Whittier Daily News

Frank Girardot: Un's Global Warming Conference Seems Like a Lot of Jive Talking

I was standing in line Monday to get a roast beef sandwich at Quiznos on Arrow Highway when suddenly a Bee Gees song from the days of my misspent youth began to play. I tapped my foot and sang the lyrics in my head.

Vasquez Appointed Superintendent at Los Nietos School District

WEST WHITTIER - Jonathan Vasquez, who had been tapped to serve as interim superintendent of the Los Nietos School District through the spring, has been appointed its newest superintendent by the five- member governing board. "I'm honored to be the superintendent of the oldest school district in California," said Vasquez, who started out as a district psychologist at Los Nietos nearly two decades ago before working his way up to principal and special education/pupil services director.

Days of Peace and Joy Await Us All

I love that I'm not buying Zhu Zhu Pets this year, or any other "it" toy and gadget, not lining up at 3 a.m. to buy a $5 toaster or ordering the latest "must-have" online. Who has the right to tell me what I M-u-s-t H-a-v-e but me?

Homeless West Covina Woman Finds a Guardian Angel

WEST COVINA - Kathy Verlinden found a guardian angel on Tuesday. She found Hector Delgadillo.

Immigration Overhaul Would Allow Legalization of Undocumented Immigrants

A large group of Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow millions of undocumented immigrants to stay in the country legally if they pay a fine, learn English and meet other requirements. Photo Gallery: Demanding Immigration Reform

Santa's Helpers Bring Holiday Cheer to Santa Fe Springs

SANTA FE SPRINGS - Santa's workshop was moved from the North Pole and relocated Tuesday to the Santa Fe Springs Neighborhood Center. About 350 families attended the annual holiday gift basket giveaway, now known as "The Neighborly Elf Christmas Basket" program.

Soggy Walk Was for the Birds

Soggy walk was for the birds SOUTH EL MONTE - Nine birders and 10 birds showed up for the 21st annual Bill Bell Bird Walk at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center on a rainy Saturday morning.

Stretch of 60 Freeway Named for Santa Fe Springs Chp Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

INDUSTRY - It was dark and rainy the morning CHP Officer Joseph Paul Sanders was struck and killed on the 60Freeway one year ago, but the sun was shining brightly Tuesday. Photo Gallery: CHP Officer Sanders Memorial Highway

Montebello Recall Race Heats Up with Seven Candidates Hoping to Replace Two Current Council Members

MONTEBELLO - Seven candidates will make bids for two seats on the City Council possibly up for grabs Feb. 23 in a recall election, officials said Tuesday. The effort to recall Kathy Salazar and Robert Urteaga was organized by independent trash haulers after the council awarded a 15-year exclusive trash contract to Athens Services in July 2008.

New Santa Fe Springs Councilwoman Shatters Stereotypes

SANTA FE SPRINGS - Juanita Trujillo, in her new role as Santa Fe Springs councilwoman, wants to break down barriers. "My victory in November shows you shouldn't let age, gender or anything else stop you from going forward," she said days after being sworn in as her family and friends looked on.

Pico Rivera Mayor Calls for City Manager's Annual Evaluation

PICO RIVERA - Mayor Gregory Salcido has called for an annual evaluation of Chuck Fuentes on Friday. The 3 p.m. meeting is a standard employee review, but the subject of discussion is a hot-button issue - the controversial city manager.

Norwalk-La Mirada Board Elects Valencia President

Ana Valencia was elected president Tuesday of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education. This is Valencia's first selection as president. She was also sworn into a third four-year term on the board.

City of Pico Rivera Begins Registration for Winter Recreation

The city of Pico Rivera is taking registrations for the upcoming winter recreation season now through Friday. Those who register will receive a 10-percent discount.

Officials Unveil First Rose Parade Float Sponsored by Mexican Government in Over 40 Years

In honor of the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence and 100 years since the country's revolution, the Mexican government is sponsoring its first Rose Parade float in over 40 years. "With this float we're going to tell 40 million people watching on TV that it's Mexico's birthday," said Juan Marcos Gutierrez- Gonzalez, the Mexican consul general in Los Angeles. "There's no better way to do it."