Archive for Local News

Prescription pills a growing problem

September 23, 2013 Local News

By Brenda Wiewel

Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem and has been classified as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The news has had a number of recent stories about prescription drug misuse and abuse. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug non-medically. Often, they believe that these substances are safer than illicit drugs because they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and dispensed by a pharmacist.

However, in L.A. County in 2009, there were more than 650 prescription/over-the-counter (OTC) drug-related deaths, more than 3,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 emergency department visits for prescription/OTC drug overdose.

Prescription drugs are used inappropriately when they are (1) taken on a schedule or dosage that is different from prescribed; (2) shared by another person; (3) taken without a prescription; and (4) taken in combination with other drugs or substances such as alcohol. Often, people obtain pain relievers from a friend or relative.

Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include opiates such as codeine or oxycodone; stimulants such as ritalin or provigil; and sedatives such as ativan, klonopin, lunesta, or robaxin. All these types of drugs have powerful effects on the body’s nervous system and brain. They should be monitored by a doctor very carefully and taken only for limited periods of time in relation to specific symptoms.

Otherwise, psychological and/or physical dependence can develop. The person then becomes motivated to seek out the drug, irrespective of their medical issues, and often without realizing what they are doing.

The Office of National Drug Control and Prevention published a plan for preventing prescription drug abuse in 2011. It includes education for parents, youths and patients about the dangers and risks of abusing prescription drugs. A drug use screening can be useful to determine if someone is developing a reliance on prescription drugs.

If you are interested in more information or would like to schedule a screening for yourself, a family member, or friend, please call (562) 906-2676 and talk with a counselor at Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) today. You may visit our website for more information at www. lacada.com.

September is National Recovery Month, a time when we can celebrate those in recovery from substance use disorders and educate ourselves to help prevent substance abuse.

Brenda Wiewel, L.C.S.W., is executive director of the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. She can be reached at 562-906-2686, ext. 103 or by e-mail at bwiewel@lacada.com

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Calling all dogs for a cause

September 20, 2013 Around Town, Local News

WHITTIER – The dog days of fall are coming to Whittier.
Bring your best four-legged friends to the Palm Park trailhead, 5703 Palm Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013 and attend the popular “Paws 4 a Cause” fundraiser aimed to help establish a dog park in Whittier.
“Paws 4 a Cause,” a subcommittee of the Whittier Community Foundation, is a nonprofit organization supporting programs benefitting Whittier. This year’s event will raise money to add amenities to a pending Dog Park.
Enjoy a canine 3-K walk/run, a “Mini-Mutt March” shorter run for smaller and/or older dogs, a Dog Fashion Show, an obstacle course, photos with Officer McGruff, the crime dog, and demonstrations from police K-9 groups. A pet faire will showcase pet adoption groups and other nonprofit animal services and pet vendors.
There is a $15 fee to participate in all activities with additional canines costing $5 each. Dogs must be leashed, under control and have all necessary immunizations.
For information, call Jeff Lopez at 562-567-9400 or contact him at jlopez@cityofwhittier.org

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Mongolian missionary to address Plymouth

September 20, 2013 Faith, Local News

WHITTIER – Mongolian pastor Khongorzul will address the Plymouth Church community about what the Lord is doing in her country at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22,2013. Khongorzul and her husband, Enkhe, are missionaries supported by Plymouth.
The relationship is a long one. Khongorzul attended Plymouth when she was working on her master’s degree at Biola University. She is in town specifically to visit friend Sandy Vinatieri and to interact with other supporting churches.
All are invited to attend. For information contact Pastor Dan Pryor at 562-692-1228. The church is located at 12058 Beverly Blvd.

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This week’s homily

September 19, 2013 Faith, Local News

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

How many times have we said, or heard others say, “Manana. I’ll do it tomorrow.” Sometimes people put off doing today what they know or want to do because they don’t think they know enough or can perform well enough. The fact is, there is no “magic age” at which excellence emerges or quality surfaces.

Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was 26 when he wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac. Charles Dickens was 24 when he began his Pickwick Papers and 25 when he wrote Oliver Twist. Isaac Newton was 24 when he formulated the law of gravitation.

A second danger is to think that creativity and invention belong to the young. This is equally untrue! Emmanuel Kant wrote his finest philosophical works at age 74. Verdi at 80 produced Falstaff and at 85, Ave Maria. Goethe was 80 when he completed Faust. Tennyson was 80 when he wrote Crossing the Bar and Michelangelo completed his greatest work at 87. At 90, Justice Holmes was still writing brilliant Supreme Court opinions. And yes, I started seminary at the ripe old age of 68.

Seize the day! Redeem the “now” moments of your life. The moment you wait for may never arrive. The moment once past will never return.

Time is more valuable than money

because time is irreplaceable.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5: 16

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Poets hit the gridiron in 2013

September 19, 2013 Local News, Sports

The Whittier College football team works out during a recent practice on campus. (Photos by Eric Terrazas)

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New season follows best Whittier College effort since 2007 

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

@411whittierspts

WHITTIER – After turning in its best season since 2007, Whittier College is expressing high hopes for its football program in 2013.

The Poets, who finished 4-5 overall and 3-4 in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) last year, are seeking to take that next step.

“We did some good things last year,” Whittier College coach Todd Stratton said of the 2012 season. “It was up and down. We had the No. 4 offense in the nation but we were the most penalized team in America. We’re focusing on the fundamentals and eliminating mistakes and penalties.”

Sophomore quarterback Steven Rivera returns to guide the Poets’ offense. Last season as a freshman, Rivera threw for 1,893 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 127 of 230 attempts.

The senior duo of running back Anthony Walker and wide receiver Matthew Asaro both figure to give Rivera a helping hand.

Walker led the Poets’ running attack last season with 779 yards, 13 touchdowns on 129 carries while Asaro, the team’s leading returning receiver, made 59 receptions for 569 yards and two scores.

Senior running back LaFelton Traxler, who ran for 105 yards on 33 carries, also returns.

Junior wide receiver Diante Jackson, who received a scholarship to Oregon coming out of high school, will look to make an impact for the Poets.

The Poets’ offensive line includes returning sophomore tackle Tony Jarjoura and the freshmen duo of tackle Mark Kozhaya and guard Christian Reveles.

Senior lineman Nathan Poole returns to anchor the Poets’ defense. Poole recorded 54 total tackles along with a team-leading five sacks last season.

Stratton expressed optimism about the team’s defensive backfield, which includes the junior trio of Josh Pride, Jontavius Timmons and Masson Blow.

“We addressed a need in the secondary,” Stratton said. “We brought in four junior college defensive backs who are absolutely fantastic.

“We’re talented and young,” Stratton said. “We feel like the program is going in a great direction and we’re excited about the season.”

The Poets opened their year Sept. 14 with a disappointing 38-17 defeat at Whitworth. Whittier College will seek to rebound Sept. 21 as it hosts Puget Sound in its 2013 home opener. The Poets will open SCIAC play Oct. 5 at Chapman.

2013 WHITTIER COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

  • Sept. 14 at Whitworth, L, 38-17
  • Sept. 21 Puget Sound, 1 p.m.
  • Oct. 5 at Chapman*, 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 12 at La Verne*, 1 p.m.
  • Oct. 19 Pomona-Pitzer*, 3 p.m.
  • Oct. 26 Claremont M-S*, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 2 at Cal Lutheran*, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 9 Occidental*, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 16 at Redlands*, 1 p.m.

* – denotes SCIAC games

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Local Business Directory

September 17, 2013 Local News

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Environmental ‘naturalist’ Ray Williams dead at 79

September 12, 2013 Education, Local News

Environmental ‘naturalist’ Ray Williams

Rio Hondo, Cal High teacher left his footprint on the earth, in a good way

By Tim Traeger
Editor
411whittier.com

WHITTIER – If you love nature and the great outdoors, you’re a kindred spirit to Ray Williams.
Known primarily for his passion for biology, his ’57 Chevy, longevity in teaching and his environmental stewardship, the longtime Rio Hondo College biology teacher died Aug. 15 at his home in Lake Arrowhead. He was 79.
Williams did many positive things for the environment over the course of his life. He helped found California’s first Earth Day, started the 80-acre Rio Hondo College Wildlife Sanctuary and stood on the front lines with other key people who helped save the Upper Newport Bay as an ecological preserve.
“Because of his efforts, many endangered birds still have one of the few remaining bays in Southern California to migrate to, and thusly are saved from extinction as they migrate from California to Mexico,” said his wife of 13 years, Tatyana “Mary” Melnikoff. They enjoyed a “27-year love-of-life” relationship.
She said among her husband’s many attributes, he worked tirelessly to preserve the Whittier Hills. “’No’ spells ‘now.’”
The couple met when she was a Rio Hondo student in one of his biology classes. Mary said they were both educators, she being a professor of poetry at Citrus College in Glendora. She also served a stint as a staff writer for the Whittier Daily News.
In 1968 Williams joined the Rio Hondo College Biology Department, where he helped originate its first ecological and environmental courses. Over the next 45 years, he led hundreds of nature hikes and taught literally thousands of students to embrace the outdoors in places like Hawaii. He traveled through the Amazon and enjoyed the Salton Sea and Morro Bay. He began teaching at California High in 1957.
“Everybody is saying the word ‘respect.’ He was very well respected,” said longtime friend and fellow Rio Hondo staple Don Jenkins. “His heart was out there with the animals and the environment. I always told him he was the voice of the environment. He took care of the earth. He saved Back Bay in Newport Beach and became mayor,” Jenkins said.
Judi Henderson, longtime dean of behavioral sciences at Rio Hondo, remembered Williams as a caring educator who loved biology and nature.
“He was for years an academic leader, a faculty leader,” Henderson said. “He was active in the union. He was a union leader. He taught environmental biology class. He took his students out on hikes. Until recently, he would lead hikes up around (Lake Arrowhead) and explain the plants. He engaged people in outdoor activities – a very popular teacher.”
In fact Williams served as president of the Rio Hondo College Faculty Association from 1982 to 1984 where he orchestrated the first community college strike in California history.
“Ray was a good man, a real man. He had the most gentle soul, powerful and wise, and he will always be so loved and appreciated. His greatest happiness was caring for us and our family,” wife Mary said. “Losing Ray, my life is forever changed and nothing will ever be the same.”
Ray Elbert Williams was born Dec. 20, 1933 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles to the late DeLoss and Min Williams of Whittier. He was the eldest son of two children. He graduated in 1951 from Whittier High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from San Jose State and a master’s degree in both education and environmental sciences from Whittier College.
Williams is survived by wife, Mary; stepdaughter Anya Seboldt; sister Phyllis Millard (Bill); children from a previous marriage, Jennifer McDonald (Dallas) and grandson Connor; sons Barry and Jeff.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Newport Bay Conservancy; e-mail JohnBennettKeating@gmail.com or mail to P.O. Box 10804 Newport Beach, CA. 92658

Tim Traeger is former editor of the Whittier Daily News. E-mail him at ttraeger@411whittier.com or call 626-646-7352.

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Area football preview

September 10, 2013 Local News, Sports

California High School participates in team practice on Aug. 22.

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Loads of local talent bode well for coming season

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writers

411whittier.com

Summertime has reached its final stages and the calendar is getting ready to turn to fall.

This time of year signifies the start of a new high school football season, which brings about a sense of optimism.

Hopes are riding high among the area’s teams as they prepare for the 2013 season.

La Serna, which captured the Del Rio League crown and advanced to its second consecutive CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division championship game last year, will look to take that final step in 2013. The Lancers, who finished 5-0 in league play and 12-2 overall, fell to Downey 33-25 in last season’s Southeast title game.

California will also seek a return to the postseason. The Condors, who posted a third-best 3-2 record in the Del Rio League, are coming off an 8-3 season.

Pioneer (1-4 league, 2-8 overall) and Whittier (0-5, 3-7) will both look to improve from a disappointing 2012.

St. Paul, which features a new head coach in Rick Zepeda, is hoping for better days. The Swordsmen experienced a turbulent 2012 season, finishing 0-5 in the Mission League and 1-9 overall.

Whittier Christian, which captured the 2012 Olympic League title by posting a 4-0 record, will attempt to sustain its success. The Heralds, who turned in an overall mark of 8-4, advanced to last season’s CIF-SS Northwest Division quarterfinals.

Here is a closer look at the area’s six teams:

CALIFORNIA

The Condors figure to face a season of transition due to the graduation of several key players such as quarterback Drew Castro, running backs Aaron Garcia and Josh Perez, offensive linemen German Ponce, David Escamilla and Jacob Gamboa, defensive back Bryan Limon and linebacker Aaron Licon.

California, however, does feature some returning talent in running back Manny Espinoza, wide receiver Julio Arce, linebackers Nick Gonzales and Thomas Vielma, offensive/defensive lineman Dominic Sanchez and defensive back Isaiah Almarez. Espinoza, Arce, Gonzales and Almarez are seniors while Vielma and Sanchez are both entering their junior years.

According to Condors coach Jim Arnold, promising newcomers include running back/linebacker Nathan Lowden, defensive back James Contreras and lineman Brendon Simpson, who figures to play on both offense and defense.

“It will definitely be competitive,” Arnold said of the Del Rio League. “We need to stay away from injury. I think we can be a pretty decent football team.”

The Condors opened their season Sept. 5 with a home victory over Montebello. They start Del Rio play Oct. 11 against archrival La Serna.

“We open up with La Serna – it’s going to be a big battle,” Arnold said. “We’re all about trying to get ready for league. We have a lot of guys (playing both offense and defense). Normally, we don’t like to do that but we have to do it this year.”

California opened its season Sept. 5 with a 24-13 victory over Montebello.

LA SERNA

The defending Del Rio League champions appear primed for another successful season with a team that features returning talent on both sides of the ball.

Senior and three-year starting quarterback Frankie Palmer leads an offense that also features fellow senior returners in offensive lineman Enrique Huerta, tight end Luis Camacho and wide receiver Matt Rosales.

Camacho and Huerta, who play outside linebacker and defensive lineman respectively, figure to play essential roles for the Lancers defense, which also features senior safety Tony Ceron.

Promising newcomers include junior running back/defensive back Kevin Ramos, sophomore linebacker Daniel Campos and sophomore running back/defensive back J.T. Thompson.

Lancers coach Margarito Beltran feels good about their chances this year and they’re focusing on getting to the playoffs, and will take it from there.

La Serna is off to a 1-1 start, winning its Aug. 30 opener against Vista, 27-10, before falling 24-20 to Los Osos on Sept. 6.

PIONEER

The Titans will look to make strides under second-year coach Chuck Willig.

The Pioneer’s offense features key returners in senior quarterback Jonathan Jimenez and wide receivers Julio Reynoso (junior) and Matthew Rodriguez (senior). Jimenez passed for 959 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.

After losing several defensive players such as linebackers Angel Paez and Angel Marquez to graduation, the Titans will feature a youthful defense that hopes to make their presence felt quickly.

Since construction has started on a new football facility that is scheduled to open in 2014, the Titans will be on the road this year. Pioneer will play this season’s home games at California and La Mirada high schools and Cerritos College.

The Titans opened their season Aug. 29 with a 28-20 nonleague loss to Sunny Hills before defeating Glenn, 44-26, on Sept. 5.

WHITTIER

The Cardinals, which feature a senior-laden roster, have high hopes for 2013.

“We have a lot of seniors on the team,” Whittier second-year coach Visko Ancich said. “We have a handful of kids who came out for football and who want to be a part of the program.”

Whittier features several returners that include wide receiver/defensive back Matt Acosta, running back/defensive back Anthony Figueroa, defensive linemen Zach Nicholson and Andres Garcia, offensive lineman Alex Pastrana, quarterback Jared Reza and fullback Eddie Orta. All are seniors except for Orta, who is a junior.

Senior linebacker Mario Espinoza, junior offensive lineman Albert Gonzales and senior wide receiver Jacob Cervantes will also look to make an impact.

“We need to stay healthy, do our job and play with passion,” Ancich said. “We’re looking forward to getting started.”

The Cardinals have started 2-0 with wins against Sonora (28-21) and Azusa (31-12).

ST. PAUL

Rick Zepeda, a 1988 graduate of St. Paul, returns to his alma mater.

“I love St. Paul,” said Zepeda, who previously served as El Rancho’s head coach for four seasons (2008-11). “This place changed my life when I was a kid. I feel really blessed to have this opportunity to give back to a school that gave me a lot.”

Zepeda added, “It’s going to be tough. We play the best teams every week. This year, we have a lot of young guys and first-time varsity starters. We have good quality offensive and defensive linemen. Our skill guys have to play above their means.”

Junior quarterback Jacob Maier will lead the offense, which also features fellow returning left tackle Junior Millan, running back Daniel Aguilar, center Jeremy Funk and wide receiver Matt Baker.

Key defensive returners include lineman Jamie Diaz and linebacker Aaron Miranda.

Defensive backs Nick Delgado and Brandon Garcia, along with linebacker Jacob Bertram and nose guard Joe Gallardo, will also seek to play major roles for the Swordsmen.

St. Paul started its season Aug. 30 with a 40-20 home loss to Buena Park and then fell to 0-2 with a 56-7 defeat to Mater Dei on Sept. 5.

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN

The Heralds, armed with a roster that returns several key players, are aiming for more success in 2013.

Senior quarterback Ryan Esslinger returns to lead a talented offense that also features junior wide receiver Noah Evans, senior center Parker Subia, and sophomore running back/wide receiver Nick Watase.

The senior trio of safeties Dylan Murphy and Matt Triviso, along with linebacker Jack Huitt, figure to serve as the Heralds’ defensive leaders. Sophomore defensive end Ryan Seen will also look to make an impact.

Heralds coach Sergio Gradilla feels excited about their chances this year with key seniors returning. Their focus is on keeping both sides of the line strong.

Whittier Christian has started well, winning its first two games against Bishop, 41-20, and Cantwell Sacred Heart, 32-17.

Twitter:@411whittierspts

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The Partisan Poets Corner

September 4, 2013 Local News, Viewpoints

By Robert Rosenblatt
Staff Writer
411whittier.com
WHITTIER – Those local poets who went to school in Whittier as young students in the 1950s and 1960s experienced one of the finest educational systems in the nation.
California was a leader in sending students to college. Whittier took pride in producing great scholars and athletes on a consistent basis.
The traditional core values instilled by our parents, teachers and religious leaders have always made this city great for raising a family. Whittier schools remain a cut above elementary and high schools in Los Angeles in general, with higher test scores and unprecedented numbers of graduates going to college.

Whittier city management has kept us out of bankruptcy with a more responsible use of taxes for maintenance of schools, parks and roads. The trash is collected three times a week instead of once, as they do in Los Angeles. The police in Whittier and Santa Fe Springs help keep crime rates lower than most of our neighboring communities.
Two incidents in close proximity over the past few months have shaken my faith in humanity.
The desecration of grave markers at Founders’ Park and the early release of thousands of “low risk” prisoners due to overcrowding changed everything. There were multiple incidents of young girls being approached by ex-cons in our local parks. The original brass plaques representing the first people to settle in Whittier were stolen and melted down for scrap by thieves and thugs.
The shattered wood mountings and cost of brass have so far prevented the restoration of the Founders’ Park memorial. The history of the residents interred could be found by the excellent Whittier Historical Society. Local artisans could replace brass with less expensive etched marble to replace the brass. If you go near Calvary Cemetery on Whittier Boulevard, you will see some of the best family-owned artisan-monument-makers in the country.

Perhaps the good folks at Rose Hills could participate in a noble cause to restore some dignity to that hallowed ground.

In this way, we honor those poets who came before us.
In regards to the next prisoner release, the perps should heed the phrase, “Fear the Poets,” the motto of our beloved local college. The local martial arts academies are all in support of showing up to teach when they can at Penn Park and Founders’ Park. Local Kenpo master Steve Gallardo can be seen on Wednesday afternoons teaching his young charges.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil football player lost a foot to diabetes, but continues to inspire all of us by standing up to teach our future citizens.

“Good on you, mate,” I say. My fellow instructors will do what we can to back a very stretched thin blue line with our eyes and our cell phones.

The sight of martial arts training in the parks may help in a small way to deter the creeps from harassing our most precious assets, our children, from harm.

A peaceful life will usually produce better poets and certainly better poetry. We at 411whittier.com will keep up with the local issues that concern us all. Until next time …

Robert Rosenblatt is a longtime Whittier resident. Write to him at rrosenblatt@411whittier.com or call 562-314-7669.

 

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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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