her famous correspondence followed her throughout her life. It was run in the New York Sun every year until the paper folded in 1949 (the paper's name was revived years later and is currently in print) as well as countless other publications through the years. In 1959, O'Hanlon moved to North Chatham, New York. She was the subject of a tribute by the North Chatham Historical Society in 1966. At the celebration, O'Hanlon read her letter and Church's response to an enthusiastic crowd. Her grandson, James Temple, told the New York Sun in 2004 that she did not think she think that she had done anything special. He said that O'Hanlon told him, "All I did was ask the question . . . . Mr. Church's editorial was so beautiful. . . . It was Mr. Church who did something wonderful."

Laura Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas died on May 13, 1971. In 2005, plans were announced to transform her New York City childhood home into a school, according to the New York Sun. A decision that lifelong teacher O'Hanlon would surely have approved of.

Tonight, this story will be read to millions upon millions of little "Virginia's" all over the world.  Send this to your friends and family.  It will bring a smile to their face and a glow to their heart.

Merry Christmas! 



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Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

Pope Benedict XVI knocked down during Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter Basilica. What is this world coming too?









(Rome)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the traditional Christmas Eve Mass, despite being knocked down by a woman at the start of the service in St Peter's Basilica.

The woman - who is said to be mentally unstable - jumped the security barriers as Benedict XVI entered the basilica, causing the pontiff to fall.

The Pope appeared to be unhurt and recovered to lead the mass. The midnight service started two hours early because officials do not want the 82-year-old pontiff to get tired. Thousands of pilgrims have also gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas mass

Woman arrested
The security incident involving the woman at St Peter's Basilica lasted only a few seconds.  The Pope had to be helped up by the master of ceremonies at his side, the BBC's David Willey in Rome says.

However, he quickly recovered his poise and passed into the basilica preceded by senior Vatican cardinals, our correspondent says.

Benedict then delivered the Christmas homily in a firm voice.

The woman who pushed the Pope also knocked down Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who was taken to hospital for a check-up, Vatican spokesman Ciro Bedettini said.

The woman - whose name was not immediately known - was later arrested by police.

The Vatican said earlier that the decision to move the midnight Mass to 2200 (2100 GMT) was "to make Christmas a little less tiring for the Pope, who has many engagements".

Pope Benedict XVI earlier appeared briefly at nightfall at the window of his studio to light a candle in a sign of peace.

I have to ask the obvious question, what is this world coming too when the Pope gets attack during Christmas Mass?



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RrE

"Big Boy," Norwalk's lost Shetland Pony gets a new home, just in time for Christmas


(Norwalk, CA)

Someone can now call a tiny horse found on the streets of Norwalk, "my little pony," just in time for Christmas.

A Riverside County family has adopted a stray Shetland pony named "Big Boy" that will be turned over to them today, Christmas Eve.

The 3-foot-tall pony was spotted walking in the city of Norwalk on Dec. 3.

Officials from the Southeast Animal Control Authority (SEACCA) weren't able to find the animal's owner or figure out how it wound up wandering the streets.

Joe Sandoval, who has a ranch near Hemet in Riverside County, will adopt the tan pony. He has two daughters, 17 and 13.

I would love to see the faces of those two girls when they see a "real live" pony under their Christmas tree


Tell me what you think?
Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

Merry Christmas!


I hope you truly enjoy the Blessing of this Christmas Day!

I got a touch of the ol' 24-hour flu that is going around, so I will be taking it real easy over the next couple of days.

Life is great. 

God is love. 

Christmas is the best day of the year!

May you enjoy this special day.

Randy


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Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Murder On Piuma: Victim is identified as Marcel Ortiz, age 21. Sheriff's are still searching for clues and suspect


NORWALK, CA -

Here is a follow-up regarding the murder that occurred on December 14th over on Piuma Avenue in Norwalk.

The victim is 21-year old Marcel Ortiz, who was fatally shot in a garage according to the Los Angeles County Coroners Office.

Ortiz was with two other men in the 14000 block of Piuma Avenue when a man with a rifle approached and began firing into the open garage just before 7 p.m. striking all three men.

They were taken to a local hospital, where Ortiz died about three hours later. The other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and their names have not been released.


I reported on this incident last week, and I wanted to keep the community informed about this situation.  

Local witnesses to the shooting saw the gunman re-enter a 1990s model, light-colored compact, possibly a Honda right after the shooting happened.  (BTW...this is what a 1990's light colored compact/Honda looks like...just to jog your memory). 

No new information was available about the suspect or the shooting and if you have any information on the shooting should call Sheriff's Homicide Division at 323-890-5500.

Let's get this criminal off the streets and brought to justice!

Frigid ICY WIND drive La Palma trees into a WINTER FRENZY!



WINDS COLD AS ICE!

December, 22, 2009
La Palma, CA:

An overnight rain storm gave way to a long day of frigid, bone chillin' winds around here.

The famous "palms" of La Palma, CA are getting the worst of it.

The City's iconic symbol (the Palm tree) is classic Southern California "cool" and these trees line up and down Walker Avenue.

Today's winds gusted up to 50 mph, according to local news coverage, and it caused havic with lots of local motorists.

So, move over Chicago, meet La Palma, CA. A windy city worth visiting!

Randy Economy pic
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Monday, December 21, 2009

The Deuce II: Its Melrose Chic, without the DRIVE, and a MUST stop this holiday season in Artesia!




Hip Shopping  REVIEW:

The DEUCE II
18301 Pioneer Blvd.
Suite B
Artesia, California 90701
Phone: (562) 402-5883
website: www.Runthedeuce.com



By: Randy Economy

(Artesia, CA) If you live around our part of the world, you have no doubt driven by this ONE store hundreds of times, back and forth, on 183rd Street in Artesia, but you have probably never taken the time to stop for a peek. 

You missing a great shoportunity...and to start paying attention while your on your way to the Los Cerritos Mall.

Recently I poked my head into the DEUCE II -- Apparel, Shoes, Music and Art located in the Sona Chandi Plaza on the corner of Pioneer Boulevard and 183rd, and I have fallen totally for this hip, cool, and wonderful shop of shops. 

I use to live off of Melrose Avenue in Hollywood/West Hollywood from almost 15 years and this place has the feel and look and appeal of any hip chic place located way over there.

From hand painted tees (from $30 bucks) to pull over hoodies (anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on your budget), to designer skateboards, and sophisticated sweaters from New York designers (from $100 on up), this place in Artesia is a must do this and every holiday season.


They offer designer lines from international icons like bloodbath, 10 Deep, Hellz, and many others.

I have my eye on a black "Akomplice" cardigan button side sweater that is hand made from a designer based in New York City.  It should be arriving within the next couple of days...in my size (that would be a Large Economy Size...he he he).




So, stop in and say hello to Mark Santos (seen above)  who is one of the most helpful and happy shopkeepers in all of Artesia, and spend a few bucks.  

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Cypress, California gets into the Holiday Spirit with an amazing City-Wide Home Decorating Contest. Thanks to Mayor Prakash Narain and the Cypress City Council for promoting such a great program!


Seen: Cypress, California MAYOR Prakash Narain, M.D. is serving his first term on the Cypress City Council. Thanks Mayor and your entire City Council for the promotion of holiday lights throughout your city!
Randy Economy



CHRISTMAS IN CYPRESS
I want to thank one of my fantastic readers for sending me this great program from the City of Cypress, California.  Talk about "decking their city" street by street, this is a fantastic program that every city should encourage and implement. 

The Cypress Recreation and Community Services Department holds an annual "Holiday Decoration Contest" and they have hundreds of homes, businesses, apartments and condos compete in 15 different categories.

All of the participants for in the 2009 Holiday Decorating Contest will be recognized at the January 19, 2010 Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting.

Make sure you take a drive around Cypress over the next few weeks to see all of these amazing works of holiday art. The  driving map and route is posted on the Cypress city website at  http://www.cypressrec.com/ and that's pretty cool also.

BTW. I use to be the Public Information Officer for the City of Cypress way back in 1985-86 for your trivia buffs who are keeping score.

Here are the 2009 Cypress Holiday Decorating Award Winners, and their addresses:


Sweepstakes (home)-9688 Pauline Drive


Sweepstakes (condo)-9641 Paseo Do Oro


Gingerbread-5242 Marcella Avenue


Light up the Town-6759 Tahiti Drive


Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree-5208 Cumberland Drive


Santa’s Workshop-11688 Guam Circle

Other winners and addresses include the following:
Toyland-5232 Marcella Avenue
Winter Wonderland (home)-5216 Edgemont Circle
Winter Wonderland (condo)-9815 Via Sonoma
Rising Star (home)-5471 Myra

Rising Star (condo)-9700 Paseo De Oro
It’s a Wonderful Life-4710 Ariano Drive

Jingle Bell-9327 Christopher Street
Sweepstakes (business)-9922 Walker St. Suite A
Spirited Neighborhood–Edgemont Circle