POLITICS: Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley eyes California Attorney General slot; This is going to get WILD!

From DA to AG?

A NEW CAMPAIGN AWAITS COOLEY!

By Randy Economy
http://www.economy4abc.blogspot.com/

Powerful Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley is looking to become the next Attorney General of California.

On Monday, Cooley formally announced that he would starting an "exploratory committee" in order to begin raising money, and his decision has surprised a lot of political "insiders" around the Golden State.


"Many people from law enforcement and throughout the political spectrum are urging me to run for attorney general," he said in a statement. "I have the experience and drive to be California's top law enforcement officer.  California's attorney general must be a law enforcement leader with a proven track record of reducing crime and fighting fraud and public corruption," said Cooley, who added that he is proud of his crime-fighting record.

The 62-year-old Cooley, a Republican, has been elected to three consecutive terms as district attorney in the nation's largest prosecutor's office. Crime in Los Angeles County has fallen during his tenure.

Cooley has spoken for some weeks about his interest in the attorney general's job, but his late entry into the race frankly surprises me a tad.  

The only other Republican who has shown interest in seeking the post is state Sen. Tom Harman of Huntington Beach.  Democratic incumbent Attorney General Jerry Brown is running for governor, thus creating a vacancy in the AG's office in Sacramento.

Democrats considering a run for attorney general include former Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo; San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris; businessman Chris Kelly, formerly of Facebook; and several state Assembly members, including Ted Lieu of Torrance, Albert Torrico of Newark and Pedro Nava of Santa Barbara. 

This is going to be WILD to watch, and frankly, its ABOUT time!

Tell me what you think??
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BREAKING NEWS IN LA PALMA: Walker Junior High and Kennedy High School put on "lockdown" today as suspect is apprehended aftert two-hour search

January 11, 2010,
1:30 p.m.

(La Palma, CA) La Palma Police Officers went to a residence at the 8600 block of Walker Street in the City of Cypress to serve an outstanding arrest warrant... for 34 year-old Philippe Mendoza.

Mendoza fled the area on foot when the officers approached.

Officers from La Palma Police Department, Cypress Police Department, and the Anaheim Police Department set up a perimeter and began searching for the suspect.

Mendoza was found hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 8500 block of Walker Street, where he was taken into custody.   The incident was aired on Eyewitness News here in LA and showed an injured Mendoza being treated for injuries at the scene.

Students from Walker Junior High School and Kennedy High School were required to stay on campus for precautionary reasons during the search due to their close proximity.

The students were released from their schools, shortly before 4:00 p.m., after the suspect was apprehended.


What are your thoughts?
Send me your IPhotos!
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Thanks to Jim Mc Mahon in Cerritos for sending me this item!

Breaking News In Hawaiian Gardens: Two people hospitalized after being shot at a Party on Sunday night on Claretta Avenue

HAWAIIAN GARDENS  ― 

Two people were shot and injured at a party late last night over in Hawaiian Gardens, it is being reported on local television news channels today including KCBS and KCAL here in Los Angeles.

The shooting, which took place at a house on 221st Street near Claretta Avenue, was reported at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, according to sheriff's Lt. Ruthie Daily of the Lakewood Station.

Two people, whose names were withheld, were taken to local hospitals with serious gunshot wounds, Daily said.

No other information was immediately available.  More updates as the are available.

 

What are your thoughts?
Do you live in this part of Hawaiian Gardens?
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Hey, is there an "App" available on my IPhone for reporting that pot hole down on 7th Street? It could become a reality in Long Beach thanks to a trio of councilmen

My pal Long Beach City Councilman Robert Garcia, and and a couple of his "peeps" on the City Council (Patrick O'Donnell and Gary De Long) have come up with a clever way to report those nasty urban trappings that have come to bug the heck out of all of us day in and day out.
 
You know what I'm talkin' about. 

Graffiti, that pot hole on Shoemaker north of Alondra Boulevard. that leaky water hydrant at Pioneer and South Street. that damaged sidewalk you always trip on around the corner from your house, that darn barking dog over on Ashworth Place every night at  3 a.m. .... anyway...you get the picture.

The three Councilmen want Long Beach to go "cyber" in helping make Long Beach City Hall more reactive to "common everyday" problems via your Blackberry or IPhone or other handy device we all carry around.

(Seen at recent Cambodian Parade in Long Beach is Councilman Patrick O'Donnell.  Councilmen Garcia and De Long are below).

"Technology is changing our world, and unfortunately as a city, we are being left behind. Long Beach often looks to the past. Instead, we should be dreaming about tomorrow. I am committed to re-inventing the way our city looks at technology. One way to start, is to make government more efficient and responsive," Garcia said in a statement this past weekend.

"I love my iPhone, and have downloaded numerous phone applications that are designed to make my life more efficient. We (DeLong and O'Donnel)l, have submitted a proposal to the City Council to create a City Smartphone Application," said Garcia.

The application would make reporting graffiti, a pot-hole or a damaged sidewalk, quick and easy. Many new phones today including all iPhones include built in GPS systems that can track the location of the user. Residents and city staff would be able to take a photo of graffiti, the GPS in the phone would tag its location, and the application would report the graffiti almost instantly.

The "Long Beach City App" would be able to provide the same type of information about these local need fixin-problems.

Both the cities of Boston and Pittsburgh have created smart phone applications for city services with great success.  Pittsburgh's application was created by a technology company with no cost to the city.

Maybe EVERY city and school district should check into the "App" thing.

Who knows, it just might make OUR government work better, faster, and more effective for all of us! 

I wonder if we can invent the Fix the California State Assembly APP? 


What are your thoughts?
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Modern Day Trojan War: USC Football Coach Pete Carroll sells his soul to Seattle Seahawks. Players are informed of his resignation via "Text Message." Go BRUINS!

PETE CARROLL IS

OUTTA HERE!

12:03 a.m., January 11, 2010 --  Los Angeles, CA
By: Randy Economy

The future of USC football has turned out to be a Trojan War of epic proportions. 

Head Coach Pete Carroll is packing his bags, stuffing his wallet full of $35,000,000.00 in cash and  heading way up the Pacific Coast to become the new head coach of the NFL Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll led USC to seven Pacific 10 Conference titles and two national championships, resigned his position at the epic Los Angeles university and accepted the coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks.  He was the face (and chin, and hair) of college football here for the past decade.

Seahawks chief executive officer Tod Leiweke was at Carroll's "tony tri-level" condo in Manhattan Beach on Sunday to work out the details of his new contract.

Carroll will take over as coach while the organization begins its search for a new general manager.

Trojans players and coaches learned of the news via text message from an assistant coach. 

A "text" message?   Are you kidding me?  "Hey guys, sorry to tell you this way, but Pete Carroll is outta here. Yep, he is dumping us for a better gig with those losers up with the Seattle Seahawks.  Ciao.  Have a Great Sunday night!"

In addition to having to find a new coach, they should ALSO be looking for a new Athletic Director and Media Relations Department. Mike Garrett is a diaster and its time for him to go away...and he needs to take his ENTIRE sports staff with him.

BTW...
I have ALWAYS been a TRUE BLUE BRUIN FAN! 
GO UCLA!

So, what are your thoughts?
Is USC Athletics heading into the Pacific Ocean?
Does AD Mike Garrett need to be tossed out?
Hit the headline of this Blog and click on the Comment Section below or drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com

Move over Truman, I have a new slogan for Senator Reid: "What The Hell Harry?"

By Randy Economy
http://www.economy4abc.blogspot.com/
(From The All-American City of Cerritos, CA:)

No he "DIDN'T" actually say IT, did he?

During this last historic Presidential campaign, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, and the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, said Barack Obama's chances for winning the highest office in the land were "pretty good" because "white Americans were ready for someone light-skinned who spoke with no Negro dialect."

The new revelations are being reported in the new book called "Game Change" by political correspondents Mark Halperin and John Heilemann.

"I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words," Reid said in a statement. "I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans, for my improper comments." 

Okay, OF course he is going to say that in response to this national uproar.

President Obama graciously accepted Harry Reid's apology. "I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed."

But, what if Harry Reid was THE REPUBLICAN LEADER of the US Senate instead of the main guy in charge of the MAJORITY DEMOCRATIC PARTY who happens to be a couple of heart beats away from being the ACTUAL President of the US of A?

This one chapter Halperin's new book shows the ugly side of race politics in America. 

I am so glad that I am "color blind."  I you follow this Blog and my life, you know that I am totally blind in my right eye, and have only 40% of my vision remaining in my left eye.

How many other Americans actually think the same way Harry Reid does?

The only difference is, Harry Reid got caught saying it.

For that reason alone, our America conversation on "race" continues on and on and on.

What are your thoughts?
Should Harry Reid resign from the Senate?
Hit the headline of this Blog and click on the Comment Section below or drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com

Remembering Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser: Statement released today on his passing

I waanted to pass along this "official statement" from the City of Santa Monica on the passing of its Mayor Ken Genser, who died yesterday.  It was issued from City Manager P. Lamont Ewell, and Kate Vernez Assistant, Assistant to The City Manager.

"Mayor Ken Genser passed away peacefully on January 9, 2010 with family and close friends by his side. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and condolences as they go through this difficult time. Once memorial service arrangements are made details will be released.


“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our Mayor Ken Genser, an indefatigable champion for quality of life in Santa Monica. Ken distinguished himself with a fierce intellect, passion for progressive social policy and compassion for people. He served the Santa Monica community throughout his lifetime and will be greatly missed.” --Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tempore Pam O’Connor and City Council.

Mayor Ken Genser served on the Santa Monica City Council for 21 years, since 1988. He was elected Mayor three times by Council in 1992, 2000 and 2008. Ken was Mayor Pro Tempore in 1991 and 1999. He led on issues ranging from affordable housing and tenant protection, land use and zoning policies to environmental quality, workers rights, parks, public safety and funding for the schools.

As a lifetime Santa Monica resident, Ken began his 30 year career serving the public through appointment to a City Task Force for Revision of the Housing Element and was Chair of the Goals and Policies subcommittee from 1980 to 1982. He was a founding member of Community Corporation of Santa Monica, serving from 1982 to 1988. He was appointed as a Planning Commissioner from 1983 to 1985. Ken served as a board member of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation from 1985 to 1988.

Mayor Genser entered the hospital on October 30, 2009, and due to multiple complications, he passed away on January 9. He was 59 years old. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ocean Park Community Center."


What are your thoughts?
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Remembering Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser: Family asks that a donation be made to the Ocean Park Community Center in his Honor

(Santa Monica, CA)
By: Randy Economy
Sunday, January 10, 2009

The family of Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser, who passed away on Saturday afer a three month illness,  is asking that in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to the Ocean Park Community Center.

Genser was known for his leadership on issues ranging from affordable housing and tenant protection, land use and zoning policies to environmental quality, workers rights, parks, public safety and funding for schools.

The Ocean Park Community Center was near and dear to his heart.

The mayor began his 30 year career serving the public through appointment to a city Task Force for Revision of the Housing Element, and was a founding member of the Community Corp. of Santa Monica.

A memorial service is being planned.

The Ocean Park Community Center is currently building two new buildings in Santa Monica and is looking to significantly expand several crucial programs to help more homeless people get off the streets.

To provide the funding for this expansion, OPCC is conducting a capital campaign, “From Homelessness to Hope,” through which $18 million has been raised so far. The goal is to raise $19.5 million.


One of the new buildings is the OPCC Annenberg Access Center, which opened in September 2007 at 503 Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica. This is a drop-in center where OPCC provides services for those people who are still living on the streets, such as showers, restroom facilities, sack lunches, and medical services.

In the process of delivering these services, OPCC's staff and volunteers seek to engage with the clients, build trust, and then help them take the steps necessary to get them into shelter and/or treatment and on their way towards a permanent home.

The second building, the OPCC Cloverfield Services Center, contains two transitional housing programs-a 30-bed shelter called Daybreak, specifically for mentally ill homeless women, and a 25-bed program called Safe Haven for those who have been on the streets the longest and who have mental illness, substance addictions and/or physical disabilities. The OPCC Cloverfield Services Center is located at 1751 Cloverfield Boulevard in Santa Monica.

 What are your thoughts?
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Breaking: Iconic Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser dies tonight after 3 month illness. He was 59

SEEN in late 2009: Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser (front and center) and the Santa Monica City Council last year.  Other members include Councilman Bobby Shriver, Councilman Richard Bloom, Councilman Robert Holbrook, (seated) Mayor Pro-Tem Pam O'Connor, Mr. Genser, and Councilwoman Gleam Davis.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010
BREAKING NEWS:

By Randy Economy

Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser,  the longest-serving City Council member in Santa Monica history, has passed away this evening.

Genser, a political icon in the hip surf side enclave, served on the council since 1988, had been hospitalized for two and a half months after complaining of severe back pains and trouble breathing, those close to him said.

He was only 59 years old.

"We request that we be allowed continued privacy as we deal with losing our beloved friend and mayor," a statement that was released earlier today.
 
 News of the passing of Genser is sending many here into a deep sadness.  "I am grief stricken and know that the entire community shares my feelings of immeasurable sorrow over this news about Ken," said Richard Bloom a Santa Monica Councilman and Mayor.

Genser had been hospitalized since Oct. 30. His death was due to "multiple complications," City Manager P. Lamont Ewell said in a statement.

"It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our Mayor Ken Genser, an indefatigable champion for quality of life in Santa Monica," Mayor Pro Tempore Pam O'Connor and City Council members said in a statement. "Ken distinguished himself with a fierce intellect, passion for progressive social policy and compassion for people. He served the Santa Monica community throughout his lifetime and will be greatly missed."

Here is the rich political history of Ken Genser:

Elected to the Santa Monica City Council in  November 1988 to November 1992
Served as Mayor Pro Tem November 1990 to December 1991
Mayor December 1991 to November 1992
Reelected to the Santa Monica City Council in November 1992 to November 1996
Reelected in November 1996 to November 2000
Served as Mayor Pro Tem December 1998 to December 1999
Served as Mayor December 1999 to December 2000
Reelected November 2000 to November 2004
Reelected November 2004 to November 2008
Reelected November 2008 to November 2012

Funeral arrangements for Mayor Genser have not been announced as of Sunday morning.

What are your thoughts?
Hit the headline of this Blog and click on the Comment Section below or drop me to share your memories of Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser or drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com

Ware-ing Down UC Irvine: Casper Ware of Cerritos' Gahr High School leads Long Beach State to win over rival Anteaters, 55-53. GREAT EFFORT from a new "Hometown Hero!"

Cal State University Long Beach vs. UC Irvine....a look at the wonderment of 49 Basketball from photographers Aaron Economy and Randy Economy.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Cerritos' very own Casper Ware was on FIRE tonight as he scored 12 of his game-high 17 points in the second half to help Long Beach State overcome a four-point halftime deficit en route to a 55-53 Big West Conference win at the Walter Pyramid on Saturday.

Ware (seen here late in the game), a 5-10 Sophomore Guard and graduate of Gahr High School here in Cerritos, made 5-of-9 shots after the break and 6-of-12 in the game, including a crucial jump shot with 1:34 to play to give The Beach (7-9, 1-2 Big West) a 55-53 lead.

"No kid is working harder than (Ware) is," coach Dan Monson said. "He made some big shots be he had some big defensive plays too."

Ware-ing them down.  Long Beach State Guard Caspar Ware was on fire tonight for the 49ers as they beat rivals UC Irvine 55-53.  
Aaron Economy PHOTO

LBSU held UCI (8-8, 2-2 Big West) scoreless for the rest of the way as the Anteaters missed four shots after Ware's basket including three on one possession. Michael Hunter (10 points) had a basket waved off at the buzzer allowing The Beach to win its first conference game of the year.

"I thought (the referee) was going to call a block at first and my heart dropped," Ware said of the last shot that didn't' count. "And then when he (waved the shot off) it was a sign of relief."

The Beach got a big night from its bench outscoring the Anteaters' bench 34-13. A big part of that was due to Monson starting a new lineup and bringing normal starters Ware, T.J. Robinson and Stephan Gilling off the bench. Robinson finished with 11 points, while Gilling had four and a team-high four boards.

Long Beach outscored UC Irvine 34-28 in the second half, while outshooting the Anteaters 48.3 percent to 35.6 percent after the break.

The 49ers were sluggish in the first half as Monson played 11 players, all for at least five minutes. LBSU finished the half making just 6-of-18 shots (33.3 percent), while committing 11 turnovers. Long Beach State finished with 17 turnovers, one less than UCI.

UCI built its lead to as many as seven points early in the second half on a jumper by Eric Wise with 18:32 to play. Wise, who was averaging more than 23 points per game over the last five game, was held to just 2-of-8 shooting and 12 points in The Beach win.
LBSU stormed back from the seven-point deficit scoring the next six points and to put the pressure on the Anteaters. The 49ers eventually pushed the run to 11-4 to tie the game at 35 and then made it an 18-6 run to build a five-point lead, 42-37. Ware capped the run with a 3-pointer with 12:08 to play.

Long Beach State eventually built the lead to as many as seven, 47-40, on a dunk by Eugene Phelps off a lob from Ware in transition. The dunk came after Phelps blocked a shot at the other end to start the break.

UC Irvine wouldn't go away cutting the lead to one with 4:18 to play on a jumper by Hunter. The Anteaters eventually tied it 51-51 and 53-53 to set up Ware's game winner.

What are your thoughts?
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Blog by Randy Economy with Reports from CSU Long Beach Sports Information Office
Photos from Aaron M. Economy and Randy Economy

My Thoughts: The Legacy of Augustin Bobby Salcedo was Born this Week

 I wanted to share a couple of personal thoughts about the passing of community leader Augustin Bobby Salcedo. This past week, in covering his tragic murder, tens of thousands of people from all over the world have logged onto this blog to read about the news and life of this one man.

Like you, I have been truly touched by the passing of Mr. Salcedo. My heart goes out to his Family and the entire El Monte community today.

The brutal crime against Bobby has been felt all over the Globe. People in India, Russian, Japan, China, Iceland, Austria, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa have sent me notes about the passing of Mr. Salcedo.

This is the biggest reaction I have EVER had in the 5 years of publishing my Blog.

We lost Bobby Salcedo because of the bloody war on drugs.

I strongly agree with Los Angeles Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony who said this week (at Bobby's funeral), that "ALL of US need to start talking and taking action on the drug war, right here in our community.”

Now IS the time for the Catholic Church and for EVERY Church to start getting ACTIVELY involved in the fighting this "drug" war that has destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives...right here in our community. Not in 6 months....but today. Every single Church needs to start a program to educate and to help those who lives are being affected by drugs and alcohol. Now IS the TIME for action.

We don't need more victims like Bobby Salcedo.

Let’s remember his life as a "sign" of hope. He inspired the young and the young at heart.  Bobby was an Educator whose life lessons will be taught for generations to come. The Legacy of Augustin Bobby Salcedo was born this week, and for that we are all truly blessed.

Randy Economy

Your thoughts? Hit my comment section below or send me a note to RREconomy@aol.com

Salcedo Family opens up to CNN over the loss of Bobby, a touching tribute from Reporter Thelma Gutierrez

I wanted to applaud CNN's Thelma Gutierrez for this touching story on the family of slain El Monte School Board Member Bobby Salcedo.

Bobby's brothers Carlos and Juan and his wife Betzy share the horrors of this past week in this clip. 

I wanted to share it with you tonight. 

It is a great piece of journalism and everyone needs to watch this, and please share it on you FB pages, and Twitter site, etc.

Randy Economy

UPDATE on Violent Cerritos Car Crash: Victim killed was Santos Romero Marquez 38, of Whittier

UPDATE ON 3:47 p.m.
Friday, January 8, 2010

CERRITOS:

We now know the name of the individual who died at the awful accident that occured here on the Eastside of Cerritos early Tuesday morning, Jan. 5th.

Firefighters responded to a two-car accident where one person was killed and another was taken to a hospital at 7:30 a.m.

The victim killed is Santos Romero Marquez, 38 of nearby Whittier. The other's name has not be released.

Los Angeles County Firefighters responded to the scene at Carmenita Road and 183rd Street.

The front end of one of the vehicles appeared to be completely disintegrated. One person was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange.  See today's front page of the Los Cerritos Community News for a photo of the accident.

Marquez was pronounced dead at the scene.  Firefighters had to use their equipment to remove him from the wreckage.

Tell me what you think?
Did you know about this horrific tragic crash?
Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

FIGHT ON! Former San Gabriel Valley Assemblyman charged with assault with a deadly weapon after allegedy running over parking lot attendant at USC Football game.

POLITICAL BAD BOY OF THE WEEK:  WALTER KARABIAN!

LOS ANGELES – Former state legislator Walter Karabian was charged today with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly hitting a female parking attendant during a USC football game in December.


The 71-year-old Karabian is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 22 at the East Los Angeles Superior Court, Department K.

On Dec. 5, Karabian allegedly tried to drive his car into a parking structure at Exposition Park but was stopped by an attendant who told him he did not have the proper permit. After being refused entry, he allegedly drove his car forward, striking the parking attendant several times. The woman was not seriously injured.

USC lost that crucial game to Arizona 21-17 that ended the Trojans hopes for a Rose Bowl bid.  I wonder if this is a case of "Trojan Road Rage?"

The District Attorney’s office declined last month to file felony charges and referred the case to the City Attorney’s office. Due to a conflict, the City Attorney’s office referred the case back for misdemeanor filing.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in county jail.

Winter 2010: The Tale of Two Cities from the ice in St. Louis to sunshine in Cerritos, CA

I love SUNNY Southern California. 

We have the best weather in the WORLD, and today proves my point.

Here in the All-American City of Cerritos, CA on January 7, 2010 at 5 p.m. (left)  we had sunny warm perfect skies and perfect at  75 degrees.

Then there are those poor folks in St. Louis, Missouri (above right) who had freezing rain and a high temp of around 10 degrees on this day...and the ice was seen as far as the eye can see. They are having one of the worst winters in generations. So, pack up your bags, and head to our part of the world.  Sun wins over ice, any day of the week.

Tell me what you think?
Send me pics from your part of the world to
RREconomy@aol.com

Randy Economy

Remembering Bobby Salcedo: Slain El Monte school official laid to rest today in emotional service. Cardinal Roger Mahony calls to make the community "drug free"

The casket of Bobby Salcedo leaves to Nativity Church after Funeral services today.  Seen is Bishop Alexander Salazar (far left) and Pall Barriers. Photos from AP

El Monte:

By: Randy Economy

They came from all over California today to say good bye to a champion for the children.

Family and close friends gathered in El Monte this morning for an emotional Mass and funeral for Agustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo.

The educator who was a vice prinicpal, a teacher and El Monte School Board Member was  abducted and killed in Mexico just before New Year's.

Every seat at the Nativity Catholic Church in El Monte was filled today, and several hundred more where standing outside the outside of the historic church.

Cardinal Roger Mahony urged the city's elected leaders to make the city drug free as a tribute to the slain educator.  Mahony told those gathered that  "The United States' insatiable desire for illegal drugs has fueled a violent conflict in Mexico." He urged elected leaders that the city and the San Gabriel Valley could honor Salcedo by working to eliminate illegal drug abuse in the community.

"The cost of drugs isn't what you pay for them, it is the lives, like Bobby's, that are lost," El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero said, paraphrasing the message. "As a country we need to do more to reduce consumption."

A Facebook Page has been started in Memory of Mr. Salcedo.  It is listed under "Bobby Salcedo Memorial Foundation:"  Orgainizers of the FB page stated today: "Thank you for your support. He's watching over us, he will be in our hearts. Always."

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

Get ready for a GIANT BSC Championship Hang Over in PASADENA: "Classic" College Football Match-Up will Roll a Crimson Tide or The Horns will be Hooked

PLAY THE GAME!
By Randy Economy:
The hype is just about over in Pasadena, and its time to ball "THE GAME" that has all of the college football world in a frenzy.

The 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game will mark the culmination of yet another thrilling college football season by featuring what should be a "classic match-up" between the No. 2 BCS-ranked Texas Longhorns versus the No. 1 BCS-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

Both teams are 13-0 and after all the hits and jumps and catches are finished at the famed Rose Bowl tonight, one giant hang over will be felt for days to come over the Arroyo Secco.  This game will also feature the two best college players in America in Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram of Alabama (left), and the wonderkin' Colt Mc Coy from the University of Texas (below).

The BCS was implemented beginning with the 1998 season to determine the national champion for college football while maintaining and enhancing the bowl system that's nearly 100 years old. 

I much perfer a "playoff system" but this game will match the BEST of the BEST from this 2009-2010 NCAA Football campaign.

So break out the crimson and orange. 

Head over to Colorado Boulevard and get ready to watch and party with some of the most dedicated and frankly bizarre college football fans on this planet.  Why do folks walk around with horns on their heads? 

Makes you wonder?

Roll Tide. 

Hook-Em Horns!

Tell me what you think?

Who is going to win?

Texas or Bama?

Drop me a note to

RREconomy@aol.com

Randy Economy

Funeral for El Monte School official Bobby Salcedo will be officiated by Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony and include broadcast via Internet -- Thursday at 10 a.m. at Nativity Church

El Monte, CA

The family of slain El Monte School Board Member Augustin Bobby Salcedo have announced the details of a Rosary, Funeral and Reception that will be held in his memory, and it also includes a live broadcast via the world wide web.

Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony will officiate the funeral Mass.

This following information was posted on the El Monte Unified High School District web site at http://www.emuhsd.k12.ca.us/ by Superintendent Nick Salerno.

The Rosary will be conducted tonight (Wednesday), 1/6/10 at 7:00 p.m. at Nativity Church on Tyler Avenue just north of Valley Blvd. and railroad tracks.  The address of the Church is 3743 Tyler Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731-2099,  (626) 444-2511.

Mass and Funeral will be held on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity Church and then burial will occur at the famed Resurrection Cemetery. 

A Reception will follow at  1:30-5:00 p.m. at Grace Black Auditorium on Tyler Avenue, located next to El Monte High School.

SEEN: Students Aldo Vazquez (left), 17, and Juan Guerero, 10, pause next to a photo of late Bobby Salcedo during a vigil at Mountain View High School in El Monte, Calif., on Monday.
Photo from the Associated Press

The memorial for Bobby Salcedo can also be viewed online at http://www.memorialwebcasts.com/ by clicking on the schedule in the top navigation bar under the name "Bobby Salcedo."

Here is more on the life of Mr. Salcedo:

Bobby Salcedo served the District as Assistant Principal for Instruction at El Monte High School, an assignment he assumed this past September. After graduating from Mountain View High School in 1994, Bobby continued his education at California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a specialization in the history of the United States and Latin America. While earning his degree, Bobby worked as a program assistant in the Cal-SOAP program at Mountain View High School promoting the value of higher education and assisting students with college forms and financial aid documents. In 1998, Bobby began his teaching career in the Social Science Department at South El Monte High School. He was highly regarded as an excellent role model and an enthusiastic teacher. In 2004 Bobby earned his Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Administration at California State University, San Bernardino. That year he also was promoted to Assistant Principal of Activities at South El Monte High School, a position he would hold for two years before moving to his alma mater, Mountain View High School, as Assistant Principal for Instruction. In addition to his commitment to the El Monte Union High School District, Bobby was extremely active in the community. He had just been re-elected to the Board of Trustees of the El Monte City School District for his second term. Bobby was currently working on his doctorate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. 

FBI to provide assistance to Mexican Law Enforcement over Salcedo Murder Investigation

Update on Salcedo Murder Investigation:

The FBI is providing assistance to Mexican law enforcement in the investigation of the murder of El Monte educator Agustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo, who was killed last week while visiting family in Mexico on New Years Eve.


"We will be assisting them with whatever investigation needs to take place in this country," said Laura Eimiller, a spokeswoman in the FBI's Los Angeles office.

Salcedo, 33, was found shot to death along with five other men last week in Gomez Palacio, Mexico.  With the FBI's involvement in this matter, look for the investigation to ramp up quickly.  Stay tuned.

Remembering Bobby Salcedo: California State Senators Gloria Romero and Gil Cedillo praise the life of amazing man, father, community leader

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Tributes continue to come in from all over California and the US in honor of slain  El Monte School Board Member Augustin "Bobby" Salcedo.

Senator Gloria Romero (D – East Los Angeles), Chair of the Senate Education Committee, led the California State Senate in honoring the memory of Bobby Salcedo this week. Salcedo, a native of El Monte, was an assistant principal and served on the El Monte City School District board. He was killed last week while on vacation in Mexico after gunmen stormed a restaurant where he was dining with his wife and friends.

“Bobby Salcedo was an incredible educator and community leader. His bright light was darkened far too soon and I hope that his killers will soon be brought to justice,” said Romero. 

State Senator Gil Cedillo also paid tribute to Bobby Salcedo on the floor of the State Senate this week. He called him a political star on the rise who could have gone "all the way to the top."

Randy Economy

Fallen Angel: Popular sports broadcaster Rory Marcus dies from heart attack at age 53

I was saddened to learn today that popular Los Angeles Angels and USC basketball announcer Rory Markas has passed away from an apparent  heart attack he suffered this morning.

Markas was just 56 years old.

Markas was found dead at his home early this morning in Palmdale, California.

Late last year he was hospitalized for a blood clot in his brain. It is not known if that contributed to his death.

He had recently been named the full-time #1 TV announcer for the Angels after spending 11 years doing radio and TV for the club. He had also been the radio voice of USC basketball since 2000.  Markas was previously a local TV sports news anchor and announced L.A. Clippers games.

This has been a sad year for the Angels. 

Popular pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident in Fullerton at the start of the 2009 baseball campaign.  I will miss Rory on television and on the radio covering the Angels!  RIP

Randy Economy

Rep. Judy Chu on Murder of Bobby Salcedo: "A terrible reminder of the drug war that is raging just south of our border."

EL MONTE – Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) issued the following statement today on the death of El Monte City School District Vice President Agustin "Bobby" Salcedo, who was abducted and murdered along with five other men last Wednesday night while visiting with family members in the city of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico:

"Our community has lost a rising star and a tremendous leader with the death of Bobby Salcedo. My heart goes out to Bobby's brother, Carlos, his wife Betzy and their entire family, as well as to his fellow school district colleagues and the faculty and students at El Monte High School where Bobby was an assistant principal, as they cope with the shock and sadness of this terrible loss.

"I urge the authorities in Durango, Mexico to direct all necessary resources toward solving this senseless killing and to bringing the murderers to justice. The Salcedo family, and indeed the entire El Monte and South El Monte community, deserve answers, and we will work hard to ensure that they get those answers and the justice they deserve.

"I have directed my staff in the district and in Washington to make sure the Salcedo family receives the assistance they require at this difficult time, and to work with our contacts in the Department of State and U.S. consulate authorities in Mexico to make sure there is appropriate coordination with Mexican law enforcement as the investigation develops.

"This incident is a terrible reminder of the drug war that is raging just south of our border, and most importantly, it shows that this conflict does not respect borders. We are all affected by the violence in Mexico, and that is why our federal government must do everything in its power to assist the Mexican authorities in their struggle against these ruthless drug gangs, including staunching the flow of weapons from the United States to Mexico and reducing demand for the drugs in our country.

"I vow to work with my Congressional colleagues to address this crucial issue, and to ensure that our citizens can once again travel to Mexico without fearing for their lives or the lives of their loved ones."

Tell me what you think?
Do we need a Travel Ban to Mexico untill the violence is curtailed? 
Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

Cal Poly RUNS away with 2010 Rose Parade Viewers Choice Award. Yikes, Cerritos finished in 32nd Place.

Here is the AMAZING CAL POLY ROSE PARADE FLOAT BEING TRANSPORTED TO PASADENA.  A GREAT INSIDE LOOK OF WHAT IT TAKES TO PULL THIS OFF!

I wanted to give a huge "HIGH 5" to the amazing students over at Cal POLY POMONA and SAN LUIS OBISPO for winning the 2010 Pasadena Tournament of Rose Parade "Viewer's Choice Award."  I loved that float, but my vote went to our hometown float from the City of Cerritos.  This is the second win in a row for Cal Poly's popular float that is constructed at the two different campuses throughout the year.

Thanks to KTLA here in Los Angeles for this wonderful on-line contest, and of course to the TofR for an incredible day of fun.

Here are the Results for the 2010 Rose Parade Viewer's Choice Awards:

Cal Poly Universities 20,788 votes

RFD-TV 20,387 votes

Boy Scouts of America 3,427 votes 

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. 1,423

West Covina Rose Float Foundation 699

Lions Clubs International 663
La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses 429
Donate Life 400
City of South Pasadena 206
Kaiser Permanente 197
Burbank Tournament of Roses Association 190
Jack in the Box 130
Rain Bird Corporation 121
American Honda 117

Downey Rose Float Association 105
City of Los Angeles 104
City of Anaheim 104
Lutheran Laymen's League 83
Mexico 82
Anheuser-Busch 82
Bayer Advanced 71
New Mexico USA 67
Rotary International 62
City of Glendale 61
Sierra Madre Rose Float Association 59
Kiwanis International 55
Phoenix Satellite Television 51
Farmers' Insurance 50
Trader Joe's 48
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs 45
China Airlines 42

City of Cerritos 41 votes
City of Torrance 39
Shanghai World Expo / Roundtable of Southern Calif. 39
Ronald McDonald House Charities 29
Macy's / Queen's Float 11
Subway Restaurants 10
City of Duarte / City of Hope 10
City of Alhambra 8

Total Votes Cast: 50,535

Tell me what you think?
Who was your favorite Float?
Drop me a note to
RREconomy@aol.com
RrE

LONG BEACH SCHOOL CAMPAIGN TRAIL: NOMINATION PERIOD CONTINUES FOR UNIFIED AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SEATS TILL JAN. 15th. Where are the rest of the hopefuls?

Hey, where are all of those candidates who are suppose to be running for school board and college trustee slots over in Long Beach?

Filing for the upcoming April 13th Long Beach school and college board elections has been underway for the past two weeks, and so far interest in the campaign seems to lackluster at best.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean Logan announced that persons intending to run for office in the April 13, 2010 Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education Election and Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees Election have till Friday, January 15th at 5 p.m. to file the required documents.

The Long Beach Unified School District Election is being held to electing three members to the Board of Education, Districts 1, 3 and 5 and three members to the Long Beach City College Board of Trustees, Areas 1, 3 and 5.  So far, only 9 candidates have declared interest in running in these 6 offices.

The candidates and office they are seeking are:

LB Community College Board Area 1:

Timothy W. Tucker an Educator from Long Beach

LB Community College Board Area 3:

Mark J. Bowen, Incumbent Board Member/Teacher 

Dave Hall, a Community College Instructor

LB Community College Board Area 5:

Tom Clark, Incumbent

LB Unified School Board of Education District 1
Jeffrey Price of Long Beach, seen left,  (web site is: www.jeffprice4schoolboard.com)
Mary Stanton, Incumbent

LB Unified School Board of Education District 3
John Mc Ginnis, Incumbent (seen left- web site is: http://www.mcginnisforschoolboard.com/)

LB Unified School Board of Education, District 5
David A. Barton, Teacher/Incumbent (seen below, web site is www.barton4board.com)
Demirea R. Perry, resident of Lakewood

The Unified School District and Community College District elections will be held in consolidation with the primary nominating election held in the City of Long Beach. 

I will update those candidates running for Long Beach School Board in a couple of days.

Call Dean Logan's "Team Democracy" over in Norwalk Reg of Voters at (562) 462-2317 or go online to http://www.lavote.net/ and click on Voter & Election Information for more details.


Tell me what you think?
Who are your picks for school and college board in Long Beach?
Drop me a note to  RREconomy@aol.com or hit the comment section by clicking on the headline of this Blog entry and put your comments live.

Memorial Vigil For Bobby Salcido is covered around the globe for beloved El Monte educator; Thousands attend emotional tribute

REMEMBERING BOBBY

(El Monte, CA) Tonight a Memorial Vigil was held in the memory of El Monte educator Augustin "Bobby" Salcedo at Mt. View High School, and the images of the service are being seen all around the world.


Hundreds of friends, family, and community leaders attended the event that was held at the campuses football stadium where Salcedo graduated from High School in 1993 and where he served as ASB President. This above clip is a touching tribute from GILBERT NAVARRETE from You Tube.


(Congratulations to Eyewitness News and Reporter Robert Houlgin (above) for this coverage and to Brandon Rudat from KTLA News (middle) and from Fox News LA (bottom).

Salcedo, 33 was found shot to death along with five other men four days ago in the Mexican state of Durango.  He and his wife, Betzy Salcedo, 26, had been dining with friends at a restaurant when gunmen abducted him and the others.

Salcedo's body was expected to return to Southern California around Midnight,  according to local officials.

Along with being a school district board member, Salcedo was an assistant principal at El Monte High School. Grief counselors were at the school Monday morning to help students.  He had a long service of history in his beloved El Monte, a storybook success story to many. He was a boy scout, a student leader at Mountain View High School, a beloved teacher, a mentor, a fomer member of California Boys State, and an administrator and volunteer who helped the needy and less fortunate both here and in Sister Cities in the Durango area. Many think Salcedo could have easily been elected to higher office in the future.

Also, the killing was probably a "drug cartel hit," according to a spokesman for Mexican prosecutors on Monday night, according to the Associated Press in Mexico. A Durango state attorney general's office spokesman said officials suspect drug gangs are involved in the killing of Augustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

"The killings bore the hallmarks of a cartel hit," but the spokesman said investigators haven't established whether the victims, six friends who were sharing a table near a pool table, had any organized crime links.

More to follow.
Randy Economy

If you have pics from tonights Vigil, please feel free to share them here by emailing them to mailto:RREconomy@aol.com

Also, is it time to "rethink" our relationship with Mexico?

Should we ban travel to Mexico untill this violence is addressed my Mexican officials?

Are you planning a trip to Mexico?  Are you worried?

Hit my comment section (hit the headline of this Blog entry to activate "comment" section) and tell me your thoughts.

RrE

Remembering Bobby Salcedo: Public Vigil scheduled for Monday night at 6 p.m. at Mountain View High School

(El Monte, CA)

11:13 p.m. PST
Sunday, January 3rd
Updated/Correction

Slain El Monte School Board Member/Educator  Augustin "Bobby" Salcedo will be honored with a public vigil on Monday night.

The vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Monday in the football stadium of Bobby Salcedo's Alma Mater, Mountain View High School, 2900 Parkway Drive, El Monte according to his brother Carlos Salcedo in an interview with the  Pasadena Star News late Sunday night.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make donations to a memorial fund that is being set up in Bobby Salcedo's name.  Details of the memorial fund were expected to be available Monday, and donations will be accepted at the vigil.

RIP

Randy Economy