A View from the Heights

Good morning, Hacienda La Puente Unified.

Looks like a busy day in the district. Valinda kicked it off with a student of the month breakfast at 7:30 a.m. No word on who the lucky student was. Anyone want to comment?

Palm held its annual Title 1 in the cafeteria from 8:15-9:00 a.m. Shadybend held an awards assembly for its primary grades at 1 p.m. Does anyone know who won the awards.

A back to school night will be held at Los Robles from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Visit your local school to meet your children's teachers.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This just in. A Chinese delegation of Distinguished Teachers from Nanjing, China, will visit Blandford Elementary in Rowland Heights on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The group had been invited by California State University, Fullerton.

Rowland administrators said the local elementary school was chosen for its exemplary programs and outstanding student achievement. Blandford Elementary is a 2007 Blue Ribbon School Nominee.

The 29 teachers from elementary and secondary schools in China will meet with teachers and the school team to learn more about the school’s success and the topic of No Child Left Behind.

The delegation will also receive a three-week training in educational leadership from Cal State Fullerton.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Welll it's back to school, again, for Los Altos High School in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
Only this time parents are invited along to meet their teen's teachers, as well as the high school administration.

The big event begins at 7 p.m. Come out and see what this great high school offers.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Rowland Unified administration building will be a busy place tonight. A special board meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Perhaps Gina Ward will give us a preview of the big items on the agenda.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., an Effective Parenting Class will be held in the administration building. Nothing like effective parenting when it comes to your child's academic performance.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Steinmetz Senior Center in Hacienda Heights will travel to the Welk Resort Theater in San Diego on Thursday, Sept. 27, to see “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

The bus will leave at 9:45 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. The cost is $51 and includes transportation, show, buffet lunch, tax and gratuity.

Light walking is involved. The center is at 1545 S. Stimson Ave. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fall recreation classes begin this week in the Rowland Adult and Community Education Department. Many fun classes are being offered for children ages 4-14.

Kids can learn to play the piano, drums, guitar and violin. Sports classes include basketball, soccer, tennis, karate, wrestling, swim club and water polo. Dance classes range from ballet and hip hop to Mexican dance, jazz and tap.

For more information, call (626) 622-6295, Ext. 1569 or visit their office at 2100 Lerona Ave., Rowland Heights.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fall recreation classes begin this week in the Rowland Adult and Community Education Department. Many fun classes are being offered for children ages 4-14.

Kids can learn to play the piano, drums, guitar and violin. Sports classes include basketball, soccer, tennis, karate, wrestling, swim club and water polo. Dance classes range from ballet and hip hop to Mexican dance, jazz and tap.

For more information, call (626) 622-6295, Ext. 1569 or visit their office at 2100 Lerona Ave., Rowland Heights.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, it's time to go back to school again in the Rowland Unified School District. Only this time students are encouraged to take their parents along with them.

Blandford will hold its back to school night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Parents can check out all the great programs at Nogales High School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It'll be a real busy night in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. Many schools are hosting their back to school events to introduce their faculty and programs to students and their parents.

Sparks and Valinda kick off the evening at 5 p.m. Palm will hold a barbecue at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Workman Elementary's event also begins at 5:30 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Baldwin and California schools welcome the public to their campuses.
Cedarlane's event begins at 6:30 p.m., as does Grandview Middle School's.

Los Altos High School will hold a Senior Parent Meeting in the Hacienda Room and back to school night in the gym at 7 p.m.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning will guide Hacienda Heights residents through the process of updating the community plan tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Steinmetz Senior Center, 1545 Stimson Ave.

The plan will discuss community needs, as well as land-use proposals to meet those needs. It will set a new guideline for land-use priorities, which were last revised in the late 1970s. They need YOUR input!

Residents are also invited to two more meetings on Oct. 17 and Nov. 28. For more information, call (213) 974-6425 or visit http://planning.lacounty.gov/hacienda.htm.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's another big back to school night in Rowland Heights. Check out your local school in this annual event.

Rincon is celebrating in a big way, with a dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the event at 7 pm.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., parents can meet their kid's new teachers and tour the school at Alvarado and Hurley.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Giano and Oswalt, grades K-3, will be welcoming families to their schools.

So don't be shy, come out and meet the staff and administrators who will be teaching our kids this year.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow! The new fitness center at Orange Grove Middle School in Hacienda Heights is amazing. We attended the grand opening Tuesday and couldn't believe the wonderful new facility the school has built.

Thanks to Superintendent Barbara Nakaoka for the invitation, and to Principal Alejandro Rojas for such a warm welcome. A big Hi goes out to the physical education teachers Scott Duncan, Andrew Manuel and Nan Fowler for graciously explaining all the high-tech equipment.

The spanking new equipment is specially made for middle school students. I especially liked the stationary bikes that were hooked up to a game computer and showed you pedaling through different race courses on a flatscreen TV.

Another big screen was attached to a dance game, which had all the students moving to the music. I'll have to practice up and challenge Rojas and his staff to a contest.

See my story in an upcoming edition. The center really makes working out a lot of fun.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Get your tuba out! The Rowland Honor Orchestra will hold its first rehearsal tonight from 5:25 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Rincon Intermediate School.

Rehearsals will take place every Tuesday evening under the capable direction of our own esteemed Sophia Hua. She held auditions for students earlier this month, but we haven't heard about the results.

Sure hope she has enough cello players!

Posted by Richard Irwin at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Wow! Rowland Unifiied is holding a number of back-to-school nights tonight. Come on out, and meet the teachers and administrators who do such a fine job teaching our students.

Ybarra's event will be held at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., parents can visit Farjardo, Hollingworth, and La Seda.

Come on out to Killian, Oswalt, grades 4-6, and Yorbita schools from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Shelyn's back-to-school night will be a little later from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Time to meet the instructors who will teach your children over the coming year. Be sure to say Hi to the principal for extra points.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hacienda Heights Library will hold a Mexican fiesta 7 p.m. tonight, featuring a performance by Alina Mendez.

The free show will include dancing, storytelling, a showcase of costumes and information about the Mexican culture. Everyone is welcome to attend, although adult supervision is required for children.

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call (626) 968-9356.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rowland High School won its first game on its newly renovated football field. The Raiders won 32-26 in a close game with Montebello.

Montebello took advantage of two early turnovers to lead 14-0, before Rowland roared back in the second quarter with 19 points. Rowland's Raymond Quintanar had quite a game, opening the second half with a 90-yard kickoff return to give the Raiders a 25-20 lead. He also intercepted a key pass with 1:21 left to seal the victory.

Nogales fell to visiting Ontario, 44-12. The Nobles saw three costly turnovers in the first half, giving Ontario touchdowns. Nogale's Carlos Peoples rushed for 76 yards in 10 carries, including a touchdown in the losing cause.

Nogales also scored on a 29-yard pass from Aaron Rubio to Chris Casada.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congratulations to the Wilson High School football team, who creamed Glenn High School 41-7 on Friday. The Wildcats exploded in the second quarter, scoring 28 points. Ouch!

Kudos to the Wildcat's Tim Gilmore, who scored two touchdowns for an impressive performance of 14 carries for 204 yards. Gilmore also caught a scoring pass for 61 yards.

Los Altos also scored big in their 39-7 win over Long Beach Wilson. Coach Greg Gano had been concerned about Wilson's talented receivers, but after the Bruin's scored after an early fumble, the Conquerors rallied and never looked back.

Bryce Mahmud-McBride ran 50 yards to tie the score. He scored again in the second quarter with a 20-yard run. He got his third touchdown of the half on a 50-yard scramble. Mahmud-McBride finished with 289 yards. Wow!

Posted by Richard Irwin at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Band members at Nogales High School will hold a March A Thon Fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to raise money so the award-winning band can attend Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

The grand band invites the public to come out and support the local high school. People who donate on the spot will enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch. They promise it will be delicious.

Don't know if the band will be marching enmasse or in uniform on Saturday, but wouldn't it be great to see our band marching on national television this turkey day.

Anyone have some photos to share?

Posted by Richard Irwin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Been there, done that, and I got the scars to prove it.

Local teens can meet new friends through a challenging game of Twister at the Hacienda Heights Library at 3 p.m. today. Nothing like a game of Twister to break the ice. Your turn to spin.

This activity is for teens ages 11 to 18. Light refreshments will be provided.

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call Karen Noyes at (626) 968-9356.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

They went to the county fair! The birds and bees were there. The big baboon by the light of the moon was combing is auburn hair.

Alright, so you can't sing on blogs, but seniors from Steinmetz Senior Center in Hacienda Heights are going to the Los Angeles County Fair tonight.

Hope they all have a wonderful time! There's so much to see and do. I vote for deep-fried everything! Let us know what you thought of our annual extravaganza featuring animals, fast horses and amazing bands.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congratulations to everyone recognized at yesterday's event held by the Friends of Rowland Unified Schools. The foundation honored donors to its endowment fund, as well as the sponsors of casino night.

In addition, the FOR US Foundation welcomed the 22 teachers who received grants this year.
Perhaps, Gina Ward could comment on all the people honored for their good work for the district.

An effective parenting class was also held in the district office last night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. making it a very busy place.

Northam and Jellick schools also held their back to school nights on Tuesday.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Visited the wonderful new computer lab at Sparks Middle School yesterday. It's an amazing new facility with lots of laptops for the children to learn how. And the electronic blackboards in every classroom are amazing.

No wonder the students and staff are so proud of their state of the art computer lab. If you remember Sparks was the same school where vandals destroyed their old computer lab a year and a half ago.

But good neighbor Lowe's Home Improvement saw the television report and decided to give the school $100,000 for a new lab. It even paid for the renovation of an old classroom.

Thanks to Principal Sherri Franson, Vice Principal Alma Noche and teacher Collin Miller for a grand tour. See my story on the Highlanders Web site and next week's publication.

http://www.sgvtribune.com/highlanders/haciendaheights

Workman High School will hold a back to school night on the local campus from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight.

Los Robles Academy to hold its back to school night from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thanks to Lowe's Home Improvements for providing the funds needed to equip the new computer lab at Spark's Middle School. Lowe's officials came out Friday to cut the ribbon for the new center.

In additon to new computers, Principal Sherri Franson said Lowe's gave them money to renovate the room that houses the computer center. Now that's an extreme makeover!

We've visiting with the students and staff this morning and we'll have a report later in the week on our Hacienda Heights Web site at SGVN.com.
http://www.sgvtribune.com/highlanders/haciendaheights

Posted by Richard Irwin at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's hard to believe that it has been six years since the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, but time always seems to get away from us. Those terrifying times are fading in my memories even though I almost became a victim of the attack.

I was returning from vacation through Boston when a cancelled flight forced me to change my flight. American Airlines said I wouldn't make my connection to Los Angeles late Sept. 10, but they could get me out in the morning.

I literally ran through the airport and caught the LA flight just before the door closed. Otherwise I would have been on Flight 11 that hit the World Trade Center. I couldn't believe when I saw it strike the Twin Towers on television.

United Flight 93 was hijacked and crased only a few miles from my brother's home outside Pittsburgh. When I visited him a month later, we went to the crash site, where they were still sifting through the wreckage.

Let's pray that we never have to experience another day like that.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will hold several patriotic assemblies on the anniversary of 9/11.

California Elementary will hold a Patriotic Assembly on the West Campus at 8:20 a.m. Glenelder School will have a National Spirit Assembly Flag Ceremony in front of the school at 8 a.m.

A patriotic assembly will be held around the flag pole at Palm Elementary from 8-8:30 a.m. Shadybend Elementary will host a 9/11 Remembrance in front of its flag pole at 8:20 a.m.

Kudos to the principals and staff of these schools for remembering a pivotal event in our nation's history. Feel free to share any comments from the kids or staff.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grandparents welcome! Kwis Elementary School in Hacienda Heights celebrated Grandparent’s Day this morning by serving the grandpas and grandmas a grand breakfast.

The students also performed for the proud grandparents. Perhaps Principal Leslie Miller can drop us a line to tell us how everything went.

We hope everyone had a grand time! Did anyone take any photos they'd like to share with us?

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nogales pulled out a squeaker on Friday night. Junior Luis Ortega kicked a 26-yard field goal as time expired to give the Nobles a 13-10 win over Garey in the season opener for both teams.

The Nobles jumped on top late in the first quarter on a seven yard run by Carlos Peoples. Peoples’ run capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive as the Nobles front line dominated the line of scrimmage.

California High School beat Rowland 19-6. The Condors displayed a stingy defense in limiting the Raiders to 260 yards of total offense. They held the Raiders scoreless in the second half.

After a Condors interception, Eric Stern kicked a 42-yard field goal to put Cal High ahead 9-0 in the second quarter.
Rowland cut the lead to 9-6 when the Raiders put together an 80-yard scoring drive, capped by Brandon Stansell’s 8-yard run.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congratulations to our Hacienda Heights football teams on their opening games. Wilson High School enjoyed an offensive barrage Friday night, scoring a season-opening 40-21 nonleague victory over La Puente.

Wildcats running back Tim Gilmore rushed for 184 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns on runs of 1, 13 and 9 yards. Wilson’s passing attack was just as efficient.

Los Altos High School took advantage of special teams play and team speed in a season-opening 35-0 win over visiting Rosemead on Friday night.

The Conquerors scored on their third play from scrimmage, a 48-yard run by senior Bryce Mahmud-McBride, and used a stifling defense to shut out the Panthers.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Rowland Raiders will have their hands full in their first game of the season on Friday, according to our Prep Sports editor. They're taking on a talented California High School team.

Expectations are still high for the Raiders, who finished 8-3 last season. But they only have two starters returning from last year.

So this year's team has to mature pretty fast. If it does, Rowland may find itself in the playoffs. Catch the quarter scores on the link below.

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/preps/scoreboard/week1.asp

Posted by Richard Irwin at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Prep Sports editor says Wilson High School may be the sleeper team of the year. He notes they have as much experience returning as anyone and their receiving core is very strong.

The Wildcats should easily handle La Puente High School Friday at 7 p.m. In fact, he thinks Wilson should build a lot of momentum with a preleague schedule that should leave them 5-0 before league play. Go Wildcats!!!

The Los Altos football team is always tough. Their defense is big and talented, and Bryce Mahmud-McBride is expected to make a huge impact in the backfield. The sports editor thinks Friday's game with Rosemead will be a blow-out, even worse than last year's. Will the conquerors conquer all?

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/preps/scoreboard/week1.asp

Posted by Richard Irwin at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, it's what we've all been waiting for. Our very own version of Friday Nite Lights. Nogales High School kicks off the football season by playing at Garey High School tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Good luck to the Nobles. Our prep sports editors are picking the local high school over their Garey rivals. Let's hope their crystal ball is tuned to the right frequency.

As usual you can find the quarter scores as well as full game coverage at SGVN.com later tonight.

Does anyone have any predictions or news on our high school team?

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/preps/scoreboard/week1.asp

Posted by Richard Irwin at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Karen Noyes at the Hacienda Heights Library says patrons have gone crazy over the Rubik's Cube workshops being held at the local library.

Local teen and Rubik’s Cube enthusiast Brian Kim has been showing teens ages 11-18 how to solve this colorful brain teaser. But Noyes says other enthusiasts have also shown up, the youngest only 4-years-old, while an octagenarian also comes.

The free one-hour workshops will be held 5:30 p.m. every Monday from Sept. 10 to Sept. 24 in the Hacienda Heights Library. That's a new time from the popular workshops in August. So dig out your Rubik's Cube from that desk drawer and join in the fun! I'll be the one with the puzzled look on his face and mangled fingers.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

E-mail, Ebay, now E-books! Elementary students in Rowland Unified will soon be able to do their science homework by reading the textbook online! Now they won't have to drag those heavy textbooks around in their backpacks!

District spokesman Gina Ward says a consultant from Houghton Mifflin will visit each school to teach the staff how to use the technology resources that come with the new science curriculum. Awesome!

Teachers will then enroll themselves and their students to access the e-books. All of the textbooks and resources for parents, teachers and students will be available online.

I'm working on the story, but maybe Curriculum Special Fern Sheldon would like to add a comment.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seniors living in the Heights are off on another adventure. Good luck to them all!

The Steinmetz Senior Center will sponsor a trip to Morongo Casino in Cabazon on Thursday, Sept. 6. The cost is $12 to cover transportation.

The bus will leave at 8 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. Let's hope, the lucky seniors enjoy their short visit to the popular casino. Maybe they'll hit the big jackpot!

The center is at 1545 S. Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Be a good Scout! The Spanish Trails Council of Girl Scouts is forming new troops in the area.

Interested girls may sign up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Puente Hills Mall.

Girls from 5 to 17 years of age are invited to join the national organization. Adults are also needed to run the new groups. Don't worry, training is provided.

Scouting is a fun activity for children and teenagers. The well-known group offers a great program.

For more information, call Shauna Epting at (909) 354-9895 or email septing@gsspanishtrails.org.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I hope everyone had a pleasant holiday weekend, although the heat was unbearable. The temperature soared up to 85 inside my home. Unbelievable!

The only escape was in local malls and movie theaters. That and a trip to the beach kept the holiday manageable.

Did anyone hear of any outages or heat related incidents in the Heights? I hope no one suffered injuries from the blast furnace heat.

At least the weatherman promises relief as the kids go back to school and we all go back to work. I can't believe I'm looking forward to temperatures in the 90s.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)