Archive for August 28, 2013

This week’s homily

August 28, 2013 Faith

By the Rev. Thomas M. Boles, PhD. DMin. D.D.

A pompous city man, turned farmer, was showing a young
boy over his acreage. As they drove through field after field, the
man bragged incessantly about his accomplishments, how he had
started from scratch as a young man and worked his way up through the business world.

He told how he had earned far more money than had been necessary to purchase the land and how he had invested
thousands upon thousands of dollars to transform the formerly
worthless farm into the agricultural paradise they were surveying.

He told of the amazing yield of his crops, and the lushness of the
new spring planting. Finally, he pointed toward the stacked hay, the full granary, and the boxes of produce and declared, “And I grew it all by myself, son. Started with nothing, and now look at it!”

“From nothing?” echoed the duly impressed lad. “That’s right,”
said the man. “From nothing.”

“Wow,” the young boy said, pausing to reflect for a few seconds.
“My dad farms, but he needs seed to grow his crops.”

A man wrapped up in himself makes
a very small package.

A fool finds no pleasure in understandings
but delights in airing his own opinions.

Proverbs 18: 2

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Nixon cousin, Seafare owner Milhous dead at 90

August 27, 2013 Faith, Local News

Gary, left, and Scott Milhous have run the Seafare Inn in Whittier since their parents, Bill and Dorothy, retired in 1984. Bill Milhous, second cousin to the 37th president of the United States, Richard Milhous Nixon, died on Aug. 18 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 90.

By Tim Traeger
Editor
411whittier.com
Whittier is a good 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean, yet Bill Milhous and his wife, Dorothy, brought the sea to this landlocked Quaker community 52 years ago. He died Aug. 18, 2013 after a long bout with Alzheimer’s Disease. People in Whittier will miss his integrity, business acumen, perseverance, faith and dedication. Not to mention his outstanding seafood.
“The only thing I can say about my dad was his integrity and hard work,” said eldest son Gary Milhous, 65. He said his dad, an avid pilot, served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and the Naval Reserve afterward. It was then he came across Anthony’s Fish Grotto in San Diego and saw a business model that just might fly in Whittier.
After a long stint working with Don Nixon at Nixon’s Grocery Store and Coffee Shop on Whittier Boulevard – one of five Nixon-owned markets stretching from Fullerton to Whittier to Anaheim – Bill Milhous opened a burger joint called Whirly’s along the city’s main drag and at the same time founded the Laurel Café, the precursor to Scotty’s Restaurant.
It was tough going early on. But the aforementioned hard work and integrity paid off.
Bill and Dorothy were on opposite ends of a double date in the early 1940s. She liked Bill better than her intended beau and the union stuck. Four children, six grandchildren and great-grandchildren later, the love affair endured.
“They did everything together. They worked together all their lives, they never went anywhere without each other. She died 10 years ago to the day that my dad died,” said Scott Milhous, 55. “About two years after she died my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It progressed slowly. Finally about six months ago, he wandered off and fell down. Since then he needed 24-hour care.
“About a week ago he had a heart attack, pneumonia.”
His death leaves a hole in the community as deep as the sea he loved. One might say the Seafare is an institution in its own right. And they would be correct. The Milhouses founded the unique restaurant in 1961 in an old steakhouse building at 16363 E. Whittier Blvd. The family has been serving up fried and broiled seafood, lobster, crab and halibut ever since.
Bill and Dorothy retired in 1984, often flying to their vacation home in Oregon. Their love for East Whittier Friends Church never waned, a true testament to their devout Christian beliefs. There was even one year when Bill offered a special deal at the Seafare on Easter Sunday where patrons could write the name of their favorite church on the back of the bill and get a 10-percent donation based on the size of the meal given to their favorite place of worship.
“To drum up business, Bill went to area churches and offered a discount coupon. Write on the back of your bill what church you attended and he would give 10 percent to the church,” Gary said. “Back then, most meals were $1 or $2. A $3 meal was a high-ticket item. He was going around on Monday to all these churches leaving off 35 cents. Maybe $3. It was amazing.”

William Alan Milhous, second cousin to President Richard Milhous Nixon and co-founder of the storied Seafare Inn in East Whittier, died Aug. 18, 2013 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. The father of four is seen here from the early 1940s, when he lettered in football, basketball and track 10 times at Fullerton Union High School. The Navy veteran of World War II was a staple businessman with his wife, Dorothy, for decades in the Whittier area. He was 90.

Gary and Scott said the “Milhous” notoriety gained access to Richard Nixon’s inaugurations in 1968 and 1972, but the name itself really wasn’t a big deal.
“Richard was 11 years older (than Bill Milhous) so there was that age difference. Bill went to the inaugurations, that was exciting,” Scott said. “They knew each other but it wasn’t like they were best friends.”
After high school Bill Milhous attended Fullerton Junior College with Dorothy and both went on to U.C. Berkeley. He was an engineering major, she studied economics and business. The union worked well when they went into business together.
The problem with his dad joining the Navy, Gary said, was that his dad got seasick. A lot.
“He spent a lot of time over the rails.”
As the war wound down, the Navy didn’t need as many pilots, so Bill became a radar officer aboard the USS James E. Keyes.
Asked about the ongoing success of the Seafare Inn, Gary shared a simple formula.
“I’d say keep it simple. Not getting too extravagant. One thing. Between my brother and our wives, we do most of it. We’ve got a lot of great employees, but one of us is here all the time.
“We’re pretty darned lucky.”
Bill Milhous is survived by his sons, Gary (Shelley) and Scott (Clare), daughter Marianne Wiggins, Sharon and Dave Delano, six grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bill Milhous will be cremated at White Emerson Mortuary and his ashes scattered at sea, along with his beloved wife, Dorothy.
“The best thing about this place is my mom and dad,” Gary said about the Seafare Inn. “Every now and again someone comes in and just starts talking about my mom and my dad. One guy came in from our church and said how much my dad helped him. He said my dad bought him a car so he could get to work. ‘I’m thinking, wait a minute, he always made us buy our own cars. But he always gave us the opportunity to come in and work and make enough money to buy our own cars.”
Tim Traeger is former editor of the Whittier Daily News. He can be reached at 626-646-7352 or by e-mail at ttraeger@411whittier.com. Follow him on Twitter at @411whittier.com

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The partisan poets corner

August 23, 2013 Viewpoints

The riddle of the sphinx

By Robert Rosenblatt
Staff Writer
411whittier.com

This week’s events in Egypt have a direct effect on local poets. Local instability on gasoline, transportation, languishing naval tankers on the Arabian Gulf and Suez Canal could cause an upward price spike on oil. Things are stable now with prices actually going down over the past six weeks.
Current reports from Yusuf Ibrahim, former reporter for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, indicate a genocidal slaughter of hundreds of Coptic Christians this week. The reports indicate 58 churches, several monasteries and convents burnt to the ground, some with worshipers still inside.
Where is the U.S. Administration policy on this? Why is there no protest from the Christian church leadership? Where are there Christian protesters? What are religious people to think in these times?
The Muslim brotherhood was and has been at times of government neglect of the poor, a substitute social service network for medical care, food for families and serves as a local court on community affairs, thus it commands local political power with ample power from trained and well-armed militias.
Ironically, during World War II, both Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar Sadat were both members of the group. These two men were the first post-World War II leaders of Egypt. Sadat would be assassinated by the group at a military private review after signing the Camp David Accords with President Carter.
For the first time in years, other editors and writers took a shot at the Obama administration and Hillary Clinton’s presumed coronation as the next presidential candidate. An unexpected negative source of publicity even appeared in newspaper editorials published in the New York Times.
One of my favorite female editors at the New York Times has to be Maureen Dowd. This columnist’s style has wit along with flamethrower prose and a firm fanatical allegiance for the far-left at the paper of record. She tore into the Clintons’ outrageous speakers’ fees for speeches given recently by Bill Clinton in Israel. The ex-president charged a cool $500,000 to speak at the 90th birthday party of Shimon Peres. Hillary only charges $200,000 by comparison.
Then, Rolling Stone Magazine got into it bashing misuse of the Clinton Foundation funds. The always-on-the-administration-side website POLITICO.com charged the Clinton administration with spending $60 million on travel expenses with more than $17 million lost to cronies and unaccounted expenses.
All this new angst from unexpected sources could cause some re-election speed bumps for Senate elections in 2014.
We will leave our fellow poets with this cautionary tip: “If you are visiting anywhere near Sea World or the San Diego mayor’s office downtown, keep a close eye on grandma, for the mayor may yet appear.”
Robert Rosenblatt is a longtime Whittier resident and staff writer at 411whittier.com. Write to him at rrosenblatt@411whittier.com

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Whittier sports briefs for Aug. 20, 2013

August 20, 2013 Sports

Karate for pre-schoolers

Children ages 3 to 4 can register for karate classes hosted by Frazier Martial Arts Studio, 759 E. Whittier Blvd. in Whittier.

One session is available: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays from Aug. 24 to Sept. 14.

The fee is $42 for residents, $47 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Recreational swim

Palm Park offers recreational swimming until Aug. 25. Recreational swimming will also be offered on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.

The program is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The fee is $2. No swimming is slated for Aug. 23.

An adult must accompany any child under age 7.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Adult golf classes

The city of Whittier also offers golf classes for adults.

Students will receive a bucket of balls each lesson, and equipment is included.

Sessions are slotted for 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 2 to 23, 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 3 to 24, and Saturdays from Sept. 7 to 28, at La Mirada Golf Course, 15501 E. Alicante Road in La Mirada.

The fee is $71 for residents and $81 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Youth golf classes

Children ages 5 to 17 can sign up for a beginning golf classes that cover the basic fundamentals as well as strategies and skills. Intermediate classes will include swing training, club selection, etiquette and short game. Students will receive a bucket of balls each lesson, and equipment is included.

Sessions are scheduled Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 6 to 27, and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 7 to 28, at La Mirada Golf Course, 15501 E. Alicante Road in La Mirada.

The fee is $47 for residents and $52 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Lil All Stars tee ball

Children will have the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals, rules and organization of tee ball.

The first three weeks will be broken into skill drills such as batting, throwing, catching and positional play, along with team concept. The final week will be a scrimmage to imitate a game situation. Parents must stay at the park for the entire class. Participants should bring a glove.

Classes are slated Saturdays from Sept. 7 to 28 at Michigan Park, 8228 Michigan Ave. in Whittier.

Youngsters ages 3 to 4 can register for either the 8:30 or 9:20 a.m. session, while children ages 4 to 6 could sign up for either the 10:10 or 11 a.m. class. The fee is $50 for residents and $55 for nonresidents.

For information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Take a hike

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority is presenting a “historical hike” from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at Hacienda Hills Trailhead, 7th Ave. and Orange Grove Ave. in Hacienda Heights.

The hike consists of a 2.3-mile journey through time. Learn about the history of the Puente Hills from the time of Juan Bautista De Anza to modern day.

A “doggy hike” is also scheduled from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Arroyo Pescadero Park, 7531 S. Colima Road in Whittier. This course is a 2-mile dog hike for you and your canine buddy. Dogs must remain leashed at all times, and participants must remove their dogs’ droppings from the trails, and provide adequate water for them. Dogs are expected to remain under reasonable control during the hike.

For information, visit www.habitatauthority.org or e-mail Helen Cohen at HillsAlive@habitatauthority.org or call 562-945-9003. Rain will cancel the hikes.

Skateboard contest

The Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (SCMAF) will present “The Throw Down” skateboard contest on Saturday, Oct. 5, at La Habra Skate Park, which is located at Bonita Park, 1250 Fahringer Way. Check-in is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., followed by the first event at 2 p.m.

The event will feature three contests: Park jam, mini bowl and best trick. The fee is $20, which includes entry to all three contests. Each event will be judged with awards for the top three in each age division, which will include under 10, under 14 and under 18.

Registration deadline is Oct. 1. Late registration and day of event registration will not be accepted. Register at www.active.com.

For more information, visit www.scmaf.org.

‘Fit for Life’

Whittier’s 5K “Fit for Life” run/walk, presented by the Whittier Community Foundation and the Whittier Host Lions Club, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The event will start with the “Children’s Creepy Crawly,” a timed half-mile dash, at 7:30 a.m., followed by the “Spooktacular,” the 5K run/walk, at 8 a.m.

For more information, call 562-567-9400.

 

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Gay therapy bill blasted

August 19, 2013 Faith, Viewpoints

New Jersey Gov. Christie takes the heat

By Brad Dacus

Pacific Justice Institute

Trenton, NJ — Gov. Chris Christie finalized his decision to sign a bill on Monday, Aug. 19, 2013 outlawing therapy for minors seeking professional help for unwanted same-sex-attractions.

“Gov. Christie is no friend of free speech,” said Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) in response to the governor’s decision.

PJI filed the first of two lawsuits against a nearly identical bill in California. PJI obtained a preliminary injunction in December 2012, and the law is currently on hold because of the serious free speech and religious freedom restrictions it imposes.

Dacus also noted that in addition to free speech and religious freedom issues, one of the major flaws of this bill is that — like the California one — it is based on LGBT activist pressure and not scientific outcomes. “The question here isn’t if sexuality comes from birth or not; the question is ‘Should we allow the government to restrict religious and constitutional freedoms because a forceful LGBT lobby says we should?’ The answer to that question is a resounding ‘No!’”

This is not the first time that Gov. Christie has drawn the ire of religious freedom advocates. In 2011 PJI criticized Gov. Christie for siding with LGBT activists over free speech concerns. Gov. Christie suggested a teacher — Viki Knox — should be fired for posts on her personal Facebook page that were deemed unsupportive of LGBT history month.

Legal challenges to the new bill are likely. If the California litigation is any indication, it could be bottled up in court for months to come, delaying implementation.

Licensed counselors in New Jersey and parents who have minors detrimentally impacted by this new law should contact PJI immediately to discuss their possible participation as a plaintiff in litigation.

Brad Dacus is president and founder of the Pacific Justice Institute providing defense for families and religious organizations when their constitutionally guaranteed freedom is threatened. Visit www.pji.org

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Don’t make tents, make disciples

August 19, 2013 Faith

Jimmy Webb, a Tentmaker from Fullerton who earned his bachelor’s degree in theology and ministry ordination from the Esther Mallet International Bible University in Norwalk, speaks to about 30 fellow Tentmakers on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013 at Trinity Worldwide Reprographics in Santa Fe Springs.

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Local chapter of Tentmakers merges business and faith

The workplace is the mission field for Tentmakers. Tentmakers do not make tents you camp in, they are vessels used by God to send forth the gospel through their businesses and daily connections with people God places in their paths.

By Lisa Rendon
Staff Writer
411whittier.com
SANTA FE SPRINGS – Greatly blessed and highly favored, Jimmy Webb, keynote speaker at the Tentmakers’ monthly meeting on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013 at Trinity Worldwide Reprographics, thanked about 30 businesspeople in attendance for the privilege of addressing what God is doing throughout the business world.
Tentmakers, formed in 2011 by Trinity owner Paul Rosenow, is a devout group of Christian business owners who open the workplace to worship and prayer. They are modern-day disciples with a bottom line.
Webb, who earned his bachelor’s degree in theology and ministry ordination from the Esther Mallett International Bible University in Norwalk, told the crowd of his rocky professional career, which in the end was saved by his devotion to Jesus Christ.
“I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit’s power. The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, and the love of God controls me. The decision has been made,” Webb said. “I am a disciple of His. I will not look back, let up, slow down or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low-living, side-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and bereft goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits or popularity.
“I do not have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk in patience, live by prayer and labor with power. My pace is set, my gait is fast. My goal is the kingdom of God. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear,” Webb said.
“I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversaries, negotiate in the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, poured up, spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and I must go until He comes, give until I drop, teach until all know, and work until He stops me. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
After Webb’s motivational message, business owners were given a chance to gain strength from other Christians when Pastor Danny Telles passed a microphone around the room letting them share their triumphs and tribulations when it comes to doing business in a secular world.

Foundational Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field. God’s building.

Learn more about Tentmakers by logging on to www.Tentmaker.biz

Contact Lisa Rendon at lrendon@411whittier.com, or phone her at 562-416-4242

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This week’s homily

August 18, 2013 Faith

By the Rev. Thomas M. Boles, PhD. DMin. D.D.

Author Kent Nerburn once took a train ride across Canada. On his journey, Nerburn encountered a man whom the other passengers avoided. This fellow was assumed to be a drunkard because of his slurred speech and unstable gait.

But Nerburn began a conversation with the man and soon learned he was recovering from a stroke. This man was once an engineer and operated trains along the very tracks that they were riding now. For the next several hours, he told Nerburn tales of the land they traveled through and legends of the people who once lived there. He also offered insight into some of the characters who worked for the railroad.

At the end of their conversation, the man thanked Nerburn for speaking with him. But it was Nerburn who was grateful for the experience.

Every day we make uninformed assessments of people and things in our environment, the accuracy of which we sometimes never discover. So the next time you’re faced with choosing between avoiding an exchange with someone or embracing it, think of Kent Nerburn, who says “Take a chance. Like people first, ask questions later. See if it doesn’t open the world to you in a new way. See if the light you shine on others isn’t reflected back on you a hundred-fold.”

If something comes to life in others
because of you, then you have
made an approach toward immortality.

And remember what I say; if people are informed,
they will do the right thing. It’s when they are
not informed that they become hostages
to prejudice.

John 6:41-51

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Just rolling along

August 18, 2013 Local News, Sports

The city of Whittier’s skatepark is located adjacent to the Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

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Skateboarding a part of Whittier’s youth culture

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

WHITTIER – Whether you’re driving through Whittier or any other Southern California community, you just might see skateboarders in action during your trip from Point A to Point B.

Several cities in Southern California feature their own skateparks, giving skaters the opportunity to work on tricks such as ollies, 180s and kick flips.

Whittier’s skatepark is located adjacent to the city’s Community Center at 7630 Washington Ave.

A few youngsters decided to spend some of their free time at Whittier’s skatepark during a recent sunny Saturday morning in August.

One such young skater was Henry Dominguez, 15, of Montebello, who was practicing his moves.

“I never liked sports,” Dominguez said. “Sports are based on skills and stats. Skateboarding is based on style and creativity. It’s fun and it’s good exercise.”

Dominguez, who has been skating for five years, said that watching the X Games and star performers such as Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist attracted him to skateboarding.

“I guess my older brother helped me get into skating too,” Dominguez added.

Rodrigo Tafoya, 23, of Whittier, was also working on his maneuvers.

“I like it,” said Tafoya, who has been skating for two years. “It’s fun.”

Tafoya said he was drawn to skateboarding when he “saw his friends do it.”

Since first gaining popularity in the 1960s, skateboarding has mostly held a strong presence in Southern California.

After a popularity lull that happened in the late 1960s, the sport started to grow once again during the mid/late 1970s – thanks to the emergence of soon-to-be legendary skaters such as Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.

The sport has moved more into the mainstream in recent years due to the continuing success of the X Games, which started in 1995.

Other nearby cities that have skateparks include Montebello and La Habra. Montebello’s skatepark is located at City Park, 1300 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra’s facility is at Bonita Park, 1250 Fahringer Way.

Travis Swope, manager of Two Felons Skate Shop located at 14125 Lambert Road in Whittier, believes the sport’s accessibility has played a major role in its growth.

“It’s still popular because it’s diverse,” Swope said. “It doesn’t belong to any one group – it’s open to anyone. Anyone can learn how to ride a skateboard. It’s low-cost transportation.”

Swope added, “The future is wide open. There are no limits in skateboarding.”

The Two Felons Skate Shop sometimes hosts contests and demonstrations. For more information, call 562-698-8199 or visit facebook.com/twofelons. The shop can also be followed on Twitter @twofelons.

Another place that caters to the skating crowd is Legends Boardshop, 6725 Greenleaf Ave. in Whittier. For more information, call 562-696-1482.

Eric Terrazas can be reached at eterrazas@411whittier.com or by phone at 562-536-2148. Follow him on Twitter at @411whittierspts

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Vintage vehicles invade Uptown

August 18, 2013 Local News

Joe Schlueter, a Whittier resident since 1968, shows off his completely restored 1942 Ford Super Deluxe at the 13th annual Uptown Whittier Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. More than 300 vintage vehicles entered this year’s show, which drew thousands of automobile aficionados.

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13th annual car show draws record entries, crowds

By Tim Traeger
Editor
411whittier.com
WHITTIER – Fine metal met the road Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 and drew literally thousands of automobile aficionados to the Uptown area to view more than 300 of the toniest vehicles known to man.
Sponsored primarily by the Whittier Uptown Association, the 13th annual Uptown Whittier Car Show featured everything from muscle cars, low-riders, trucks and hotrods but it was more than that. Behind each entry were stories of love and commitment. Not to mention thousands of dollars.
For Joe Schlueter, who has lived in Whittier since 1968, his 1942 Ford Super Deluxe is his baby.
“It’s a very rare bird. It’s been completely restored. Everything is original,” he said. “I think (the car show) is awesome. I think it’s getting bigger and more wonderful every year. When you get married and have kids and then the kids are gone, that’s when you buy your toys,” Schlueter said.
“We bought them toys throughout the years and now this is my toy, my around-town car. It doesn’t go on the freeway. It just goes on city streets and I drive it every day.” Before retiring Schlueter worked 36 years for GTE, Ma Bell and Baby Bell. He drives a 1929 Ford Model A every year in the Whittier Christmas Parade.
The show brought entries from all over the Western United States, even some from Canada. Yet with Whittier’s long-storied love affair with classic cars, many of the entries were local. The only prerequisite was that all makes and models were 1979 and earlier.
“VWs are unique. They’re special. They’re in a class all by themselves,” said Mark Renwick, 45, of Whittier. His VW Veeda car club helped sponsor the event. But the real reason behind the entry of his 1964 Beetle was the camaraderie.
“Realistically, it’s the people. The people are like family,” Renwick said.
VW Veeda club President Quick Perez, 46, of Norwalk, echoed that sentiment.
“For me it’s the people. Cars are cool but it’s the people that you meet and interact with. That’s the best part of it,” Perez said.
Vintage vehicles weren’t the only attraction. There were marching bands, live music, food stands and more.
You could even get a haircut thanks to Uptown Barber, which entered a 1941 Plymouth coupe into the show.
Bruce Hearn, 58, spotted his 1962 early Vietnam-era Jeep in the La Habra Hills. It wasn’t in good shape. He offered the owner $500 to haul it away and struck a deal.
Several years and lots of money later, his entry was a main attraction at the show.
“I restored the whole thing over a period of years and now it’s cool for the kids to play on,” said Hearn, who works in the transportation and marketing field. “This is a great car show. Besides, it’s close to home,” said the Whittier resident.
“Being in Uptown the car show is close and it’s pretty large,” said Los Angeles County Fire Captain Sergio Burciava. The Whittierite has three Chevrolet Camaros, but the 1969 rally green Z28 he brought with his son, Gregory, to the show was over the top. He estimated its worth to be between $60,000 and $70,000.
“Everybody’s pretty friendly here. The atmosphere in Uptown has always been a nice place to play.”
The Whittier First Day Coalition provided 15 volunteers to help erect and man barricades to ensure the safety of the car-loving throngs, according to First Day’s Pat Bouchard, 66. Bouchard tooled around on a golf cart to make sure the event ran smoothly.
“It just brings the community together,” Bouchard said of the show. “Everyone gets the chance to come out and see the hot metal in Whittier. Our car shows have gotten a lot of good reviews.”
Tim Traeger is former editor of the Whittier Daily News. Contact him at ttraeger@411whittier.com or call him at 626-646-7352.

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The partisan poets corner

August 13, 2013 Viewpoints

The Oprah faux pas

By Robert Rosenblatt
Welcome fellow partisan poets to the newest web site to expound on current events from the “mainstream” media. This week’s uproar over Oprah Winfrey in Switzerland has all the networks desperate to save the “O” channel’s sagging ratings.
Seems the most powerful businesswoman in television history went to inquire about a $38,000 black alligator purse in a tony boutique in Zurich.
The sales agent claims she tried to show madame Oprah an equally beautiful version of the Jennifer Anniston design line in order to give the potential customer an option to save a few thousand dollars.
Oprah expressed outrage that racism was involved as she felt snubbed at being not recognized as the wealthy superstar who could easily afford to buy the entire inventory of the establishment.
Looking back on a long sales career, I’ve never met a sales clerk who worked on commission who did not want to sell a customer the highest-end inventory.
Small chinks in the story appeared on closer examination. Oprah first said she was alone, yet the sales agent said she left with a companion. Fellow poets no doubt wept over their morning caffe lattes at this astounding fashion faux pas.
I’ll see you all next time after I return from back-to-school shopping at Kmart and Ross …
Robert Rosenblatt is a longtime Whittier resident and staff writer at 411whittier.com. Write to him at rrosenblatt@411whittier.com

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