Whittier Daily News

Golf Tournament Supports Skills

LA HABRA HEIGHTS - The SKILLS Foundation (Supporting Kids in Living and Learning Successfully) is seeking sponsors and golfers for its 19th Annual Golf Tournament on March 16 at the Hacienda Golf Course, 718 East Road. All proceeds will support SKILLS programs that enhance self- esteem, prevent drug and alcohol abuse, discourage gang involvement, teach tolerance, promote healthy choices, broaden experiences and provide safe recreational activities. Various scholarship levels are available and...

Police Release Sketch of Carjacking Suspect Who Punched Pregnant Driver

WHITTIER - Whittier police on Friday released a composite sketch of a man who hit a pregnant woman in the head and then punched her in the stomach during an attempted carjacking. Authorities said the man and a second suspect probably fled when they realized the victim was pregnant.

Bud Lyon Operated Christmas Tree Farms, Helped Fellow Farmers

While many families are taking down their Christmas trees and packing away ornaments, one family decorated a fresh one Friday in honor of the father they lost. That family is mourning the loss of Ira "Bud" Lyon, who died Jan. 6 of liver cancer. He was 72.

Whittier Resident Appointed to State Committee

WHITTIER - Celia Ayala, chief operating officer of Los Angeles Universal Preschool, has been appointed by the governor to serve on a committee aimed at helping improve and fund quality early education programs. The Whittier resident has accepted the unpaid position on the California Early Learning Quality Improvement System Advisory Committee, saying it's a "win-win" for LAUP and the state as it moves toward the goal of improving preschool.

Boys, Girls Club Stages Art Show

LA HABRA - The Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra will host an art exhibit from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Boys & Girls Club, 1211 Fahringer Way. The art was created by the members of the clubs. The pieces displayed were created by artists ranging from 5 to 13 years of age.

Assemblyman Seeks Nominations

NORWALK - Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk, is looking to honor and celebrate the work of deserving women who are making a difference in local communities and in their work industries. Recognition categories include community, education, government, and business. Nominees must live within the 56th Assembly District, which consists of Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, Artesia, Cerritos, Buena Park and Lakewood.

Fun Awards Night to Honor Youths

LA HABRA - The Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra will have its 2008 Awards Night Gala at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Youths will be recognized for their outstanding behavior, participation, and leadership throughout the months of 2008.

Volunteers Sought for Sheriff's Dept.

NORWALK - The L.A. County Sheriff's Department Norwalk Station is seeking senior volunteers to participate in many various activities throughout the day. Among these are volunteers on patrol, desk operations at the Norwalk Station and Whittier Substation, courthouse information desk, STAR Center museum and department assistance in the filing of records.

Nation's Jobless Rate Rises to 7.2 Percent

The nation lost a jaw-dropping 2.6 million jobs last year in the biggest decline since World War II, and prospects aren't expected to look up any time soon. Government figures released Friday show that the U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 7.2 percent in December, underscoring the grim toll the recession has taken on U.S. companies and workers.

2001 Sexual Assault Similar to Recent West Covina Case

WEST COVINA - The description of a 2001 sexual assault on a teenager near Nogales High School appears eerily similar to an attack that occurred this week, authorities said. West Covina police have reopened the case file in previous assault to see if there are any connections or clues about the suspect.

Schools Chief Blasts Proposed Cuts

SAN GABRIEL - At a visit to a school here Friday, California's public schools chief Jack O'Connell blasted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's recent proposal to cut the school year by five days to save more than $1 billion. Speaking at a news conference at McKinley Elementary School, O'Connell said a shortened school year would hurt students who need the most assistance by denying them access to after-school tutoring and other intervention programs.